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Most volunteering placements are based in developing countries, so before you go, do some research. The food, the climate, the accommodation, the language will all be very different, which in itself can make your trip even more exciting, but if you aren't prepared, being thrown in head first might be a little overwhelming.
The added bonus of volunteering abroad is that it can easily fit into your schedule and also looks impressive on job and university applications by showing you are a self-starter, intuitive, committed and adaptable. With so many different types of projects to choose from to suit your interests and abilities, here is the rough guide to that kinds of projects that are available to you.
Research
As a volunteer, you'll get the chance to live and work as part of a community and experience a country in a way you don't often see on the pages of your guidebook.
Researching your chosen country, culture, gap year agency and project is one of the most important things you can do when preparing to volunteer abroad. Get on the internet, keep an eye on the travel sections in newspapers, head to your local library and talk to people. It's a well known fact that people who volunteer will jump at any chance to talk about their experiences, so make the most of it- they are an invaluable source of information and are the best qualified to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly side to backpacking and volunteering abroad.
There are lots of international websites that can help you learn about the more practical- and geographical- side to your country of choice which obviously influence the type of trip you want to have. The international section on the BBC Weather website is full of information on average weather conditions and related links from all around the globe. It's a good idea to find out what the weather is usually like at the time of year you're travelling- that is unless you want to spend a month on Thailand's beaches in monsoon season, which, for the record, is in July.
Volunteer and save the world?
Some companies will lead you to believe that by doing their project you will be changing lives and saving the world. Sorry to disappoint but you probably won't and any company that promises such things is probably one worth avoiding.
With a well established volunteer project, you will be making a small but important contribution to the community but remember, volunteering is more about different cultures working together rather than Westerners adopting a colonial attitude and trying to change a country's traditions.
Culture shock
Landing in a strange, new place is often one of the most difficult aspects of the volunteer experience but if you know what you're getting yourself into, this shock can turn into excitement and intrigue. The key is to remember that you are a guest in their country and ensure you respect the local cultures, however bizarre or different they may be!
Being aware of what awaits you will make you more confident when you arrive and less likely to be overwhelmed by the culture shock. With your well researched cultural knowledge, and a few words and phrases in the local language, you'll be able settle in to this new way of life and start enjoying yourself!
Expectations
The type of experience you get from your volunteer project can vary depending on your expectations. You need to think carefully about what you want- and what you can handle!
You're bound to feel isolated at times, particularly when you arrive at a village not knowing anyone, but do you need to be surrounded by people? A placement on a remote wildlife reserve will probably only have a few other volunteers whereas a teaching placement in the centre of a bustling city is likely to need larger groups. In both cases, your social life will be up to you. How much do you like warm running water and electricity? After your first cold water bath in the river, you'll find your answer. Have a think about living a life away from modern comforts before you head to a jungle camp.
Adapting your schedule
Flexibility and patience are key to getting the most out of your experience. Developing countries are renowned for their relaxed attitude towards time; schedules are often non-existent and appointments are a rarity. These problems are not helped by the fact that NGO's, international non-profits and volunteer organizations are almost always understaffed- hence the need for volunteers! But as long as you're willing to accept your role as an adaptable volunteer and the way of work in your country, soon enough the guessing game of whether your boss will be on time or if his camionetta will get stuck behind a herd of llamas (again) could become an enjoyable part of the day!