6 Reasons to Enroll in Summer Volunteer Programs Abroad

Holiday planning, taking time off school or work, and more time with loved ones and hobbies mean that summer is officially here! It’s also the perfect weather to hit the beach or the pool. At the same time, it’s an excellent opportunity to give back to needy communities.

Volunteering is a selfless activity where an individual or organisation provides services, time, talent, and money without expecting any social or financial gain. It also helps build new skills and expand your social networks.

Whether you want to help at your local animal centre or your nearest community kitchen, there’s always a program for you! Here are six reasons why enrolling in summer volunteer programs abroad can benefit you.

1. It Is an Opportunity to Learn a New Language

Learning a new language can help you keep an open mind, increase brain power, and communicate better with other cultures. Whether starting with the basics or perfecting the verb tenses, fully immersing yourself in a foreign culture can benefit your brain instead of sitting in a classroom all year or semester.

Learning from the locals or chatting with fellow international volunteers will leave you with a whole language repertoire under your belt. At the same time, you’ll form meaningful relationships with the people in the community.

2. It Is a Chance to Meet New and Interesting People

While spending your summer holiday with the same squad can be fun, signing up for an overseas volunteer program is an excellent way to extend your networks. Chatting with different nationalities at the same dinner table can help you gain a new perspective of the world.

Exposure to new cultures and mindsets teaches us more than any textbook can and expands our global understanding. At the same time, you can make life-long friends.

3. It Allows You to Upgrade Your Skill Set

Whether you want to pick up a new instrument or enroll in a class to get a head start on your credits, taking summer classes over the holiday is a productive way to spend the extra time you have.

However, overseas volunteer programs can teach more than hitting the right note or solving a complex math problem. It can teach you specific work skills such as how to dress a wound or build house foundations and better communication skills and work ethics.

It also boosts your self-esteem and looks excellent on future resumes and job applications!

4. It Gives You Purpose

Instead of spending your holidays at home, you can use your free time to help others! Overseas summer volunteer programs can give you something meaningful to look back at and say, “I did my part in wildlife conservation” or “I helped build a classroom.” You can also become a returning volunteer during your next holiday.

5. It Helps Narrow Down Potential Career Interests

While volunteering can help expand your connections and meet new friends, enrolling in summer volunteer programs makes your resume look beautiful and help you decide what career you want to pursue.

Volunteering overseas allows you to test the waters of a possible career instead of making rash decisions. There are different volunteer programs available for your specific interests and career goals.

6. It Can Also Be an Adventure

Lastly, volunteering overseas can help you break the cycle of your daily routines with travel opportunities. Instead of binge-watching on Netflix, you can use that time to support sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Now that beats a trip to the mall!

Conclusion

Volunteering is a selfless opportunity to donate your time and resources to a good cause. Whether you want to enroll in summer volunteering programs abroad or help your local animal shelter, chances are always waiting for you.

With 15 years in operation, Volunteering Solutions UK offers quality wildlife and hospital volunteering as well as internship opportunities in more than 27 countries worldwide. Whether you want to plan a gap year abroad, make a meaningful difference, or immerse yourself in a new lifestyle and culture, we can help tailor a tour for you. Apply now and learn more about the world.