Every Share Helps!

There are many reasons why people volunteer their time and services--they are philanthropic in nature, they want more experience in the field, they want to travel the world, they want to take some time off from their education or work, or they want to figure out what career they’re suited for. Whatever the reason for wanting to work as a volunteer, it’s wise to know a little about what you’re getting into before going ahead with it.

Things to check off before you sign up:

Do you have any experience volunteering? It’s better to have some experience on the local scene before wanting to go abroad.

Do you have a valid visa for the country you want to travel to? Check if your visa is valid for the entire volunteering period.

Do you know anything about the country you’re travelling to? Learn about its climate, its people, its customs, and its culture.

Do you know the language that is spoken there predominantly? If you don’t know more than a few words and phrases, take a few speed classes to pick up some more.

Are you ok with travelling to countries where the hygiene standards may not be as high as yours? You must be prepared to live in conditions that are less than ideal.

Are you ok with working in a country under strife? Political uprisings, coups and other disastrous events could compromise your safety.

Do you expect to earn any money from this job? Most volunteers do it for their love of the job and the opportunity to travel rather than for the money.

Are you prepared for the physical and emotional hardships you could endure? Volunteering is a demanding profession, both physically and mentally.

Your chances are brighter if you have the following skills:

Experience in training others in a skill or job and allowing them to become self-sustaining in a few months’ time.

Experience in working with those who are socially rejected, like those who are affected by HIV/AIDs, the economically backward, tribal people who have not been exposed to modern civilization, people with mental or physical difficulties, and others who have special needs like the sick and infirm or children who have been deserted by their families.

Experience in high pressure situations like the aftermath of or during a crisis or disaster.

Experience in setting up and managing income-generating operations or literacy oriented programs that could help local populations improve their quality of life.

Experience in teaching at the school or college level.

Knowledge of foreign languages – must be fluent in the tongue and also know how to read and write it.

Experience in dealing with a variety of cultures and being sensitive to local traditions and customs.

The more experience you have as a volunteer, the more likely you are to be chosen as part of international groups to serve around the world.

Image courtesy of the U.S. Navy.