Participants for volunteer abroad programs share different stories when it comes to their experience as a volunteer abroad. Many are overwhelmed with positive experience and want to come back while a few have different not-so-good stories to tell. There could be something in common between those who have had a positive experience and those who had a negative experience.
Yes, it’s true that there are secrets to have a totally happy and meaningful time volunteering abroad. And many past volunteers who kept on coming back know what these secrets are. Here are a few worth remembering:
• When you take part in any volunteer work program abroad, don’t focus on what you get out of it but instead on what you can give to it. Volunteering is a selfless act. You will only enjoy it if you have an outgoing love and concern for others.
• Learn the local customs, traditions, and practices of the place while you are there. It is really a fun experience to witness how people from different places do things differently.
• Take advantage of your free time to explore and visit historic and tourist sites, shop at local markets, spend time with local people, and try native delicacies and things that you cannot find back in your home.
• Make a journal of your travel to keep a lasting memory of your volunteer experience.
The things mentioned above are not so difficult to do at all and doing them can greatly make a difference in the type of memories you will bring with you as you return home from your volunteer work abroad.