Do you have a higher calling or a special purpose on this planet? If you’re not interested in the corporate world, and feel that given a chance you could save the world, volunteering might be a major way through which you can make a difference.
There are numerous programs available around the world, but as for the main reasons as to why you should get to grips with volunteering? Let’s take a look.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: See the World with a Purpose
If you are travelling abroad and want a more considerable experience then a volunteer overseas placement can offer you it. Not only giving you the chance to give back to the community, it gives you somewhere to go, something to do as well as somewhere to stay. As a volunteer you will have enough time to explore local attractions and visit other cultural hotspots.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Affordable Travel
Volunteering abroad is one of the least expensive travel experiences as many volunteer organisations charge only a small fee that caters for orientation and the program. You could also raise money for your volunteer program expenses through fundraising. There are also scholarship programs that support volunteers across the globe too.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Change yourself
Volunteer work abroad will help you learn a lot about yourself and you might be surprised that you will do a lot of things you never imagined you could do. For instance locals might perform routine jobs you take for granted in your country faster, better and more efficiently. In most cases you will not teach the residents how to do things but you will build friendship. Above all you will be changed eternally as you will understand another culture, create friends and challenge your individual limits.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Flexibility
As opposed to paid service, volunteering gives you a more flexible program and varying time obligations. For instance you may choose to participate in teaching for several weeks, nursing for a certain duration and finish with helping the less fortunate.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Builds Your Resume
A lot of employer’s value volunteerism above any other type of experience as it shows that one is patient, flexible and committed.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Career Development
You may also choose to find a volunteer engagement in your field of study, for instance if you are an information technologist you may teach a class on computers in school. Such a position will help you gain hands on experience without having to spend time looking for an internship.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Cultural Immersion
A lot of travelers across the world know very well where they want to visit; however, they don’t know what to do once they get to their destination. Volunteering abroad gives such travelers an itinerary as well as purpose of travel.
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad: Gets You Out of Your Comfort Zone
If you are fond of eating the same things, visiting the same places, living by the same schedule or interacting with the same people, stepping outside your comfort zone might be a good thing. Perhaps you’ll be surprised to learn that there are some unique places, amazing people and wonderful experiences you are missing out on living your life a certain way. Volunteering abroad helps get you out of that comfort zone to visit new places and meet new people.