It is evident that numerous students, living in developed countries, attend overseas by taking a gap year with the aim of volunteering. While a high amount of expenditure and adapting to another culture might be negative aspects for foreign volunteers, there are a number of pros like learning a new language and enhancing interpersonal skills through communicating with local residents.
Admittedly, going to another country puts a financial burden on individuals. Firstly, traveling by planes and trains requires more money if you would like to reach your destination quickly and safely. When it comes to private cars, there are many stringent standards for individuals such as a driving license and personal documents, including a visa card and permission to cross borders. Although the cost of a flight is much more expensive as opposed to other means of transport, flying is, in fact, the most prevalent method among teenagers to move to another country due to the fact that a plane is the best way to be safe during travel. In addition, working abroad can pose some challenges such as learning a new culture and eating local food. As a result of such phenomena, students may face many difficulties, urging them to go back to their home. Thailand and Morocco can be perfect examples in this case, attracting the least number of volunteers per year because of providing people with non-hygienic meals which can affect travelers’ health. Therefore, prior to going abroad, every person ought to consider the probability of difficulties like expenditure and food supply.
On the other hand, there are many reasons behind volunteering in other countries. First of all, being in another country can enable students to hone their linguistic skills and interpersonal abilities. Having friends or colleagues worldwide allows students to speak more fluently, communicate without any hesitations, and also provides several opportunities to live with another tradition. Furthermore, communication skills might be boosted by conversations with native dwellers and foreigners. As a result of honing various skills, students’ skills can be occupied with a lucrative employment by the government when they go back to their hometown. Thus, students can not only learn a new language and culture but also improve their personal careers by working in high-income occupations.
In conclusion, despite the fact that there are some cons to going abroad for volunteering like a financial burden and adjusting lifestyle, from a pragmatic standpoint, the plus points of attending overseas such as being multilingual and honing interpersonal abilities.