Traveling for leisure can be exciting, fun, and relaxing. However, there are many more fulfilling ways to see the world on a deeper level. If you want to make a positive change in the world all while exploring new places, why not try volunteering?
Volunteering for humanitarian causes can take you all around the world.
Becoming a humanitarian volunteer and helping others all around the world can be impactful for both you and your host community. Find something you are passionate about like social justice, women’s rights, or taking care of the planet. Then start looking online to find humanitarian volunteer work abroad.
Volunteering abroad will give you the chance to meet new people and experience different cultures while giving them support and encouragement at the same time. As an added bonus, volunteering overseas will look great on your resume because it often requires building or acquiring a new skill set.
Whether you are looking for a quick break or even a gap year, volunteering abroad is an excellent option to get you traveling and seeing the world.
READ: 6 Major Benefits of Volunteering Abroad
How to get involved in humanitarian work
Humanitarian volunteering abroad requires intent and mindfulness.
Once you decide you are interested in becoming a humanitarian volunteer abroad, it’s time to get researching and planning for your meaningful adventure abroad.
Step 1: Choose a cause and destination
Pick which causes you are passionate about such as health, climate change, or education. Also choose something that falls under your skillset. For instance, if you are great with kids but know nothing about construction, then teaching refugee children may be better than building houses.
After you’ve determined which humanitarian cause you want to work for, think about the countries you a re willing to travel to. Try to be thoughtful when choosing. Volunteering in India is an amazing experience, but if this is your first time traveling abroad ever, it may be especially overwhelming.
Step 2: Choose potential programs that meet your goals
After deciding which cause and destination fit you best, it’s time to start narrowing things down. Search for volunteer abroad opportunities that fit your needs. If you are a pre-med student, for example, you could sign up for a medical mission in an underdeveloped country. Not only will you serve others, you will also gain clinical experience.
Look up reviews on each program. Go even further and contact alumni. Ask every question that comes to mind. Make sure you REALLY know what you’re getting yourself into before signing up. Your program choice could make or break your passion for humanitarian volunteering.
Step 3: Decide how long you are willing to live abroad
Humanitarian work is a big commitment. Decide when and how long you want to volunteer.
Do you want a short term volunteer experience, no longer than a month? Maybe a long term volunteer program for a year or a couple of months? Figuring this out will help you narrow down your options. Keep in mind that the longer you volunteer, the more of an impact your work will have—and that it’s very difficult for volunteer programs and their communities to cope with high volunteer turnover. Don’t be afraid to start small though. It’s much harder to leave early if things don’t work out.
Step 4: Think about your finances
Can you afford to work without pay? This is the first question that comes to mind when people consider volunteering. But, instead of asking if you can justify volunteering abroad, why not ask how to fund a trip.
Although it’s tempting to think that you don’t have enough money to sustain yourself, there are plenty of resources to help. You can always try crowdsourcing donation sites like GoFundMe or FundMyTravel.
You could also consider picking up a remote job while volunteering. Depending on the country or program, you may have time for a side hustle. If humanitarian aid is calling, finances shouldn’t stop you! There are even virtual volunteer opportunities allowing you to give back without even leaving home.
Step 5: Ask for time off
If you are in school or have a job, make sure you check in with your teachers or bosses before you commit to a volunteer program. Some humanitarian volunteer opportunities are only offered at certain times of the year or when an emergency hits. If that’s the case, talk to your boss or teacher about your interest and see if you can either get ahead or take your work with you.
Step 6: Get your passport and visa ready
This is your ticket to the world!
Once you’ve picked your program, saved enough money, and got the green light from your boss or professors/degree program, then you are ready to go! However, make sure you start early with the passport and visa process. Some countries are tricky and require time and authenticated documentation before crossing the border.
Since each country has its own regulations depending on your nationality, explore passport and visa coordinators for more information. Although they often charge a fee, it saves from the headache of sometimes confusing paperwork.
Get matched with humanitarian volunteer programs abroad for FREE
3 humanitarian aid volunteer opportunities to get you started
1. Volunteer for the Visayans: Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines!
- Why? VFV puts you directly into the community you’ll be supporting in Tacloban City, Leyte. You’ll build meaningful relationships all while making a real difference in the lives of impoverished children and families. This is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences out there!
- Where? Philippines
- Cause? Community development and education for local children and families.
- Read VFV reviews
2. GVI: Women’s Empowerment Project in India
- Why? At GVI, participants educate women and girls by engaging in discussions around gender disparities. They also help girls develop their literacy skills while supporting English language learning.
- Where? India
- Cause? Supporting girls and women in their everyday lives.
- Read GVI reviews
3. World Endeavors: Volunteer in Ecuador
- Why? You’ll be able to practice your Spanish language skills while helping in special education or while participating in community development activities. There’s an option for participating in environmental conservation work too!
- Where? Ecuador
- Cause? A blend of community development, special education, and environmental conservation.
- Read World Endeavors reviews
Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
You’re on your way to becoming an international humanitarian!
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”–Mahatma Gandhi
Now is the time to start planning your volunteer abroad adventure and become a humanitarian volunteer. Think of the causes you are passionate about, interested in, and the skills you have to contribute.
And the best part about humanitarian work is that you will be surrounded by people who have similar interests and passions as you. Now, get researching, pick a program, and go change the world one person at a time.
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