These are some things you should know before you volunteer abroad.

These are some things to look at in order not to be taken by surprise. These are crucial and must not be ignored by inexperienced travelers. These tips are well-known to experienced travelers, but you still need to remember the basics.

Questions to ask before you volunteer abroad

This is what you need to know before you volunteer abroad.

Also, don’t forget about getting volunteer abroad travel insurance!

1. What time do you have to travel or volunteer?

Volunteers often don’t plan ahead for their trips. Others plan too little and feel unproductive. Oder they feel that their impact wasn’t felt as it should.

Volunteers are people who volunteer their time to help others. It all depends on what your employer gives you and how long. It is important to plan your time so you can leave as quickly as possible and return as early as possible. You will be able to take your time and not get burnt out. You should also make sure that your vacation is not too short to have an impact. Gap years travelers are the best because they don’t have to be on a deadline. They can start and finish projects.

2. What type of work would you like to do?

There are many companies that offer volunteer programs and projects. Although the packages are great, the programs are mostly open to the general public. There are many programs to choose from, but you need to be interested in the program you’re choosing.

You should enjoy the work that you choose to do. If you are a good teacher and like working with children, then you might be suited for orphanage work. Teaching would be a natural choice if you’re used to helping others.

For more information on volunteering abroad, see our guide.

3. Which type of work would be best to avoid?

This is important, just like the last paragraph. This is important because you don’t want your vacation to be stressful. Sometimes, there are certain duties you don’t want to do when you participate in a program.

If you’re asked to wash clothes in an orphanage, you should not. Talk to the organization you work for to ensure you don’t do anything you don’t like.

If you don’t like the work that they offer, tell them . Most companies will work with and adapt to your needs.

4. What talents and skills can you offer the group?

What are your talents? This is one of the most difficult questions to answer. Many of us don’t know what our talents are. Few of us are able to identify our strengths and talents at an early stage. If you’re in the first group, you will be asked a series questions to help you identify the skills you can bring to the volunteer program.

Find things that you enjoy doing. You could create games people love, such as monopoly or chess.

5. Which locations are most appealing to you?

Numerous organizations offer many locations. When you’re overwhelmed by the options and don’t know where to go, this is when it becomes a problem. Some of them give you the choice of where you would like to volunteer or which continent you should apply for your trip. You can also choose to live in cities or rural areas.

Look at all your options and choose the one that is most suitable for you. If you decide to live in rural areas of a third-world country, this is an example. There will be no running water or electricity and you will find it to be very basic.

Global Work and Travel offers volunteering opportunities in South Africa and Costa Rica, Peru, Nepal and Myanmar.