“The world is a book”, the philosopher Saint Augustine once famously said, “and those who do not travel only read a page”. Whether embarking on a fortnight, month or year of travel, the experience will undoubtedly change your life, almost certainly for the better. And if you are spending time volunteering, the experience will be all the richer if you do it abroad.
Experience new cultures
You could spend an entire lifetime hunched in front of Wikipedia learning about the cultures of the world, but until you’ve experienced it first-hand, you have only reached the tip of the iceberg. Diving into the deep end of a new and unusual culture is a thrilling adventure: challenging but wildly gratifying.
You could spend some time soaking yourself in a country’s history and heritage. Gorge yourself on the local cuisine and become a food connoisseur of unique delicacies and trends. Or simply get to know the people and see how differently others live. Their outlook on life might offer you a whole new perspective of your own.
Helping others
There is a profound sense of achievement that comes with volunteering. Instead of simply indulging yourself in a luxurious beach holiday, volunteering gives the sense that you have contributed some essential good to human society, and does wonders for your self-esteem.
There are volunteer programmes in virtually every corner of the globe, and countries everywhere are grateful and welcoming for friendly, energetic volunteers to assist in practically every field of work. Whether you want to do conservation, construction or voluntary teaching abroad with children there are a number of programmes for everyone.
Learn a new language
There are countless advantages to studying a second language, including improved cognitive and literacy skills, greater understanding of a culture and increased employment opportunities. There is no better way to learn a new language than in the country where it is natively spoken. By immersing yourself in a foreign language and its culture you can pick up a vocabulary faster and more accurately than any classroom could teach you. And you will have earned a skill for life, providing a handy reason for return visits in future years.
Remind yourself how lucky you are
Many people who have done voluntary work with organisations like Projects Abroad in more vulnerable parts of the world have spoken of how the experience dramatically affected their perspective on life and the world. Living in the West, where healthcare and running water are taken for granted, it is easy to forget how fortunate our lives are; being confronted with extreme poverty teaches an important lesson in humility and provides a singular vantage point on the world. It can also make you appreciate your own native land, making your return home that extra bit sp