Nine suggestions for volunteers

Nine suggestions for volunteers

I have been volunteering for 5 weeks now and taking into consideration I would like to give you 9 suggestions that you should follow when choosing a voluntary project or going to work abroad.

1.       Choose the project carefully – When choosing a project don´t necessarily grab the first, cheapest or the most convenient opportunity. Make sure that you take time to read the description of the project and the list of tasks that are expected from you. This will help you to make a conscious decision.

2.       Go for at least 6 months – Take into consideration that during the first weeks you will just get used to the new culture and way of life and your work will probably not be that effective. It will take at least a month when you start feeling comfortable with your job and then you realize you have to leave soon.

3.       Plan some extra time for travelling – Before departure ask your friends who have been to the country or the locals about where they suggest you to see and visit. Make a list and as soon as you get your activity plan, plan also trips. You can take shorter trips in weekends but I recommend to stay in the country for at least two weeks after your work has ended. This way you don´t have to hurry.

4.       Learn the local language – First it will be a useful thing that you can put in your CV and use in your life in the future. But secondly, it will give you the opportunity to communicate with more people. There are a lot of people, who can´t speak English, especially when you are dealing with people with learning disabilities, minority groups or other people with lesser opportunities. Knowing just the basic vocabulary will show the locals that you care about their culture and put effort into understanding them better.

5.       Cut back your sarcastic/dark humor – It might happen and probably will happen that people from other cultural background are offended.

6.       Don´t constantly compare the host country with your home country – Although, it might be daunting, locals might think that you don´t like their country. Always have an answer ready when someone asks how or what you like about the country/region. It will be the main topic! If you are asked to compare the countries tough feel free to do it.

7.       Adjust to the culture as much as possible – Learn the local way of greeting and general way of communicating. Take into consideration that he daily rhythm might be quite different of what you are used to. Therefore plan your time effectively.

8.       Communicate with the locals – take the chance to communicate with the people, who are not necessarily part of your project. They sure have a different perspective than the people that you communicate on a daily basis.

9.       Stay in contact with your friends and family – Your internship or voluntary work experience is a very intense period in your life. You will have new contacts, try things you have never tried before, you might get overwhelmed by the differences of the culture, therefore it would be good, if you have a friend you can turn to and share your ups and downs.

EXTRA: If you really want to take the most out of your experience, set some goals before leaving and track the progress while being abroad.