How Volunteering Changed My Life

Volunteering is a chance to break out of your routine and explore new things. It can open your eyes to different cultures and people. You might find yourself volunteering at an animal shelter showering furry friends with love and care, or maybe you’ll tutor kids and discover a hidden talent for teaching. Volunteering is a great way to unearth passions and skills you never knew you possessed!

But how exactly can volunteering change your life? Let’s explore the impact of volunteer programs through the stories of volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to making a difference.

Developing Skills

Volunteering is often a journey of personal discovery, where new skills are acquired. Imagine yourself teaching English to children in a rural village, honing your communication and patience. You could also assist in school improvement projects, developing leadership and problem-solving skills, or participate in conservation efforts, gaining experience in teamwork and data collection. No matter the cause, volunteering offers a chance to learn and grow in unexpected ways.

“This internship allowed me to help an organization that aims to help women and children and I was able to gain marketing skills by making pages for the organization on social media and sharing the fundraising link.” (Bridget G. A virtual volunteer in Mali)

Another volunteer, mentions:

“Being a virtual volunteer has given me opportunities I never had before. Aside from being able to interact with people from abroad and to create relationships with them, I was able to express my passion through my work… Additionally, I have gained and honed in on essential skills from this experience, one of which is teaching children. I have learned about the importance of civic engagement and educational and professional competence.” (Ethel G. Virtual Volunteer, South Africa)

Cultural Immersion and Adaptability

Volunteering takes you outside the usual tourist areas, placing you in real-life situations of the locals. You experience their culture firsthand, not a curated version for visitors. You might encounter situations where you need to be resourceful and solve problems with limited resources or unfamiliar methods, making you adaptable.

“The culture in Ecuador is really different from the one in the U.S. That in itself is a lesson that I will never forget. No matter what problem I will be facing, it will not compare to the kid that has to wake up possibly every morning in order to buy himself a candy he wants or maybe even help his parents to put food on the table. Witnessing these cultural differences has made me aware of the culture here. It seems to me that many (not all) individuals here in the United States can never be content with what they have and I have been guilty of that.” (Ivan O. Volunteer Abroad in Peru)

“I had a great time in Changsha, China! Living with the local people was very enriching because it was different from where I live. I’ve learned lots of things in those three weeks. Not only how to teach or stand in front of a class of a minimum of fifty children. I also learned about Chinese culture, the local (spicy) food, and of course the beautiful (but oh so difficult) language.” (Joyce, Volunteer Abroad in China with United Planet)

“I enjoyed learning about Ghanaian culture and history. I enjoyed being exposed to the differences in healthcare between Ghana and Canada. Yet it was hard to accept the lack of resources. It made it difficult to be optimistic and made me feel a little hopeless. Seeing people in poverty, I could not help but feel like there was not much I could do as an individual. But I also learned to look on the brighter side of things and be appreciative of what you have.” (Eden C. A volunteer abroad in Ghana)

Gain a New Perspective

Participating in a volunteer experience abroad offers you the chance to engage with diverse cultures and customs, while also enabling you to explore different worldviews. Immersing yourself in these new perspectives helps you become a global citizen.

“If there is one thing that I have taken away from this experience, it is to be thankful for what I have and the life I live… It was a reality check. So many of those children are put to work to help provide for their families or are put in charge of their younger siblings when they themselves are too young to be unsupervised. Despite not having a “typical” childhood and having so little, they were some of the happiest children I have ever seen.” (Krista P. A volunteer abroad in Peru)

“This program really made me think about how many things I take for granted and it made me humble myself even more than before. This program changes you completely, whether it is emotionally, physically or mentally, it can even be all three. Once you go, you can’t be the same person you once were before the trip.” (Esther S. Volunteer Abroad in the USA)

Build Meaningful Connections

Volunteering abroad can be a great chance to meet people from every corner of the world. You’ll create connections with your fellow volunteers, the local community, and your host family. These relationships, which may last a lifetime, are imperative in making your experience unforgettable.

“The best parts about my quest were the relationships I made at my school. I grew very close with the other teachers and the students; it was hard to leave them! The food and culture was amazing, and I loved taking the weekends to explore.” (Kira T. Volunteer Abroad in Italy)

“The other girls staying at my host family will be friends that will last a lifetime, my host family was amazing and I made several other amazing friends. Not only did I work with some of the most amazing kids in the world, I also made such great relationships with the other volunteers that I met there. I can’t wait to go back and visit them” (Cassidy R. Volunteer Abroad in Peru)

Make a Difference

Volunteering abroad allows you to make a positive impact in the world. Whether you want to protect the lives of animals, play a part in the improvement of education, or provide health services to others, you’ll most certainly contribute to a significant change!

Emily Deacon, a student at the University of Otago, who volunteered in Tanzania to teach at a children’s hospital, reflects: “United Planet actively helped me achieve my dream of volunteering in Africa.” She took a moment to consider the positive impact she had made: “Ultimately, this trip…helped me feel like I was making a difference…by helping them understand school work which will help them in their future.”

“I left Ghana feeling like I had made an impact on people’s lives, not just for providing them with healthcare at my place of work, but also for sharing my experiences and living with them for a month. We both learned a great deal about the differences in culture, helping to break global boundaries and share similarities.” (Ian B. Volunteer Abroad in Ghana)

One smile at a time. Your volunteer adventure awaits with United Planet!

United Planet is a non-profit organization that provides volunteers with opportunities to work with communities in 40+ countries across continents. We aim to develop a global community by encouraging volunteers to create strong bonds with the local community that they serve. We provide many opportunities to volunteer, such as short-term, mid-term, and long-term programs. Volunteers can pick from a variety of project fields, such as children and education, global health, community development, women empowerment, and environmental sustainability. We strongly believe that these volunteering experiences are life-changing and will make volunteers more appreciative of different cultures from all over the world. What makes United Planet stand apart is its focus on cultural immersion and authentic volunteer experiences. Our volunteers are immersed in local communities to enable them to connect profoundly to people in a different culture. We also provide support for volunteers throughout their program with guidance and assistance from country coordinators and staff.

“The UP organization did their excellent research to find me an ideal project, especially since I am Deaf, and I am grateful that they placed me with the Disabled Service Association in Nepal to teach Deaf Nepalese children!” (Susana A. Volunteer Abroad in Nepal)