Helping Your Loved Ones Do Volunteer Work Abroad

During the twelve months from September 2020 to 2021, an estimated 60.7 million Americans provided approximately 4.1 billion hours of volunteer service with a total economic value of $122.9 billion – more than 23 percent of the population!

Volunteering abroad is a great way to make a difference in the world. Many have family members who are passionate about doing this kind of work. If you have a relative planning to volunteer abroad, it cannot be easy to know how best to help them. Here are some tips on supporting your loved ones while they’re away doing volunteer work.

Research Opportunities

The first step in helping your family member do volunteer work abroad is researching different opportunities. This will help ensure that your family member finds the perfect fit when it comes to their volunteer experience. Many organizations offer excellent programs for volunteers, so take the time to look into these options and talk with your family member about which one might be right for them. It’s crucial to ensure that the program is safe and beneficial for your family member.

Language and Culture

Another important piece of research is understanding the culture and language of where your family will be volunteering. Knowing more about the local customs, etiquette, and language can help ensure a successful volunteer experience abroad. Researching different activities for them to do while volunteering is also essential to ensure that they have a fulfilling experience and can fully enjoy their time abroad.

Financial Concerns

You should also check if your loved ones can open a bank account in the country they’ll be assigned to. The bank account is helpful if they need additional funds for their stay. For instance, you can transfer money to a Philippine bank account if the family member is volunteering there. This mode of transfer is safer and more secure. It also ensures the family member receives the money when it’s needed.

Legal Documents and Paperwork

Finally, it’s essential to research the necessary paperwork for your family member to travel and volunteer abroad. Knowing what documents must be prepared ahead of time will help streamline the process and ensure everything goes smoothly. Make sure to also research the cost of volunteering, as some programs have associated fees. Preparing ahead of time will help minimize any last-minute stress or confusion surrounding this trip.

Be Prepared

When volunteering abroad, it’s important to be prepared for whatever might come up during the trip. Ensure that your family member has all the necessary documents (like visas and medical insurance) and any other items they may need (such as clothing or supplies).

Allow Flexibility

Volunteer trips abroad may not always go as planned. It’s important to be flexible and open-minded to any changes or adjustments that may need to be made during the trip. Make sure your family member knows what to do or who to contact if any issues arise.

Be Supportive

Finally, families must be supportive when their loved ones volunteer abroad. Showing understanding and encouragement can help ease any worries or fears about the trip. Letting your family member know they can contact you if they need anything while away can also be beneficial.

Communication Matters

Once your family member is off on their volunteering adventure, staying in touch with them throughout their travels is essential. It’s always nice for them to hear from home and receive words of encouragement from loved ones. There are also plenty of ways to stay connected while they’re abroad. Try setting up video calls or sending emails regularly so that you can stay up-to-date on what they’re doing and how their trip is going. This will help keep you feeling connected even though you’re miles apart!

Time Difference

Additionally, make sure you’re mindful of time differences when sending messages, so they don’t get woken up in the middle of the night. It’s also important to remember that not everyone can access the same communication opportunities due to their location and international laws. So it’s best to talk about what will work for you as far as staying in touch goes.

Stay Updated

Finally, it’s important to remember that communication is key to staying connected with your family member while they are away. Keep them updated on how things are going back home, and let them know they’re in your thoughts. Staying connected will help you feel more secure and make the trip a positive experience for everyone involved.

Volunteering abroad is an amazing opportunity, but it requires careful planning and preparation beforehand – especially when it comes to helping those closest to you embark on this journey. By following the time enumerated in the article, you can ensure that everyone has a successful and rewarding experience!