Why Volunteer Abroad

"I can't even explain the impact that the work I did with you had on me. I really have a completely different view about the country I live in and how we live our lives."

Kara, Costa Rica volunteer

Making the decision to volunteer overseas is a personal one, and for every volunteer there is a unique and individual answer to the question: "Why volunteer abroad?"

The overall motivation to volunteer overseas stems from a need to ignite a sense of social responsibility and activism, as well as from a desire to learn about a new country and culture. For some, international volunteering is also a way to gain a new perspective of the world and a renewed sense of the role they play in the world. Therefore, volunteer work abroad can be an intense experience, with opportunities to focus on meaningful global concerns that day-to-day life can't accommodate.

For many of our past international volunteers, the benefits of volunteer work abroad vary:

Personal Growth:

"I saw growth and change in myself as well as feelings and thoughts that I never imagined I would have."

Michael, India volunteer

Having a Purpose:

"I had the freedom to really help people."

Rebecca, Peru volunteer

Gaining Independence and Confidence:

"I learned to be more independent and it's helped me grow up and become a better person because of the experience."

Jane, Ghana volunteer

Connecting with Others:

"It's not about being somewhere geographically... rather, it's about connecting you with the common core of humanity."

Kim, India volunteer

Seeing a Country from the Inside-Out:

"You're not just a tourist, you're a traveler who has access to all the country has to offer."

Eric, Costa Rica volunteer

Whatever your reason — be it to learn more about international relations, practice your Spanish, move beyond a vacation to travel with purpose, or challenge yourself through a new environment — volunteer work abroad is sure to be rewarding to you and to the local people with whom you work.

Read stories from former volunteers on why you should become an international volunteer.

Request information today and get started on your path to volunteering abroad.