You are a dynamic person that is eager to give something back. But you are still not convinced that volunteer work abroad is the right thing to do for you and you are searching for that last ‘push’ that tells you why you should volunteer abroad. Well, the following text is a guide through the positive aspects of working voluntarily. Maybe this is just what you need to make up your mind.

First of all there is the fact that during the financial crisis, there is a hard competition on the job market. Adding on your CV that you worked as a volunteer, can just be the tipping point in your advantage. It shows that you are dynamic, adventurous, generous and that you have a good morality. It can be a way of standing out from your competitors.

Another advantage is that during the volunteer program, you meet new people from all around the world with different points of view and different qualities. You will be able to learn a lot from them and you expand your international professional network which is very important in the modern world we live in considering the expanding globalisation.

Furthermore, it gives you a feeling of self-satisfaction, you are helping a local community in need and become a part of their culture and daily life, you see things that no one else will ever see, you learn new skills, do things that you never thought you were capable of doing and you will learn much about yourself.

In conclusion, working as a volunteer enriches both your personal and professional life in a way you could never imagine.

Global Vision International (GVI) is a non-political organisation which provides over 2500 participants all over the world the opportunity to go on a volunteer program, international training courses and ethical internships for a year.

The organisation was founded in 1998, in order to support international charities, non-profits and governmental agencies by offering safe and responsible volunteering programs, internships, training and direct funding. Furthermore, GVI has alliances with over 150 project partners in over 40 countries so you can volunteer in the field of environmental research, conservation, education and community development.

The trips can last from one week to one year and you can execute volunteer work in Africa and Latin America by volunteering in different ways from marine conservation to wildlife research expeditions as a member of an international team. You also can combine two programs so you can volunteer and take part in adventure activities in different countries. Another significant offer is the family volunteering programs whit which you can volunteer overseas as a family. It is a new way of experiencing a rewarding holiday for everyone involved. Furthermore, you can see unique destinations, experience new cultures and see parts of the world of which your children will learn things that they will never learn in school.

Global Vision International is a good and safe way to spend your volunteer work abroad. The organisation has a professional group of staff people who know what they are doing.

Volunteer Eco Students Abroad (VESA) is one of the many volunteer organisations in the world. So why should students choose for this particular one as a volunteer program?

Well, VESA is a unique volunteer organization which provides students and other open-minded people to go into a country and become a meaningful part of the community as a volunteer abroad, combined with adventure tourism. The program provides a balance between helping the less fortunate through volunteering and an adventurous trip by exploring a new country.

The program focuses on volunteer work in Fiji and Ecuador. You can help villages provide fresh water, restore local school equipment, teach English to primary school children, … in a program that is worked out for you day by day.

The 14 day program costs 1995 dollars and you can subscribe online or give a call to +1 310 734 8412. All the VESA programs are accompanied by staff members who are bilingual and familiar with the habits of the people in Ecuador and Fiji. Furthermore, all the local guides speak fluent English. You can make a difference while enjoying beautiful parts of the world as an international volunteer.

Of course there are many good organisations for volunteer work abroad. But I consider this organisation as a good one which offers programs with a nice balance between volunteers work and cultural tripping. You can enjoy new experiences in some of the world’s nicest countries while knowing that you are a meaningful help for the local communities.

‘Voluntour’ trips give the opportunity to people in feeling satisfied by offering them volunteer vacations all over the world. There are hundreds of trips where people can go to be part of a community and experience a different culture but still having the feeling of a vacation.

These trips are usually traditional travel trips combined with volunteer working. You can participate for 3 weeks or longer and choose activities like teaching English, help the healthcare services, work in a wildlife conservation,…The trips are really getting to win popularity and more people take their children with them.

Currently 10% of gap adventures are voluntour trips. travelers are getting more and more interested in the matter and there is a big rise of new possibilities for these trips in 2010. We all want to give something back, and the voluntour trips are just a great opportunity in doing so.
If you are interested in going on a voluntour trip, maybe you can contact Globalvolunteers.org, Amizade.org, Volunteersforpeace.org or Projectsabroad.org. And feel good about your vacation.