4 minute read
Volunteering Abroad: Importance of Reaching Out
Volunteer Life - Different experiences
Author: Salome Chochua
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Agricultural activities
Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki
Doing volunteer work has such a big list of benefits, that to talk about all of them even in a huge book wouldn’t be enough.
Helping communities in need without anything in return, but actually getting so many advantages also for yourself, is one of the most essential profits of volunteering. Especially when it comes to volunteering abroad. It strengthens solidarity between nations. During that experience, without even realizing it a person can expose themself to diversity; They can develop cultural awareness and open-mindedness; Gain enormous growth in confidence and independence and recognize a sense of achievement.
Having all the possibilities to improve and develop yourself during volunteering, it’s important to realize the challenges one may face during the experience abroad.
It is not so easy to change the environment you are living in. Even moving from one flat to another in your own hometown could be a struggle. Not to mention changing countries. Totally new surroundings, new people - no one that you know, different culture, different food, weather… This is the challenge one can face either on the first days or a little bit later after feeling “homesick”. People may not take it too seriously, but it can actually have a huge influence on your mental health. Usually, it is always like this: small, “unimportant” things together create a big struggle that affects your well-being and mental health.
Home
Thessaloniki
To remember my first days during my volunteering here, in Thessaloniki, I was a little bit lost. I arrived at the house of 30 people, leaving as a family. I was exhausted because of my flight, but at the same time, I didn’t want to miss the chance to meet them all and somehow try to enter the family. Despite that everyone was nice and friendly, I couldn’t help myself not to get anxious. I decided to ask questions to overcome my anxiety and shyness. “Where is the closest supermarket?” “How can I get to the beach?” Those basic questions were the key to my survival. Seeing people eager to help with everything needed made me feel safe. Day by day I felt closer to the environment and the “new life”. Starting from small details, like giving a net for mosquitoes or helping with the washing machine, ending with deep talks with a mentor or another volunteer was essential for my stay. Before, my weakest point has always been asking for help. I don’t know if it was because I was shy or I thought people should offer help and me asking them is just annoying. But thinking like that was one of my biggest mistakes. Without reaching out and saying what you actually need it is hard for someone to know. Especially when there are so many cultural differences. Also at the workspace, if I didn’t feel comfortable with one task, I could always go to the coordinator or supervisor and tell them about it. They would change my task or show me an easier way to do it without any concerns. After realizing all the people around me hold me back, I felt safe and calm. It helped me spend the time joyfully and take the best from the experience.
Mentoring meeting
Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki
That’s why it is crucial to reach out. During volunteering abroad, usually, there are many people to help. Mentor, project coordinator, “Buddy” or some other volunteers. It is important to speak up about your concerns, struggles, and worries. It may seem hard in the beginning. You don’t know those people and it is even harder to open up. But the small things that may bother you can be easily solved, or there can be other ways to overcome the challenge. Realizing you are not the only one and people have been dealing with similar issues is helping a lot. Having someone to rely on is giving a piece of mind.
Welcoming Days: team building
Balkan Heart - Thessaloniki
Reach out, speak up, and don’t be scared or ashamed of your concerns. It feels better, it works better, and it makes the volunteering experience easier, and better!
