Volunteering Work
March 30th 2008 04:40
Many people I have spoken to recently have asked me about my volunteer trip to Peru and how I feel about such programs and activities. That inspired me to write an essay on it as part of my Writing course assignment which you can read here -> Voluntourism. Benefits or Harm?
Besides the many social and global community issues associated with Volunteering and the trend of voluntourism, I personally it can be a good career break, or a 'gap-year' project to embark on, and you can certainly learn a lot from such trips. Some employers see these type of experiences as a bonus extra-curricular activities and favours those who have been on trips like these.
Keep in mind of the many ethics behind working with the different communities and the benefits of each project, I recently gave a friend a list of recommendations as below:
World Youth International - the organisation I went to Peru with. Founded by one Robert Hoey who had dreams for a better world, and his legacy has continued today with projects in Nepal, Peru and Kenya assisting with community development.
Conservation Volunteers - If you feel more closer to nature and like to learn more about what organisations are doing for the environment and its creatures, this may be a great option for you. Local and International trips both available.
Australian Volunteers International - For professionals looking to volunteer using their skills. Doctors, teachers, nurses, engineers and project managers are always in demand to help many of the world's communities.
Youth Challenge Australia - Similar to World Youth International, this organisation engage young Australians to participate in global development projects.
There are of course, many other organisations around the world that offers similar experiences and programs. A good read is Lonely Planet's Volunteer: A Traveller's Guide and their online forum and information for those looking to volunteer and want to find out about more.
Other related reading: Travel Trends 2008 - Voluntourism (Travel String)
Volunteering is a great way to gain better understanding of the different cultures as well as opportunities to make new friends
Besides the many social and global community issues associated with Volunteering and the trend of voluntourism, I personally it can be a good career break, or a 'gap-year' project to embark on, and you can certainly learn a lot from such trips. Some employers see these type of experiences as a bonus extra-curricular activities and favours those who have been on trips like these.
Keep in mind of the many ethics behind working with the different communities and the benefits of each project, I recently gave a friend a list of recommendations as below:
World Youth International - the organisation I went to Peru with. Founded by one Robert Hoey who had dreams for a better world, and his legacy has continued today with projects in Nepal, Peru and Kenya assisting with community development.
Conservation Volunteers - If you feel more closer to nature and like to learn more about what organisations are doing for the environment and its creatures, this may be a great option for you. Local and International trips both available.
Australian Volunteers International - For professionals looking to volunteer using their skills. Doctors, teachers, nurses, engineers and project managers are always in demand to help many of the world's communities.
Youth Challenge Australia - Similar to World Youth International, this organisation engage young Australians to participate in global development projects.
There are of course, many other organisations around the world that offers similar experiences and programs. A good read is Lonely Planet's Volunteer: A Traveller's Guide and their online forum and information for those looking to volunteer and want to find out about more.
Other related reading: Travel Trends 2008 - Voluntourism (Travel String)
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