Over the past eight years, AVID has sponsored more than 150 American professionals to assist host organizations in nineteen countries. Currently most AVID assignments are in the Balkans, though the program does include other areas of the world. AVID is funded through grants from public and private organizations. There really is no typical volunteer. While volunteers must have two years of professional experience that relates to their assignment, most have at least 5 years and many have 20-30 years of experience.
Most volunteers have prior overseas living experience and some have local language skills.
One thing all volunteers have in common is a sense of adventure and an eagerness to share their expertise with their counterparts abroad. All assignments are between 3 and 12 months depending on the needs of the host organization and the volunteer's availability. Volunteers and host organizations may ask to extend a successful assignment. The AVID program is driven by applications submitted by prospective host organizations. These applications specify the training to be achieved, as well as the skills and expertise required of a volunteer.