Switch it up this winter break. Escape the endless downtime and dreary weather and get out of the country! Sounds a little extreme, but volunteering abroad can help you make the most of the short amount of time you have over break. It’s great for a number of reasons, but here’s five to get you started!
It’s simply good for you…
And for everyone around you. Volunteering allows you to feel better about yourself while helping others. Research shows that volunteering actually improves our health, leading to lower stress levels, greater functional ability and strengthening of the immune system. If those aren’t reasons to be happy then just think of the friends you’ll be making and the smiles you’ll share together. A little help goes a long way, especially when you’re the one helping out!
You gain professional experience…
And jump-start your career. Or perhaps you’re not sure what the future holds and want to explore your interests. Either way, its a resume builder! Colleges and employers are always looking for candidates who give back to their communities. You also have the chance to network with others and possibly earn school credit. In addition, the hands-on work is a great way to learn new skills and pick something up that isn’t taught in school!
You meet new people…
And have some really meaningful conversations. One of the best things about volunteering abroad is the people you’ll meet! As you visit different places, you’ll hear personal stories that can really inspire you. You may find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals, all there to do good, but who all come from different walks of life. Share your story as you help one another. You’ll get to know each other and by the time you leave, you’ll find yourself with friends across the globe!
You have a lot of fun…
And get off the couch! Are you really trying to watch a TV marathon this break? Disconnect and get off the grid for awhile, you may be surprised by how relieved you feel. Without technology, all of your time will suddenly be full of activities! So many volunteer opportunities are just good fun, upbeat ways to spend your time. Have exciting experiences, instead of sitting around bored with little or nothing to do.
You learn about yourself…
And others. Traveling abroad and immersing oneself in a foreign culture is an exciting adventure! Its a situation that lends you the opportunity to really come into yourself as an individual and perhaps even as a leader. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore and try new things. Every day you’ll learn more about yourself and those around you through volunteering.
Altogether, volunteering is a great experience. It will give you the opportunity to learn about yourself, to learn about others, to build new relationships, and learn about a completely different culture. Whatever your reason for volunteering, someone’s quality of life is benefiting. Make the most of your time off this winter break and volunteer with United Planet!
Many of the United Planet Short-term Quest locations and projects are open during December and January. For winter break, we’ve preselected programs that will allow you to make the most of your time in either Europe, Latin America, Asia or Africa! Look through our projects and choose from a number of options. Need a little more inspiration? Check out our Top 3 Winter Break Quest Destinations! Questions? Contact a Quest coordinator at any time for help!
Enroll in any Winter Break Quest by August 31st, 2013 and receive $100 off!
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.
