A
female
age
26-29,
anonymous
writes:i want to do some volunteering overseas next year and i know i definitely want to do this but some obstacles that i feel will get in the way is my dads opinions and thoughts on where i should go , how long for and doing what , he doesn't mean to dictate but i feel he can sometimes say things that do come across that way and i know hes only been supportive but occasionally i will let his thoughts doubt what i should do . if this is the case how can i not let his opinions doubt what i want to do and how can i make sure it is something i want to do ? id also like any ideas on knowing how i can find where is best to volunteer , the safest places and how to save money up .im a very indecisiveness person so i have no idea really where to go or the best ways of researching , up to now i am looking at different organisations and doing advantages and disadvantages of each and going from there but if anyone has any ideas that would be great thank you.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (23 August 2019): (wwoofing) I went wilfully working on organic farms in Southern Spain, free board and lodgings for the work. Great experience and only flight and spending money. If you go through third parties you can estimate about 3 thousand pounds for your volunteer work (in some cases). Or like Cindy says, Teaching English you can take an online TEFL course for a reasonable price and probably be able to make friends with other teachers so you are not alone.
Be careful about the 3rd parties and what they charge, totally unnecessary prices when you are working for free.
Depends on the experience you want, or who you want to help, or what you want to learn or where you want to travel.
Do your home work and listen to advice from others who have done it before and listen to the reasons why your father might not think one area is not a safe place, do your homework and check government travel advice etc.
A
female
reader, Andie's Thoughts +, writes (23 August 2019):
 It’s awesome that you want to volunteer abroad - it could be a great learning experience for you and look good on job applications in the future.
I’m not sure why you’re so hesitant to allow your dad to help you decide, though? He can help you figure out what kind of volunteering you want to do, but you’ll need to know what’s available before you can decide. Maybe look into it with your dad - I know I’d feel slightly less concerned about my daughter going abroad “alone” (with an organisation) if I saw her making smart choices and including me in her research.
A quick Google search of “volunteer abroad from UK” will give you options to look into. There will be specific organisations that people volunteer with and there should be reviews online - just make sure you don’t rely on the reviews on their own websites. There may also be social media groups relevant to it and people on there could recommend options.
As for saving up, do you have a job? If not, you’ll need to get one - probably for a year, so that you can volunteer abroad next summer.
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A
female
reader, KeW +, writes (23 August 2019):
 Hi there,
Speak to the Job Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau to find out about volunteering opportunities and possible funding support. Once you have done that, speaking to your dad may be easier. It’s understandable to sometimes doubt yourself when others say things, but you also know he is supportive of it, so it’s probably worth listening to his ideas.
Best of luck.
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A
female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (22 August 2019):
 So why don't you just listen to your dad's opinion and consider it carefully ? Considering it does not mean accepting it passively, but just taking his suggestion, researching it accurately , and " trying it on for size " in your mind to see how it fits you.
After all, you are willing to do that ( consider opinions and suggestions ) from perfect strangers like us, who know nothing about your needs and abilities, - but you won't extend the same courtesy to your own dad ? You don't have to do what he says, of course, if it does not resonates with you.
First of all, though, you need to find out what DOES resonate with you. Just to give you an example, if I had the time, and the right age, for going volunteering around the world, I would join a program for teaching English to elementary school children in Thailand.It would be the right fit for me : I love Thailand, the program is run in urban areas ( I am not a rural type ), it's not physically demanding at all, but it's intellectually challenging ( you have to come up with fun , playful ways to teach ). But let's say that another person prefers rural areas and wants to work in the open air, or does not like teaching, or hates the hot, humid wheather in Thailand, etc.etc. then it would be punishment, not volunteering.
Sp, choose first what you want and what you CAN do, based on your experience, abilities and inclinations : maybe work with animals ? with children ? with plants ? cooking ?... etc.etc., then you go looking and researching from there.
And / or , another good selection tool is to think °where°
you want to go first. Since there's basically no corner in the world where a helping hand is not necessary or at least useful- might as well to choose a country , or continent, which you always dreamed of visiting.
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A
male
reader, Fatherly Advice  + ♥, writes (21 August 2019):
 I have some friends who are members of a service organization called Rotary International. Their daughter was like you and wanted to volunteer overseas. Through their group she found a group of people her age that were planning a trip to build a house. It was a great experience for her. and because it was set up by experienced people with connections worldwide, it was safe and her parents didn't have to worry. There is probably a rotary chapter near you, and someone who could get you information.
Mostly my advice is to find a good group that your Dad can trust. It makes it so much easier for parents if there is a representative they know. Also I encourage your young philanthropy. It is my duty to point people to service as a path to happiness. I hope you find it there.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (21 August 2019):
 Why not LISTEN to what he suggests? Take his input and see where that takes you?
As far as volunteering "overseas" - well it sounds good, but WHAT do you WANT to volunteer doing?
Teaching language? Digging wells? Sick people? Cleaning ocean? Work a kibbutz?
You kind of HAVE to have an idea of what kind of volunteer work you can do and WANT to do. THEN look into charities that DO just that. At least, that would be MY approach.
https://www.volunteerforever.com/article_post/best-volunteer-abroad-programs-organizations-projects
Might give you some ideas of what is out there.
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