If you’re looking for a new challenge, volunteering abroad could be for you. There are lots of communities around the world who rely on the support given by international volunteers, and this means charities are continually seeking people to join their team.
Where Can I Volunteer?
There are locations all around that you can volunteer in, including:
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Ghana
- Peru
- Ecuador
- Nepal
- Mongolia
Each of the locations will be facing a different crisis, so the cause you want to support will dictate the location you volunteer in. For example, if you’re interested in helping with access to healthcare, you will likely be posted somewhere different than if you wanted aid wildlife conservation efforts.
What Will I Gain From Volunteering?
There are so many things that you will gain from giving up your time to volunteer, least of all a feeling of satisfaction and personal growth.
Many people volunteer because they want to be a force for good, but in doing so they are able to enhance many aspects of their personal life, including their CV. It’s common for teenagers and new graduates to embark on a volunteer programme over the summer or as part of a gap year. This is attractive to employers because it shows dedication, commitment, adaptability and perseverance, all of which are very attractive traits.
In addition to a potential career boost, volunteering can teach you a lot about the world by exposing you to the harsh realities of it. It will make you realise how fortunate you are and appreciate what you have, as well as giving you access to different cultures and ways of life that you can draw inspiration from moving forwards.
If you’re a shy person, volunteering could really help bring you out your shell and make you more of a forthcoming person, and this in itself offers you so many benefits in later life. There are plenty of positives if you are wondering what will I gain from volunteering, whether you choose to do so abroad or not.
How Do I Volunteer Abroad?
If you’ve never volunteered abroad, it’s best to go through an agency who will organise everything for you. You will more than likely be part of a group of volunteers who you will work alongside with, and this can make the prospect of leaving home for a while a bit less daunting if you’re around people of a similar age and background.
Volunteering abroad isn’t cheap, but there are programmes available which could help to reduce the cost. It’s best to go with an established agency because they’re the safest and most comprehensive. Although the fees might be higher, you can rest assured that your accommodation, food and training are going to be provided throughout the duration of your volunteering. Some even include funding for days out whilst you’re there, so you can enjoy a day off without having to worry about funding it.
You can find agencies online, but it’s important that you don’t just go for the cheapest as it may not be entirely legit. Flights may or may not be included, so it’s worth asking this question and asking for advice on the cheapest flights before you book.
Ensure you read reviews and do plenty of research before signing up to anything or paying any money. Also make sure you find out exactly what you’ll be doing, how long you’ll be there and the impact you’ll have.
Do I Get Paid for Volunteering Abroad?
The definition of volunteering is that you give your time or resources without the expectation of getting a monetary or material reward at the end of it. For this reason, you likely won’t be paid for volunteering abroad.
If you’re looking for a way to see the world whilst helping out those less fortunate and making a real impact on people’s lives, volunteering abroad is a great option and one that you can reap the rewards from for years to come.
