Volunteering abroad

[Tomo 21,751]

I have just got back from a taster weekend in Leeds to see if im ready to go abroad for 10 weeks in either Tanzania, Borneo or Costa Rica.

Im going to be told in a few days whether i have done enough to get a place on the expedition next year for 10 weeks. Waiting is horrible,

The weekend i have just been on in itself was incredible, never did i think walking nine miles and have no phone signal (especially on a Chelsea match) will be so fun. I thought i would be screwing but in all honesty i never even thought about the result until i got back and watched it back like it was live, not a nice experience.

Having said that i don't even think finding out the score would have ruined my weekend like it usually does.

I meet loads of sound new people all across the country (from Middles-borough to Essex) and i miss being up there already, could have done it for a week.

I done something similar in 2010 which was working in a Bulgarian orphanage for 2 weeks and that was great, god knows how good 10 weeks away will be, it's not that im worried about, its coming back will be horrible.

Not going to lie there will be tough times, missing home, food may be quite honestly crap but the pro's do outweigh the cons by atleast 10:1.

If you are not doing much at the moment and are looking for something to do which will look great i strongly reccomend this. Will be hard but you can look back in a few years thinking wow.

http://www.raleighin...CFeTLtAodnhEAXQ

EDIT: you have to be under 25 to go as a young person but over 25 you could maybe go as an adult volunteer.

[zolayes 14,489]

of those 3 Tanzania might be the best although Kenya would be much better, Again ideally a period of 6 months to a year is better

for all concerned, Whatever transpires wish you well

[Tomo 21,751]

and for the foreign user's on this forum, Raleigh is a world wide organisation so it should be available for you too.

[Jype 6,398]

Sounds great. I actually considered something like this a while back when I hadn't yet begun my studies and had no job either, but in the end I didn't have the balls to do anything about it.

[We Hate Scouse 10,327]

Good luck mate, genuinely hope you get the place.

Always wanted to do something like this, it would be such a good thing to do. Seeing the world and other cultures whilst helping others at the same time.

[FormerRussianSpy 163]

My ex-gf did a work/study program in Switzerland for a year before she left for school. Taking time to experience foreign cultures -- no matter the context whether work of volunteer -- is invaluable to someone who has the opportunity to do so. She learned French, travelled around Europe and gained knowledge inaccessible anywhere else.

Even if its just 10 weeks, I would highly recommend taking the leap and doing it. Costa Rica is beautiful, btw

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Good luck Tomo, that sounds very interesting and extremely enlightening! Hope you do get the place mate.

[Tomo 21,751]

Got on, Costa Rica here i come

I hope this forum won't lose it's appeal in my absence

[zolayes 14,489]

Got on, Costa Rica here i come

I hope this forum won't lose it's appeal in my absence

enjoy the coffee

[FormerRussianSpy 163]

Got on, Costa Rica here i come

Great choice man. The beer is cheap, and the ladies are nice

[Tomo 21,751]

Great choice man. The beer is cheap, and the ladies are nice

Im not aloud near beer out there

Infact my first choice was Tanzania, but i accepr anywhere

[FormerRussianSpy 163]

Im not aloud near beer out there

Infact my first choice was Tanzania, but i accepr anywhere

Welp...the coffee is top notch! it is an incredible place, nonetheless

[unclezillion 23]

if you are into voluntary work and live in the UK click this

[BluesChick 1,260]

Good Luck and Have fun! I am glad to see it isn't a religious-based organization. It is nice to see an organization that is there just to offer humanitarian aid. Not to offend anyone but I believe that if you are helping someone you should not insist that your religion be foisted on them.