Why Volunteering Abroad Can Boost Your College Applications

Volunteering abroad involves travelling to a foreign country and engaging in voluntary work to assist communities in need. It is an excellent opportunity to experience different cultures, give back to society, and learn new skills.

Volunteering abroad can also have a significant impact on your college applications. Admissions officers look for well-rounded individuals who have diverse experiences, and volunteering abroad can demonstrate that you possess the skills and qualities that universities value. In this article, we’ll explore how volunteering abroad can boost your college applications.

Benefits of volunteering abroad

• Personal growth and self-reflection

Volunteering abroad can be a challenging and immersive experience that can help you grow personally and gain a better understanding of yourself. By stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing different cultures, you can develop resilience, self-confidence, and empathy. You may also learn more about your own strengths and weaknesses and discover new passions and interests.

• Cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication

Volunteering abroad can also help you develop cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication skills, which are highly valued in today’s global society. By interacting with people from different backgrounds, you can learn to appreciate different perspectives, understand cultural nuances, and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Development of new skills

Volunteering abroad can also provide you with opportunities to develop new skills that can be useful in your personal and professional life. Depending on the type of volunteer work, you may learn new languages, gain leadership and teamwork skills, and develop project management and problem-solving abilities.

• Professional networking opportunities

Volunteering abroad can also provide you with professional networking opportunities, which can be beneficial for your future career prospects. You can connect with professionals in your field of interest, build relationships with potential mentors, and gain valuable insights into your chosen career path.

Does volunteering abroad look good on CVs?

A curriculum vitae (CV), is a document that outlines your education, work experience, skills, achievements and other important details about yourself. It is often required when applying for jobs or higher education opportunities, such as college and graduate school.

Volunteering abroad can enhance your CV by demonstrating that you have valuable skills and experience that are highly valued by employers and admissions officers. It can show that you have a global perspective, cultural awareness, and a willingness to take on challenges.

When including volunteering experience in your CV, it is important to highlight the skills and qualities you developed and the impact you made. For example, you could mention the type of volunteer work you did, the organization you volunteered with, the duration of the volunteer experience, and the skills you developed or utilized. You could also provide specific examples of how your volunteer work contributed to the organization or community you worked with.

In the next section, we’ll explore whether UK universities care about volunteering.

Do UK universities care about volunteering?

UK universities value students who have diverse experiences and a commitment to social responsibility. Volunteering abroad can demonstrate that you possess these qualities and can contribute to the university’s mission of creating responsible and engaged citizens.

Volunteering abroad can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your unique skills and qualities. It can also provide you with valuable experiences and perspectives that can contribute to your academic and personal growth.

Many UK universities value volunteering experience and offer opportunities for students to engage in community service and volunteer work. For example, the University of Bristol offers a range of volunteer opportunities, and the University of Manchester has a dedicated volunteering program called “Manchester Volunteering.”

Why volunteering is important

Generally, volunteering is important because it allows individuals to give back to their communities and contribute to the greater good. It can also help individuals develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility.

Volunteering can also provide individuals with opportunities for personal and professional growth. It can help individuals develop new skills, gain work experience, and make valuable connections. It can also provide individuals with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

1. Civic engagement: Volunteering is a way to give back to your community and be an active participant in civic life. By volunteering, you can help address social issues and work towards creating a better world.
2. Personal growth: Volunteering can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. It can help you develop new skills, gain new perspectives, and build self-confidence. Volunteering can also be an opportunity to explore new interests and passions.
3. Professional development: Volunteering can be a valuable tool for professional development. It can provide opportunities to develop new skills, gain work experience, and build professional networks. Volunteering can also demonstrate to employers that you are committed to making a positive impact and are willing to go above and beyond.
4. Health benefits: Volunteering has been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased social connections. By volunteering, you can improve your overall well-being and contribute to the well-being of others.
5. Community building: Volunteering can help build stronger communities by fostering connections and relationships between people. It can bring together people from diverse backgrounds and create a sense of shared purpose and belonging.
6. Social change: Volunteering can be a powerful tool for social change. By volunteering, you can work towards addressing social issues and advocating for policy changes. Volunteering can also be a way to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy between different groups of people.

Tips for volunteering abroad

• Researching volunteer programs

When volunteering abroad, it is important to research volunteer programs carefully to ensure that they are legitimate and align with your interests and goals. You should also research the culture and customs of the country you will be visiting to ensure that you are respectful and culturally sensitive.

• Budgeting and fundraising for travel expenses

Volunteering abroad can be expensive, so it is important to budget and fundraise for travel expenses. You can consider applying for scholarships, grants, or fundraising through crowdfunding platforms.

• Preparing for the volunteer experience

Before volunteering abroad, it is important to prepare for the experience. This may include learning basic phrases in the local language, researching the culture and customs of the country, and preparing for the physical and emotional challenges of the volunteer work.

• Research the country and culture

Before volunteering abroad, it is important to research the country and culture you will be working in. This includes learning about local customs, language, and values. Understanding the cultural norms of the country will help you navigate your volunteer work and ensure that you are respectful and effective in your efforts.

• Choose a reputable organization

It is important to choose a reputable organization when volunteering abroad. This means researching the organization’s mission, values, and track record. You can also look for organizations that have been vetted by reputable third-party organizations, such as Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.

• Be prepared for cultural differences

Volunteering abroad can be a culture shock, and it is important to be prepared for cultural differences. This may include different food, dress, language, and customs. It is important to approach these differences with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

• Stay safe

When volunteering abroad, safety should be a top priority. This means following safety protocols and guidelines provided by the organization, being aware of your surroundings, and taking necessary precautions to avoid dangerous situations.

• Stay prepared for the physical and emotional demands

Volunteering abroad can be physically and emotionally demanding. This may include long hours, challenging work, and exposure to difficult situations. It is important to prepare for these demands by getting in shape, practising self-care, and seeking support when needed.

• Be flexible 

Volunteering abroad requires flexibility and adaptability. Things may not always go as planned, and it is important to be able to adjust to changing circumstances. This may include adjusting to cultural differences, unexpected challenges, and changes in the volunteer work.

Conclusively, volunteering abroad can be a valuable experience for college-bound students. It provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, cross-cultural communication, and can enhance a CV and boost college applications. Additionally, many UK universities value volunteering experience and offer opportunities for students to engage in community service and volunteer work.

However, it is important to research volunteer programs carefully and prepare for the experience, including budgeting and fundraising for travel expenses and preparing for the physical and emotional challenges of the volunteer work. By considering volunteering abroad, college-bound students can gain valuable experiences and perspectives that can contribute to their academic and personal growth.