Taking part in a humanitarian mission abroad is not as common in France as it is in other countries around the world. The infamous gap year is a tradition which remains – unfortunately – an exception in the French-speaking world.

A few months (or even a few weeks) could be enough to make an impact on your life especially during this important transition period – both on a personal and on a professional level, as a volunteering experience could prove to be a real asset for you to stand out in the business world.

There are so many good reasons to take the jump!

#1.  To see the world
As the saying goes, travel broadens the mind. So what are you waiting for ?

Taking part in a volunteering project abroad gives you an opportunity to see the world while being useful, to travel differently.
Signing up for a humanitarian volunteering project in India, for an animal protection mission in Kenya or for an eco-volunteering programme in Australia will bring something invaluable to your volunteering experience : a multi-cultural dimension.
Moreover, you may visit the country during your free time.

#2. To discover a new environment
Becoming an international volunteer is choosing to leave your routine behind (classes, a job, your home town, your friends and family etc.) to see how life is like in other parts of the world.
It’s opening yourself to others by meeting them, getting to know them and giving them some of your time and energy. It’s willing to help communities who live differently.
This wonderful process can also help you put things into perspective and help you solve the daily problems you may encounter once you’re back home with more ease.

#3. To share your skills with others
Are you considering a career in teaching ? If you need practical teaching experience in a classroom, join a humanitarian mission in a school !
Taking part in a volunteering teaching project in Peru will give you the opportunity to assist a teacher and to interact with pupils. You may organise fun activities in class with a group of children from an underpriviledged community.
This experience – enriching both for the children and for you as an educator in training – will guide you throughout your curriculum once you’re back to university.

#4. To learn new skills
An international volunteering experience will bring you so much more than you can imagine : you will have to adapt to a new environment, as part of a team of international volunteers committed to helping local communities in need.
You will learn so much in just a few weeks’ time : organising tasks, communication, problem solving, learning new skills, practising a foreign language (if you opt for a non English-speaking destination) etc.

#5. To learn how to be part of a team
Throughout your studies and your career, you will have to learn how to be a good team player.
Do you wish to improve your communication skills ?
A volunteering experience could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Indeed, you will be welcomed into a team and will have to deal with the various aspects of project management together.

#6. To gain self-confidence and become aware of your potential
Your involvement in a project as a volunteer will have a significant impact on local communities who need help and support.
By actively helping these communities improve their living conditions, you will feel useful and will automatically gain self-confidence.

#7. To boost your CV
An international volunteering experience will be a real asset for your CV, especially in the early stages of your career.
This experience will highlight your involvement, your dynamism and your adaptability.
A potential employer will be more likely to consider hiring someone who has experienced volunteering than someone who hasn’t, when both candidates have the same level of education and similar skills.

#8. To help disadvantaged communities
Are you worried about your studies, your future or entering the business world? Better take a little bit of distance…
The best way for students to put things into perspective and stop obsessing over daily problems ? To take part in a good cause!
We all can be useful in our own way. Helping make someone from a community in need smile will help you smile in turn!

#9. To meet extraordinary people
Throughout your volunteering mission abroad, you will get to meet people you would never meet in your everyday life : members of the local communities, people from a disadvantaged background or fellow international volunteers. You will have an incredible opportunity to open yourself to others, bond and share good times together. You could even make friends for life!

#10. To experience something memorable
Not only will you learn new skills but your volunteering project abroad will bring you so much more!
You will get to experience unforgettable moments, discover new things, have fun and enjoy yourself. This is a unique opportunity for you to experience something different and rewarding.
You will come back from your mission changed, with many memories to share with your friends and family!

For further information, feel free to contact us at : info@globalong.com

Select your humanitarian project abroad here!

To discover volunteering programmes in pictures, visit our photo gallery here!

GlobAlong in videos!