Becoming a volunteer might sound like a fabulous thing for some people, but there is more to it than just having the opportunity to go abroad. Leaving everything you know behind in order to help people struggling with issues like poverty, homelessness, and war is something to be taken very seriously. To learn more on how you can survive this undertaking, consider these tips listed below.
Be prepared to rough it out because this job primarily does away with the creature comforts you are used to having at home. When you are a volunteer in developing countries, chances are you will be living and working in very squalid conditions, and this is not for the faint of heart. Not only do you have to be physically able to handle this, but you should also be mentally prepared for the challenge.
Your placement is determined by the administrators over at the volunteering program, so when you receive the information, your next order of business is to study all there is to know about your destination. From the language and customs to their climate and geography, you should be busy absorbing all the info you need. This will definitely serve you well during your time spent abroad.
While it can be very tempting to treat this whole affair as a vacation of sorts, your primary objective should be to focus on the basics. As such, packing for your volunteer job overseas should be strictly kept to the absolute essentials that can be reused to save on precious luggage space. Resist the urge to bring anything that will only be cumbersome during your trip.
Prior to your departure, get yourself tested for any diseases and make sure you get all the necessary vaccinations and medical shots which will boost your immunity against any foreign illnesses. This is a mandatory requirement that all volunteers have to comply before leaving. You certainly do not want to fall sick in a country with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
Additionally, you would be wise to learn life saving procedures that can come in handy when unexpected accidents occur while doing your volunteer work overseas. Things like the Heimlich maneuver or CPR are crucial in the event you have to perform them on a person who needs them. Also, it never hurts to include stuff like first aid application as this is also vital.
Foreigners happen to be pegged as easy targets for con artists and other unsavory criminals, so it never hurts to be cautious at all times. But on the flipside of things, not all locals are hostile to foreign visitors, especially if they know you are there for volunteer work. Maintain an attitude of genuine positivity and friendliness whenever you engage with the local population.
Lastly, never make the mistake of not having emergency funds for your extended trip abroad doing volunteerism. Even when you have set aside a preordained budget, chances are there might be times when you will be forced to spend on some things that you did not expect. In this regard, it is prudent to have your credit card or international ATM card at the ready for such contingencies.
Volunteering in a foreign country can be enriching, and it might just change your perspective on how the world works in different cultures. Take these handy pieces of advice to heart, and you will surely achieve your altruistic goals. Be confident and always trust your instincts throughout your journey.
Be prepared to rough it out because this job primarily does away with the creature comforts you are used to having at home. When you are a volunteer in developing countries, chances are you will be living and working in very squalid conditions, and this is not for the faint of heart. Not only do you have to be physically able to handle this, but you should also be mentally prepared for the challenge.
Your placement is determined by the administrators over at the volunteering program, so when you receive the information, your next order of business is to study all there is to know about your destination. From the language and customs to their climate and geography, you should be busy absorbing all the info you need. This will definitely serve you well during your time spent abroad.
While it can be very tempting to treat this whole affair as a vacation of sorts, your primary objective should be to focus on the basics. As such, packing for your volunteer job overseas should be strictly kept to the absolute essentials that can be reused to save on precious luggage space. Resist the urge to bring anything that will only be cumbersome during your trip.
Prior to your departure, get yourself tested for any diseases and make sure you get all the necessary vaccinations and medical shots which will boost your immunity against any foreign illnesses. This is a mandatory requirement that all volunteers have to comply before leaving. You certainly do not want to fall sick in a country with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
Additionally, you would be wise to learn life saving procedures that can come in handy when unexpected accidents occur while doing your volunteer work overseas. Things like the Heimlich maneuver or CPR are crucial in the event you have to perform them on a person who needs them. Also, it never hurts to include stuff like first aid application as this is also vital.
Foreigners happen to be pegged as easy targets for con artists and other unsavory criminals, so it never hurts to be cautious at all times. But on the flipside of things, not all locals are hostile to foreign visitors, especially if they know you are there for volunteer work. Maintain an attitude of genuine positivity and friendliness whenever you engage with the local population.
Lastly, never make the mistake of not having emergency funds for your extended trip abroad doing volunteerism. Even when you have set aside a preordained budget, chances are there might be times when you will be forced to spend on some things that you did not expect. In this regard, it is prudent to have your credit card or international ATM card at the ready for such contingencies.
Volunteering in a foreign country can be enriching, and it might just change your perspective on how the world works in different cultures. Take these handy pieces of advice to heart, and you will surely achieve your altruistic goals. Be confident and always trust your instincts throughout your journey.
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