Choosing A Volunteer Abroad Program for Teens-VISIONS.com
Community service is an important part of becoming an adult, whether it involves a local clothing drive or tutoring children in another country. When you are choosing a volunteer abroad program for teens, you want to contemplate some important questions about the components that will shape your experience:
1. Why do you want to volunteer abroad? While participating in community service is driven by a desire to better our world, each of us also has specific reasons for volunteering. Is there a cause you are particularly passionate about or a part of the world you want to explore? You should also consider whether there is a skill you want to learn or strengthen, such as carpentry or a foreign language. You want to choose a program that offers an opportunity that reflects your individual interests while still expanding your global perspective.
2. What are the living accommodations? Where and how you live during the summer is an integral part of your experience, and oftentimes, reflects the underlying philosophy of the organization you select. Many volunteers feel that living in and becoming part of the community you are serving is essential for a meaningful volunteer encounter. Even if total immersion is important to you, you may not feel comfortable in a homestay environment. Fortunately, there are volunteer abroad programs for teens that provide the best of both worlds by housing your entire volunteer group in a building within your host community. This home base can be a school, community center, or even a hostel. Some programs also offer the chance for overnight trips or a short homestay experience.
3. When you’re not working, how will you spend your time? Part of the joy of volunteering abroad is the adventure of travelling to another country. As someone eighteen or younger, it is unlikely you will be left entirely to your own devices, but how leisure time is structured and what activities and outings are offered can vary. You can find a program that will afford you some down-time to spend as you choose, but will also provide you with quality excursions and events in and around your new home-away-from-home.
4. What safety and supervision do they offer? When visiting a new and foreign country without your parents, you do have to take safety into consideration. Find out what parameters they have established to ensure your wellbeing, which includes access to medical care and clean water. While you do not want someone constantly looking over your shoulder, you want to make sure that the staff to volunteer ratio is small enough that someone is looking out for you and not spread too thin. One staff member for every 4 or 5 students is ideal.
5. What are the program’s mission statement and goals? Mission statements actually can tell you a lot about an organization whether it is a college, business, or volunteer abroad program for teens. It is the reason they originally were established and what guides how they relate to you now. The best volunteer organizations will truly care about the communities they serve and have developed strong relationships with them over a substantial period of time. They will also have thoroughly contemplated the quality of your experience, ensuring that you are able to benefit your host community as much as possible, while also discovering a great deal and having fun.
Dedicating your summer to volunteer work is a wonderful endeavor and a commendable decision. If you keep these factors in mind as you research your options, you will choose a volunteer abroad program that will afford you ample opportunities to contribute to, explore, and enjoy the world around you.
John Brown is a freelance writer in Los Angeles who cherishes the time she has spent volunteering and looks forward to her future community service experiences. You may want to begin exploring volunteering abroad programs for teens by visiting VisionsServiceAdventures.com.
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