Happy New Year, everyone! As inspired volunteers and readers who, for the past year, are “faithfully” reading and updating our sites, we would like to extend our deep gratitude! For years, we have provided you with great information related to volunteer work abroad and other things that pertains to volunteerism. We have posted essential articles and blogs about international volunteering and its benefits, what volunteer work abroad is all about, varieties of volunteerism in kinds, destinations, and news, tips in making volunteering the most essential way of developing one’s personality and career, purpose of volunteering, and a whole lot more!

You must have learned lots of things especially if you daily update yourself with our articles. That is why, as we welcome 2012 this year, we would like to extend our deep gratitude to you who visits our site, read our posts, comments to our blog, and expresses insights about what the article writes about. Your frequent visitation really meant a lot to us, not just for the sake of visiting the site. The main reason also why we continue to update posts and articles from day to day are because of you. Readers like you are our main reason why we provide you with wholesome insights about volunteerism abroad.

Since we were inspired to write helpful and decent articles for you, this New Year 2012, we’re going to even inspire you more with the latest updates, freshest news, most recent work destinations, newest volunteer abroad programs, ideas, and travel preparations, and all kinds. We will try our best to complete and satisfy your requirements and provide you the information that you need concerning volunteer work abroad. We greatly assure you that as you continue to become open minded and receive the things we post in this blog site; you will become more inspired to volunteer as you allow yourself to participate in volunteerism. This job, if we could call it, is not for everyone. So if you consider yourself an inspired volunteer, you will become one. Let this blog site serve as an inspiration to you.

December 17, 2011. One of the most devastating events that occurred before this year 2011 ends was when some cities in the Philippines were greatly damaged by an unusual typhoon. In just short hours, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, and Dumaguete City experienced a heart-pounding experience witnessing such destruction that typhoon Sendong has done to them. Massive deaths, homelessness, devastation, and even loss of loved ones were all experienced by the people who lived in these cities. It was not a very welcoming incident to celebrate Christmas at that time.

This was then the time when volunteer programs were implemented by various sects, organizations, and government offices were taken action. Even various countries from all over the world responded quickly in giving relief goods and financial assistance to those cities that were greatly damaged. Volunteers from various schools, both young and old alike stood up and help those who were stricken with the typhoon.

Since the most basic need the people particularly in Cagayan de Oro is drinking and rinsing water, various businesses, fire trucks, convenient stores, water purifier companies, and different organizations responded desperately to at least, provide water for those who are in need. Purified waters from different places in the Philippines were sent to the damaged cities to give relief and assistance. Other basic needs like food, clothing, medicine, and even workshops for children were provided to make life count. Surely, it was not a very easy thing to say that these cities that were impaired by the typhoon cannot say that they have risen up that quickly. Nonetheless, the optimistic side of this incident is that people immediately responded to give such needs and render their selves to become volunteers.

Such incident is actually one of the events that occurred that relate to people who volunteer. Such incident is still present now. If you may be interested, you may go to this country and volunteer abroad for free, or you may also give assistance depending on what you have in you right now. This is not the time to think only about yourself. Sometimes, you need to get involved to participate in this mandate because people like you are needed in such desperate times.

No matter where you are, whether you are in the most comfortable place in Europe or in the United States, if there’s a need, there is a call. Think about it.

“When the purpose of service and volunteerism is to strengthen democratic participation and community empowerment, volunteerism can be wholly beneficial. As Ivan Illich once observed about international volunteerism, “[Volunteers] frequently wind up alleviating the damage done by money and weapons…” When conducted as part of a deliberately revelatory cycle, volunteerism can become a process for empowerment, as long as it is not at the expense of others’ self-determination.”

Knowing the purpose why you chose or get compelled to participate in volunteering work abroad will actually get you stay longer in that volunteering stage. If you have no purpose why you do such things, you will end up not pursuing the learning at all and eventually give it up.

Understanding the purpose why you pursue a voluntary work abroad will make you to the volunteer work on the go. Your interests may be your start engine, but the purpose will serve as your gasoline to keep going. Time will come when you will encounter mediocrity as you work along the process. Your purpose will serve as your reminder. It will remind you why you took volunteering on the first place.

So what really is your voluntary purpose? Are these things detailed below your reason why you chose to volunteer?

• Experience
• Examination
• Exploration
• Service
• Assistance
• Give unmerited favor

So every time tediousness knocks you down, always remind yourself of your purpose. This purpose of yours will not only serve as your reminder, but it will even be your aim why you took this program on the first place.

Yes, it’s Christmas season! Have you thought of the many things you might want to buy as gift lists? If you are very particular with what kind of gift you might want to give for those who are traveling to work abroad, here are three of the most common gifts you might want to take fore considerations.

Backpacks

Volunteering abroad involves lots of traveling, that’s why backpacks will not only serve as the most practical gifts this Christmas season but it will also give you additional options for gifts to be given.

A backpack should be secure, stylish enough, and very strong. It should also be roomy, ergonomic, air conditioned, well padded, water resistant, should have laptop ports, sound ports, and a waist strap. There are various brands you can choose when it comes to backpacks. Its price may range from 150 to 200 dollars.

Travel Shoes and Socks

Having high heels when you volunteer abroad doesn’t make practical gift given. So for those who volunteer, aside from backpacks, travel shoes and socks are some of the most useful gifts you might want to give.

Always make sure that these travel shoes and socks are comfortable, durable, waterproof, not too heavy, has good treads, has lace hooks and soft soles. Aside from the shoes, perhaps flip flops are other options. These are good during shower, bathrooms and hot days. And about the socks, it should be warm, cushy, cool and comfy. You can find lots of brands in your local store, and you are pretty sure which the recommendable ones are.

Cameras

Oh, this is one of the most sophisticated choices for a gift but pretty sure, it serves well especially when it can really relate to travel and volunteering. Besides, these cameras are useful for volunteers when they want to make documentaries during their journey.

When you want and is interested with cameras, always take consider its quality. Good cameras have a good megapixel count, image quality, shutter speed, great LCD screens, ergonomic and style. Canon is one of the brands we can name of, inclusing Sony, Nikkon, Samsung, and even Kodak. The price varies with the brand and a number of other factors.

It’s so sad how social media sites seem to become a medium of letting people visibly abusing animal rights and privileges. These animals may not be that fortunate compared to humans, but like us, they also need love and affection. How sadists post their videos and photos in Facebook and Twitter that they hang their pets on the wall or force them to stand and get beaten when these pets failed to do so makes me get compelled that indeed, animals need protectors that will fight for their rights as living creatures in this world—as well.

This is then where animal volunteering takes place. It’s not easy to deal with them, especially when you hate their smelly stool, their scattered urine, their barbaric nature, and even their smell as well. But if you personally have a passion to cater and take care of these animals, you wouldn’t mind these things at all. Everything will just flow smoothly as you do your work.

There are actually various ways to work with these animals, especially when you’re working abroad. Activities done in animal volunteering covers the following tasks:

• Dog walking and kennel duties
• Looking after injured animals
• Working at local community farms
• Monitoring local wildlife
• Working with stray and feral cats
• Helping out at the local zoo

To work abroad as you deal with your volunteering opportunities through animal care is really a noble thing to do. There are various kinds of animals—and even pets, whether domestic or not, all these need special attention. Cats, dog, fishes, common birds, and other domestic animals need to be fed, groomed, spent quality time with, and loved. If you show affection to them, they will eventually respond to your care. You see how movies have proved such loyalty, right? We don’t need to have a very smart mind to understand these all.

That’s why if animals are your passion while at the same time you are also willing to go volunteering abroad, choose this kind of voluntary work. It will honestly not hurt you or your budget at all. In fact, it will even teach you to love what nature has bestowed to us and to become faithful stewards of what it has given to us.

I personally salute those people who chose to be a volunteer abroad for free. It’s not easy to make such decisions, you know. Investing your time, money, and effort without having financial compensations is somewhat difficult. Waking up in the morning, sleeping late at night, get troubled with the circumstances your people is encountering—those are things that can actually be chosen to be put aside.

But you chose to stay there. Is it because this is what you really wanted on the first place? You must have been very passionate in doing the things you are greatly interested at and you do not necessarily expect something in return. Honestly, such trait is needed for those organizations that have the heart to render genuine assistance. If you are inclined at medical careers, volunteer programs are the best options not just to give you the experience that you needed, but the experiences needy people require from.

Programs intended for volunteerism related to your medical career are very helpful not just for you but for the person you will render your time for. Hospitals, clinics, health centers, and even home treatment centers need the most of manpower to give further assistance to various health issues. You know how important the health of a person can be, and it’s also the same as your heart to volunteer as well.

So when you are looking for various volunteer programs available online, here are some offered by volunteer abroad organizers:

• Medical / Dental Healthcare in Peru
• Ecuador Helthcare Medical Nurse Dental Missions
• Medical / Dental Healthcare in Honduras
• Guatemala Healthcare Program
• Zambia Dental Program
• Medical / Healthcare Mission in Kenya
• Medical / Healthcare Mission in Ghana
• Medical / Healthcare Mission in Tanzania

I hope you can choose the right destination for you to volunteer. Enjoy the essence of volunteering abroad!

Have you considered volunteering as an option you might want to take? What could be your reason behind it? Well, whatever your reason may be, people do volunteer because they basically have a reason. They don’t just volunteer for nothing; that’s a clear fact. We may call it genuine act of kindness or just volunteering because you have nothing to do, that would be a lie.

People volunteer because they have reasons. And for other volunteer options, they want to go outside their country and go for volunteering abroad. They could name lots of reasons like desire to learn new skills, want to have fun for some time, make a difference, or even get completely devoted to a certain cause.

So what could be your reasons why you choose to volunteer abroad? Are your reasons enlisted below just as we supposed? Here are the lists.

• To give something back

One of the more obvious reasons why people volunteer is because they find something they are passionate about and want to do something good for others. Most people who volunteer in their common communities often have personal attachment to make that a better place for them and for other people. Wrapping up everything, they just want to do good things for the sake of others. Call it whatever you want, but there are people who has such hearts; that’s why volunteering was created on the first place.

• Avail unique opportunities

These unique opportunities cover the possibilities of working in conservation projects and other community extension programs. Tourists are limited to view or even give donations, but for volunteers, they could get to have the chance to work in those programs and get in touch with their projects for real. Take conservation projects for example. Volunteers can go from place to place and help animals and other wildlife be conserved as helpful as possible.

Other reasons also include the following:

• View a Culture from the Inside
• Personal Growth
• Personal Benefit
• A Sense of Accomplishment
• Recognition and Feedback
• Learn New Things
• Friendship and Belonging
• Skills and Experience
• Learning a Foreign Language
• To Get a Job
• To Have Fun

So, which among these reasons are your personal reasons of volunteering? Care to share your purpose and why you have such.

You must have been interested in taking volunteer work abroad as an option lately. If your desire is to render unmerited service with a goal of helping those who are in need, then volunteerism is the right option for you. Let me tell you that this assignment is not for everybody. Not for everybody in a sense that not everyone is interested with it. Most people think it would do them nothing in return. They’re just wasting their time and even money for nothing they can gain of. But since you have a helpful and sincere heart, this option might be the very option for you. This is the best way to show your concern to other people, especially those who are in desperate need.

Speaking of voluntary work, there are kinds of variety in it. In fact, there are various volunteer opportunities that might get you interested. In choosing these kinds, you may consider the following self-evaluation questions:

• Do you enjoy working in a large group or in a smaller social setting?
• How would you rate your level of patience?
• Do you have strong personal skills or is your strength more in laborious work?
• Are your language skills strong enough to handle serious topics such as abuse, alcoholism, abandonment, etc.?
• Does the type of volunteer work you want to do coincide with your professional goals?
• How do you want to contribute to the project, what do you want to give and finally, what do you hope to gain?

Some people prefer charity work abroad. This is typically implemented by the country’s local government but it could also be done by private sectors. Some choose voluntary works in the clinics and schools, or building a home. Others practice sustainable agriculture. Some are protecting endangered species and fight for animal conservations and rights. To some who wants general volunteer options, they allow themselves to participate in church-related activities.

Have you thought of what kind of volunteer work you might get interested in doing? Actually, no matter what kind it may be, as long as you have the will and the decision, that well enough already. Besides, the heart of a volunteer is not choosy in selecting the kind of work he or she might get interested with. No matter what work it may be, he or she will always respond to that need.

Just as the typical old song we used to hear during the Yuletide Season, we have been encouraged to “give love on Christmas Day”. Giving love may be in a form of giving gifts since this is the most common gesture people have been practicing. Gifts may be in a form of material things, which is also another common thing to do wrap on beautiful wrappers. Usually, kids are the ones who enjoy this gift giving experience. But for those who can render gifts prior to what wrap in Christmas wrappers, the other thing you could give during this season is your time and effort.

Not everyone may have the money spent to buy gifts, but definitely, all the people can render their time as gifts. This is then volunteering takes place. If you are looking forward to make a difference on this annual celebration, you may want to voluntary work abroad during Christmas Season.

Yes, there are lots of things you can do for Christmas. In fact, since there are so many things to do, volunteerism is highly needed and appreciated. This is the perfect time to render yourself along with your effort and time.

Foundations and charitable works need volunteers who are willing to give their time and effort in packing up relief goods and gifts for children in the orphanages. Some are having concerts, performances, and stage presentations for a cause and manpower is greatly needed for this mandate. Others are in need of catering various indigenous people to have a special feeding program for those illegitimate people across the globe. I know these things are not new to you. Whether you work abroad or stay in your locality, as long as you render yourself for the benefit of others, this is the best Christmas gift you can give to them.

There is a certain note in Facebook that needs volunteerism. Perhaps you are interested. Here is the post:

“Hello everyone,

We are currently seeking volunteers for our Christmas Camp in Bragg Creek, AB. We ask that volunteers commit to the full duration of the training and camp, arriving at camp on December 22 at 4pm for training and staying through until December 26 at 11am once campers have departed. However, we realize that not everyone can commit to the full time, so special arrangements can be made.

Volunteer benefits include room and board for the duration of the camp. Additionally, the camp provides a festive atmosphere and a great group of people to spend the holidays with.

If you have any special skills, like baking, music or arts & crafts, please let us know if you’d like to share these with our campers. We have lots of camper sessions that can be filled with creative activity ideas.

All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application form and provide a current police record check and intervention record check (formerly child welfare check). All volunteers will receive a camp orientation as well as volunteer training.”