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 ninth tip. If you are thinking about participating in a United Planet Quest or are about to embark on your volunteer experience, read on!
Tip #9: Talk to the locals
United Planet’s mission is to build a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. What better way to promote this outcome than by sharing stories, tales, wisdom, and advice between cultures on a personal, one-on-one level? Most United Planet volunteers return from their trips talking about the vitality and hospitality of the people in their host community, and hoping to maintain the relationships they formed while abroad. While you may be traveling abroad to volunteer or sight-see, don’t underestimate the power of forming personal connections with people of different backgrounds and walks of life.
Going out of your way to have conversations with people you’ve never met and who might not even speak the same language as you can be very challenging! Don’t get discouraged if you have trouble communicating with people. Make sure you know a few key phrases in your host country’s language before leaving for your trip, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone. If you are uncomfortable talking to unfamiliar people, start out by talking to your host family. They will be happy to learn more about you and explain local customs and traditions. They might even be able to introduce you to other people in the community who would be interested in getting to know you better.
It might also feel strange to talk about your life in America while in a community that is so different from what you are used to, especially if you are visiting a rural or undeveloped area. Nicola Berman, who volunteered abroad in Ghana, remembers, “I never wanted to talk too much about my life because I felt guilty. However, as time went on I learned that people genuinely did want to hear about where I was from, just as I wanted to learn about them and their families and cultures.” While you may be uncomfortable talking about your different style of living, remember that just as you can learn a lot from those in your host culture, they can also learn a lot from you! One of the main benefits of volunteering abroad is that it creates conversation and understanding between people who come from vastly different backgrounds.
A volunteer abroad trip is a perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone in different ways. The people you meet and the values they espouse may very well change your outlook on life! Though your volunteer work is important, the relationships you form with the local community are what you will likely look back upon with a smile. As United Planet volunteer Caitlin Dollimore noted, “It was the people I met along the way that made my experience.”
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
Tune back in next week for our final Volunteer Abroad Tip, and visit our website if you are interested in volunteering abroad!
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.
