Volunteering “isn’t a simple summer vacation alternative or an excuse to travel to an exotic locale. It’s work. You signed up for it, and you should put as much effort into it as if you were getting paid.”
These are my words from “Volunteer Voice: 10 Tips for Surviving the Transition.”
While it’s true volunteering shouldn’t be undertaken purely out of a desire to travel, or to fulfill any other personal whim, there are benefits in scheduling some “exploration days” during a volunteer placement.
A personal trip can actually enhance your volunteer experience, on both an individual and a professional level. Here are 5 reasons why: