1. Immerse yourself in a new culture - try something new, new countries, languages, foods, music, dance, arts, sports and crafts. Whatever your interest you will find a chance to broaden your outlook and discover something new about your hobbies. Become involved in something a world apart from your old life and open your eyes to new experiences. With long term projects, volunteers become part of the community and develop respect for their hosts and their location.
2. Help others - Do something meaningful with your time and have a real and appreciated effect on the lives of others. Watch the children you teach improve or see the little things that you can do that make a big difference to those who need it. Improve other people's understanding of a different culture, language and experiences.
3. Gain great new skills - Working with people of a different age and from a different way of life will teach an immeasurable amount. You will learn valuable life skills such as socialising with others beyond your age group, learn a new language and improving your communication skills, teamwork, leadership, organisation and more all while helping others to do the same!
4. Challenge yourself - Find out what you are truly capable of and challenge yourself to reach new heights. With enthusiasm and hard work you can push yourself out of your comfort zone and into unknown territories. Building confidence and overcoming difficulties. All things that you can look back on and be proud of.
5. Improve your job prospects - Gain skills and experiences that will help you bridge the gap between school and your working life. Show a real commitment and adaptability that will be appreciated by employers and have something that sets you apart from the crowd on your cv. Volunteers often find employers want to speak about their volunteer experiences in interviews giving you the platform to impress and highlight all your accomplishments.
6. Build Friendships - Have the chance to meet new people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and ages. Make friends with locals and other volunteers, who will share your experiences. Work as a team in a community and build the kind of lasting relationships that will have you wanting to go back and will stay with you forever.
7. Travel - gain an excellent chance to visit another corner of the globe. You will get the opportunity to travel within your host country and often volunteers take day or weekend trips into neighbouring countries. You will have the chance to see beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas, as well as buzzing cities and friendly towns.
8. Meet like minded and interesting people - You will not be the only one looking for a fantastic and memorable experience. There will be others looking to make the most of their time off. Volunteers often form close friendships that last throughout the rest of their life. Whether that person is from your country or not.
9. Have an adventure - There is so much more to life than the routine of going to work. Make the most of this time off to do something special. You may be surprised how rarely you will get the chance to live and understand another culture as fully as when you undertake a long term voluntary placement. The opportunity to become part of a society completely different to what you are used is truly a privilege and the opportunity should be made the most of.
10. Discover yourself - Regain your sense of adventure and find out what it means to accomplish something truly unique. See how volunteering can change your life and don't just take our word for it, read testimonials from those who have returned, come for an interview and get in touch, so we can help you find out what you want to do and achieve in your volunteering placement.
Written by Nick Adie of international youth development charity Lattitude Global Volunteering.
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