Looking for an adventure that will benefit you and help others this year? How about volunteering abroad on a vocational placement? It’s a life-changing experience to travel to different countries and put your skills to the test at the same time. But did you know just how beneficial a volunteering abroad placement can be?
It is a step outside your comfort zone to go away and work in a completely new place, but one that can only bring positive changes. There are so many reasons why you should take the leap and sign up for a placement abroad. Have a look at the 7 we picked out below to see how amazing volunteering internationally is!
Experience Outside the Classroom
The lessons you learn at university are huge. You change so much from the start of your time there. But these skills need to be applied to really sink in. Getting right into the thick of it is only going to lead to rapid development in your knowledge and confidence.
Shadowing a medical professional quickly teaches you the importance of ‘bedside manner’ over ‘book smarts’. Have a read of Nia’s story to see how one of our programmes helped her with her studies.
Volunteering abroad gives you real world experience. Learning from professionals in different countries gives you new insights into the multitude of ways you can work, only widening your skill set and broadening your understanding.
Making a Difference and Building Compassion
With your work, not only will you be gaining confidence and a strong skill set for yourself, but also you will be helping others. Working to help people abroad will make a real, positive impact.
Taking the time to assist people is special, and your work will help to reduce inequalities, while fostering cross-cultural relationships and helping to build up communities. Showing compassion and care for people will only tune you in more with fellow human beings.
It is easy to forget sometimes that human to human connections are so valuable, and using your time to benefit others will develop empathy, an important trait in the modern world. Spending time maturing emotionally will stand you in better stead for the rest of your studies of your future career.
Learning from other Cultures
Exposing yourself to cultures across the world makes you a more knowledgeable and more rounded person. It is so fun to immerse yourself in the music, art, literature or anything that a country has to offer. Can you imagine how amazing it would be to learn the stories behind these different cultures and then share them with others?
What’s more is that you can exchange cultures, bonding with people over your perspectives. Volunteering overseas is a great place to do this. You will meet so many interesting people who will teach you lessons and tell you stories that will stay with you. Our programmes at Vocational Impact will give you plenty of time to get yourself involved with local culture, just have a look for yourself here.
Adapting to new Environments
Moving abroad is already a massive deal. To do that all while you are working in high intensity environments makes it even bigger. But it is not something that should scare you. Instead, taking this challenge and getting stuck in can only benefit you.
One skill especially that you will gain is adaptability. If you can move to a completely new country and carry out your work, all the while learning new ways of working and immersing yourself in a new culture, you can do pretty much anything.
There will be plenty of people to support you, but exposing yourself to this experience will only strengthen your adaptability, making you more comfortable with the unexpected, such a key attribute for the rest of your studies and your future career.
Learning a new Language
Learning a new language is a fascinating process. Although challenging, the feeling of being able to connect with others via their native tongue can bring a warm connection. The rapport and respect that is cultivated through language is something that helps further unlock different cultures. Putting in this effort is a really conscientious thing to do.
Having at least a basic understanding of a language other than your own broadens your own horizons, and is a valuable skill to possess. One of our volunteers spoke of the doors opened and connections created with people on one of our programmes, “…if you can pick up a bit of language, locally, it’s really good… it’s a great way to ice-break with people”. The doors that it will unlock in life are vast, and you can even start learning before you arrive.
Being part of a Team
In a language sense your communication will improve of course. But also communicating your knowledge to different people in different ways is going to develop those skills. You need to be able to communicate well as part of a team to be successful in anything you do. Joining up with professionals across the world to volunteer will only improve your teamwork skills.
Fancy an insight into the variety of different people you’ll be working with, take a look at our volunteer stories to see what our past volunteers have learned from others whilst in a team.
Being a part of a team that works to help people is rewarding. This teamwork towards a common goal will serve to strengthen your communication and make you aware of different perspectives. You will need this throughout your life. Teamwork really will make the dream work!
Becoming Independent
Your comfort zone is where boring things happen, and outside of it is a space for learning and growing.
It’s a daunting prospect to work in an intense environment in a new country without the comfort of your friends or family. But that does not mean you should shy away from the prospect.
Chances are, you have already made loads of new friends at university. And this is no different. You will make more new friends, establish new connections, expand your knowledge beyond what you have learned in your degree, and become a more well rounded individual. To do all of this will give you a sense of independence and confidence that you are strong in unchartered territory. This is a great use of your time this year.
Your Volunteering Adventure Awaits
So now you see that the benefits to volunteering abroad are huge and varied. What is stopping you from applying today to take part in a volunteering abroad programme?
At Vocational Impact, we offer a range of specialised programmes in psychology, law, and many other areas. We work directly with our partners in countries like South Africa and India to ensure your help is going to the right places and will make a difference. Our sustainable and ethical programmes are well-organised and we provide you with the support you need to complete your work with confidence. The lessons you will learn on the way will be life changing.
All you need to get started is to sign up today below. We have space on programmes throughout this year. We can work with you to help you with your perfect programme. Don’t be scared, take the plunge now and get excited for an adventure of a lifetime.
