5 of the most worthwhile things you could be doing

If you’ve been sitting at your desk recently, thinking about getting out there and doing something worthwhile, there are plenty of things you could try. One of the best ways of making a difference is to go on a volunteering project with an organisation such as www.projects-abroad.ca. You’ll have an experience of a lifetime and be doing something to benefit others. In this guide you can read about five of the top experiences on offer to you.

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Teach children in foreign countries

You can get involved in teaching abroad without formal qualifications. As long as you have a good standard of English, you can play a part and help enrich children’s lives. English teaching projects are available all over the world, so whether you want to head to Africa, Asia or South America, you can. If you would rather work with over 18s, there are plenty of projects offering this opportunity too.

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Get involved in environmental and cultural programs

Getting your hands dirty helping local communities is a really memorable experience. If you’ve been sitting at your desk, longing to get outdoors, this is a good option for you. You could help farmers in Argentina or Ghana, get involved in eco-development projects in India, or even play a role in conservation projects all over the world.

Work in an orphanage

Volunteering in an orphanage is a humbling and life-changing experience. This is your opportunity to have a hugely positive impact on children and help them learn life skills that will be a massive benefit to them. All you have to be is compassionate and show your caring side, and in return you will get a rewarding experience. There are opportunities to volunteer in orphanages in many different countries around the world, including China, Ghana, Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Mongolia.

Take part in community projects

Taking part in community projects gives you the opportunity to do something worthwhile and to really soak up the atmosphere and culture of your chosen destination. You’ll work with locals and can get a placement in programs, such as arts and crafts in Mexico, nomad projects in Mongolia and disaster management projects in Jamaica.

Coach sport abroad

Sport has the unique power of bringing people together. If you have a sport that you are passionate about and able to coach, you can use your skills to help teach those at a disadvantage. It might be a school program, community sports project or individual courses, and again there are opportunities all over the world.

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If you feel the time’s right to go and do something worthwhile, there are many websites that can give you more information about specific projects. Then you can start planning your memorable experience!

Resource Box

Volunteering: make your time really count - Article about volunteering on your travels

Graduate: A Volunteer Abroad - First-hand account of someone’s experience of volunteering abroad

Do you dare take a sabbatical? - Article about taking time off work