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 fifth tip. If you are thinking about participating in a United Planet Quest or are about to embark on your volunteer experience, read on!
Tip #5: Don’t hide behind your camera
Undoubtedly, you will want to take a lot of pictures on your volunteer abroad trip – and this is a great idea. Photographs allow you to preserve your favorite memories of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and share your experiences with others when you return. However, don’t let documenting your adventure get in the way of actually experiencing it. As your volunteer trip progresses, you will learn how to create a balance between capturing your memories on camera or in writing, and making sure you are fully participating in the culture and forging strong bonds with the surrounding community.
If you are having trouble feeling at home in your host country, don’t worry – it is intimidating to be uprooted from what you know. When you’re feeling displaced it is important to try to engage yourself, rather than simply observing. Think of a list of questions you can ask your host family, and start a conversation! What have you always wanted to know about your host culture? What is their favorite nearby activity? And don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. United Planet alumni have mentioned that they felt uncomfortable sharing too much about their lives in America at first, but came to realize that people in their host country really were interested to hear it! Honest conversation is a key component to cross-cultural understanding, and promotes friendships that you will remember for a long time to come.
Of course, don’t abandon your camera completely. You can even use it for more than just personal documentation! United Planet alumna Elizabeth Bair-Shockney, who volunteered on a Quest to Cambodia, remembers, “I brought my portable printer on the trip, so I was able to print [my] pictures and give them to all of the children. They seemed to enjoy having pictures of themselves, and I loved doing it. I took nearly 100 pictures for them, so my trip was a success.” Elizabeth was able to incorporate her photography into her host community in a way that enriched the children’s lives.
Just remember that your camera can certainly enhance your trip, but it can also prevent you from making connections with people if your face is constantly behind it. United Planet Quest alumni recommend using it in moderation!
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
Tip #4: Pack lightly
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.
