Friday, May 27, 2016

Things To Know Before You Volunteer In Developing Countries

By Joseph Reed


The chance to volunteer abroad can be both intimidating and exciting at the same time. There is that fear of encountering unknown forces, but then you also get to experience a whole new world that you have never seen before. This is an opportunity that you should definitely not miss out, so here are some great tips to know before you pack your bags and do your part to help the world.

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.

Your placement is determined by the administrators over at the volunteering program, so when you receive the information, your next order of business is to study all there is to know about your destination. From the language and customs to their climate and geography, you should be busy absorbing all the info you need. This will definitely serve you well during your time spent abroad.

Do not assume that this trip is a vacation because you are not traveling to exotic destinations to just have fun. As such, bring only the most essential and reusable items like clothes and sturdy shoes, which can fit inside a single heavy duty backpack for easy mobility when traveling from place to place. Anything that is superfluous or does not serve a purpose to your trip should be left at home.

Visit your doctor days before you leave and ask for a medical checkup, plus requesting to get all the important vaccines and supplementary shots done. This is a prerequisite that you must comply because your health and safety should never be compromised when traveling to foreign nations. As an added precaution, make sure to bring your own supply of medicines in case of emergencies.

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.

Not everyone you will encounter is your friend, because there will always be those who have malicious intentions towards foreigners. That being said, there are plenty of people who are genuine and truly want to help you out when you need assistance. Strike the right balance between keeping your guard up at all times but also coming across as being polite and friendly to the locals.

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.

Volunteering has its ups and downs like any other job, but the rewards you get from the experience will surely make an impact. This guide can definitely steer you in the right direction when you need a bit of help. Always remember to keep an open mind so you may broaden your horizons in the process.




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