Be Safe when Volunteering Overseas.
Over the past decade I have volunteered overseas 14 times. It’s been an incredible experience and I learned many things. One lesson I learned is about personal safety.
When I first arrive in a country, I want to be friendly, open, and respectful toward local people. During one placement, there was a man who often sat outside my apartment building, and I would regularly stop to say hello and practice speaking a little of his language. It felt like a positive cultural connection; the very reason I travel and volunteer.
One day, before leaving for a conference in another city, I casually mentioned that I would be away for a few days. I smiled, shook his hand, and left.
While I was away, I received a phone call from the police. My apartment had been broken into, and the door had literally been removed.
I learned that the man was part of a group that targeted foreigners by becoming friendly. The experience taught me a valuable lesson: when volunteering overseas, be friendly, but also be very cautious.
Avoid telling strangers:
• Where you live exactly
• That you will be away from home
• That you are travelling alone
• Details about valuables or money
Cultural connection is one of the best parts of volunteering abroad, but personal safety and boundaries matter too. I have other examples that I will share.