There are many small steps you can take while volunteering, studying or working abroad that will help you to be effective. Being humble, listening without judgement, adopting a learning attitude and doing no harm are good places to start. A lot of these things are common sense, but there are some seemingly innocent actions that can, in some cases, actually cause harm or have a detrimental impact on your project or relationships.
We’ve compiled a list of some common DOs and DON’Ts to help you develop your global competencies. This list is not exhaustive but should give you an idea of what you should be doing and what might be best avoided.
DO:
Practice being respectful, flexible, open, honest and patient.
Recognize the privilege you bring into a situation.
Be ethical in your choices.
Manage your own expectations of your placement and possible impact. You might learn much more than you contribute.
Focus on the project or organization’s needs over your personal agenda. Do what needs to be done instead of focusing just on what is interesting.
Identify the skills you possess that are most valuable to your project.
Try to learn as much of the local language as possible. People will appreciate your efforts.
Encourage reciprocal learning and exchange.
Do your best to ‘go with the flow’.
Bring a positive attitude.
Think twice before giving gifts (even small ones) or money.
Clearly communicate your own needs and speak up if things are not going well.
Keep in touch with your placement organization (if applicable) while you are away.
If volunteering, consider how you can raise awareness about the issues you are working on when you return home.
DO NOT:
Think you have all the answers.
Act superior to or feel sorry for the people or community you are working with.
Assume that everyone will be grateful for your work.
Bring things to donate without first checking with your host organization about their needs.
Refuse to engage in local activities and practices.
Expect everyone to speak English.
Only spend time with expats.
Be ‘high maintenance’.
Expect luxurious accommodations or all of the amenities you are used to at home.
Post social media without thinking about it first. Be very careful and thoughtful in how you portray your experience and the work you are doing to your community at home.
Get involved in gossip or local politics.
Overindulge in alcohol or sex.
Purchase or take illegal drugs. Foreign prison is not a nice place to be.
Your overseas experience can be a wonderful opportunity to learn, give back and make new friends. It can also be a great way to work towards your future career goals. Gaining as much experience as possible, building relevant skills and networking are all excellent ways to help you improve your career prospects when you return home.
To really make the most of your time overseas, career-wise at least, we encourage you to engage in as many of these options as possible while you are abroad.
Participate in any opportunities available to build new skills, especially those that are relevant to your career interests.
Take on additional tasks, if possible, in areas that are particularly interesting to you.
Spend time networking and cultivating relationships with people in your field of interest.
Attend any events, conferences, workshops and trainings that you have access to. They are a great way to develop your skills, hone in on your areas of interest and meet contacts.
If you can, consider extending your stay abroad, after the conclusion of your placement and adding another experience to your resume. Seek another opportunity to volunteer, through the networks you have cultivated or a local organization that interests you; take a language course or conversation classes in the community; look for an opportunity to intern with a local NGO. Not only will you have an additional experience to add to your resume, and the opportunity to cultivate or hone new skills, but seeking out a new opportunity abroad is a great way to demonstrate your initiative and adaptability to a future employer—and further expand your local and international networks.
Being strategic, working hard and engaging in every opportunity you get to learn and grow can help you leverage your overseas experience when you return.
Add to Favorites
