Giving your time up to volunteer brings people together and strengthens communities all around the world. Read on for five reasons why you should volunteer abroad:
Volunteer Ethically and Make a Real Difference in Other Peoples’ Lives
As a response to recent criticism of short-term overseas volunteering trips many people began to ruminate on ways we can volunteer in an ethical and sustainable way. Consequently, there is now a plethora of resources available that cite the importance of considering whether your skills are needed in your chosen volunteering destination, and being realistic about your potential impact. As a result, it’s possible for young people looking to volunteer to find volunteer placements that they can be sure will benefit other people which is, after all, the main reason we volunteer!
Expand Your Perspective
The saying “changed people change the world” has a lot of truth behind it. Travelling abroad and working alongside people who have had different experiences to you will aid your personal growth. It could be that you volunteer in a developing country and witness the struggles people face to meet their basic needs, and this inspires you to raise awareness and money upon your return to your home country. Or maybe you will see first-hand the devastating effect that global warming can have on communities and you will be encouraged to think about how your everyday actions could be more sustainable. However you choose to spend your time volunteering, you can be sure that you will come back a kinder, and more rounded person.
Enhance your resume
Many graduate students find themselves in a Catch-22 of needing experience to find a job, and needing a job to get experience. Volunteering abroad is a fun way to get the experience you need to find a job, while also demonstrating your adventurous spirit, ability to work in a team and your cultural adaptability. You might even get a chance to learn some of the language native to the country you are volunteering in, which is helpful in an increasingly global world where employers are valuing multi-lingualism more and more.
Make Amazing Friends
Committing to an activity together is one of the best ways to form connections and strengthen existing ones. Your chosen volunteering program will reflect your passions and goals, so you will naturally find yourself volunteering with people who get excited about the same things you do! Working with likeminded people will also further your interpersonal skills, as being part of a team involves working together to solve problems. Although it takes work, the relationships you form from living and working with your fellow volunteers will last you a lifetime.
Be a Happier Person
Studies have shown that the key components of volunteering – primarily making connections and helping others – are key to finding happiness and psychological and physical wellbeing. Moreover, volunteering abroad means that you get to combine these benefits with travelling, adding adventure and excitement to your life!
Volunteering abroad is a big commitment but the potential rewards are endless and you will create memories and connections that will last you a lifetime.
Contributed by:
Megan Brickley
Discussion5 Comments
merci pour vos efforts
thank you
merci
nice
That’s a good chance to learn lots of things and explore the world. I wanna have more experience.