If you want to make an impact on your worldwide adventures, instead of being just another tourist visiting the major attractions, you’ve come to the right place.
Be ready to answer a wide variety of in-depth questions:
When you apply for a volunteer position abroad, it’s likely that you’ll have to fill out numerous application forms and that you’ll be invited to attend a formal interview. During this interview expect to be asked a wide variety of questions about your skill set, reasons for volunteering, previous travel experience and the amount of time which you’re willing to commit to your chosen program.
Don’t be concerned if an organization that you’re seriously interested in has a long list of questions to get through as it’s a good sign that indicates that the organization in question is well run and cares deeply for the communities that it helps and the volunteers who go through its program. Remember that it’s much better to find out if you’re a good fit for your chosen program before you pack your bags and head off to a foreign country, that you may not have travelled to before.
Make sure to research each organization that you’re interested in thoroughly:
Instead of applying to join a volunteer program for the first organization which you come across, it’s a smart idea to thoroughly investigate each organization that you’re interested in. As an example, you may want to volunteer with an organization that spends little money on paying its board members salaries and instead commits the majority of the funds which it accumulates on grass roots activities that directly benefit the communities that they work with.
Think about items that you may want to pack that will make your trip easier:
If you plan to travel to a rural, remote area, it’s a great idea to ask past volunteers for a list of items that you may find handy to pack in your backpack or suitcase. For instance, you may want to pack items that can purify your water, if the tap water is not safe to drink in the region that you’re traveling to. You may also want to pack a sleeping bag liner to place on your bedding to ensure that you’re sleeping on a clean surface every night and to pack bug repellent. If the area that you’re going to travel to has a lot of pesky insects such as mosquitos which are prevalent tin warm, humid, tropical climates.
Consider taking a polaroid camera:
If you’re wondering why you may need a polaroid camera when most people just use smart phones to take photos, the answer is that your accommodation may or may not have charging outlets for your smart phone. Or you may need to share limited outlets with a large number of people. So in order to look back on the memories which you make and the people who touched your heart, it’s a great idea to pack a polaroid camera. Especially as you’ll be able to gift polaroid photos to the locals that you meet and connect with.
In conclusion, so if you’re ready for the memorable, adventure of a lifetime and are passionate about being able to make a difference on your worldwide adventures, ensure to remember all of the handy tips listed above.
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