Is Volunteering Abroad a Good Idea?
Yes, volunteering abroad can be a good idea if you choose a program that matches your expectations, budget and ability to adapt. It can give you the chance to experience another country while contributing to a local project, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Costs, living conditions, cultural differences and the type of work can all affect the experience.
Abroad Escape can help you compare volunteer programs, understand what each one involves and decide which option fits your expectations, budget and travel plans.
A Note From Our Founder
Kurt, Founder of Abroad Escape
I actually think one of the best things about volunteering abroad is that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you go.
You might know the country you want to visit but have no idea which project suits you. Or you might know you want to work with children, wildlife or a community project but not know where to start. That’s normal.
I’d use the first conversation to work out what you’re hoping to get from the experience, what you’re comfortable with and what matters most to you. Once you know that, choosing a program becomes much easier. You’re not looking for the most impressive program on paper. You’re looking for one that makes sense for you.
Volunteering abroad involves more than choosing a country and finding a project. The destination, program, duration, cost, accommodation and type of work all affect whether the experience is right for you.
Volunteering abroad may suit you if you want to experience another country while contributing to a local project and are comfortable with different routines and ways of working. If you mainly want a conventional holiday or prefer familiar surroundings, another type of trip may be a better fit.
There are genuine benefits, but there are also limitations and compromises.
What is volunteering abroad really like?
The reality is usually less polished than the photos. You may be living more simply than you do at home, following different daily routines and working alongside people who approach things differently from you.
That is not necessarily a negative. In fact, for many people, adapting to another way of living is a big part of the experience. But you need to be comfortable with some uncertainty and willing to learn rather than expecting the experience to revolve around you.
What are the main drawbacks to think about?
One of the biggest mistakes is expecting a short placement to create major change. Depending on the project, your role may be practical, repetitive or relatively limited, especially if you are only there for a short time.
There can also be a gap between what looks appealing on a website and what suits you personally. A program can be well organised but still be the wrong choice if the work, environment or level of comfort does not match what you want.
How do you know whether it is right for you?
Start with what you actually want from the trip. If you are mainly looking for a holiday with some volunteering added, you may have very different expectations from someone who wants to spend several weeks becoming involved in a particular type of project.
It is also worth being honest about how you handle unfamiliar situations. If you are curious and comfortable adapting to different routines, you may find the experience easier to enjoy. If you prefer everything to be predictable and familiar, you may find some parts frustrating.