Having taken two gap years before starting my degree in International Development here at King’s, I saw volunteering abroad as a handy way to keep my costs low so that I could travel across Latin America for longer. Little did I know, I would become one of volunteering’s biggest advocates! It became a central part of my journey, least of all for its cost-cutting benefits.
As a student, I totally understand that volunteering is something which people tend to overlook. With lectures, deadlines, and the sky-high cost of living here in London – I get it. However, contrary to popular belief, volunteering doesn’t have to be self-sacrificial, benefitting only the organisation you’re volunteering for.
I took part in a volunteering opportunity over summer with an NGO in Pamplona, Colombia. They work to help Venezuelan migrants that have crossed into Colombia to access food, shelter, and information about their route. Here's 3 things I gained from volunteering that are centred around personal growth and wellbeing, so that I can show you just how brilliant volunteering can be for you and your own development.
1. Connecting with people I never thought I would
When I arrived at the volunteer house in Pamplona, I was nervous to say the least. This would be my new home for the next few weeks, maybe even months – what if nobody liked me? What if I didn’t like any of them? These are inevitable questions when embarking on a volunteering journey. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong – these were some of the most fun, interesting, and loveable people I had ever met.
As a group of international volunteers, from countries like Brazil, Germany, and Singapore, it was the perfect opportunity to come together with people from different nationalities and cultures, and to learn from people I might not have spoken to otherwise.
2. Leaving my comfort zone
I think it goes without saying that volunteering can help you to help others, making it something to be proud about taking part in. Beyond this, however, it can also help you in your own personal growth by pushing you out of your comfort zone and building your confidence.
Working with this NGO really pushed me, as I spent my days searching for migrants, bringing them to points of aid and shelter, laughing with them, listening to them, and doing it all over again the next day. This experience required me to be the best version of myself, and through these tasks I found myself having more confidence in myself and my capacity to help – something which has transferred to my everyday life.
3. Learning!
A key highlight of volunteering like this is the chance to learn about new cultures and socio-political issues you might not have fully understood or been introduced to before. I knew a bit about the Venezuelan crisis going in, but by the end, I had a much deeper, on-the-ground understanding. We also learned from each other – one time we had a documentary night, where one of the volunteers put together specific films documenting the crisis, while another night, another volunteer orchestrated a book talk on the Maduro dictatorship. I left the experience not only feeling great about the work I had done, but also much more informed, and inspired to keep working for the cause.
I highly recommend anyone looking to keep learning, make new international connections, and gain self-confidence to get involved in volunteering in the time you have off from university.
Give volunteering a go
There are many platforms out there offering these opportunities in exchange for free accommodation and food, so there really is nothing stopping you! Or, if you’d rather keep things local, check out the King’s Volunteering platform to find a plethora of volunteer partnerships available for you to sign up to right now in London.
Find your perfect volunteering role at the King’s Volunteering Fairs. You can meet local charities on 12 February (Guy’s Campus) and 13 February (Strand Campus). From environmental causes to mental health initiatives, there’s something for everyone. No need to register—just drop in!