Thoughts about Volunteering

ATTENTION:

South American Explorers is not a placement organization. We provide these listings to our members so that independent travelers can research potential volunteer opportunities on their own. All contact with organizations is up to the member, as are housing, food, and anything else you require to make your stay worthwhile. That said, we would like to offer these tips to keep in mind while perusing the listings.

LANGUAGE

While volunteering in South America, it’s important to have a somewhat objective view of your language skills. Some organizations do not have any language requirements. Others, especially professional positions or the work with young children, often require volunteers with language skills. Being able to communicate with those around you may help you feel more connected. However, many people come to South America with little to no language skills and are able to have rewarding experiences.

TIME

Don’t over-commit, and be realistic in the amount of time you have to offer. Some people will feel happy donating a few hours of time a week, while others may feel that spending a minimum of several hours a day volunteering helps them bond with the organization and its mission. How important is it to have time for your own activities?

SKILLS

What skills do you have to offer? While some organizations are highly specialized and welcome professionals with training, others are simply happy to have someone lend a hand in the kitchen or read stories to children.

And perhaps most importantly: MISSION

Each organization was founded to achieve different goals, often through different means. Helping the needy may translate as providing classes or providing food. But even two organizations that both serve as soup kitchens in poor neighborhoods may have vastly different missions. Finally, if you had a great or a “so-so” experience with one of our listed organizations, please take a moment to fill out an evaluation! These personal member evaluations help others decide how they might match with the organization, and are often even more insightful than a profile.

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