There are no hard and fast rules to the world of volunteering. Each project and experience is unique to the volunteer and their placement, but these tips on what makes a good volunteer should help you when making a decision.

Hardworking

It might go without saying, but volunteering is no holiday. You’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful places on earth, and will certainly get the chance to explore and soak up the culture. But volunteering at its core is about helping others, and that means being unafraid to roll up your sleeves and put in the work.

Some volunteer programmes, such as construction or building, can be physically tough and have irregular hours, including late nights. It may be challenging but the satisfaction of a job well done is an incredible reward, and your self-esteem and pride will receive all manner of boosts from witnessing the fruit of your hard graft.

A team player

Almost all volunteering programmes involve a team of some sort. It’s an inherently social activity, and that often means letting go of an ego and submitting to the consensus. When working for a good cause, the driving force should never be yourself, but the greater good. There’s no greater feeling of affinity than when everyone around you is working towards a common goal.

For that full team experience it’s worth signing up to a programme with an organisation like Projects Abroad – visit their website for details.

Culturally sensitive

The beauty of volunteering is the unique opportunity it affords you to visit far-flung places around the world, many which you might never have thought you would. Of course, this privilege comes with certain responsibilities. It’s essential that you’re always respectful of the land you have been welcomed into and the people you work with and help.

Everything from medical volunteering abroad to environmental conservation requires the utmost of tact and consideration. Your host organisation can usually provide helpful guides on this, as every country is different and has varying customs and beliefs.

Selflessness    

 It’s right there in the dictionary definition of ‘volunteering’, an activity that demands from the onset a great deal of sacrifice. In volunteering you’re giving up your time, and possibly money, for a good cause. When the hours are long and you’re exhausted, the reasons why you’re working hard for no money might be hard to see. But the rewards are there, and manifold – experience, friendship, and a fundamental sense that you’ve made the world a better place to live in.

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The children and people of Central America need your help in building their community to its full potential! Join this progression into a better tomorrow by lending your hand to the people of Panama.
Volunteer your time in Panama to inspire and create a better future for the world.

Spread the goodness of human-kind by visiting Panama through volunteer opportunities. Panama is a great location to give a helping hand at orphanages, public schools, and elderly homes. There are also more opportunities to get involved at wildlife rescue centers as well as environmental organizations, to help preserve the ecosystems of Panama such as the sea turtles of the coast. Other options include volunteering focus in the medical field and pertain to health care. Habla Ya Panama is just one program which offers such volunteer opportunities that will have you working with the local community to improve the lives of others. Many programs offer education related projects that leave the volunteer the experience of a lifetime! The focus on literacy and the teaching of English give you a real time perspective of what it means to teach the world. You may just have the skills to offer the youngest generations of Panama an essential life skill. To learn a language spoken prevalently throughout the world.

The particular company Habla Ya Panama works diligently with your topic areas of interest to help build the most suitable experience for its volunteers. I recommend going with your strengths and choosing a project that aligns with your passion. That way the hard work you put into the project will seem almost effortless, and you will be rewarded with knowing you have helped make better the lives of others. Your skills and personal talents may be perfect for the many volunteer projects in Panama. When you are not out volunteering with the people, Habla Ya Panama offers many eco-friendly adventure options that will enhance the experience. On these optional excursions you have the chance to meet the indigenous populations that remain in Central America. Tribes such as the Soloy in Chiriqui and Salt Creek in Bocas del Toro give visitors and inside glimpse into the local daily-life of past peoples who occupied this area.

The projects of Habla Ya Panama are located out of the cities of Boquete and Bocas del Toro. There is always someone who needs your help here in Panama, so the company is eager to hear your inquiries! The three main project areas are Childrens’ Volunteer Programs, Community Outreach Programs and the English Program which is free of charge! The Childrens’ Projects include the Amigos de Boquete which provides schools with malnourished children food, teaches music and reading and keeps children active with sports activities. The Community Outreach Projects includes sea-turtle conservation, caring for injured animals and recycling awareness. It also covers projects involving medical and healthcare related skills. Last the English Program teaches students in Panama how to speak and write the English language. These volunteer opportunities allow you to reach out to the communities in Panama, and also explore the sights on your own time. The company helps to provide money efficient means to experience Panama on a budget.

With your help, we can make the world a better place.

Molly Austin is a blogger outreach assistant and writer for an English travel company who specialise in Airport Parking. As well as reading, writing and obsessing about travelling, she loves to eat, is a self confessed geek and spends way too much time online, you can often find her on twitter @molly_austin1

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Thorough preparation can make the difference between an enjoyable voluntary experience and one plagued by discomfort and even illness. There’s a lot to remember before any trip abroad so it’s worth making a list so that nothing is forgotten. Here are 10 of the most important things to include.

Vaccinations

Those volunteering outside the UK may need to be vaccinated against diseases found in different countries. These will help prevent infection from serious diseases such as yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis and cholera.

A GP can advise on which countries require which vaccinations – some of which must be paid for. Some vaccinations, such as that for yellow fever, are only available from designated centres. Contact the National Travel Health Network and Centre or ask a GP for further information.

Volunteers staying in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia are unlikely to need any vaccinations.

First aid kit

Just the basics will do – anti-histamines, plasters, hydration solution (such as Dioralyte), painkillers, insect repellent, antiseptic wipes, sunblock, a pair of scissors and a pair of tweezers. Take less or more of each depending on the country being visited.

For example, a trip to Paris is unlikely to cause more than one upset stomach, while significant amounts of time spent in India is likely to cause many.

Language

When visiting a foreign country, it always helps to be able to speak some of the language – whether you’re going on a volunteering programme with an organisation such as Projects Abroad or just travelling. Give yourself the best possible chance and start learning as soon as possible. Pack a phrasebook for use while away, but make use of internet sources while at home that provide audio examples of how to pronounce useful words and phrases correctly.

Bag

Don’t take an overly large bag as the temptation will always be to fill it. Packed bags can get heavy quickly – especially in hot countries. Take a rucksack rather than a suitcase as these are easier to carry.

Money

Change money beforehand rather than at the airport or in the country itself. Take a debit card or credit card for use in emergencies and a money belt to keep the main bulk of any cash out of sight.

Entertainment

Long waits in airports and train stations can be made to feel much shorter with a little entertainment. Pack a book to read and a small music-playing device. Books can be exchanged easily enough so take no more than two.

Footwear

Appropriate footwear is essential. Even if the country has a warm climate, don’t think you can get away with just packing flip flops. While not the most flattering of footwear, a good pair of walking boots will be suitable for volunteering on a huge variety of projects. If the placement is within a formal organisation, then smart shoes may be appropriate – check beforehand.

Eyewear

Those that wear glasses should take a spare pair. Contact lens wearers also need to take spares. Everyone should take a good pair of sunglasses that offer full protection against ultraviolet light – specifically lenses that block UVB and UVA rays.

Clothing

Think ‘light and loose’ when packing clothes. Cold nights can be combated by adding layers. Remember that long-sleeved tops and trousers are useful for warding off the advances of mosquitos.

Medication

If you currently take any medication, make sure you have enough to last for the entirety of the trip – and some to spare. If visiting a malarial country, make sure to get suitable anti-malarial medication from your doctor. These usually need to be taken one week before leaving and for one month after returning.

The three main types are Atovaquone plus proguanil (also known as Malarone), Doxycycline (also known as Vibramycin-D), and Mefloquine (also known as Lariam).

Samuel Tetley is a freelance writer and travel enthusiast. He has travelled to – and written about – countries in every continent. Since volunteering he has developed a taste for the varied and challenging work. His next trip will see him teaching English in Tanzania.

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