A few weeks ago, 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 the fourth tip. If you are thinking about participating in a United Planet Quest or are about to embark on your volunteer experience, read on!
Tip #4: Pack lightly
This tip is fairly self-explanatory – you don’t want to be carrying too much luggage with you halfway around the world! Not only is it expensive, but it will be unwieldy and hard to keep track of your belongings. Take at good look at your packing list before you go – if you’re not definitely going to use something, cross it off!
In terms of clothing, keep everything functional. Depending on your Quest, your volunteer work might not be kind to your clothing – pack items you don’t mind ruining. Prepare yourself to wear clothing for longer periods of time without doing laundry as well. It is a good idea to find out what the laundry situation is in your host country before embarking. If laundry is readily available, you probably won’t have to pack as much clothing. If not, bring items that you can wear multiple times.
Also take into account what types of amenities will be available to you during your trip. For example, if you won’t have access to traditional showers, you should only need to bring minimal shower supplies. If you won’t have an internet connection, your laptop might not be of much use to you.
In the end, try to pack lightly, but also smartly. You don’t want to pack more than you need, but you also don’t want to be caught unawares without something essential, such as your passport, emergency contact information, or perhaps a pocket translator. If you would like more tips, Volunteer Capital Centre and Working Abroad Magazine have published some helpful articles that give recommendations for packing the right materials on a volunteer abroad trip.
A big part of the volunteer experience is learning to live with fewer of the comforts you are used to at home. If you find yourself without something necessary while abroad, don’t panic! Instead, be creative. You’ll be surprised with what you can live without.
You can find previous Volunteer Abroad Tips here:
Tip #1: Research the language
Tip #2: Research the culture
Tip #3: Let go of your expectations
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.
