Last week we posted a graphic that highlighted the top ten tips for volunteering abroad, after compiling advice from our United Planet Quest alumni. We’re back this week to elaborate on our first tip. If you are thinking about participating in a United Planet Quest or are about to embark on your volunteer experience, read on!
Tip #1: Research the Language
Virtually all United Planet volunteers agree that it helps to know a little bit of the language of your Quest country when volunteering. Although you will attend language classes during your United Planet Quest, it never hurts to prepare a little extra before you depart on your trip. Even knowing just a few key phrases of your Quest country’s language will help you immensely and make you feel more comfortable.
If you’re unsure about how to start researching a foreign language, try to think of situations you might encounter on your Quest and look up phrases you might need to use on a daily basis. For example:
- “What is your name?”
- “My name is [blank].”
- “How do I get to [location]?”
- “How much does [blank] cost?”
and of course,
- “Hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” and “thank you.”
If you are working in a specific field on your Quest, such as healthcare or construction, you may also want to look up a list of terms related to your field. You will be ahead of the game when you arrive in your country!
There are plenty of websites that contain lists of useful phrases in many different languages, including:
- www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/
- omniglot.com/language/phrases/index.htm
Some of these sites even offer downloadable .mp3 recordings of key phrases so you can practice imitating the pronunciations. Even simply hearing the language out loud before leaving on your Quest might make you feel more comfortable when you arrive at your destination.
Remember, if you are volunteering on a short-term Quest, more than likely you won’t be able to master the language completely in the time you are abroad. Don’t be discouraged if you are having trouble communicating! Most people will be happy to help you understand the language, and you can exercise your creativity by coming up with unique ways to communicate with native speakers. Also, don’t be afraid to ask people to speak more slowly if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Hilary Hampton, a United Planet volunteer who traveled to Tanzania, summed up her experience with a language barrier in Tanzania perfectly. She said, “It was pretty hard because you’re just thrown into the culture…but in a lot of ways, it’s good because you have to get creative with the way you talk to each other and you have to learn to be patient.”
Communicating in a foreign language is a huge challenge. But our volunteers agree that it is also a fun and enriching experience that can help you form strong bonds with people all over the world.
Tune back in next week for our next Volunteer Abroad Tip, and visit our website if you are interested in volunteering abroad!
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
