Have you ever gone to a third world country to volunteer?

Question

what was it like and where did you go

Answer 1

I've volunteered in several African countries, as well as in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. I HIGHLY recommend it!! I call it my 'selfish' work because it so incredibly rewarding. We're filled up on the outside with all of our 'stuff' but I find people in developing countries so full on the inside, where it counts.

When deciding where to go and what to do, think about what kind of experience you want to have. For example, rural or urban? in a developed country or developing country? one that speaks a language you know, or do you want the challenge of learning a new one? live with other volunteers, on your own, or with a local family? what kind of work do you want to do? what kind of living conditions - running water, electricity, phone, internet? what kind of health risks and immunizations are required for the country you're thinking of going to? how long are you wanting to go?

I recommend going for a minimum 2 months, if possible, because it takes time to get to know your way around, the culture, the people, your job, etc. and before you know it, you're back on the plane again!

To help you choose which organization to go with, ask if you can speak to their former volunteers, looking at what support they cover - you should get enough pre-travel info so that you know what to expect and how to adapt to your new culture, what screening they do - I avoid ones that take anyone and everyone, what in-country support they give, how long they've been in operation, and just what kind of vibe you get from their website and by talking to them on the phone.

Read up on the country and the culture before you go so you can be well-prepared. If you are patient, open to different ideas and ways of doing things, flexible, and have a sense of humour then you'll have a fantastic experience that will be life changing!

My overseas experiences have been challenging and tough at times, but yet the best times of my life. I have also learned so much from the indigenous people I've met - so warm, friendly, joyful, courageous, and to be greatly admired.

Answer 2

Yes I built houses and an orphanage in Mexico. It was a lot of fun but it was a little weird. Women with babies would line up each morning to have us touch their babies like we were blessing them, and called us the "White Saints". It was strange having people view me as something special. I was just a kid trying to build a house, there was no reason to view me as a saint. It was rewarding to know that we were helping these people out, though. The second year I went when we built the orphanage was a lot more fun. The kids hung out with us and were really cool. They had never had a family or a place to live. It was nice knowing we were giving them someplace to live, and they didn't treat us with reverence which was nice.

Answer 3

when someone very important to me died suddenly i cashed in all my assets and went on a 150000++ mile trip from southern Texas thru Mexico down to Honduras to find myself and party.

the unbelievable poverty and seemingly endless hope i expirienced took me to some of the poorest barrios in the world. it was sickening to see ultra rich gringos 'tossing pennies' to the locals in so many cities.

it changed my whole life

Answer 4

my school is going to honduras

i really want to go

sorry that didnt really answer your question