Volunteering Abroad: A Transformative Journey

Volunteering abroad has been a truly rewarding experience full of moments of connection and learning. It is humbling to see the tenacity and goodwill of different communities and to contribute even in the tiniest ways to their well-being. The friendships made and the cultural insights gained have profoundly shaped my perspective and sense of purpose.

Understanding the Local Culture

Before embarking on a volunteering trip abroad, it is crucial to understand and prepare oneself for the local culture. Whether for work, religious missions, or personal fulfillment, getting to know the culture in the place of destination is essential. This preparation is not about preconceived expectations but about understanding the local mindset, appropriate clothing, and emotional readiness. It's important to be fully prepared, as Abdu’l-Baha, the Interpreter and Centre of the Covenant of the Baha’i Faith, wisely stated: 'Prepare as if everything depended upon you, then pray as if everything depended upon God.'

Choosing the Right Program

Many programs like Venture With Impact are designed to match volunteers with opportunities that align with their skills and the local needs, ensuring a meaningful and sustainable experience for both the volunteers and the local community. These programs work directly with local partners to ensure the volunteering effort is beneficial and impactful. To learn more about such programs, visit our website and explore the opportunities!

My Experience in Chile

I come from India, a country where not many people take a gap year to volunteer or even travel, let alone travel to a country on the other end of the world. Yet, I decided to make a life-changing decision and volunteered in Chile during my last year of college. I had no basic knowledge of Spanish, and I didn't know much about Chile beyond a rough pronunciation.

I applied to the program and eventually got accepted. I stayed with a Hispanic family who spoke only Spanish, which was a challenge but also an opportunity to immerse myself fully in the culture. I taught in two public schools where the children came from some of the most troubled family backgrounds imaginable. I encountered some of the harshest realities of life, but these experiences taught me more than any book or blog could.

The connections I developed over those four months and the sense of satisfaction I got from my work were worth every challenge. The personal growth and the cultural insights gained were invaluable. While it's not easy, the rewards of such an experience are immense.

My advice: if you get the opportunity to volunteer abroad, don't hesitate. Despite the difficulties, the transformative nature of the experience makes it absolutely worthwhile. Embrace the unknown, prepare as much as you can, and trust in the journey.