We have seen over the last weeks and months that the situation of some countries including Tunisia and Egypt can turn very sour very quickly. As i write this article now there are signs in Algeria that they could be trying to rise up against the president. The question is would you still volunteer abroad knowing full well a situation like this could arise where you are?

Most volunteer work in Africa are not in compromising or dangerous countries. The companies that you choose to book your volunteering experience with are most likely in touch with the foreign office and are also having feedback from their representatives in the country of work about any problems arising. The countries that people choose to volunteer abroad in are usually developing countries and it is only to be expected that problems will occur from time to time. There would be absolutely no need for volunteers to work in a country that doesn’t have any problems at all, after all that’s what you are there to do.

You can become a volunteer in Tanzania or a volunteer in South Africa and have the most wonderful, unforgettable experience. The fact that Egypt, Algeria & Tunisia are on the same continent as you is completely irrelevant. The problem Africa is facing is it seems to get tarnished with the same brush. Just because a couple of countries are having a hard time many assume the entire continent is off limits.

The question is would trouble in Egypt or Tunisia really stop you travelling to Africa as a whole. Let’s be real here, Africa is the second largest continent in the world so if you are in South Africa you are actually closer to Antarctica than you are to Egypt. Try not to let unrest in one country affect your travel plans or your mind set about the country you are travelling to.

*1. This opportunity allows you to volunteer overseas and interact with totally new cultures and learn new traditions.

Volunteer work allows you to get some experience not only living but also working in a new environment and not just any environment, an African environment. Volunteering abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it gives you the advantage over many of your peers when it comes to job prospects. Showing you have a ‘lifetime experience’ under your belt really helps.

Although you are participating in volunteer projects abroad sometimes it doesn’t feel like you are working at all. You are in such a unique environment, living and working with locals and other volunteers that you fail to realise what you are doing is actually ‘work’. This is what makes volunteering so unique as the people you meet along the way and the experiences you have cannot be matched.

*2. Volunteering For Change Without A Huge Commitment

When you commit yourself to a volunteer project you are free to work for as long or as short as you would like. It is important to remember that when you sign up to do a volunteer project that you are the one paying for the trip and not another organisation. Your costs cover your accommodation, food, local transport and someone to look after you while you are there.

*3. Celebrate Your Success At The Volunteer Project

Whether you are volunteering in Uganda or volunteering in South Africa there are a lot of other activities to participate in, in your spare time. For example in most countries you are able to spend you free time on safari or participating in a mountain trek. You are also able to spend your time a lot more leisurely if you so wish by lounging around on one of Africa’s many fine beaches.