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.
Upon receiving your assignment from the volunteering program you signed up for, your next course of actions should be hitting the books to study everything about where you are going. Get a comprehensive knowledge base on the country you are heading to, as well as getting a handle on the languages and dialects. This will be a considerable advantage if you can learn this before you leave.
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.
Undergoing a medical review before your departure is necessary because you need to be physically fit and healthy to survive the rigors of an unfamiliar environment. Getting vaccinated from certain diseases and being prescribed with medicines are just some of the things you should expect to receive during this part. Think of it as required protection for your personal health.
As a supplement to the previous statement, you must also be vigilant when it comes to helping the lives of others. Therefore, possessing the skills and knowledge on simple medical procedures will prove beneficial when the need to use them shall arise. Examples of the things you should practice include the application of first aid as well as knowing how to perform CPR.
As a foreigner in an unfamiliar land, you are prone to being a target for swindlers, so be on constant alert for such deviants. However, you should also put a little faith in humanity because not everyone is out to harm you. Be friendly and polite to the locals, and do not be afraid to engage with them because a large part of your volunteer job requires you to interact with them on a daily basis.
Finally, you should be prudent when it comes to finances so make sure your bank account is considerably ample before you leave. There is a possibility that you might need to spend more than your intended budget, so having access to backup funds is crucial. Do not bring loose cash with you, so use your international ATM or credit card as most businesses accept these forms of payment.
Becoming a volunteer is a tough job, but in the end, it is a truly rewarding experience that you will not regret. As long as you take heed of these handy tips, success is definitely in your cards. Above all, have fun with the process and stay positive in the face of adversity.
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.
Upon receiving your assignment from the volunteering program you signed up for, your next course of actions should be hitting the books to study everything about where you are going. Get a comprehensive knowledge base on the country you are heading to, as well as getting a handle on the languages and dialects. This will be a considerable advantage if you can learn this before you leave.
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.
Undergoing a medical review before your departure is necessary because you need to be physically fit and healthy to survive the rigors of an unfamiliar environment. Getting vaccinated from certain diseases and being prescribed with medicines are just some of the things you should expect to receive during this part. Think of it as required protection for your personal health.
As a supplement to the previous statement, you must also be vigilant when it comes to helping the lives of others. Therefore, possessing the skills and knowledge on simple medical procedures will prove beneficial when the need to use them shall arise. Examples of the things you should practice include the application of first aid as well as knowing how to perform CPR.
As a foreigner in an unfamiliar land, you are prone to being a target for swindlers, so be on constant alert for such deviants. However, you should also put a little faith in humanity because not everyone is out to harm you. Be friendly and polite to the locals, and do not be afraid to engage with them because a large part of your volunteer job requires you to interact with them on a daily basis.
Finally, you should be prudent when it comes to finances so make sure your bank account is considerably ample before you leave. There is a possibility that you might need to spend more than your intended budget, so having access to backup funds is crucial. Do not bring loose cash with you, so use your international ATM or credit card as most businesses accept these forms of payment.
Becoming a volunteer is a tough job, but in the end, it is a truly rewarding experience that you will not regret. As long as you take heed of these handy tips, success is definitely in your cards. Above all, have fun with the process and stay positive in the face of adversity.
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