Volunteer projects as a way of travelling for free
My first participation as a volunteer occurred in 2001 at the camp “Summit” as a counsellor. It was a global volunteer project “Camp Counselors USA”. International volunteering doesn’t totally mean “work for free”. As a rule, such programs totally finance travelling, insurance, accommodation, meals and daily expenses. Of course, the salary is not that high, but it is totally enough to live in that country.
What is really vast issue getting during this project is the experience which you will gain there. However, everything depends on the type of project. There are some easier ones for your spiritual world. In my mind, they are:
Au Pair — this is the program for volunteer nannies. It is an agency supporting the process of meeting au pairs and host families to meet. As a first step, you should is to register for free on www.aupairworld.com. After that, you will receive suggestions of matching profiles according to your personal search criteria, and will have an opportunity to send so-called standard messages on AuPairWorld to get in touch with your favorite candidates.
Wwoof — work on farms and wineries around the world. Some physical labour is useful for health, and fresh wine would turn your work to be a fun.
Conservation Volunteers — Protecting the environment in Australia and New Zealand. If you are crazy about the animal world, this project is worth visiting.
Appalachian Trails — “Appalachian Helpers”, is engaged in the arrangement of trails in the USA. You can go to America for a whole month.
ICYE — this is a long-term program organized by the International Cultural Youth Exchange. For those who want to leave to study or work for at least six months.
Nevertheless, I spend the whole summer 2001 devoting it for the work with disabled people. One week is for people with one syndrome; each week is for various type of syndromes. This summer totally changed my world view. It has been one of the hardest works for all my life both physically and psychologically, but I learned all human values and returned as an absolutely renewed person. Thus, the projects where you may contribute to the world societies could be:
Peace Corps — Volunteering in disadvantaged countries. These can be, for example, African countries. The attitude to simple joys will change forever.
VSO — professional help in developing countries. Almost like the Peace Corps, only more directions. India, Vietnam, Cambodia and other countries where your help is needed.
UN Volunteers — a UN movement with increased requirements for volunteers and preferential terms. There is strong competition, but this experience will make you a strong expert.
http:// www.unv.org
It looks like it is time to make worldwide contribution when your own problem would seem a drop in the whole world sea.
If you have any question, feel free to contact me: www.getforeignstudy.com
