Why Do People Volunteer?

Volunteering abroad has different purpose and meaning for different people. Most people do it for making a difference, bringing in a change in the world they live in; some do it for learning new skills and others for getting challenged with new opportunities in a different culture while giving their help and time to underprivileged communities. Volunteering at home can be equally rewarding and one can lend a helping hand to various communities and social organizations, though volunteering abroad comes with many added features like, traveling to a different country, meeting new people from various backgrounds, taking an individual out of ones comfort zone and facing new challenges in a completely different environment leading to greater rewards and meaningful experience.

To Give Back…

One of the most popular reasons for people to volunteer is to do something for other people who need help. Lending a helping hand to people in need provide gratification. Many people feel strongly about social issues, either because they have been associated with social organization in the past or have struggled on their own with a social issue, or have been educated in social issues. Many others want to volunteer because they feel privileged to be able to live a decent life. The sense of satisfaction and contentment achieved after working for others is completely different and immensely fulfilling. People want to give back to the society and want to be part of change and development of destitute communities.  

Only one of its kind, Unique Opportunities

Volunteering in India is a unique experience in itself, where in you can give something back to the society, while learning yourself, meeting new people, immersing yourself in a new culture, adding value to your resume/CV and traveling to  wonderful historical and cultural places during weekends. It is impossible to get a combination of so many experiences and value in any other type of travel or one activity. All the above mentioned reasons do make volunteering a unique value filled opportunity.

Learning Hindi – a new language…

The best way to learn a language is to practice it in every day life. Our volunteer programs give you an opportunity to learn Hindi language and practice it in your day today routine at volunteer project and many other situations. Knowing a foreign language is valued a lot by employers and schools. International communication is of growing importance because of the rapidly expanding global economy. Employers see great value in an ability to communicate in a different language, so a person that speaks multiple languages is much more desired than a person who can only speak one.

Immerse yourself in a different Culture…

They say in order to know about a country the best way is to live and interact with locals. To live the way locals live, to be in the same environment as locals, enables an individual to understand the culture and customs of a country.  As a normal tourist it is difficult to find opportunity to visit areas off the tourist map, and interact with locals on a day today basis. Volunteer programs give a wonderful chance to work along with locals, live with them, learn about their culture and customs and observe their day today life from close quarters.

IECE offer opportunity to stay with local host families, which gives a volunteer chance to completely immerse in local way of life. It's a truly unique learning experience that will see you interacting with new cultures, trying new food, speaking new languages and meeting new people. 

Maturity and Appreciation…

Many volunteers go back home and appreciate what they have in life after witnessing difficult life of people who are struggling with basics. Most volunteers say that now they will never complain about things which do not matter and will be grateful towards what they have and appreciate it.

Volunteers become aware of critical problems facing the world and multiple people struggling on daily basis to make ends meet. Volunteers go back with a sense of responsibility towards their society and people in general and continue to help people in need as and when they get opportunity. They become compassionate towards other people and learn to no get bothered with materialistic things which they do not possess.

Gratification…

Sense of fulfillment, contentment is highest when you do something for other people who are in need of it. Volunteering offers an immense level of satisfaction, when volunteers see a smile on face of community members, when they build a house for slum dwellers, when they give health care facilities to ill people…. Whatever may be the reason for joining a volunteer program, but the feeling of making a difference in someone’s life is certainly a big reward.

Gratitude…

Recognition and heartfelt gratitude is expressed by community members for volunteer work carried out by volunteers. Community members are genuinely grateful for time and efforts that volunteers contribute to their cause and they express this by kind words and giving volunteers a memorable time in their country.

Hard work, desire to learn and heartfelt thank you is enough for volunteers to feel genuine gratitude though community members also go out of the way to express themselves and make volunteers feel at home. They invite them for local festivals, fests, dinners, weddings and make them part of their day today life.

Lifelong Friendships…

Volunteer programs give an opportunity to make friends from different culture; volunteers not only make friends from the country they are visiting but also from other parts of the world who are traveling on similar volunteer program.

The friendships made while being on volunteer programs have a special bonding, they have shared experiences which are not only unique but have also touched their hearts and are a memory of special time spent together while helping underprivileged people in need.

Learn New Things…

Volunteering abroad is an excellent opportunity for participants to learn new things and understand other way of living life. Traveling on a volunteer program help volunteers learn new things every day while being on a volunteering program. They learn to manage a project, work with new people of different culture, learning new things to carry out volunteer work and many more similar things.  

Valued Skills…

Volunteer work help individuals learn many new skills, working with people of different culture is a very valued experience which enable a person with many adaptive, communicating skills which cannot be learnt while living in their own home country and comfort of known environment. Also by sheer nature of social organization, which are strained with resources require help in every field. Whether it is marketing, human resource, training, all fields require help. Volunteer learn to be adaptive and multi tasking while working on volunteer projects. These adaptive skills of working in an international environment are also valued by organizations across the world. Many schools value this experience more than high grade attained during high school, as this shows interest in varied activities as compared to just usual activities.

Better Job prospects…

Work experience in an international environment, knowledge of a foreign language, adaptive skills, communicative skills, all add up to a great value while getting a job. Volunteer work also shows to prospective employers that volunteers are committed towards their responsibilities and are dedicated towards society.

Fun filled days…

Well, all the learning and developing of the skills is no doubt is a reason, satisfaction of helping others is also a big factor, but at the same time, volunteering in itself is a fun filled activity. Few people would have done it, if it was boring and extremely demanding. Volunteer work along with hard work, new challenges, and new work environment is lot of fun. Traveling over weekends to amazing places add to the whole experience.

Volunteering abroad gives you an opportunity to do things which one does not do otherwise on any other type of travel program. Volunteers play with children, teach them, build schools and houses for community members and touch their lives forever; in return they get smiles and unmatched gratitude of local people. Well, while doing all the good work; volunteers also go for trekking, rafting, tiger safari, camel riding, and for many other interesting cultural activities.

An individual can have any reason for volunteering; the experience is truly exceptional and unique… Come to India and live this unique experience and add memorable moments to your life.