Making the decision to volunteer abroad is a huge step! Here are some things you should ask yourself before you commit to any project.

1. What kind of project am I interested in working at?
2. How much time do I have to commit to volunteering?
3. What are my skills? Do they match with the needs of the project?
4. What challenges might I face during this experience?
5. Am I open to the changes that volunteering might bring to my way of thinking?
6. Is this volunteering project located in an area where the standard of living is different than what I am accustomed to?
7. Have I been informed about/researched safety concerns?

It is important to be as informed as possible when making the decision to volunteer in another country. At AAV we take this part of the process very seriously. We will assist to the best of our ability in an effort to ease your decision making and prepare you for the experience of a lifetime.

Why Volunteer Abroad?

1. It’s a great way to build your resume, by demonstrating leadership, teamwork and cross-cultural communication. Most employers consider volunteer experience an asset as it shows initiative, motivation, commitment and flexibility.
2. It allows you to develop skills directly related to your current studies or future career. You will gain hands-on experience, while exploring and developing new areas of interest.
3. Volunteering abroad is a major part of a growing trend toward socially & environmentally conscious travel, and is typically more affordable.
4. Interacting with local people on a daily basis will help develop language skills and allow you to understand a different culture first-hand.
5. The experience gained will allow you to learn more about yourself and gain perspective on your own lifestyle through your interactions with another culture/way of life.

While volunteering abroad does follow a schedule, it will still allow you ample time to discover the country you are visiting. A few things you may enjoy during your stay include:

• Day or weekend trips to nearby destinations including islands and national historic sites. Many adventure tours are operated near the project locations.
• Excursions to artisan shops, fruit & vegetable markets, historic colonial churches, national parks and wildlife refuges, stunning beaches and nearby villages, towns and cities.
• The opportunity to meet other volunteers and backpackers from around the world, sharing stories and experiences sometimes is the best way to learn more about the country, and gain ideas for weekend or future trips.
• In many cases, it is relatively simple to travel to nearby countries, giving you the opportunity to experience a whole new list of sights and meet new people and cultures.