Volunteer Advisor explaining why being a volunteer brings great rewards

Why Volunteer?

Speaking from experience, having previously volunteered abroad in South America, I can honestly say that undertaking such voluntary work has been the most rewarding part of my life thus far, and that I will definitely be doing more of the same. It is a unique opportunity to give something back - perhaps to people who are less fortunate in some way, or perhaps by improving rural or urban environments, or perhaps teaching a foreign language to those whose future can only be enhanced by such education, amongst many other volunteering possibilities. There really is so much you could do to benefit others, but this work is not just of benefit to those who receive your help, but it also offers you fantastic opportunities to travel, learn about different cultures and environments and develop all kinds of skills that you had never dreamed of possessing!

I have listed below some of the rewards and reasons for volunteering and doing something that can really only be described as positive in your life. Ultimately though, you need to be committed to the cause you sign up for in order that you get the most of it and that the project itself receives the best of you. Volunteering is a fabulous opportunity to broaden your horizons and to see things that most of your friends and family can only ever imagine. You have to have the desire to volunteer but once you make the decision to do it you will join an elite group of special people who have learnt so much from such experiences and whose lives have been changed forever and touched with the magic of having been a volunteer abroad.

The Benefits and Rewards of Volunteering to You

Listed below are just some of the positive bits that could happen to you! Remember the other side of the coin, and the benefits of your hard work as a volunteer to the project and organisation you give your time to.

• You could learn new languages in a supportive and fun environment which will help you to enjoy your travel experiences both in the present and in the future.
• Volunteering will open your mind, not only to new experiences and new challenges, but also as to how others live in our world and how different cultures have different ideas about what is important and what is relevant to their lives.
• You will learn new skills, depending on what type of volunteering project you undertake. For example you may teach English abroad and will learn a variety of new teaching skills. Or you may learn about the conservation of environments. Or perhaps new social skills. Or bulilding skills....really there are so many exciting opportunities to learn something new that volunteering is something that will always sit proudly on any CV!
• You will take home interesting stories, photos and memories that will enthrall others and remain a part of you for the rest of your life. It is an experience that you may even describe as one of the best times of your life.
• It will help you grow as a person in ways you would never have imagined before leaving.
• You will observe incredible sights..people, animals, flowers, landscapes...that you have never seen before, which will enrich your life and your memory.
• You will experience an amazing range of emotions.
• You will make new friends, some of whom could be with you for the rest of your life, and you will meet many different and interesting people.
• You will be doing something that is needed, necessary and beneficial and which is helping someone or something to be achieved. This will have a positive effect on you and your life.
• You will be living your life like you have never lived it before.

Just ten fabulous reasons why volunteering abroad really is such a fantastic opportunity for you, and you could easily find ten more!

I hope this article will help to persuade you what a wonderful thing volunteer travel can be and hopefully encourage you to dive in and commit to a valuable volunteer project.

I would love to hear about some of your volunteer experiences - write to me and I will reply.