Expectations of volunteering abroad

Have realistic expectations of yourself and your cooperation in the project. Do not expect that you as a volunteer and without sufficient previous knowledge can fully participate immediately. In time you will become yourself train and can gradually more responsibility take over.

If you don't always get new tasks assigned, be proactive, observe the work processes and show initiative. So you can quickly see where help is needed. Contribute your own ideas respectfully and don't just wait for instructions from your project manager. If something in the project still does not meet your expectations, contact the local team or the office in Munich as soon as possible. This is the only way we can find a solution to your situation.

We take over Responsibility and it is important to us that our projects are not dependent on our volunteers and that the use of volunteers does not jeopardize the permanent employment of local employees. This is the only way they can function when there are no volunteers on site. As a volunteer, you provide support.

Yet yours is Help in the project makes sense! For example, in our social projects, where there are quite a few 50 children and more in childcare, you can help to increase the individual's affection and special education.

Keep in mind that your project also expects you to participate. This includes, for example, - as simple as it may sound - that you at the agreed times on time in your project work Your project is counting on you, so treat your volunteer work with the same seriousness as a job in Germany.

It's good that you decided to volunteer with the ulterior motive of wanting to make the world a better place. However, don't expect that you will immediately end all problems in your project. With your commitment you contribute to a long-term positive development in your selected project.

Our projects are on a long-term and sustainable effect so you will often notice no direct effect. Do not be discouraged. Small steps also make a difference and lead to the goal in the long run!

Yours too Lodging can be great Influence on your satisfaction during your stay abroad. Here you will wake up in the morning and go to bed in the evening. So it's important that you think about it which standards you cannot do without and where your own limits lie.

When you register, think about what you expect and need, and let us take care of you To advise coordinators, At a host family you will be integrated into the normal everyday life of families. By adapting to a different rhythm and habits, you will become the culture abroad experience more intensively, which is a great experience for your life.

Im Volunteer House you will live together with other volunteers in a group, what your stay will also enrich. So ask yourself whether you would rather live with a host family or in the volunteer house.

Of course you want to during your time abroad too Journeys do and explore the country. However, this should be limited to your free time and your work in the Do not negatively influence the project. It is also important that you always coordinate your absence with our team on site.

Always be respectful of the local culture and people, even in your free time. Be aware that you will sometimes be traveling in countries with a higher crime rate and always stick to them Safety advice from our local teams.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to successful volunteering abroad. In our Blogs you will find many more guides for travel preparation. Also the Participation in our preparation seminar can help you better narrow down your expectations.

In any case, stay open and impartial to what really awaits you on site. Even if it might be different than you imagined. We, the RGV coordinators, are happy to help you start your volunteer work in Africa, South America, Asia or Europe with the right expectations.