Why volunteer?

Thanks to new technologies and media, the world has become an easier place to travel in. And with the increase in people taking gap years and career breaks abroad, as well as the government endorsing volunteering as a valuable learning experience for young people, the interest in volunteering opportunities overseas has grown. For some people they know exactly what type of volunteering work they want to do, where they want to do it and what they want to get out of it; for others they are motivated to get involved but are not really sure where to start in choosing the right volunteer project and what volunteering abroad really entails.

  

Why volunteer abroad?

It's usually a combination of altruistic motives and personal motives that drives people to volunteer overseas. You're keen to give something back and help poorer communities or contribute to environmental conservation but you are also giving up your time for free so you want to benefit from the experience also. Volunteering overseas is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of a country and to explore areas that you wouldn't get to see on the usual tourist route. It also enables you to learn new skills, especially soft skills such as communication and team-working that are necessary in any work environment. And volunteer work can help you become clearer about your values and career goals.

Why pay to volunteer abroad?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions when considering volunteering overseas. ‘Why should I pay to volunteer when I'm giving up my time for free?' Of course you can organise your own volunteer projects overseas through online directories or personal contacts but it's hard work, there are no guarantees, there's little pre-departure and in-country support, you may actually be a burden on your host and you need to be the type of person who likes the unknown and can work unsupported.

What you are paying for with an organisation is their expertise and resource in sourcing the right project and matching the needs of the volunteer with the host project, the training, pre-departure support and in-country support. And above all the reassurance that you know what you are going to be doing and that there's constant support.

It's important however to always do your research - into what you'll be doing, where does your money go, what support will you get and find a volunteer project that suits both you and the host community.

Read on to find out the skills and experiences you'll gain from volunteering abroad with Raleigh