Scholars tracked the act of volunteering back to medieval Britain when poverty and sickness struck many of its people. In the 19th century, the Young Men’s Christian Association or YMCA appeared to help the British population after Industrial Revolution. From then on, volunteering organizations were founded all over the world, especially in the 20th century.
Today, because of the Internet, people can choose volunteering opportunities outside of their countries and travel for a cause. There are many reasons to volunteer abroad, and if you are considering this type of charity work, here are the most compelling ones that will encourage you to go.
Make the world a better place
Many global crises endanger people, animals, and nature, especially in rural communities and undeveloped countries. Wars, diseases, poverty, climate change, human rights violations, overpopulation, pollution, poaching, and other unfortunate events destroy lives, homes, and ecosystems. You can help by traveling to affected destinations and participating in efforts to stop the damage or at least slow it down.
From teaching children and adults to reviving coral reefs and protecting baby turtles when they hatch, you have various options to make this world a better place. Construction and renovation of hospitals, schools, and other structures demolished in natural catastrophes are also available if you want to improve the living standards of local communities. Some positions require specific education, like volunteering in the hospital, but many only ask for enthusiasm, positive energy, and dedication.
Travel to almost any destination
If you wanted to see exotic destinations, like Fiji or Bali, but couldn’t for financial reasons, volunteering may be a great way to travel. For example, if you are at the end of your medical studies, you can volunteer as an intern in a hospital in Tanzania. This can take you to local communities with rich cultural heritage during your shifts, but when you are off work, you can go sightseeing and be a regular tourist.
Animal lovers can apply to volunteer in Peru’s alpaca and llama farms or marine conservation in Vanuatu. This type of traveling is even more rewarding than doing it for tourism since you will have access to the cultures, traditions, and essence of your destination.
Expand your circle of friends
You won’t do the volunteering alone. People from all over the world come to a destination and join efforts to help and participate in charity projects. This type of camaraderie creates a bond between people that can last for a lifetime, regardless of where you are all from.
When you come home, you will have lots of new contacts on your phone and wonderful memories. Whether befriending locals or foreigners, you will not be alone during volunteering and after.
Improve your mental health
Helping people, animals, and communities can stimulate the body to release dopamine — a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feeling motivation and satisfaction. It will increase positive thinking and bring a sense of purpose, as well as reduce stress and thus improve your physical health. Traveling and volunteering abroad is especially beneficial for body and mind because it takes you out of your comfort zone and into new experiences.
While some situations you encounter may be emotionally hard, you have a chance to do something about it and make it better. Whether it’s elephant conservation in Thailand or sustainable farming in Kenya, you will change lives and yourself during your volunteer work.
Help your career
Altruistic reasons should be the only ones you decided to travel to volunteer, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see many benefits. Besides the ones we already mentioned, probably the one that can affect your life the most is its contribution to your career. Future employers will see it as an advantage, especially if you volunteered in your field of expertise.
For instance, if you are an anthropologist, volunteering with the indigenous population, like the Maasai Mara tribe in Kenya, will allow you to implement your knowledge and learn new things. Also, being an intern at hospitals in Nepal or Cambodia as a graduate nurse or doctor will do the same.
Take a break from your life
It’s okay to take a break from daily stress in your everyday life and go away to volunteer. Chronic stress people are exposed to at work, school, or any other situation can lead to serious health problems. With undeniable benefits to mental health, volunteering can allow you to recharge and pause for a while.
While being in places of suffering may seem like just what you don’t need to relieve stress, you have control over the choice of where to go. You can opt for environmental and mangrove conservation in the Philippines or temple restoration in Sri Lanka. Consider what kind of break you will feel comfortable with so you can be helpful when volunteering to others and yourself.
Bond with your family
Volunteering is an excellent way to bond with your family. As a parent, you are teaching your children how to be responsible and respectable to the world around them. As children, you allow your parents to understand you better and be part of your lives.
Although family members can bond in other ways, the unique experience that comes from volunteering is more impactful than movie nights. If you have small kids, they would love to work on turtle conservation in Guatemala or at the wildlife sanctuary in Australia.
The bottom line
Communities around the world need help. Even one of these reasons to volunteer abroad is enough to inspire you to travel for a cause. To have the most rewarding experience, choose a destination and charity work that you feel apt to do and comfortable with. The only way to make a positive difference in the world is to do it from the heart and love it.