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Volunteer and work abroad programs tend to draw
an immense variety of people, from all over the world, to dedicate
their time and effort to a project. Although their interests and
personalities may widely vary, they are likely to share similar
viewpoints on what inspired them to leave their known life behind
for a certain period of time, and to make the jump into a life-changing
experience.
Here are some of the most commonly reported reasons
people choose to participate in a volunteer, work, teach, or internship
program abroad:
* Providing yourself with the ability to list
global work experience is not only a resume booster in the current
day and age, but is quickly becoming a must-have credential to keep
a competitive edge in the global market.
* Potential employees can really stand out in
their field and grab potential employers interest by showing certain
attributes gained through work abroad, such as: cross cultural competency;
flexibility; problem solving skills; decision making and interpersonal
communication. ∑ Not only will you make a difference in your
host community, but the experiences that you have while abroad will
help build your local communities back home. You will return with
new ideas, can assist in initiating new projects, serve as a guide
to educate others on what you learned, and in effect serve to open
minds and pour knowledge back into your home community.
* Many people are looking for a new challenge
that will encourage them to use their creativity. A placement abroad
will certainly fulfill this desire.
*Other people pursue a program abroad in order
to learn a new language or practice their language skills
* A work abroad program is appealing due to the
fact that you will likely break even on the cost of the program
itself, and possibly save money, while participating in a life-changing
experience living in a new culture.
* Many volunteer and work abroad programs are
very flexile in start date and length, which allows individuals
from a variety of backgrounds and professions with additional flexibility
in choosing when to go abroad.
* Also we can’t forget that the international
lifestyle is interesting, stimulating, and rewarding – it
is a big decision to make, but more and more people each year are
making the choice to make a change in their life that will help
others!
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