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 last tip. If you are thinking about participating in a United Planet Quest or are about to embark on your volunteer experience, read on!
Tip #10: Have an open heart and mind
Many of our previous tips for volunteering abroad dealt with practical matters – packing the proper supplies, learning information about your host country, or preparing for emergencies. However, perhaps the most important things to bring with you on your volunteer abroad trip are an open heart and an open mind. We think United Planet alumni can speak to this matter better than anyone, so we will leave you with some of their words of wisdom.
Lilyanne Nguyen, who spent four weeks in Nepal volunteering at an orphanage, advises:
“Go in with open heart and mind. In the beginning I struggled. I needed to remind myself this was my decision—I made it on my own—I had to just tell myself what I’m doing is for a purpose and I need to embrace it and live in the moment. Remember: Stay humble and give back. You never know when you’re changing someone’s life, or saving it.”
Carrie Schramm, who also volunteered abroad in Nepal, had this to say about immersing yourself in another culture:
“Living in Nepal helped me to find myself and discover who I want to be back in America. My life has changed because of the students I met and the teachers I met. Life is about who you meet and how you respond to them… I would encourage anyone to travel and learn about other cultures. But most of all, travel and learn about yourself.”
Sydney Yovic volunteered abroad on a Healthcare Quest in Chile. Her words emphasize the importance of opening yourself to new experiences while volunteering abroad and allowing yourself to learn from your surroundings:
“My short-term Quest to Santiago, Chile has undoubtedly changed the way I see not only myself, but the world in which we live. From the moment my plane landed, I was surrounded by incredibly warm and welcoming people who taught me more than I thought I could possibly learn in 2 short weeks. “
And in the words of Shannon Coyne, who traveled on an Education Quest to Ghana:
“…I think the importance of having an open heart and an open mind cannot be overemphasized. While in Ghana, I tried to take advantage of every opportunity to learn the local languages, get to know the villagers, and travel around the country. And no matter how exhausted or overwhelmed I felt, I was always rewarded with a new insight into Ghanaian culture, a friendly smile and a welcome from a new friend, or an undiscovered sight of a beautiful country. So be open, and feel free to discover whatever you can!”
Volunteering abroad in a culture so different from your own can be challenging. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, remember that you are participating in a once-in-a-lifetime journey! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, because you may not get a chance to do these things, or experience this culture, or meet these people again. So leave your expectations behind you, and open your heart. You’ll be glad you did.
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
Tip #5: Don’t hide behind your camera
Tip #6: Know emergency procedures
Tip#7: Pack proper clothing
Tip #8: Pack a small first aid kit
Tip #9: Talk to the locals
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.
