Everyone goes through at least one crossroad in their life where they comprehend what the future holds for them. Volunteering overseas is a good way to get a sense of that. There is nothing better than getting out of your comfort zone and learning about parts of the world you wouldn’t normally think you’d visit. If you are unsure where to start on your journey volunteering overseas, you should be aware of a few things.
Before you decide to take a position volunteering, it’s important to research your destination thoroughly. Not every volunteer opportunity is right for everyone, and you should take certain things into consideration. If you aren’t capable of adapting to a cold or rainy climate, then you probably shouldn’t go anywhere North, especially throughout the winter season.
If you decide to go to a country where people don’t speak English, then you should definitely consider brushing up on the language prior to leaving. Going in blindly to a situation where you don’t speak the language could prove to be very frustrating, both in the short- and long-term.
Another common mistake people make when traveling is packing excessively. Weighing yourself down with unnecessary luggage is all the more difficult in unfamiliar terrain.
It is also to prepare yourself for potential emergencies. This includes financial and medical. Make sure you acquire traveler’s insurance and become acquainted with the country’s medical system. This includes any medications you might depend on during your stay. Another aspect of safety is common sense, especially if you are a female. Not all locals are eager to help those visiting from other countries. Be very wary of oversharing or giving out any information about where you are staying until you trust someone.
It goes without saying that you will need to be able to engage in conversations with complete strangers, oftentimes initiating them. If you are a naturally shy person, you should probably practice getting out of your comfort zone before venturing abroad. Remind yourself that you are going to be in an area where you don’t know anyone. On the off-chance that you need help, you need to be able to ask for it.