Do you have your heart set on making a difference abroad? From teaching English in Argentina to rehabilitating sea turtles in Australia, the need for volunteers comes in all shapes and sizes all over the world.
But maybe you’d like to be more prepared before you jet-set abroad to lend a hand. We got you! If you’d like to be more aware of the challenges of volunteering and how to overcome them, you’ve come to the right place.
What are the challenges of volunteering? They’ll look different for everyone, but remember that solutions abound in overcoming them. You’ll also have other people on your side, as other group members will be there to help.
Plus, volunteer organizations will almost always have your back in helping resolve most issues. Most of all, the experience you have volunteering abroad, even with some bumps along the way, will be an adventure with many benefits!
Is volunteering abroad worth it?
Volunteering abroad is SO worth it!
Yes! Volunteering abroad is 100% worth it, with oonndles of benefits to boot! Let’s take a look at some of the top ones:
- Making a difference: Even with all the challenges of being a volunteer, your in-person support helping animals, the environment, or people in need will be a step toward a brighter future.
- Learning a new language: While you may have taken some second language classes in school, you’ll have plenty of chances to practice with locals as a volunteer.
- Meeting new people: You’ll expand your social network and most likely will become besties for life with people from around the world. Say hello to new travel buddies!
- Getting hands-on experience: If you’d like to explore potential careers or need more experience for your dream job one day, volunteering is the name of the game.
Oh, the people you’ll meet and the places you’ll go while volunteering abroad!
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10 Challenges of Being a Volunteer
The challenges of volunteering depend greatly on your destination. Assisting the elderly vs nurturing an ecosystem will also have very different obstacles to overcome; that being said, your challenges will also vary based on your placement.
You can’t completely prevent or avoid the hard parts, but you can control how you respond to them! Here are some of the top challenges of being a volunteer and how to overcome them:
1. Facing cultural differences.
Though navigating cultural differences can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? From understanding another language or dialect to navigating differing political or religious views, facing cultural differences often tops the list.
Some cultures may have a relaxed attitude toward time, etiquette, etc., while others will have more strict customs. You may be frustrated at times about the norms out of your control. But remember, you’re still a guest in their country with an opportunity to learn from them. There are plenty of ways to cope with culture shock too!
How to overcome it: Learning your destination’s cultural differences ahead of time can help you feel more prepared. Approach differences with curiosity and appreciation.
2. Becoming physically and/or emotionally exhausted.
Volunteering will be hard work, but you already know that! Some duties will require you to roll up your sleeves, and your bet will involve some sweat.
You’ll be volunteering in a new (possibly hot and humid) environment and doing tasks outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, volunteers may feel small and powerless and what they do is not enough. Needless to say, your mission abroad may tap your emotional and physical well-being at times.
How to overcome it: Take breaks regularly, have some fun when you can, focus on what you can do, and remember that small steps add up over time to make a big difference!
3. Keeping up with all safety rules and guidelines.
Pay attention to your organization’s safety guidelines—they’re there for a reason.
Depending on the nature of the program’s placement, you may feel overwhelmed with the list of safety guidelines. You may need to keep your belongings with you at all times, travel with a buddy, wear certain gear, abstain from eating certain foods and beverages, or avoid going to specific places. Volunteer programs created these guidelines for a reason, and they do everything in their power to maintain a safe and healthy environment for participants.
How to overcome it: Take a deep breath, most safety rules and guidelines are about exercising common sense. They help keep your life out of danger and ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
4. Being outside of your comfort zone.
No doubt about it, you’re not in Kansas anymore. As a volunteer, you’ll taste-test new dishes, utter new words, and embrace new sights! From climbing mountain sides to diving into new depths, some experiences while volunteering may feel exhilarating, while some situations will feel exhausting.
Staying in a new accommodation may involve some adaptation and learning new skills may call for flexibility. All in all though, your volunteer experience will be transformative, as growth happens outside of the comfort zone.
How to overcome it: Do your best to maintain a positive attitude and give yourself some grace. Nobody said change is easy, but it’ll be worth it!
5. Rolling with unexpected changes.
A change in plans might just mean making unexpected friends or learning something new.
Although your program may have an itinerary, sometimes larger forces at work outside of everyone’s control will involve changes. You may be wondering, what challenges do volunteers face? Some of the best laid plans can go awry due to the weather, funding and/or organizational changes, bureaucratic policies, etc.
Keep in mind that most volunteer programs are nonprofit organizations, often with limited resources. They will do their best to navigate changes but may have to re-prioritize duties and activities.
How to overcome it: Be as flexible and open-minded as possible with new changes. Sometimes new plans will lead to more interesting opportunities and experiences!
6. Maintaining self-confidence.
Sometimes volunteers question their abilities and confidence. They may come down with a case of imposter syndrome, but that usually means they care! The good news is, if the program accepts you as a volunteer, then that means they feel confident in your abilities.
Most programs don’t expect participants to know everything, and they provide training upfront. They also have professionals on site or on standby to help answer questions.
How to overcome it: It’s okay not to have all the answers and to ask questions or ask for help, and believe in yourself and your abilities!
7. Navigating various personalities.
Figuring out how to get along with different personalities is one of the challenges of volunteering, but it can also lead to lifelong friendships.
Your volunteer group will likely be a diverse group of people with participants of various ages and perspectives, which may bring a variety of highs and lows. All of you will face a wide array of challenges along the way as you’re volunteering, and you may not always see eye to eye with your teammates on how to resolve issues. Sometimes, situations can become heated and intense during times of hunger, exhaustion, or bad weather.
How to overcome it: Do your best to put yourself in their shoes and practice empathy and compassion. Be the bigger person; remember, you’re all on the same side!
8. Staying within your financial means.
With most volunteer programs, you’ll need to cover the flight, but the fee will usually cover food and housing. Score! Wth the lion’s share of costs out of the way, this leaves paying for additional excursions, extra treats, and shopping up to you during the trip.
Thankfully, many volunteer placements are in affordable countries, so extra costs don’t usually break the bank. Psst, check out GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory and FundMyTravel.com as ways to raise funds.
How to overcome it: Plan for additional excursion costs before your trip and budget the maximum amount you’re willing to spend every day.
9. Feeling homesick while abroad.
Getting out and exploring your temporary home is the perfect antidote to homesickness!
Homesickness is another common example of the challenges that volunteers face. It’s normal to miss your family and friends and even long for your favorite dishes, bed, and other creature comforts.
You may also come down with a case of #fomo on all things big and small going on back home (although those at home wish they were abroad like you!). Some programs may be in remote areas with spotty or no cell service or Internet, so it can be difficult to stay in touch at all times.
How to overcome it: Focus on documenting all the amazing wonders happening around you and connecting with your team. Your experience will go by in a snap!
10. Coming home when it’s over.
Some might even say that coming home is the no. 1 answer to what the most challenging part of volunteering is! It’ll be an oh-so-bittersweet feeling.
You’ll feel excitement wash over you in anticipation of seeing your friends and family again at home. Plus, you’ll revel in the sensation of all the good you’ve done. But, you might tear up about leaving behind a new community and feel that you want to keep making a difference.
How to overcome it: With some programs, you can opt to stay even longer to delay coming home. Otherwise, start planning your next trip to volunteer abroad!
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Encountering challenges (and overcoming them) is a normal part of travel
Now you know the most common challenges of volunteering abroad! While you’ll face some ups and downs along the way abroad, it’ll feel even more gratifying when you overcome issues. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and notes along the way so you can look back on them and cherish how much you grew as a person throughout your journey volunteering abroad. Most of all, remember to have some fun too!
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