Working during holidays and not getting paid for it? This is not everyone’s cup of tea.
But for those looking for authentic travel experiences and cultural exchanges, volunteering abroad is the perfect way to see the world. Looking after children, helping on a farm, providing medical care, teaching English, building an animal shelter,… ¬- the possibilities are endless and you can find projects all over the world. You might have already looked at it and read about other travellers’ experiences, but you arestill not sure about it? Here are some good reasons to give it a go!
On a budget…
Volunteering is the perfect way to travel the world on a shoestring. It will save you a lot of money. In most cases, you get free room and board in exchange for your work and help. If you have travelled before, you know that most of your budget is spent on accommodation and food. Having this covered, you have much more money left for other, fun activities.
Around the world…
You can volunteer all over the world. Many people associate volunteering with working in developing countries, helping less privileged people. It doesn’t need to be this way. If you don’t feel comfortable moving into a completely unfamiliar environment, or just don’t have enough time for a stay overseas, you will find for sure a project in your preferred part of the world.
Full immersion…
You meet and engage with locals who will love to show you their country and take you to places you wouldn’t get to see as a normal tourist. It gives you the best opportunities to visit the most interesting and beautiful places, to eat some delicious food and fully immerse into the culture. And since you get involved in the everyday life of your destination, you can certainly consider yourself as an expert of your host country by the end of your stay.
New cultures…
You spend your time with like-minded people who will inspire and motivate you. This can be the start of lifelong friendshipsand you get the feeling to be part of something big and important. It is a great cultural exchange and you will learn a lot from each other, laugh together and share unforgettable moments.Your help makes a real difference and has an important impact on your host’s life. They will thank you for it.At the same time, you get the chance to acquire new skills or even practice a foreign language in a pleasant way.
Personal growth…
It is a life-changing experience which you will never forget. You reflect and learn so much about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses. You gain new perspectives, think differently and appreciate things you took for granted before. Not everything will go your way, but with everydifficulty you encounter along the way, your personality will grow and you become stronger. Stay positive, open-minded and willing to learn! You will come home as a different person with valuable experiences and wonderful memories, probably already thinking of your next adventure.