“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help” (Heather French Henry)
Global volunteering can be a life-changing experience, fostering personal growth, intercultural understanding, and a sense of purpose in making a difference beyond borders. Global volunteering offers participants an opportunity to contribute their time, skills, and efforts to causes they are passionate about while experiencing different cultures and gaining a broader perspective on global issues.
Global volunteering involves working in a different cultural context, interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, and gaining a deeper understanding of local customs, traditions, and ways of life. Global Volunteering participants engage in various service projects that can include teaching, healthcare assistance, community development, environmental conservation, construction, or supporting vulnerable populations, among other activities.
Global volunteering allows individuals to develop and utilize their skills and expertise in real-world situations, contributing to the development of local communities and organizations. Global Volunteers often experience personal growth as they step out of their comfort zones, adapt to new environments, and face unique challenges, leading to increased self-confidence and resilience.
Importance of Global Volunteering
Global volunteering holds significant importance for individuals, communities, and the world. It offers a wide range of benefits such as Cross-Cultural Understanding, Personal Growth and Skills Development, Enhancing Empathy and Compassion, Capacity Building for Local Organizations, Positive Public Diplomacy, Raising Awareness and Advocacy, Encouraging Responsible Tourism and global volunteering plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges and promoting positive change such as Contributing to Sustainable Development, Building Global Citizens, and Promoting Global Solidarity.
Overall, global volunteering plays a vital role in fostering global cooperation, understanding, and positive change. It empowers individuals to be agents of change, contributing their time and skills to create a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world.
When engaging in global volunteering, it is essential to choose well-established and reputable volunteer organizations or programs that align with your values and offer ethical and sustainable projects.
AIESEC is the best organization a volunteer can choose to do his/her volunteer project. For this reason, AIESEC operates in over 120 countries and territories, providing a vast international network. Working with AIESEC will help establish connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures, expanding global perspective and enhancing cross-cultural communication skills.
And let’s hear from our Exchange Participants’ experiences on volunteering.
(AIESEC in USJ_ Exchange Participant Dinithi)
Q: Why did you want to become a global volunteer?
A: I recognized that volunteering globally would provide opportunities to develop and refine my skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership, which are valuable in both personal and professional life and I can connect with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships with people from different parts of the world.
Q: What did you do as a volunteer?
A: I assist in research projects by collecting data, conducting surveys, or analyzing information to support evidence-based decision-making and promote cultural understanding and exchange by organizing cultural events and, I engage in activities such as promoting sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Q: What else did you do apart from the project?
A: I got a chance to immerse myself in the local culture by exploring the community, visiting historical sites, attending local events and festivals, and learning about traditional practices. I take advantage of my time abroad to explore the country. I explore local markets, street food.
Q: What is the best part being a volunteer?
A: The memories I create with my international friends during my volunteer experience are often cherished for a lifetime. The shared laughter, conversations, and adventures become cherished moments that I can look back on with fondness.
Q: How do you think this experience has impacted your personal and professional growth?
A: This experience expands my network, providing connections with like-minded individuals and potential mentors. It cultivates adaptability, flexibility, and resilience in the face of challenges and changing circumstances.
(AIESEC in USJ_ Exchange Participant Akasha)
Q: Why did you want to become a global volunteer?
A: I wanted to gain a cross-cultural experience and develop my personal growth and develop my skills.
Q: What did you do as a volunteer?
A: During my volunteer experience in India, I had the opportunity to delve into various areas of environmental sustainability. One of the highlights was learning about solar panels and their installation. And I actively engaged in the field of sewage water treatment, where I learned about different treatment methods and their significance in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Additionally, I deepened my understanding of water quality parameters, studying various indicators and techniques to assess and monitor the quality of water resources.
Q: What else did you do apart from the project?
A: Aside from the main project activities, I Had a chance to explore the local surroundings, improve my language skills by interacting with locals and practicing the native language of the host country and built connections with fellow volunteers from around the world and create lifelong friendships and professional networks
Q: What is the best part being a volunteer?
A: I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a cross-cultural experience like no other. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds and countries, I formed bonds that transcended borders and enriched my understanding of the world. My new friends hailed from various corners of the globe, bringing with them their unique languages, customs, and perspectives. Through engaging conversations, shared meals, and collaborative projects, we discovered the beauty of cultural exchange. Together, we explored our differences and celebrated our similarities, fostering a spirit of unity and friendship.
Q: How do you think this experience has impacted your personal and professional growth?
A: It enhanced various skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. These skills can be valuable in both personal and professional contexts.
With that we can understand by engaging in global volunteering, individuals become active global citizens, recognizing the interconnectedness of the world and their role in making a positive impact beyond national boundaries.
By Amani Prabuddhika
Jayewardenepura Showcasing Team
Last modified:
