Volunteer Work Abroad

By Author: Daren Kyle
Total Articles: 466
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A lot of people aim to learn other country's culture, practices, and beliefs. While these information are readily available in books, encyclopedias, travel guides, and in the Internet, it is always best to learn and experience them yourself. Nothing beats firsthand information in gathering knowledge. This is a bit costly, though, since you have to travel to these countries and do the data gathering, but there is one option wherein you can enjoy another country's beauty and learn its people's culture but avail free or low-cost accommodation throughout your stay.

Doing volunteer work abroad would give you the opportunity to explore the country firsthand and still interact with the country's people and enjoy accommodation for free (or for less costs) while earning work experience. A lot of countries offer volunteer work programs hosted by organizations and institutions involved in healthcare, social work and environmental awareness. Go out and try volunteer work in Spain!

Volunteering has whole lot of benefits for an individual wishing to explore other country's culture and earning work experience at the same time. ...
... First, volunteering will help one develop his/her social skills. This can be fulfilled by communicating with Spanish nationals in their own language and exchange your Hola's and Gracias's, saying Como Estas and Muy Bien. In turn, you can also develop rapport with them by teaching them your own language and trying to keep that conversation going.

Also, accomplishing months of volunteer work or internship abroad will add up to your work experience which will be beneficial to your future employment. This is a plus factor since not all people are given the chance to work abroad and experience it. At the same time, you can share everything that you have learned abroad in your work and apply whatever that is applicable to your current job or company.

Most organizations and institutions which encourage volunteer work have host programs for the person's accommodation. In Valencia, Spain, there are a lot of host families who welcome students or volunteer workers from other countries and provide food and accommodation for them. These families could help you improve in communicating with other people as you converse with them while you are living with them. Just take note of the house rules and certain do's and don'ts so as not to disappoint or hassle your host family. Aside from the host families, you can also stay in apartments or flats, at the hotel, on your own or with a group of people.

Some host organizations offer free lodging and extra allowance, while others may refer you to low-cost food and accommodation services.
Some volunteer works only ask an individual to work during the weekdays, leaving your weekends in your hands. It is the perfect time for you to relax, enjoy, and explore. As a tourist in Spain, one must never leave the country without watching the famous Spain Bull Fights which is one of the most common customs in Spain. Aside from this adrenaline-inducing sport, one must also try food tripping and enjoying the scrumptious Spanish food like churros, paella, chorizo, café con leche, and gazpacho. Having the weekend off is a great opportunity so better make the most out of it.

Volunteer work in Spain may include teaching Spanish professionals how to speak and improve their English or helping children and the elderly take care of their health. Volunteer work may sound stressful or demanding but you'll benefit from it a lot. Vamos! Let's do volunteer work in Spain.

Resource:

Study Abroad - Spainexchange offers study abroad programs for students worldwide. Study abroad programs include student housing, exchange students and host families, language exchange partners, volunteer programs and information on studying and living in many parts of the world.