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.
Learning how to survive in a tough situation without the luxuries of modern conveniences should be your first priority. This is done because to be a volunteer in developing countries means that you should deal with conditions that are not comfortable or convenient. Furthermore, you must learn to go through such hardships without complaint because to do so might insult the locals.
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.
Prior to your departure, get yourself tested for any diseases and make sure you get all the necessary vaccinations and medical shots which will boost your immunity against any foreign illnesses. This is a mandatory requirement that all volunteers have to comply before leaving. You certainly do not want to fall sick in a country with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
Additionally, you would be wise to learn life saving procedures that can come in handy when unexpected accidents occur while doing your volunteer work overseas. Things like the Heimlich maneuver or CPR are crucial in the event you have to perform them on a person who needs them. Also, it never hurts to include stuff like first aid application as this is also vital.
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.
Last but not the least, be smart when it comes to your finances and always have a backup plan in place while you are engaged with volunteerism abroad. In case you unexpectedly run short of cash to pay for stuff, then your emergency fund should cover the cost. Outside of having carrying local currency, make sure to also have your credit card or ATM card with you at all times.
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.
Learning how to survive in a tough situation without the luxuries of modern conveniences should be your first priority. This is done because to be a volunteer in developing countries means that you should deal with conditions that are not comfortable or convenient. Furthermore, you must learn to go through such hardships without complaint because to do so might insult the locals.
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.
Prior to your departure, get yourself tested for any diseases and make sure you get all the necessary vaccinations and medical shots which will boost your immunity against any foreign illnesses. This is a mandatory requirement that all volunteers have to comply before leaving. You certainly do not want to fall sick in a country with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
Additionally, you would be wise to learn life saving procedures that can come in handy when unexpected accidents occur while doing your volunteer work overseas. Things like the Heimlich maneuver or CPR are crucial in the event you have to perform them on a person who needs them. Also, it never hurts to include stuff like first aid application as this is also vital.
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.
Last but not the least, be smart when it comes to your finances and always have a backup plan in place while you are engaged with volunteerism abroad. In case you unexpectedly run short of cash to pay for stuff, then your emergency fund should cover the cost. Outside of having carrying local currency, make sure to also have your credit card or ATM card with you at all times.
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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