The popularity of 'voluntourism' has grown hugely over the last couple of years, but for those thinking of doing it for the first time, it can be a daunting prospect. Before you decide whether or not it's right for you, you should take a moment to consider the benefits, not just to overseas communities, but to you as a volunteer. Read on for four of the best reasons to get involved in volunteer work abroad.
1. Make a difference
While many holiday goers are happy to relax on a beach, others seek a more substantial experience and want to do something meaningful while they travel. Volunteer work abroad is your opportunity to give something back to the world by contributing to worthy causes and helping disadvantaged communities that are in desperate need of support.
Overseas charities and NGOs work tirelessly to tackle issues such as poverty, disease and illiteracy and many rely on the support of international volunteers. Your contribution could provide an education for a child forced onto the street or help an HIV sufferer to support their family. While your efforts alone aren't going to change the world, they can certainly make a tangible difference, making volunteer work abroad an incredibly rewarding experience.
2. Personal development
By volunteering abroad you can learn so much about yourself! Living and working in an unfamiliar environment forces you to embrace new challenges and experiences everyday. You may be surprised by what you can achieve and learn. Whether teaching English, protecting endangered animals or caring for orphans, volunteers often return with greater confidence and independence, as well as a better understanding of different customs, cultures, backgrounds and views.
3. Career development
With such a variety of volunteer projects available, it's likely you'll be able work in areas of your own expertise and interest, allowing you to develop personal and professional skills relevant to your career. By building valuable life experience, volunteer work abroad can help breathe new life into your career. Volunteers return with a fresh perspective on life, as well as new motivation, skills and confidence. A background in volunteering shows that you're a flexible, patient and committed individual and in many cases your experience will help you advance your career or give you the opportunity to pursue something different altogether.
4. New experiences
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of volunteer work abroad is the opportunity to travel the world and immerse yourself in unfamiliar and exotic cultures. Volunteering places you at the heart of communities, giving you the chance to live and work alongside local residents and learn their customs and culture.
As volunteers learn more about their host community, they form close bonds with the children and adults they work with, as well as with the other volunteers working alongside them. Your trip could build friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Those who volunteer abroad return much more open-minded and understanding of other lifestyles and livelihoods.
These are just some of the reasons to get involved in volunteer work abroad! For those who haven't done it before, the idea can seem intimidating. However with the right guidance and support it can turn into out to be one of the most rewarding and memorable things you'll ever do!
Stuart Mclachlan, Web Editor at Inspire Volunteering, http://www.inspirevolunteer.co.uk/
Inspire offers diverse volunteer projects across Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. Volunteer abroad with Inspire to match your skills and aspirations to projects in genuine need. Our flexible approach ensures that volunteers maximise their impact and experience and make a real difference in as little as two weeks.
To find out more about volunteering abroad with Inspire visit our website at http://www.inspirevolunteer.co.uk/ or call us on (+44) 01635 45556.
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