Have you ever thought about going abroad and volunteering for a good cause? Volunteering somewhere means that you spend more time than a tourist getting to know a specific area, the religion, the culture, and making a relationship with local people.
That’s why after 8 weeks of volunteering in Piombino, Italy, Shanda has learned a lot of skills, especially critical-listening and problem-solving.
These are words from Shanda:
At Crocevia dei Popoli, I was able to really integrate into the community of Piombino. Throughout my days of cooking with my housemates, working with interesting colleagues, exploring the small town and the towns outside of it, I got a glimpse into a whole different lifestyle that changed my world view. I learned a lot of skills in working with children at daycare, especially critical listening and problem-solving. I will take my new friendships and professional skills with me everywhere I go.
I had so many opportunities to be part of various elements of the culture. I was able to make many relationships, see and grow in a work environment, and had plenty of time to travel on the weekends.
As a volunteer, you never stop learning. Developing new skills, discovering new passions, and gaining new insights into the world around you are just some of the personal changes that an international volunteer experience can bring about in you.
Volunteering abroad can also mean learning about different communities, building a relationship with other people, as well as learning more about yourself.
If Shanda’s volunteering abroad has inspired you, then visit our volunteering programs in Italy for further inspiration!
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.
