In life, there are so many opportunities to travel abroad. You can go for a vacation, work, school, but one way that I think is super cool and important is traveling by volunteering abroad. In other countries, they do not have access to the everyday things we utilize in the US. Volunteers help these other countries greatly and can really help make a difference. If helping those less fortunate doesn't get you right away here are some other reasons why you should volunteer abroad.
1. You get to travel
Volunteering abroad is different than just volunteering in the US because you get to travel and can see some really cool places. I guarantee going to another country to volunteer is a lot more fun than spending breaks off school volunteering at a local charity.
2. Leadership development
Some international volunteer programs really focus on leadership development where you help run programs to help with the world's most pressing issues. Why not help people and get amazing resume experience?!
3. Impact
While any volunteering experience will make some level of impact volunteering in developing countries can make a huge impact in the lives of the people who live there. Imagine helping give people access to the internet, clean drinking water, or education? That's not something you get to do every day here in the US.
4. You get to experience another culture
One of the best parts about going abroad is getting to learn and experience the culture of the country you are in. After a hard days work, imagine all the fun you will have trying new food, learning about traditions, and maybe even learning some dance moves of the country you are in!
5. It will be an experience that changes your life
From my personal experiences and the talks I have had with other return volunteers, I can tell you that volunteering abroad will change your life in ways you never imagined it could. Each person is impacted in a different way but I can promise you it is an experience you will never forget or regret once you see all the ways your experience has changed your own life.
After considering these ideas where are some places you would like to volunteer abroad?