How to Travel As An International Volunteer, Even for One Week at a Time!

As part of today's global community, each of us has a responsibility to learn from others, and to share what we know, from our own cultural backgrounds. Sometimes, busy lives keep us from feeling ready to commit to a volunteer role in the local community, let alone, abroad.

But today's international volunteer programs are customized for people who want to experience another culture, increase their understanding and share their own insights - even for one week per year.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• affordable airfare
• luggage
• open mind
• international volunteer organization
• immunizations
• physician's approval
• passport

1. Many online resources will help you learn more about international volunteer opportunities. I've linked a couple reputable sources below. Browse these sites and take a look at the requirements for each of the country's programs and volunteer opportunities.

2. Determine how much time you can spend volunteering in another country. One week? Two? Perhaps a month? Imagine the possibilities!

3. Then, choose an international volunteer program that can accomodate that length of time. Many volunteer organizations now offer 1-week, 2-week, or month-long volunteer opportunities for people with careers and other responsibilities.

4. Once you have selected a country - popular sites for volunteering include South America, Asia, Africa and Central America - contact the organizations hosting the trips. Learn about the opportunities they provide in-country. Some people prefer to work outdoors, others might want to interact with children or the elderly, and still others might be looking to accomplish a physical challenge, like building homes or clearing away damage caused by natural disaster. Choose your focus area.

5. Compare prices of international volunteer program fees for the entire experience. Remember you are paying for a host to facilitate your cultural volunteer role, maintain that community relationship, and take care of your needs during your stay.
   
   Travel insurance is generally provided as part of this package.

6. Share your preferred dates and area of interest with the volunteer programs. Gather their online brochures, and talk to volunteer enrollment counselors on the phone to learn more. Often, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire on your travel experience, volunteer roles and profession/education. Make sure to answer honestly.

7. Consider the foreign language requirements. Not all programs require you to speak the language of the country you are visiting, but of course, basic language skills are always beneficial.

8. Learn about the required immunizations and travel documentation required, before you book your flight.

9. Once you are comfortable with the time parameters and the international program, learn a little more about the housing situation during the in-country experience. Will you be sharing a room, sleeping without central air or heat, responsible for finding your own meals and transportation? Most reputable programs take care of housing, meals and transportation, so keep this in mind when evaluating programs.

10. Be sure to discuss any food preferences or allergies/health conditions with the program coordinator to ensure your needs can be met.

11. Discuss your international travel plans with your physician before you travel, and of course, get all the proper immunizations. Refill any prescriptions you might need when you are in-country. It's always a good idea to take anti-diahrreal medication whenever you leave as well.

12. Now, go ahead and check out airfare. This is best done one month in advance for competitive airfares. Mention to the travel sales representative that you are volunteering internationally, and you may be eligible for a discount.

13. Make sure to arrange time off from work.

14. Follow the luggage guidelines provided by the volunteer organization.

15. Keep ALL your receipts for the volunteer organization's program fee, airfare and other related expenses. You are likely eligible for tax deductions from the IRS for this trip!

16. When it is time to leave for your trip, remember you are not working in your professional role, so be open-minded to following the directions of others who may have different credentials than you. Travel with the idea that you are about to exchange cultures and insights...you are not traveling to influence someone else to adapt to your lifestyle or beliefs.

17. Be appreciative and gracious to those who are opening their lives and cultures to you.

18. Make sure all your travel documents are up to date and with you for your flight.

19. Read as much as possible about the country where you are heading! You'll find your volunteer experience more rewarding if you do!

20. Optional items to bring are a journal and camera to record your international experiences.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with your international volunteer program coordinator to learn about trip insurance, and medical assistance, should you require it.
• Always, ALWAYS, follow the laws and expectations of your host country!

Resources

• Cross Cultural Solutions Volunteers
• Global Volunteer Network

[jpwriter]

on 2/14/2009 This is a great idea that I'd like to check out. Good resources, too. Thanks.

[AudreyBrown]

on 10/28/2008 Great stuff here! I've lived overseas for 4 months and been to Mexico twice for a week each. The experience was ALWAYS so rewarding, I always took away more than I feel like I "gave".

[ulnardeviation]

on 10/28/2008 International Student Volunteers (www.isvonline.com) was a great program...

[iamageniuster]

on 10/25/2008 Awesome idea. You got some great stuff here.

[Ballzy]

on 10/24/2008 Great Article! Thanks for the info! 5*