With volunteering growing in popularity across all segments of the population there has never been a better time to plan your volunteer trip abroad.
Volunteering satisfies a sense of adventure while honouring a desire to help those less fortunate. It enables those with a passion for discovery to stay in a country for an extended period while doing work that takes them to the heart of a country and its people.
Cultural exchange:
Increasingly people are looking beyond traditional tourist circuits in search of meaningful opportunities for travel, service and cultural exchange. On the other hand, communities in developing countries suffer shortages and benefit from the helping hand volunteering offers.
Develop your skills:
In an increasingly competitive job market volunteering develops skills and can pave the way to a rewarding career. It gives your resume an edge, showing flexibility and a readiness to take on a challenge. Some more specific skills are developed through volunteering are:
- Teaching skills.
- Skills for working with children.
- Team working, leadership and communication skills.
- Cross cultural communication skills, and
- Language skills developed through immersion.
Some people volunteer when they are at a crossroads in their life and it gives them the chance to see things from a fresh perspective. Working with fewer resources and in unfamiliar environments; volunteering expands creativity and cultivates a different approach to problems, ultimately building confidence and character.
Support for your volunteer trip abroad:
Intrepid globetrotters and novice travellers alike benefit from the support offered by volunteer organisations. Most will provide advice for flight bookings, visas applications, vaccinations and in-country travel advice; leaving the volunteer free to concentrate on volunteer activities. Other common services included are in-country transfers and accommodation.
Meet like-minded people:
Volunteering abroad is an especially good option for those wishing to meet others while they travel. It attracts friendly, fun and enthusiastic people from all walks of life and all corners of the world who are united in their outlook and sense of citizenship. It is through these shared qualities that volunteers form lifelong friendships and wonderful memories.
Know your volunteering abroad options:
There are a great number of options for volunteering abroad and volunteers should choose programmes matched to their skills and interests. Programmes may focus on teaching, work with children, women, HIV or conservation; offered in mega cities or rural settings; requiring skilled professionals or no specific qualifications.
When choosing your programme think about things such as the time commitment you are willing to make or whether in-country travel opportunities are important to you. Most organisations require a work commitment of two to five hours per day with weekends free for local exploration; while some also provide scheduled excursions to well-known national landmarks for a combined volunteer and travel experience.
So why not consider volunteering for your next trip abroad and you too can engage positively in another culture; making a personal and direct contribution to our world, while at the same time, having the time of your life!
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(Featured image: babasteve)
