Involvement Volunteers International Volunteering abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It allows you to contribute meaningfully to communities around the world, immerse yourself in a new culture, and gain invaluable personal growth. However, it can also be pretty daunting if you are volunteering for the first time or even travelling for the first time. This post should give you the essential tips and advice you need for making your first volunteer trip abroad as smooth and impactful as possible!
Choose the Right Volunteer Program
The first step in having a successful volunteer experience is choosing a program that aligns with your skills, passions, and expectations. Different programs have different objectives, so it’s essential to find one that suits both your abilities and your goals.
Consider Your Skills: Volunteer in a field where you can contribute effectively. For example, if you’re a teacher, consider volunteering for an education-based program; if you’re in healthcare, seek programs that need medical or public health assistance.
Program Duration and Structure: Be realistic about how much time you can commit. Some programs are short-term, lasting just a few weeks, while others require long-term stays.
Check out all of IVI’s volunteer abroad programs here
Prepare Financially
Our program fees cover your meals and accommodation, as well as pickup and local transport in most cases. You need to take account of these costs plus spending money into your budget.
Create a Budget: List out potential expenses such as flights, vaccinations, travel insurance, visa fees, daily expenses, and program fees. Plan for a buffer in case of unexpected costs.
Fundraising Options: Some volunteers turn to fundraising to cover costs. Crowdfunding platforms, hosting local fundraising events, or seeking sponsorship from community organisations are good options.
Check if There are Grants or Scholarships: Some universities offer financial aid, grants, or scholarships to help cover the costs of volunteering abroad.
Pro Tip: Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Ensure it covers both health and travel-related issues (such as delays or cancellations). Always check the fine print of your insurance plan to ensure coverage in the country you’re traveling to.
Get Informed About the Destination Country
Going to a foreign country without preparation can lead to culture shock and unnecessary frustration. Take time to learn about the country you’re visiting, its culture, and any customs you need to respect. Much of this is covered in our welcome pack but it is always best to do your own research too!
Cultural Awareness: Learn about local customs, traditions, and etiquette. Something as simple as greetings, dress codes, or dining manners may differ from what you’re accustomed to. Respect these differences to build better relationships with locals.
Language: Learn basic phrases in the local language. Even if English is widely spoken in your destination, making an effort to speak the local language can earn you respect and help you connect with the community.
Safety and Health: Check for any health or safety advisories regarding the country. Visit your healthcare provider well in advance to get necessary vaccinations or medications, and research safe areas to stay in while abroad.
Pro Tip: Understanding local holidays and events will help you plan your time. Certain programs may close or change hours around significant local events. You can always ask us for a list of any holidays affecting the program, or check the program page on the site.
Packing Smart for Volunteering Abroad
Packing efficiently is crucial, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas with limited access to stores. It’s best to pack light but thoroughly.
Essentials: Bring essential documents, including your passport, visa, travel insurance, and copies of important paperwork (both digital and physical). You’ll also need a well-stocked first aid kit, including any prescription medications.
Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing for both the local climate and the cultural norms of your host country. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a good idea for tropical regions, while layers may be necessary for colder climates. Check if there are restrictions on modesty in certain areas.
Specialised Equipment: Depending on the type of volunteer work you’ll be doing, you may need additional equipment. For example, teaching volunteers may want to bring educational materials, while healthcare volunteers should bring any necessary medical tools that may not be available locally.
Personal Comfort Items: Don’t forget small comforts from home—whether it’s snacks, books, or your favourite pillow—to help ease homesickness.
Pro Tip: If you’re volunteering in a community with limited resources, consider bringing small gifts or supplies, such as school materials or sports equipment, that will be useful to the people you’ll be helping.
Prepare for Culture Shock
Even the most seasoned travellers can experience culture shock when living and working in a foreign environment. Culture shock often manifests in different stages—initial euphoria, irritation, and adaptation.
The Honeymoon Phase: Initially, everything may seem exciting and different. However, after the novelty wears off, frustration may set in as you confront the realities of daily life in a new country.
The Irritation Phase: You might feel frustrated by the differences in how things are done. This is natural but try to keep an open mind. Many things may not make sense from your perspective, but they work within the local context.
The Adjustment Phase: Over time, you will become more comfortable with the new culture, and the challenges will seem less overwhelming.
Pro Tip: Stay in touch with fellow volunteers or locals to share experiences and advice. It helps to have a support system that understands what you’re going through. You can always speak to our local team if you are feeling homesick – they are there to help!
Adaptability and Flexibility Are Key
Volunteering abroad is not always smooth sailing. Projects may not go as planned, resources may be scarce, and communication barriers may exist. To get the most out of your experience, adaptability is essential.
Be Prepared for Uncertainty: Things don’t always go according to plan. There may be delays, logistical issues, or cultural misunderstandings. Learning to go with the flow will help you remain positive in challenging situations.
Understand the Impact of Time: In some cultures, time management is more relaxed than what you might be used to (aka “Fiji time!”). Schedules may change, meetings may start late, and work may proceed more slowly than anticipated.
Problem-Solving: You may be expected to solve problems on the spot with limited resources. Creative thinking and patience are vital to thriving in a volunteer environment.
Pro Tip: Stay flexible and communicate openly with your program leaders. They are often accustomed to working in unpredictable environments and can provide guidance.
Manage Expectations
Volunteering abroad is not a quick fix for global issues, and it’s important to manage your expectations before arriving.
Set Realistic Goals: You are unlikely to change the world in a few weeks or months. Focus on making a difference in small, tangible ways, whether it’s teaching a child to read or helping a community access clean water.
Understand Your Role: You may not always have a leadership role. Sometimes, your presence and participation alone are enough to make a difference. Don’t be discouraged if the impact you see is small.
Celebrate Small Wins: Progress can be slow in volunteer projects, especially in developing regions. Acknowledge the small victories, and take pride in the gradual improvements you help facilitate.
Pro Tip: Reflect regularly on your experience. Journaling can help you track the growth and challenges you face while volunteering.
Build Relationships and Engage with the Community
The relationships you form while volunteering abroad can have a lasting impact on your experience and the people you work with.
Engage Actively: Be proactive in getting to know both the local community and your fellow volunteers. Relationships with locals can help you better understand the needs and values of the community.
Respect Local Leadership: Follow the guidance of local project leaders, as they are more familiar with the community’s needs and cultural context.
Avoid the “Savior” Mentality: Remember that you are a guest in the community. Approach the work with humility and a willingness to learn rather than assuming you have all the answers.
Pro Tip: Stay connected after your volunteer stint ends. Even after you leave, you can continue supporting the community from afar, whether through fundraising or sharing their stories.
Take Care of Your Wellbeing
Volunteering abroad can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it’s important to prioritise your own wellbeing throughout the experience. This is particularly true for some of our more challenging programs such as the refugee program in Greece, Turkey and Kenya.
Self-Care: Make time for relaxation and self-reflection. Whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or journaling, ensure that you’re taking care of your mental health.
Balance Work and Rest: Volunteer projects can be demanding, but it’s important to strike a balance. Overworking yourself can lead to burnout, which will diminish the quality of your contributions.
Reach Out if You Need Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for support. Most volunteer programs have systems in place to help volunteers cope with stress or homesickness.
Pro Tip: Plan a debriefing period once your volunteer experience is over. Allow yourself time to process everything you’ve experienced, and acknowledge how you’ve grown through the journey.
Reflect and Pay It Forward
Once your volunteering experience comes to an end, it’s important to take time to reflect on your journey and consider how you can continue to make a difference, both globally and locally.
Reflect on Your Impact: After returning home, take some time to think about the impact of your work. Reflect on the changes you witnessed, the relationships you built, and how you contributed to the community.
Personal Growth: Consider how the experience changed you. Volunteering abroad often fosters personal growth by broadening your perspective, challenging your comfort zones, and deepening your empathy.
Stay Engaged: Even though your trip has ended, your involvement doesn’t have to. Continue to support the community through fundraising, advocacy, or staying in touch with the program organisers. You can also consider volunteering locally in your home country or preparing for another trip abroad.
Conclusion
Volunteering abroad for the first time can be a life-changing experience, offering you the chance to contribute to important causes, immerse yourself in new cultures, and grow as a person. However, to make the most of it, preparation is key. From selecting the right program to packing the right items, staying flexible in challenging situations, and maintaining a mindset of humility and openness, the advice and tips outlined here will help you navigate the process and enjoy a successful experience.
Keep in mind that while you may not change the world in one volunteer stint, the connections you make and the small positive impacts you create can ripple outwards, affecting the community and, perhaps more importantly, influencing the way you see and engage with the world for years to come.
The world needs passionate, dedicated people like you. With thoughtful preparation, realistic expectations, and a spirit of curiosity and respect, your first time volunteering abroad will not only benefit the communities you serve but will also transform your life for the better.
