Bucketlist Item Unlocked: Volunteering Abroad

Since I began traveling nearly ten years ago, I have been finding all different ways to live abroad. First came studying abroad in university, then came being an au pair for a summer, and then came teaching English abroad after graduating, and now I can proudly add volunteering abroad to that list. In January, I embarked on a 10 week journey to volunteer, 5 weeks in South Africa and 5 weeks in Madagascar. With a few changes of plans and the adventures of a lifetime, I am here to share my experiences and hopefully encourage others to consider volunteering abroad as well.

Getting Started

I have spent countless hours doing research on volunteer programs and the one that stood out the most to me was International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). They offer over 300 different volunteer programs in multiple countries all over the world. They are affordable and have a ton of amazing reviews. Once I decided which programs I wanted to do and where I wanted to do them at, I completed the application process. Here you’ll have to tell them a little bit about yourself and your skills/qualifications/experiences that could be helpful on your volunteer journey. You’ll also have to explain why you want to volunteer and what you hope to gain from the experience. You can check out their programs, locations, and find the application here: volunteerhq.org

Preparation

After being accepted into the programs, IVHQ has a checklist for you to complete before embarking on your journey. This lays out everything you need to know and do before leaving to volunteer. I found the checklist to be super helpful as it ranges from booking flights, to getting your paperwork together, to packing lists, to interactive slideshows that help you prepare and make the most out of your time abroad.

I applied for my programs 3 weeks before flying out. I had enough time to complete everything, but to be safe and secure your spot on the programs, I would give yourself at least a month in advance! Each program has different start dates and a limited number of volunteers so take that into consideration when applying.

IVHQ acts as a middle man because they are partnered with other volunteer organizations in each location. With this, you will be assigned a volunteer coordinator through IVHQ and also a volunteer coordinator through the in-country organization. IVHQ gives you their contacts so they are available to help with any questions you may have or any troubles you experience during your time abroad.

After completing the checklist and preparing for your trip, the countdown to your journey begins.

Why I Decided to Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering abroad has been on my bucketlist for as long as I can remember. I am so passionate about immersing myself in other cultures and learning about how others live all around the world. I also have a deep desire to help those in need every chance I get. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and make a difference while doing it. I wanted to make an impact and be a positive role model for people around the world. I also wanted to experience something different than my previous travels allowed and I hoped to grow more into the person I am becoming. Volunteering has allowed me to do just that and learn a lot along the way.

Program Breakdown

Outreach 2 Enrich (O2E) - Surf Outreach Program

Location: Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa

Duration: 5 weeks

Meals: 3 meals a day are included with the program fees (Monday-Friday)

Accommodation: Shared house with volunteers from all O2E programs

As I mentioned above, I wanted to experience something different than my previous travels have allowed so instead of teaching again, I decided to apply for the surf outreach program. Thankfully, you do not need any surf experience prior to joining this program as you will learn how to surf with the surf instructor on site. This program is located in a suburb of Cape Town known as Muizenberg. Muizenberg is a surfers paradise and any beach goers dream location. The program is ran through an organization called Outreach 2 Enrich and is designed as an after-school program for the local kids. The idea for this program is to give the kids who have a love for surfing, something to keep them busy and off of the streets in the after school hours. The kids from this program come from a rough area in Cape Town and have experienced things that no kids should ever have to go through. Despite their experiences, they show up every single day with a smile on their face, eager and ready to get into the water to surf.

From Monday through Friday, a typical day on this program begins with breakfast at the volunteer house. After breakfast, you will have personal surf for two hours each day. Here is where you’ll learn how to surf with the instructor and put your skills to the test in the water. After personal surf comes lunch, also at the volunteer house. Then when the kids finish school, they come to the house to get ready to surf. The volunteers take the kids to the beach for about an hour. Most of the kids already know how to surf so the volunteers are looking after the kids in the water and guiding them as needed. After the hour is up, the volunteers gather the kids and head back to the house to feed them dinner. Volunteers will then hangout with the kids and clean up after them. Typically the volunteers have a total of two hours with the kids, one hour at the beach and one hour at the house, before the kids head home for the night. Volunteers are then free for the evening to hangout with the other volunteers, eat dinner, explore, or do as they please.

Overall, this program has changed my life. After spending five weeks surfing and getting to know the kids, my outlook on life has massively grew. I learned a new hobby and watched the kids continue to show up day in and day out and express gratitude for the little things in life. I felt like the work I was doing mattered and actually made a difference in the kids lives. For my first volunteer experience, I couldn’t have asked for a better program and group of kids to work with.     

Marine Research & Conservation Institute (MRCI) - Sea Turtle Conservation

Location: Nosy Komba, Madagascar

Duration: 5 weeks

Meals: 3 meals a day are included with the program fees (Monday-Friday)

Accommodation: Shared beach hut with volunteers from all MRCI programs

Continuing my journey, the next program I did was located on the island of Nosy Komba in Madagascar. Despite how insanely beautiful the island is, Nosy Komba felt very secluded as the closest village was about a 30 minute walk along the water and the closest town was across the water taking about 30 minutes to get to by boat. I decided to switch things up and volunteer with sea turtles this time around. I thought I wanted different but after a few days in the program, I needed more. The whole reason I travel is to immerse myself fully into the cultures of the world and during this program, I wasn’t doing that. Thankfully, MRCI was very understanding and allowed me to join in on the teaching program alongside of the turtle program.

My days were filled with snorkeling with sea turtles to collect data, data entries, research, turtle watches, beach cleanups, observing the turtle nests, and english lessons in town, at the accommodation, and in the local village. Two other activities the volunteers did during the week were making eco bricks out of the trash we found on our beach cleanups and sanding bamboo into straws. As our schedules looked different everyday but were filled with numerous activities, during the week we only had free time after dinner every night. Considering how secluded our accommodation was, most evenings were spent at the accommodation as well, leaving only the weekends to go out and explore.

MRCI is an amazing program that really taught me so much about sea turtles,  sustainability, and living that “mora mora” lifestyle. “Mora mora” is a common phrase used in Madagascar that means “slowly, slowly.” With no WiFi and limited electricity on the island, you will quickly learn how to slow down in life and enjoy the present moment.

I decided to do two programs back to back and if I could do it again, I probably would have done things a little differently. Although this program was also a dream come true, I spent most of my time comparing it to the program I did in South Africa and found myself wanting to go back. What was supposed to be five weeks in Madagascar quickly turned into two weeks as I decided to return to South Africa for the remainder of my time abroad, but that’s a story for another time.

Overview

Looking back on my experiences, I know now that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Seven weeks spent volunteering has easily become my favorite travel experience thus far. Although things didn’t turn out exactly how I imagined, I am grateful for all of the adventures, lessons learned, and people I have met along the way. I came into this experience hoping to make an impact and difference in the lives of others, but along side of doing that, the people I have met and experiences I had changed my life all the same.