How to Evaluate an Abroad Volunteer Placement Organization

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If one of the goals you have is to volunteer abroad, you are in for the experience of your lifetime. Devoting your time for a positive cause abroad is one of the most fulfilling experiences you will have. The impact you will make on the ground will be immense and you will be humbled by the experience.

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You can find volunteer opportunities abroad through placement organizations. These organizations usually have programs abroad that are meant to impact the life of the locals. However, with the many placement organizations available, how can you know that the one you want to work with is interested in your contribution to the program rather than you money? Here is some advice to follow.

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Your Skills and Interests
Consider your skills and interests when looking for a volunteer program. Before accepting a placement, think of the big picture. For example, if you would like to work with animals, a suitable program for you would be one that is related to wildlife conservation. If your career is teaching, you can look for a program that involves teaching English to children. If you are a student nurse or doctor, you can join a medical elective for a month or so.

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When you sign up for a volunteer abroad in Costa Rica program that matches your skills and interests, you will have a valuable and truly rewarding experience. Moreover, this ensures that the project will genuinely benefit from you participation.

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Commitment to the Program
You should also consider the amount of time you intend to commit to a volunteer program. This time is subjective and will mainly depend on the type of volunteering you will be going for. Generally, if you are working with young children, a good period of time would be two to three months. This will help you create a meaningful rapport with them.

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If you will be going for wildlife or environment placements, you will mostly be doing manual work. You can contribute immensely to the project through manual labor in just a few days.

Remember, some programs will require you to undergo training on the ground. Thus, it's important to know whether you will have to undergo any training for the specific uVolunteer program you want to sign up for.

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Volunteering your time abroad will open up your mind and help you see the work from a different perspective. The above are two things you should consider before going to volunteer abroad.

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Other details can be accessed at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/corinne-pinfold/volunteering-abroad-doesnt-have-to-be-an-introverts-nightmare_b_9254852.html .