Top tips for students doing voluntary holiday work
I have had some of the best and worst experiences of my life doing volunteers projects. Having taken part in a few such programs before, here are some tips I have picked up.
Many of these schemes are advertised on legal websites, but even these can have hosts who take advantage of them. These people will advertise something that simply isn't true and when you arrive the arrangement may be different from what you expected.
Choose somewhere with a lot of positive reviews.
Many sites that advertise work projects have a space for reviews. Reviews tend to mean people have been there. Again, be cautious because reviews can be faked. Besides, what one person loves may not be your cup of tea.
Bring a friend or a few.
And it's good to have a partner if you end up in a difficult situation. Try to find a friend with some good skills to travel with you. Trade skills can be very useful.
In one place where I volunteered, a team member complained about having to work a few hours a day. He didn't seem to realize it was a small(or no)price to pay to live in a hotel with food and a swimming pool for free.
If you find a good place, don't move on too soon.
If you like the work and you're getting free food and accommodation, why leave?
Anyway, volunteering is an amazing experience. Enjoy it.
| A. Only go if you intend to work. B. Learn the language of where you are going. C. It can be nice to have a familiar face around. D. And positive reviews indicate people enjoyed it. E. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. F. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. G. People are likely to ask you to help them with their projects. |
