For people that have volunteered abroad before...?

Question

I am considering volunteering in a country in South America for a short-term stay (1-2 months) during the summer doing social and environmental work. I am graduating from high school this year, 17 years old, and want to have a unique learning experience before I attend University in the fall.

Please tell me about your experience in volunteering abroad and give any advice. Also, please recommend any specific organizations that you think would suit me well. Thank You!

Answer 1

My one piece of advice is to go with an open mind. If you don't, you will be sorely disappointed. Things in developing countries DO NOT work the same way they do at home. Things are slower, organizations are corrupt, and you are not going to accomplish what you've set out to do in just 1-2 months. I don't want to be negative because I'm a HUGE supporter of international volunteer opportunities. But, you really have to go with a realistic view of what's going to happen. If you don't, you won't get out of it what you need.

As for organizations, check out Global Volunteer Network. They're based in NZ but as long as you speak English, you can volunteer with them. They're easily the cheapest organization out there, and they have some very cool opportunities.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The 2 answers above are absolutely correct, I am an American humanitarian living in Romania, As for your questions lets see.....

First off really think about your volunteering experience and please consider other areas as well. Most people go to Africa because it is in the news so much more than most other places. There are so many countries that are in serious need of volunteers but are struggling with lack of volunteers.

As for your personal experience that would depend on what type of work you want to do. There is hands on, educational and also medical/care giving. There are many mission schools all over that are in need of teachers. You do not need to commit to a full term you could teach art, gym, an ESL class. You could volunteer at hospitals and orphanages like I do. You do not need a degree for this, most of the work is simply loving the children and feeding them.

As for what you can do, I would decide after plenty of research attempt top learn a few phrases of language. As well as some culture tips and as much about the people as possible.

The PP mentioned corruption, and she is correct. To often we get people here who end up with a God complex and feel that they have to answer no one but God and they justify in their own mind their corrupt behavior. As often as you hear that we are envied and people want our job, in reality there is no line of people who want this. Therefor the orgiznations are often not willing to force better behavior out of their long term missionaries out of fear of losing them. So whatever you decide it is your responsability to write a letter in detail when you get home to the director informin him/her of your experence. Both good and bad. Please do not hesitate to file any complaints that are needed. Missionaries living in 1,000 Euro homes, with 3-4 orphen children illegally neeced to be reported.

I would recommend staying away from Hope For the Nations, they have a very corrupt group here in Romania that is one of the worst I have ever seen but because temporary workers do not file the necessery complaints they are still enjoying their perks, so to speak.

Other than that enjoy and remember it is not pretty or fun. Although you will learn a lot, humanitarians are needed because people are suffering. I cried for months after starting here at orphanages and hospitals. You will not go home the same person you came as.

Answer 3

Make sure you choose a highly reputable organization. Consider going with an entire group for safety reasons. If you do these things, you are likely to have an awesome growing experience. Best wishes! I recommend Habitat for Humanity if they have anything in South America happening.