General Tips

• Most short-term overseas programs are not heavily structured and many organisations will not give you a lot of guidance. You will be expected to be independent and cope on your own. Be prepared to be challenged and patient.
  
• If you choose to volunteer internationally with an organisation, thoroughly research them before you commit.
  
• Deadline dates for applications vary widely, and though many volunteer organisations will help you get your documents in order before your departure, it is still best to start early.
  
• Many people are surprised to find that volunteer organisations charge a fee to participate. Realise that this fee goes towards the operational costs of the organisation, which could not exist without being subsidised by your contribution. This cost varies between organisations and companies who exist to make money out of you! Research these costs carefully before handing any money over.
  
• Ensure that you know what you are getting for your money and that you are aware of where the money goes.
  
• Most people who participate in volunteer programs overseas say that they gain way more from the program than they put in.
  
• If you first volunteer at home with a local organisation, you will probably be a much more effective international volunteer.
  
• Five character traits of a highly effective volunteer are: flexibility, patience, openness, dependability, and humility.
  
• Things you can do to become an effective volunteer:
  * Research where you are going - learn appropriate cultural considerations and customs
  * Learn the language
  * Listen before you act
  * Be friendly
  * Live simply
  * Dress and behave appropriately, often more modestly than the way we are used to in the West
  * Accept that their will sometimes be huge cultural differences and different attitudes
  * Exercise extreme caution in all relationships while abroad
  * Work for sustainability
  * Reflect on your experience and share with people at home
  * Fulfil promises – e.g. with a sponsor to do a talk on your return or keep them up to date of your progress whilst you are travelling
  * Try and avoid creating expectation or making promises you may not be able to fulfil e.g. promising a local you will sponsor their child or that you will return if you may not be able to
  * Remember that you are acting as an ambassador – if you give a negative impression this can contribute to how locals will perceive all foreigners