What is a Quest?

1quest
noun \’kwest\
: a journey made in search of something
: a long and difficult effort to find or do something

By definition, a quest is an extensive, arduous journey in search of something, whatever that “thing” may be. In some cases, that unknown factor may only be discovered when the quest is completed.

Why would a volunteer trip oversees be coined a “Quest” instead of a trip or vacation? What is it that volunteers are searching for both knowingly and unknowingly?

Volunteers go into a program with high hopes that their skills and hard work will positively and effectively impact the community of their choosing, whether they are working with children at orphanages in Romania or helping to better the environment in Costa Rica. Volunteers want to see results and know that their time spent in their host country had a purpose. Yet what most volunteers do not understand prior to volunteering abroad is that they personally receive just as much out of the trip as those to whom they are lending a helping hand.

By going on a Quest with United Planet, volunteers learn more than they could have ever expected. The hard work sacrificed in helping others and rebuilding communities is reciprocated by allowing the volunteer to become fully immersed in a foreign culture and in-turn broadening their global perspectives. Volunteers have the opportunity to forge lasting relationships with people from such different backgrounds, a truly eye opening experience giving them insight into the lives of those worlds away from home.

One of those “things” volunteers find upon returning home from a Quest is, unexpectedly, themselves. Volunteers realize, in the grand scheme of things what is important to them in life and they learn to appreciate all that they have. Volunteering abroad allows participants to grow and become more open minded, well-rounded, empathetic people.

United Planet offers Quests in over 40 countries ranging from one week to 52 weeks in length. Short-Term Quests range from 1-12 weeks and are perfect for summer vacations, week-long spring breaks or anything in-between. Long-Term Quests, ranging from 6-12 months, are perfect for those interested in taking a gap year between high school and college and also for some experience prior to entering graduate school or the job market. Whether you’re interested in childcare, teaching, healthcare, environmental work or helping animals, United Planet provides Quests in which all of the above are accessible.