Volunteer abroad Asia

Of course, you can volunteer just about anywhere in the world these days. If you’re willing to lend a helping hand and volunteer abroad, chances are someone, somewhere needs your help.

There are many volunteer programs in Asia to choose from. Volunteer in Asia, or VIA has been helping Americans to live and volunteer in Asia since the early ‘60s. They have short term summer volunteer programs, as well as one year and two year positions that allow volunteers to really experience cultural immersion, as well as offer lots of volunteer help. These guys specialize in volunteering in Asia, so they are a great first place to look for great volunteer programs.

Volunteers for Peace offers short and long term volunteer projects in Asia, as well as all over the world. If you’re interested in volunteering in Asia, Volunteer s for Peace is a great group to go with. Like many volunteer organizations, they do charge a fee (which varies), but they tend to offer competitive prices.

For those interested in volunteering in southeast Asia, Cross cultural solutions has programs for volunteers in Thailand. You’ll be able to travel through this beautiful and friendly country, while lending a helping hand with whatever volunteer skills you can offer. Cross cultural Solutions offers volunteer programs in Bangkok, as well as the small coastal town of Trang. Trips range from 2 to 12 weeks.

There are loads of options for volunteering in Asia, and elsewhere in the world – just hit the web and start searching.

Next time: Volunteer abroad in Western Europe

Volunteer Abroad in Africa

Dont know where to Volunteer? Consider Volunteering abroad in Africa.

Volunteering abroad can be an incredible experience. Not only do you get to explore foreign lands, but you’ll also be able to connect with locals and really immerse yourself in the local culture. One of the toughest choices you’ll have to make is where to go. Obviously, anywhere you choose to go will appreciate the help you are offering, so don’t stress too much about your decision. Think about where you will be able to help most, and where you’re help is really needed.

One popular choice is to volunteer abroad in Africa. There many different types of volunteer programs available, in many different areas. Basically any skill you can contribute can be used somewhere in Africa.

Volunteering in Africa (www.volunteeringinafrica.org) is an organization offering information on volunteer programs in Africa and specifically unpaid internships in Ghana. According to their website, their Ghana placements include, “volunteering at orphanages and with street children, HIV/AIDS education, schools, health care, conservation, Churches and Christian Religion and computer training projects, Media and Journalism, Law, Sports, marketing, interior design and many others.” So you can see that anyone can lend their skills and find somewhere to volunteer in Africa.

Another Website is Volunteer Africa (www.volunteerafrica.org). Volunteer Africa recruits volunteers via their website. According to their website, they offer volunteers the opportunity to work “alongside villagers building projects they have initiated themselves such as the construction of village dispensaries (health centres), school classrooms, pit latrines and staff houses for teachers and medical staff.” They also offer work in education and childcare.
Of course there are many other websites and many other places to volunteer in Africa. Check out the Volunteer Abroad section of Student Traveler for some ideas.

Next Week: Volunteer Abroad in Asia

Volunteer Abroad

So you’ve decided to take those two weeks of vacation time and use them for good instead of evil – you decided to volunteer abroad. The last time I had paid vacation, I started at a bar with a shot of whisky and woke up two weeks later in a bathtub full of ice in a Tijuana motel with my spleen removed. Best. Vacation. Ever.

But okay Mother Theresa, You’ve got morals, and ethics,and you already donated your spleen to science. You’re going to turn your vacation into an experience volunteering abroad – and we respect that. As a matter of fact, we applaud it!

A lot of the time you actually have to pay to do these Volunteer abroad programs. Most volunteer programs will provide housing, food, and often training; costs that can certainly add up. Saving money and seeking donations can help you to have an enjoyable charitable experience that can last for up to a year or more, and you’ll get some valuable training out the deal. Remember: you’re doing this to help people, it’s not a vacation. (plan on returning with your spleen intact.)

When volunteering in war-torn or poverty-stricken areas, you can’t expect miracles. You will likely be helping out with tedious tasks, but every little bit helps. Try not to be negative and instead focus on the little things and be patient. Even if you don’t see an initial impact, think of the individual people you are helping – they’re sure to be thankful for you.

No matter where you end up volunteering, remember that your volunteer abroad experience is meant to be just that – an experience. So make the most out of your time overseas (or wherever you volunteer). Befriend the locals, explore the area, and have fun while lending a helping hand.