It’s a well-known misconception that volunteering abroad is just for 20-somethings. In fact older travellers are volunteering abroad more than ever and are making a valuable impact that younger volunteers aren’t able to. Volunteer programme providers have started to change their programmes to accommodate the skills and experiences of older volunteers which they find extremely beneficial to projects.
As an older volunteer, you may feel it’s important to have secure and private accommodation during your placement: you’ll probably have a bigger budget than university leavers so can spend more on being comfortable. You may need flexibility on travel dates but you’ll be focused on making a lasting impact on those you help during your placement compared to your younger counterparts who just want a reason to travel.
What Can I Do?
Lots! Whether you would like to volunteer skills you use during your work at home or would like to do and learn something completely new: it’s up to you. Below are the main areas in volunteering:
Conservation
– caring for wildlife or marine conservation. You could work with animals, strive to conserve their environment and educate other people in caring for them.
Children
– caring for children in an orphanage or teaching in a school. There are many volunteering opportunities out there if you want to work with children.
Education
– perhaps you’d like to teach people business skills or coach a children’s cricket team. If you have an interest or a skill, teach it to others!
Scientific research
– if you like gathering and analysing data (or would like to learn) then this may suit you. You could also be tracking animals – and training is included.
Community development
– you’d work with locals to enrich and further develop a community, be it in education, conservation or health.
Medical and health
– not just for medical professionals, so even if you don’t have medical qualifications or experience, and you’d like to learn a new skill, you’d be welcome. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate clinics and offer awareness and preventative advice on issues such as HIV/AIDs.
Business
– perhaps you work in law, finance, marketing or local government. You may be a great cook. Any skill you’ve acquired in your job or home life can be utilised in a volunteering placement.
Choosing A Volunteering Placement
- Think about where your passions lie… sports, children, animals, the environment. Then look at placements which enable you to work in these areas. Remember – this is your placement and you’ll be a better volunteer if you work in areas you want to work in.
- Do you want to utilise your professional skills and experience or do you want to learn new skills? Many placements don’t require their volunteers to have skills or experience in areas they’d like to volunteer in.
- Would you like the placement to enhance your professional or personal development? Then choose a placement that’ll present you with opportunities to develop the skills you need.
Paying To Volunteer
You may wonder why you have to pay to volunteer. Organisations simply don’t have the money to transport, house, feed and clothe their volunteers. The fee you’ll be charged (anywhere from £200 to £7500 depending on the type of placement and its duration) will be used to pay for the pre-travel support and support throughout the placement, your accommodation, food, training, excursions and other costs which will vary depending on what you do.
Part of your payment will also be donated to the project to ensure it can continue. Sustainability is vital in long-term projects.
What You’ll Gain From Your Experience
- A wonderful opportunity to travel and truly experience different cultures.
- New skills, both soft and practical, increased confidence and priceless personal and professional development. You may even learn some of the local language.
- An enormous sense of well-being knowing you’ve made a difference and have contributed to the sustainability of important projects.
- The chance to break away from the routine of everyday life to gain valuable life experiences.
- An enhanced CV that will ensure you stand out from the crowd.
- Development of firm friendships and the creation of fantastic memories that will be with you for the rest of your life.
It takes a remarkable person to come out of their comfort zone and change their lives to help others less fortunate, so wherever you decide to go and whatever you decide to do, you can be certain that volunteering abroad will be a rewarding and cherished experience.
Travel companies you may choose to explore: http://www.travel-peopleandplaces.co.uk & https://raleighinternational.org
