Making mistakes is a common human tendency; and it is from our mistakes that we are supposed to learn the lessons of life. It has been seen that volunteers commit certain common mistakes that could have been easily avoided, had they been aware of few general processes.
Go Volunteer Africa the leading and largest volunteer travel operator in Africa has been in the industry of volunteer travel since 2009 now and have observed volunteers committing certain common mistakes. In order to make sure you don’t fall prey to these mistakes, we suggest that, you must;
Avoid getting over excited on the first and the last day of your work
It is so very obvious to get all the adrenaline rush when leaving for the volunteer trip abroad; especially, if it’s your first one. Notably, it is the first day of your work that seems most exciting, and the last day of your sojourn that makes you the most depressed, as you are leaving the place, the people. However, it must be understood that as a volunteer traveler in a foreign country, you are too vulnerable on your first day, and highly stressed on your last day. So, just take things easy and let it all sink in gradually.
Avoid running out of cash
Money management is something you start learning from a tender age, when you keep saving whatever little you can in your piggy bank. The form of saving may change with age, but not the process. Especially, when you are on your own, away from your family, traveling abroad to volunteer under a program, do keep a habit of saving money wherever you can. It gives you the bracket to face emergencies (if and when they arrive). And you certainly would not want to ask for monetary help from your fellow volunteer mates; not that it is something disgraceful, but it reflects your mismanagement.
Avoid being an ‘All Solo Traveler’
Going for solo excursions has been highly into practice from a long time now. But you need to remember that this is no holiday travel you are on to. Volunteering abroad is a team effort, where you live, eat, volunteer, and even travel together in a group. This is an opportunity to know people from different parts of the world and understand about their traditions and culture, and tell them about yours. It is always advised to avoid wandering alone, rather travel and explore the destinations together. It is beneficial in terms of safety as well.
Avoid getting too inebriated
Of course! When you work hard, you can always party harder. But that must not let you lose yourself too much into the ‘high spirits’. You should always remember that you are there, in a foreign country, for a purpose. Also, being too tipsy makes you vulnerable to robbery and theft, which you certainly would want to avoid.
Avoid hesitation in taking initiatives
Anybody can be a boss, but only the wiser can be a leader. When volunteering abroad under a program, there will be times when you would require to take some prompt decisions that must be in adherence to the benefit of the project. Take this as an opportunity to break the shackles of being an introvert and lead from the front. Never hesitate to take initiatives during your program, no matter what the requirements are. You can always figure out a way, just have the will.
Avoid forgetting to keep all your travel documents at a safe place
This is one of the most important factor that any volunteer traveler must keep a note of. All your travel documents; including your visa, passport, insurance, medical, and any other important document that you are carrying with you; must be kept intact. Make sure you remember very well where you have kept all your documents. Prefer using a document holder where in you can keep your important paper, so that they remain at a single place.
We hope the picture is clearer to you, now that you are aware of what to avoid doing and how to approach a particular situation when volunteering abroad under a program. It is no crime to make mistakes, but why falling prey to it when you can get a proper head up and complete guidance for it. For more guidance and information regarding volunteering abroad, speak to our experts.
HOW TO APPLY
To start the process fill Volunteer application form and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime contact us. Or Give us a call | WhatsApp | Telegram | Viber | Imo at +254-796-786292 to talk to a Program Specialist.
