Live Life Team
Combining volunteer work with a trip abroad is proving to be an increasingly popular choice for young travellers. With the increase in cheap air fares and the greater accessibility to poorer countries, volunteering has never been easier. The chance to help people in underdeveloped countries is perhaps the biggest attraction for volunteers, but it is also the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of a foreign country.
If you are considering voluntary work abroad, you will see that there is a wide range of companies to choose from. However, it will not be as simple as choosing one and going away to the country of your choice. Many people who have undertaken volunteer work in different countries have returned disappointed after their experience. The main cause for this is usually a lack of research. It is imperative that you know exactly what you are letting yourself in for.
It should always be noted that even though you are doing charity work there will more than likely still be a fee to cover food and accommodation costs. This can reach into the thousands, and a lot of applicants try and raise sponsorship for their trip.
Many of the big organisations who seek volunteers also require that they are qualified and experienced in certain areas, and can sometimes only accept people when there is a matching vacancy. However, there are smaller organisations that will accept a broader range of people, but you should always run a background check before parting with any money.
