You Can Take A Meaningful Vacation With Vietnam Mission Trips

By Deborah Smith


After young people have graduated from high school or college, they often want to spend some time just for themselves before they start job hunting. Some opt for the sun, sand, and surf, while others take off for a theme park filled with rides, restaurants, and parades. Still others decide to spend a few weeks or months participating in a volunteer program like the Vietnam mission trips offered by a variety of organizations. Not only are they more worthwhile, they are also affordable and memorable.

Volunteers to parts of Asia, Africa, and South America have a chance to see first hand how natives in small communities live, work, and cope with everyday challenges like not enough clean drinking water and the lack of basic sanitation most Americans don't even think about. These excursions are very affordable, but the packages do not are not all inclusive. Volunteers must pay for their own travel expenses and insurance, any inoculations required, and spending money.

Volunteers do not need to be seasoned professionals to work in these communities. If you are interested in teaching, you can spend your vacation in a classroom helping a local teacher teach verbal skills and participating in some vocational training sessions. You may be called on to assist with English lessons as well. Many certified teachers who wish to volunteer are allowed to work independently in the classroom.

For those with a passion for the environment, there are packages that focus on jungle and coastal conservation programs and organic farming operations. Volunteers are expected to actively participate in the work being done which often includes getting hot and dirty. Volunteers work closely with community leaders and with international organizations dedicated to preserving the environment.

Animal lovers and those who have concerns for endangered species can volunteer for wildlife conservation projects. Many areas with fragile ecosystems need help preserving, protecting, and improving their stability. It is not unusual to see packs of animals roaming communities. Abandoned domestic dogs and cats are a problem in many poor areas. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with communities to help round up the animals and make sure they have food and shelter.

Musicians and artists volunteer to teach children and adults how to pay traditional music on native instruments. They may also introduce students to western music and the classics. Artists volunteer in much the same way. They introduce students to painting and pottery that incorporate found materials.

There are also plans for volunteers who are interested in working with special needs individuals and the elderly. Duties can vary from teaching to physical therapy to personal hygiene. Some volunteers work in schools with several individuals at a time. Others may be asked to donate time at social services centers where older citizens need assistance with all kinds of activities.

Volunteers provide a vital function in many poor communities around the world. Where money and resources are scarce, these people fill a void. In turn, the volunteers learn valuable life lessons and gain a unique perspective on the world.




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