QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOUR FIRST VOLUNTEER PROJECT ABROAD
So you have made the decision to have a fulfilling holiday by volunteering abroad. Great choice, we have undertaken many projects and each have been rewarding and memorable. However, not all volunteer projects are created equally and with a bit of research (as well as asking plenty of questions) will ensure you find a project that is best fit for you.
These questions should 100% be asked before you decide to book anything.
What is included?
This one sounds so simple that you almost forget that it is one of the most important questions. Will I get meals 3 times a day, does the cost include accommodation? What about airport transfers? We have spoken to volunteers across the globe who have shared stories about paying all this money and then still having to fend for themselves.
What's my 9-5?
Or should I say what's my 7-4 as most projects will involve a early wake up call and an afternoon finish. It's quite important to know what your day will entail. We suggest you get the project to elaborate and give you a break down of morning and afternoon tasks and wether there are night time tasks too.
Are there optional tasks?
If you are passionate about working with lions or cheetahs in Africa, you may have guessed that they eat meat and a lot of it. Someone has to prepare their meals and this task generally falls onto the volunteers. So the question is "What if I don't want to cut up and prepare meat?" - will you have an alternative for me?
We have personally been in this position where the only job was to cut and prepare meat, 7am till 5pm and minimal to none alternatives.
Should I learn the local dialect?
If you are going to be spending most of your time on a project where the local workers speak fluent English it may not be worth your time to take up a language class. However, if not knowing a few words will hinder your time it may be worth your time to start learning the basics of a second language.
What is the interaction like?
A lot of volunteers especially at the animal projects come with a mindset that they will be interacting and playing with animals the entire time. This is never the case, with most projects having minimal to even no interaction.
Where is my money going?
Will this be benefiting the project or the owners? This is just as important as any of the other questions. You need to know that your volunteering investment will be benefiting the community, animals and/or habitat. If too much money is going into the pockets of the owners, is your money really making a difference?
Do I need to have any specific skills?
If you plan to build orphanages abroad, will the required skills be taught when you arrive or not? How about teaching English in third world countries? Learning additional skills prior to your arrival may ensure you spend more time assisting and less time learning.
Can I explore the area?
So you have flown half way across the world to a remote country. If I were you I would want to explore the area, see the local sights and try the local food. Find out wether there are day trips or optional activities that will be available to you during your stay.
Can I speak to past volunteers?
There should be no issue asking the project or organisation about wether you can get in contact with past volunteers. This is a great source of information (and a real life testimonial) about the day to day tasks and how project life is. We just suggest you take any "opinions" with a grain of salt - no project or organisation will give you the contact details of someone who didn't enjoy their time.
If you have any questions about volunteering, leave them below.
