Every Share Helps!

Today's blog post is courtesy of Ben Smith.

Although the buzz from the Wedding of the Century has died down by now – unless you are fortunate enough to be in California and spend the next few weeks dreaming about catching a glimpse of the royal couple – Anglomania will ramp up again this weekend with a celebration of the Queen’s Birthday. Instead of sitting around and watching these events from thousands of miles away, wouldn’t you rather do it properly and experience all things English firsthand?

Like the Tower Bridge!

If you are reading this post, you understand the English language, which is 90% of the battle when it comes to volunteering. Though England is a First World country and fortunate in many respects, the country has been hit hard by the global economic recession and the needs are great in many parts of the country. The nation has also traditionally taken the lead in helping the poor and underprivileged, just as the United States tends to do, regardless of the economic climate.

Volunteer Opportunities in England

Consequently, there are volunteer opportunities for just about every personality, from farming to cleanup of urban areas, to teaching short-term or long-term in local schools if you are fortunate enough to be considered for what are mostly prestigious positions.

There are many reputable organizations such as Oxfam and Volunteering England with websites developed so that you can search by location, occupation, or length of volunteer term. The nice thing about working with a large national organization such as these is that they typically have strong reputations and low overhead costs, and you can easily find a job that is right for you – as well as resources related to the documentation you will need to work in England – within a few phone calls or emails.

If, however, you are feeling more adventurous and prefer to travel and work more independently, you should start by visiting the UK Border Agency’s website to ensure that you will have all necessary documentation before beginning your journey.

Traveling Elsewhere

You may find, too, that the country does not suit you or the temptation to explore other countries and/or look for new challenges is too great to resist. If this is the case, you will be glad to know that while England is geographically detached from the rest of the European Union, you can take a train through the Chunnel to France and, from there, ride the rails within the inexpensive Eurail system, changing your pounds to Euros for increased mobility within the European Union. You may have to pick up a few dictionaries along the way! There is also the option of traveling north and west to Scotland, Wales, and Ireland/Northern Ireland…provided you can understand the accents there.

Certainly you can always do a bit of voluntourism if you are interested in both helping and experiencing England as a tourist, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The most important aspect of your journey, after all, is your intention to help others, and England is very open and accessible. Once you have flipped through enough history books and travel magazines to understand just what you would like to do and where, your journey is only a click away.