It is that time of year again where college students everywhere are thinking about whether or not to study abroad (or if they can even afford it). Not to say studying abroad shouldn’t be something to think about because I have heard great things from people who have had the chance to do that in college, but what some people may not consider is the equally awesome opportunities out there to volunteer abroad!
I have always been very passionate about helping others and volunteering has opened so many doors for me. The most significant thing I have done was spend 10 weeks in the Dominican Republic with a non-profit organization that came up on my google search one day (my grandma wasn’t worried at all . . . just kidding). I spent 8 weeks there after graduating high school and went back for another 2 weeks this summer because I missed it so much! Here’s some reasons you should consider it:
1: It’s Flexible
You get to decide where you want to go, what you want to do there, and how long you want to stay. There are many non- profit orgs that welcome volunteers for any amount of time (most have a minimum requirement of 1 week).
2: You Can Do Whatever You Want!
I volunteered with a program that taught English in schools. A friend of mine spent 4 months in Australia working for a sustainable farm. Whether you want to dive into teaching, healthcare, environment conservation, or anything in between, there is a program out there for you somewhere!
3: You Can Make New Connections
I had the chance to meet people from all over the U.S. with the program I was a part of, and I still keep in touch with them today. Especially when you stay for an extended amount of time, you have the chance to become a part of the community you are working in, which is a great feeling.
4: It’s Affordable
Since you aren’t going for college credit anywhere, you don’t have to pay additional tuition and fees to go to another school. International volunteer work also helps make you marketable to future employers. Although there are scholarships available for studying abroad, don’t be shy about asking for donations towards a volunteer trip in lieu of holiday or birthday gifts.
5: You Can Learn So Much
There is no better way to learn something about another culture (or yourself) than to actually get out of your comfort zone and experience it. So what are you waiting for!?
Here are some great organizations to check out
All photo credits to the author.