1. It’s a Cheap Way To Travel
Volunteering aboard is one of the cheapest ways to travel. Why? Because even though you work during your stay, most programs only cost between $5-$30 a day. This money pays for all of your food, that's three meals a day, and your accommodation. Finding food and a hotel or hostel for this price would be nearly impossible. An extra bonus is that most volunteer programs only require you to work for 4-6 hours a day. That means you have the rest of the day to learn about the culture, relax, or explore the local community. You also have weekends off for traveling further away from where you're staying!
2. Make International Connections
When you volunteer aboard you will meet people from all over the world as these programs are open to anyone. This is often very interesting because not only do you learn about the culture of the country that you're staying in, you also learn a lot about other cultures from other volunteers. There is also the potential to make new friendships which can turn into new travel buddies. Knowing people from around the world is always a plus because whenever you travel somewhere new you may be able to stay with that friend that you met while volunteering. It's another positive effect of volunteering aboard because it gives you more opportunities for cheap travel. Having international friends is also a plus because it helps you stay in the loop of what is going on around the world and can give you an outside/different opinion than one you might receive from someone in your own country.
3. Looks Good On a Resume
If your trying to get the attention of colleges or future employers volunteering abroad is a great way to achieve this. Volunteering always looks good on a resume, but when you take the extra step to do this aboard it really stands out. Volunteering aboard shows that you're open-minded to new experiences, have a sense of world opinions, and that you're willing to go the extra mile. I personally and confidently can say that I got into UC Berkely, UC Davis, and UW Madison because of my travel experiences. The experience you gain from volunteering also makes for some amazing college essays and cover letters. The money and time you spend to volunteer aboard will differently pay off in the long run with all the extra opportunities you gain.
4. Have a Positive Impact On The World
No matter what type of volunteering you choose to do it will have a positive impact on the world. You could volunteer with children, animals, teachers, there are many programs dedicated to sustainability and conservation. For the most part, all of these programs are located in areas that NEED help. Places that are poverty-stricken, damaged environmentally, or lack good governmental structure and they need help. Any time that you can commit to whatever cause you would like makes a positive change not only in that field but in all the people's lives that you connect with. You are helping people by one, bring money into their country or family, and help support their economy. Two, sharing your influence with people. This means maybe you help them learn a few more English words, make lasting memories for a child, or show that you care about their environment and that they could as well. The work you do in whatever country will leave positive rippling effects which will benefit everyone you had contact with.
5. Have The Experience of a Lifetime
No other type of travel allows you to become as immersed in a culture as volunteering. This is because with volunteering you are working directly with a local community, you are not in tourist districts, and you become apart of their family. This is something that does not happen with normal sightseeing travel. You will meet so many new people and create life long connections. Once you see how other people live you will have a new appreciation for your own way of life, plus wonder “what else is there to learn.” You will feel satisfied knowing that you helped people or the environment while traveling.
Two Places That I Highly Suggest
Two of the best places I have volunteered at which I highly suggest are Glenfern Sanctuary in New Zealand and ASTOP turtle conservation in Parismina, Costa Rica. At Glenfern I did not have to pay anything to volunteer and I got free accommodation, however, I did have to pay for my own food. Here I got to see a lot of New Zealand countryside while working. ASTOP costs about $20 a day and with that, you get 3 meals a day and accommodation. Here I only worked for 4 hours a day, which meant I had lots of free time to travel. I got to see a ton of sea turtles, measure them, touch them, and ensure they were safe. It was a real-life close encounter that you could not get anywhere else unless you paid hundreds of dollars.
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