volunteer abroad

How I did it: I figured out what I wanted to do and explored the opportunities. I also talked with people who had done it before to find out pros and cons of various things.

I offhand heard of Habitat for Humanity and that there was a group from my university going. I jumped onboard and threw myself into fundraising for the group. Habitat for Humanity was expensive, but it allowed me to go to a 3rd world country for a relatively short period of time with a bunch of uni students who I knew beforehand, while having some time to muck around the country as well. I had the choice of Mongolia and India- and I totally chose Mongolia for the weather at the time of year... sad I know. I don't regret it though because its probably one of the only times I have to visit the country. Plus you totally get to build a house and play with the community kids as well

Also its a fastastic way to get to know the local people because you're instantly a local. You get to know the place if you're new to travel/solo travel, its a great way to feel your way into a country before you take it on. 3rd world countries are easy to get around once you can say you work alongside a local.

You learn things you never even considered, Us girls were told beforehand to only bring conservative clothes, so imagine our surprise when we arrive and everywhere girls/women are wearing heels, short shirts and dresses- we felt disgustingly uncivilised. It was sort of funny to see the social workers try to walk in the mud in heels though... hmm

Lessons & tips: Honestly doing it again I'm not sure if I'd go with Habitat, because while I made myself work I ... sounds sad but truth be told I'm a weak female, and while I will work hard- building is not my forte.

However on the 4th day the girls and little kids came out to watch us in wonder and I started playing with them and trying to communicate. I got to play with them and we were teaching them games we played in Australia. By the time we left I was getting along with all the girls and got them all earrings to make themselves pretty, (and one girl an english dictionary because hers fell apart and she was sad). The girls made me some jewellry that was really precious to me... guys on our trip were hopeless said I should be in day care ... hmm but the point was- for me that was easy, I could do that, I could entertain kids for a while and I made a difference doing that whereas with building I don't think I made as much of a difference.

What I mean to say is that while looking after the kids and playing with the girls for me was easy and doable (language barrier not a problem) building was not. I'm proud of the work I did... and the house was pretty cool, and I know the money I donated will buy materials for some poor family. I'd much prefer to volunteer with my strengths

Be open to the fact that you might not enjoy it as well. I accounted for this by keeping it short, I've volunteered a lot at home and I know volunteering isn't always what its cracked up to be. One bad leader can ruin an experience, and while opportunites are amazing, others are a chore. So be sure its what you want to do- and if you're not, then keep it short so you haven't commited an extremly long time to be miserable. I know it sounds unworthy, but honestly its not. You have a duty to yourself as well as to others, remember that.

Do your own research about weather conditions... I was told it was going to be cold... and brought my thermals along.... and I was confronted with 30 degree weather... hmm. While clothes were cheap, they were also Asian sized, so while around the middle they were fine, they all gave me enormous midriffs and cool ankles showing which was absolutely pointless.

Also volunteer at home as well- where I actually think you can make more of a difference.

Build travel into it as well, don't forget to muck around that random country that you're in

Just one more- remember that these opportunites are a lot of the time, more character building and showing the local people that someone from another country cares then anything else. Yes it sounds random spending all the money to go there, but what you get in return is so pricelss- dancing with poor kids who don't speak english to Shakira and Britney- that's cool.

Resources: University newsletters, online websites, friends, family, gappers, just throwing yourself into things without thinking too much about it

Dec 22, 2008, 02:00PM PST | 0 comments | 10 cheers