Travel and give back - why choose to volunteer around the world
Traveling is a great way to see the world, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. What compels us to travel is different for every person, whether it be to see family, see the sites, or create an adventure far from home. For some, its to do some good in other communities and there are organizations that can help scratch that travel bug itch for people seeking to volunteer.
We talked to a veteran traveler and volunteer, Judi, about how she got started and how it became not only about helping others but a major change in her life.
Traveling and volunteering are so personal. Who are you? What are your values? Do you want to help or just have a holiday? Holiday is fine just don't confuse the two.
I am a teacher, retired, but that never leaves you. So, I am drawn to the classroom. When I taught school and had lovely built-in vacation time. I started teaching way back in the 60's and at that time there were charter flights which were really cheap and available for all over Europe. So, with teachers as friends off we went. Mostly, we 'bummed' around with very little money in our pockets and only a return ticket. The rest was just open-ended.
I have found that I like to mix the leisure travel and the volunteer travel. I like getting my hands dirty and being physical. I like working with kids, it is inspiring. Coming home is mixed with relief to be home, sadness to leave, and a bittersweet feeling of seeing so much of the poverty in our world and the vast riches we have. The cultural differences are broadening and challenging.
GO FOR IT! HAVE FUN, LEARN, SHARE AND THEN DO IT AGAIN!
If you have the travel bug and are an avid volunteer, here are some programs that can help you get started. You can find anything from short, organized trips to long commitments to service.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
[www.wwoof.org] Get your board and lodging is offered in exchange for a day’s work on the farm.
Turtle Teams, Worldwide
[www.seaturtles.org and www.cccturtle.org] For the animal welfare minded volunteer. This organization is made up of thousands of small groups that help threatened sea turtles.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy, USA
www.appalachiantrail.org – At over 2,000 miles long, environmentally conscious folks can trek the Appalachian Trail that home to almost 2,000 endangered or threatened species.
Peace Corps, Worldwide
www.peacecorps.gov – A unique chance to live and work in another country and help people with things from healthcare and the environment to business development.