We make a living by what we get, but make a life by what we give!

We all know to volunteer is to help others, and that’s the main reason we do it, to give back to people or places less fortunate than us.
Here at Workaway it is our mission to connect you with people from all around the world that need your help and expertise. We love our job, and from what it seems, you all love getting involved, so we want to spread the word further, show everyone why becoming a volunteer is the BEST FEELING in the world.

1. You get to explore the world

We have hosts in 180 countries. What’s keeping you staying in your own one?

2. It’s good for you

It really is. Have you ever given something to someone without asking for anything back? It feels great, doesn’t it? When you are volunteering you get that feeling everyday.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

3. Enhances your C.V

An act of kindness with no obvious motive will not get missed on your C.V. Employers look for people who have volunteered as they are more than likely to be understanding and to have great people skills.

4. Learn new skills (that you can’t learn in the classroom)

Sorry to all you parents out there, but there really is no education like the one you get when you travel and volunteer. You learn things that you can’t find in a text book or on google. This is the most genuine form of education.

5. It brings us all together

When you work with someone, laugh with them, cry with them and make memories with them you form a bond hard to find elsewhere. Race, background, language and everything else is not even recognised. Friendship through travel and volunteering comes straight from the heart.

6. Volunteering doesn’t have to be hard work

Sometimes all someone needs is to be told a joke, to be given a high five or shown how to kick a ball. Volunteering comes in all shapes and sizes. The ultimate goal: to help others. How you do that? Whatever way you choose. You don’t have to be carrying bricks or looking after 20 children, you could be reading to a book to someone or jumping into lakes.

“Never underestimate your ability to make someone else’s life better — even if you never know it.”

7. To see a smile.

We all smile in the same language, it’s free to give and priceless to receive. It’s amazing how giving a smile can be worth more than any material gift. And trust me, you will be receiving a lot of them back in return!

8. It’s SO much fun

Be a little bit selfish here. You are going to enjoy yourself. You are most likely to be doing things you have never done before, getting them wrong and start laugh hysterically about it. You may eat foods you never had before, pushed boundaries you didn’t think would budge and generally just enjoying every new day.

“You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

9. You become a positive example

You may be the first one of your friends to volunteer, maybe they didn’t know how to get into it? By showing the world you are doing it, others will follow your lead. You may not see it, but you become a leader. Go you!

10. And let’s not forget: YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Ok, you already knew this, and maybe this is the main reason you want to volunteer. But do you really know how much of a difference volunteering can make? On yourself? On the people you are helping? On your own community? On the world? By given your time and resources for free you are single handedly making this world a better place 🙂 . And that is all down to you, we didn’t tell you to, no one else told you to, you made that decision. If you have made the decision to volunteer or are planning to — we salute you. You are awesome. Thank you for making this world a better place.

NGOsgive backpositivemeaningabroadvolunteerworkawayexperiencestravellers

About Alicia

Alicia helps run Workaway mission control in Hong Kong, she's also our marketing whiz and helps with design. She has backpacked, travelled and volunteered extensively in many different parts of the w... show more...

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