Is it safe to volunteer abroad?

StrawberryJam132

Hi everyone :wave:

I need advice...

I want to volunteer in an orphanage abroad. But I'm worried about safety...?

I'm aiming to go end of this year/beginning of next year.

Has anyone volunteered in Africa/Mexico or places like that?? Anyone know which is the safest place? ... Probably not an easy answer:rotfl:Safety is all in the news at the moment...

I would love to help in an orphanage, but I've found this program: http://www.gvi.co.uk/programs/volunteer-health-project-mexico

I already work with spinally injured young people, and people with brain injuries, so my skills would be put to better use in this kind of scenario... But it's not an orphanage. Hmm.

Thanks

Peccary

Hi,
I can't speak for Africa but have experience in Central America. the area where the project you linked to here is safe, probably the safest part of Mexico. I have volunteered and travelled alone in this area and had no problems. I you can speak (or even learn a bit of) Spanish you will feel a lot more comfortable.

StrawberryJam132

Thank you Peccary

I learnt my lesson travelling before without knowing a word of the language (Italy). I will learn some this time :rotfl:
p.s. LOVE your signature. It's one of my favourite quotes:beer:

poor_johno

No one seen the news today?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23611840

I'm sure this is a rarity but worth noting.

StrawberryJam132

poor_johno wrote: »

No one seen the news today?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23611840

I'm sure this is a rarity but worth noting.

This is worrying Really not sure if it's worth the risk...

SB

whitewing

Most people I know have done some form of volunteering in England or beyond. Virtually all of them have had someone who thought it was too risky to do. A reputable organisation will have plenty of safeguards in place and the risks will be much reduced if you are sensible.

I think helping at an orphanage is a wonderful idea, but there may be a bit of a culture clash. I think they can be quite heartbreaking places, but I am a believer that if you can make a small change to just one person's life then it is worth doing. Be realistic about what you can achieve, but I guess that will apply to your usual job anyway.

poor_johno

SBOWDEN wrote: »

This is worrying Really not sure if it's worth the risk...

SB

Personally I wouldn't be put off. I'm sure this is a rare occurrence.

Brian8888

Given what is going on in the world right now I think you should think about volunteering somewhere at home or in the UK. Also lots of projects in other European countries. Can get very dangerous in emerging countries.

VestanPance

There are murders every day in the UK. Assaults, and all sorts of other crime. There's no point in worrying about travelling or working abroad.

Working in a different country and absorbing that culture is a great thing for anyone. Learn the about the culture, take the same care you would anywhere else. Don't become one of those sad folk who gets scared about things they are unfamiliar with.

mcfisco

Just do it OP, the world on the whole is a great deal safer now than previously, it's just 24/7 wall-to-wall media that reports and sensationalises everything it can.

We used to produce so many adventurers, explorers and missionaries

Have a read of this obituary of a man who certainly had a life well lived, I would have loved to have known him.

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/tony-gaze-1920-2013/

marisco_2

As long as you learn about and respect the culture of the country you are in, and take sensible precautions about your safety, then working abroad is a very positive experience.

Don't be worried about trying something new, if you have the opportunity to do this then I think you should go for it. Life can get boring if you stay within the limits of what you know and feel comfy with.