Volunteer Programs: Introduction

“Don't set out to change the world -- you'll be disappointed to learn that the world doesn't necessarily need changing!”

Ever get the feeling that you have a higher calling? You know... That you have a special purpose on this earth? You're not interested in the corporate world, the rat race. In fact, if you had the chance, you would surely save the world... Well maybe not the world, but some small part of it. Volunteering abroad is one way to make a difference. Volunteering abroad is not for everyone, so before you sign up for the World TEFL School volunteer program there are a few things you should consider…

See the world with a purpose
Some travellers are content partying their way around the world. You, however, are looking for a more substantial experience. Volunteering not only gives you the opportunity to give back, it gives you something to do, somewhere to go, and somewhere to stay. You'll still have plenty of time for exploring local ruins or having a lager down at the pub. But one word of warning, don't set out to change the world -- you'll be disappointed to learn that the world doesn't necessarily need changing. The best goal is to challenge yourself everyday, test your patience, and open your mind and heart.

Change Yourself
By volunteering abroad you will learn so much about yourself. You will do things that you never imagined you were capable of. The biggest difference you will notice at the end of the program will not be external but will be the difference inside of yourself. In most cases residents could do your job better, faster and more efficiently. You probably won't teach the locals how to hammer a nail, but you will share your friendship with them. Most importantly, you will be changed forever because you will have a greater understanding of another culture, you will challenge your personal limits, and you will develop friendships.

Build your Resume
Many employers value volunteerism above all else. If you have volunteerism on your resume it shows that you are flexible, patient and committed.

Cultural Immersion
Many travellers know where they want to go, but don't know what to do once they get there. Volunteering abroad gives your travels a purpose and an itinerary.

Are you open enough to accept and respect a culture no matter how different it is from your culture?
This may be one of the most difficult aspects of your volunteer experience. There will be aspects of the local culture that confound your sense of logic or challenge your sense of justice, however, remember you are the visitor. No solitary volunteer can change centuries of tradition or culture. You must look deep inside yourself and determine if you are flexible enough to respect the local culture before you go. Despite what you may have heard your job is not to teach the superiority of western ways.

Are you comfortable with yourself?
At times you may feel isolated, particularly when you arrive in a village knowing no one. Many students travel because they are dissatisfied with the state of their life at home. This is the wrong reason to venture internationally. If you have problems at home i.e. your boyfriend, your faculty, your roommates, don't expect those problems to disappear once you are out of your country. Chances are those problems will follow you and they will be more readily apparent with the additional cultural and adjustment issues.

Many western students don't know much about themselves. You may have a schedule that includes surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals all day everyday. You are with you roommates, classmates, party friends around the clock. Many volunteers are placed in an isolated situation like a wildlife reserve or a small rural village. Your social life or the lack there of will be entirely up to you.

Volunteering abroad is truly a study abroad experience. Every minute of everyday you will be a student.

Article submitted by www.volunteerabroad.com