Ways To Make Difference With Volunteer Vietnam Mission Trips

By Deborah Smith


While many young adults prefer to spend summer vacations at the beach or enjoying rides at famous theme parks, others are opting to travel to countries in South America, Africa, and Asia to volunteer as teachers, medical assistants, and caregivers. Many find they get a great deal out of the time spent living among, working with, and getting to know people of different cultures, faiths, and customs. Vietnam mission trips are available starting at less than five hundred dollars a week.

Volunteer vacationers get a chance to see the world in a very different way than those who travel to foreign countries as tourists. They have a chance to live and work in communities where the residents may have to walk for miles to reach clean water and live in huts with none of the modern conveniences most Americans never think about. Most plans start at around three hundred dollars for a one week stay. This price doesn't include airfare, travel insurance, spending money, or vaccinations. It does include training, accommodations, and support personnel.

Volunteers don't have to have advanced degrees to make a difference in the area they choose to visit. Those who are interested in teaching for instance, can help a local educator in the classroom with literacy, English language, and vocational training. Licensed teachers may be able to teach independently.

Those who are interested in environmental issues may be placed in areas where coastal and jungle conservation programs are being developed. Organic and sustainable farming operations need volunteers as well. Individuals who volunteer for these types of projects have to be ready to get dirty and uncomfortable in areas where the climate is hot and humid.

Animal lovers and those who have concerns for endangered species can volunteer for wildlife conservation projects. Many areas with fragile ecosystems need help preserving, protecting, and improving their stability. It is not unusual to see packs of animals roaming communities. Abandoned domestic dogs and cats are a problem in many poor areas. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with communities to help round up the animals and make sure they have food and shelter.

Artists and musicians often volunteer to teach their skills to classrooms of children. They may teach the basics needed to play native instruments or paint with found materials. Community centers are also places where creative individuals can share their talents with adults.

There are also plans for volunteers who are interested in working with special needs individuals and the elderly. Duties can vary from teaching to physical therapy to personal hygiene. Some volunteers work in schools with several individuals at a time. Others may be asked to donate time at social services centers where older citizens need assistance with all kinds of activities.

These types of volunteer excursions are not for everyone. It takes individuals with empathy, vision, and compassion to help in underdeveloped regions of the world. For those who volunteer, the experience and the friendships made last a lifetime.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire