If you’ve come to the Volunteer Logue, you probably don’t need to be convinced to volunteer – you already want to! But people have a wide variety of reasons for volunteering – some of them “good” realistic ones that may well be achieved, others…not so much.

What are some of the reasons people volunteer?

• To help others
• To get professional experience (or just any experience) abroad
• To interact with people in a situation they wouldn’t as a traveler only
• To meet other travelers
• To meet locals
• To get free room and board
• To “broaden their horizons” and maybe even start to see things from a new perspective.
• Because they want to travel but don’t think they can do it on their own.

It isn’t hard to knock out a few of these as “less than ideal” motives.

But you just want to give your time for free. Why should you consider your motivation?

First of all, because, while the extent will depend on the nature of what you do, other people generally will be affected by your decisions and actions – so changing your mind if you become disillusioned, or getting involved with a project which you really aren’t qualified to do doesn’t only affect you.

Next, because it will help you achieve your own goals and get the most out of your experience. It can guide you in your search and help you pick and choose between projects, opportunities, or organizations.

Third, because volunteering is an investment of time and money on your own part and if you simply sign on without thinking things through, you risk wasting those.

This is a wide topic so expect more thoughts in this area!