If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad, you might be wondering what kind of work you’ll be doing. Will you be building houses? Planting crops? Teaching English? If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad, you might be wondering what kind of impact you can really make. Sure, you can help build houses or teach English, but is that really going to change anyone’s life? The answer is yes–butternut squash soup recipe and all. Volunteering abroad with children can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Volunteer opportunities abound for those who want to make a difference in the world. You can volunteer in your local community, across the country, or even internationally. And there are many different types of volunteer programs to choose from, depending on your interests and skill set.
One area of need that is often overlooked is working with children. While there are many volunteers abroad programs that focus on aiding adults, there are far fewer that specifically target helping children in need. This is a shame because there are countless children around the world who could benefit from the time, attention, and love of a caring adult.
Why volunteer with your kid?
If you’re considering volunteering abroad, here are three reasons why you should look for a program that works with children.
- You Can Make a Lasting Impact in a Child’s Life
When you Volunteer Abroad with children, you have the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in their lives. Whether you’re teaching them English, helping them with their homework, or simply playing games with them, your time and attention will be appreciated and remembered long after you’ve gone home. You can help them learn new skills, promote healthy habits, and instill confidence. By being a positive role model, you can show them that they are capable of achieving great things.
Just because you only spent a few months with them doesn’t mean that the impact you made will only last a few months. These kids will remember you forever, and they will always hold a special place in their hearts for you. They might not ever be able to tell you this–especially if English isn’t their first language–but trust us, they feel it. You might even stay in touch with them after you go home–and that connection will last a lifetime.
- It’s an Immersive Experience
If you want to really get to know a culture, there’s no better way than to work directly with its people – and that includes its children. When you volunteer in a foreign country, it can be easy to stick to other English speakers and never really get outside of your comfort zone. But when you’re working one-on-one with kids, immersion is inevitable. You’ll quickly learn key phrases in the local language, as well as important cultural norms and customs.
You might even learn something yourself. When you volunteer abroad with children, there’s a good chance you’ll learn more than they do. Kids have a way of teaching us things we never would have learned otherwise. They might teach us how to see the world from a different perspective or how to find joy in the simplest things. But one thing is for sure–they will definitely teach us how to be patient (even if it takes months of practice).
- You’ll See the World Through Their Eyes
Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and as a volunteer abroad working with kids, you’ll have a front-row seat to their wonderment. Seeing the world through their eyes is an amazing experience – one that will stay with you long after your trip has ended. From learning about local cuisine to hearing stories about their families and friends, working with children abroad will give you a whole new perspective on the world.
- It’s a Great Way to Learn About Another Culture
Volunteering abroad is also a great way to learn about another culture. When you work closely with children, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their families, their traditions, and their way of life. This type of immersive experience is the best way to really get to know a culture and understand its people.
- You’ll Form Lasting Bonds with the Children You Work With
When you work with children, it’s impossible not to form bonds with them. These bonds will be based on trust, respect, and friendship—and they will last long after you return home from your trip. The relationships you form while volunteering will be some of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
You’ll get to know the kids–and they’ll get to know you. Teaching English abroad in a classroom setting can be challenging, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to form bonds with your students. When you have 30 kids in your class, it’s impossible to learn everything about each and every one of them, but by the end of your time teaching abroad, you’ll probably know more about them than your own parents do. And they’ll know just as much about you. They’ll know what kind of music you like, what your favorite food is, and how to make you laugh. They’ll also remember you long after you’ve gone home–which brings us to our next point.
- It Will Be an Unforgettable Experience
Last but not least, volunteering abroad with children will be an unforgettable experience—one that will stay with you for the rest of your life. As challenging as it may be at times, working with kids is also incredibly rewarding. Seeing the impact that you have on their lives will be an experience unlike any other.
Conclusion.
Children are our future – so it’s important that we do everything we can to help them grow up healthy, happy, and prepared to take on whatever life throws their way. If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad, consider looking for programs that work with kids. From making a lasting difference in their lives to gaining an immersive experience in a new culture, there are countless reasons why volunteering abroad with children is such an important and rewarding thing to do.