Volunteering Abroad

Since the after-college cloud is constantly looming over my head, I decided to reach out to my friend I studied abroad with. After we went to Cyprus, she went away to Bali on a month- long volunteer trip with IVHQ (International Volunteer HQ). 

"Established in July 2007, IVHQ has grown to become the world’s leading volunteer travel company, working in over 25 countries around the world and placing thousands of volunteers abroad every year."

I feel like the only time to travel around the world is after college. Before you know it, you are tied down with a career and a family. I have to get rid of the travel bug before my wings are cut, pessimistically speaking..

Anyway, I started to research opportunities to volunteer across the world, particularly Asia. In my travels, I've never made it there, which I feel like requires way longer than just a weekend trip. 

 

IVHQ offers volunteer opportunities in teaching, childcare, community development, medical, construction and renovation, turtle conservation and wildlife conservation.There are many opportunities in various countries that are of interest.

However, as broad as these volunteer categories are, as a Communication Studies major I feel like I could do something with a much larger impact.

I then did a general Google search on volunteering abroad and was shocked at how many programs are offered. I always thought the Peace Corps was the only program to offer a wide variety of opportunities in foreign countries. Though many programs offer a fee, the experience is generally considered "priceless." 

It's hard preparing to be in "the real world"- it's actually terrifying having the world at your feet! 

Volunteering abroad is a feasible option to be able to travel and make a change at the same time.