Expanish Volunteer Blog
Why Volunteer? If the answer seems so obvious, why aren’t more of us volunteering?
It seems that at any given time we can name exactly what’s wrong in the world and why we despise it but on a whole, are we actually doing anything about it?
So despite this obvious question above, in the name of volunteering, I think it is important to go over why it is important to volunteer.
1. Help is desperately needed
In the world…
- Over 1.1 billion people do not have reasonable access to water.
- 80% of humanity lives on less than US$10 a day.
- Almost one billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name.
- 40,000 children die each day because of poverty.
- In 2009, approximately 4.9 people were infected by HIV and 3.3 million people died of AIDS.
And the list goes on.
2. You can travel cheaply
There are many volunteer programs that offer organized and complete volunteer and travel packages that end up being a lot cheaper than if you would have tried to go ‘save the world’ on your own. Volunteering in Buenos Aires will include the volunteer program, accommodation, and free extras such as city tours, dinner’s out, day’s at the beach, etc. Finding a volunteer program can actually save you money, all while you are saving the world.
3. Learn a new language
Volunteering abroad is a fantastic way to get to learn a new language. If you are volunteering in Argentina you will be faced with the Spanish language every single day of your placement, forced to speak with your group members, staff members, and the locals. This may seem a little bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hand of it, you will be surprised how quickly the language comes to you when you are having to use it on a daily basis. Plus, for extra help, you can take a volunteer & Spanish program in Buenos Aires, combining your volunteer hours with some Spanish language studies.
4. Meet new friends
Some of the most interesting, diverse, and unforgettable people you will meet on your life will be on your travels abroad. During a volunteer placement, you create strong connections with people, closer connections than you would ever find back home in such a short amount of time, mostly because you are all doing something new, you are all foreigners, and you all have the same goal. These are often friendships that no matter how far you move from each other, will never be lost.
5. Make a difference
We always seem to be complaining about the problems around us and it is about time that we stop using are transparent words and start using our strongest actions to make improvements. Stop thinking you are only one person and really what difference could you make. If in New York City every single person picked up one piece of trash from the street or the sidewalk or the subway in one day, New York would be utterly spotless, without trash. Just one person…stop making it sound so small.
Expanish offers a myriad of volunteer programs in Argentina that range from environmental care, community development, animal care, and youth outreach, each equally important, and each needing generous volunteers to aid them in their efforts. Sign up to volunteer in Buenos Aires today!
