subject: You Can Make A Difference By Becoming An Overseas Volunteer [print this page] The world's an awfully big placeThe world's an awfully big place. There is no denying this fact. But now, thanks to technology, it's getting smaller all the time. Advancements in technology are making crossing oceans easier by the day. The Internet and Skype are bringing us all together. When you can have a conversation with someone in Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom and Brazil, and someone from Iceland hops in "just because", you know you've got your finger on the pulse of something truly amazing.
The community of nations makes the world smaller and more powerful. This newly found power brings with it new responsibilities.
When you're connected with the world, it's impossible to ignore problems that exist beyond the scope of your own life. The men and women living in these far off countries aren't just strangers anymore. They're people you talk to every day (if you so choose to). People you know. People you trust. These are people that you actually care about.
Good for you if are one of those people who reaches out to someone in another part of the world. You are much needed. If you don't know where to begin, read on. Perhaps you will find a few good ideas on where to start.
Contact an organization that has dealings overseas. This is a good place to start if you are seeking hands-on volunteer work. There are many organizations around the world that offer volunteering opportunities. Some of these are medical offices, schools, churches and many other associations that are in continuous need of another pair of helping hands. Any one of these could give you a chance to see the world while making a substantial, positive difference in the lives of others.
The greatest thing about being a volunteer with an organization that is actually going to send you to some foreign place is that you get the chance to see the results of your volunteering. You could, of course, do the same thing at home.
You might consider organizing a charity drive to collect needed supplies such as clothes, shoes and canned goods, then shipping boxes filled with these things overseas where they are most needed. You might also organize a fundraiser to raise money for the charity of your choice.
College students can contact someone on campus for information relating to volunteer opportunities. Lots of organizations partner with colleges to attract students who can make a difference culturally overseas. This is a great way to really dig in and make a difference with your peers in other cultural settings than your own.
You might also think seriously about pursuing a career in international relations. The State Department and many other diplomatic arms of the government regularly send qualified persons on overseas assignments.
The military offers some unique opportunities to interact abroad, often involving reconstruction of infrastructure while reaping all the benefits one receives when working for the United States government. A sound career interwoven with service overseas could be the just what you are looking for.
Whichever way you choose to go in your volunteer work, know that you are doing a very good thing and in time will realize you are making a change for the better in people's lives.
