If you have ever wondered what volunteering consists of, the first thing you should know is that it is not only a work done that does not have economic retribution. Because being a volunteer goes beyond that, it is about contributing and experiencing the impact you are making in real time. It’s about seeing with your own eyes that YES, you can make a difference in the world.

Being a Global Volunteer is an intercultural experience for young people who want to obtain personal development and leave a positive impact on the world, because no matter where you want to direct that contribution, the change and growth that you will be generating for society and for yourself will be big. 

That is why we decided to tell you a little about the experience of one of our participants who decided to contribute his bit. The whole experience begins when he arrives at his destination, an NGO in Turkey in which he fulfilled his work teaching English to refugee children aged between 10 years. Although he was in a short period of 6 weeks abroad, during that time he was able to observe and meet new realities and cultures, as well as the beauty contained in its museums, mosques and palaces. 

He told us that perhaps the fact that another language is spoken (in this case, Turkish) and that the majority of its population does not know how to speak another language, makes the issue of communication a little difficult, but at the same time it is key to real immersion in the country. It is a great opportunity for young people to travel to countries where restaurants and transportation are up to five times cheaper, as it allows you to enjoy and learn more with the other volunteers who are with you.

During his experience, he wasn’t the only one contributing. Other volunteers were also taking the role of a teacher to dedicate themselves to small groups made up of two or three students. In this way, each of them had a certain number of children under their care, and in turn they could comfortably choose the method with which they would teach the subject. Something that sounds very small, but that generated a great satisfaction for him since on different occasions his students gave him flowers and drawings, as well as lots of laughs and hugs. 

We can realize that we as young leaders can make a positive impact in the world. We know that perhaps taking this step can be very scary for many, and that being a volunteer is not easy, but overcoming challenges is what makes it valuable. 

Therefore, you can be part of those young people in the world who are choosing to carry out projects to generate positive change, where you will also have the opportunity to put much of your knowledge into practice. The world is changed by those people who share the spirit, people who step forward, get involved and decide to become a citizen who contributes positively. 

Tell us, are you ready to live your experience?