Volunteering abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. At Maximo Nivel, we provide volunteer opportunities in Latin America and offer a wide range of experiences that will make any trip memorable. Before you embark on your volunteer adventure, however, it’s important to do some preparation ahead of time. In this article, we’ll discuss what kind of preparation is necessary for your volunteer experience at Maximo Nivel and how to get started.
Choose a Program
The first step in preparing for your volunteer experience with Maximo Nivel is deciding which program is right for you. We offer programs in animal care, childcare and education, construction and renovation, medical care, sports coaching and more. You can learn more about each program by reading our detailed descriptions online or contacting us directly for more information. Once you’ve chosen a program that interests you, it’s time to start planning.
Research Your Destination
Maximo Nivel offers programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru; each country has its own unique culture and customs that you should familiarize yourself with before you arrive. Read up on the language spoken in the country where you’ll be volunteering—even if it’s just a few key phrases—so that you can communicate with locals during your stay. Additionally, research the climate of your destination so that you can pack accordingly; there are certain items like sunscreen or bug spray that may not be available upon arrival.
Prepare Financially
In addition to researching the location where you’ll be volunteering, it’s important to ensure that all financial arrangements are taken care of ahead of time as well. Make sure to budget appropriately by taking into account the costs associated with travel insurance, lodging and meals while abroad. If needed, consider applying for scholarships or grants through various organizations in order to help cover some of these costs. Furthermore, set up a budgeting plan when returning home from your trip—you don’t want any surprises awaiting once you arrive back!
Know Your Project Goals and Requirements
Before beginning your volunteer work, it’s important that you understand the project goals and requirements of the program. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the local culture so that you can be as effective as possible in your volunteer role. Being aware of cultural differences will help ensure that you are respectful of others while participating in your program. Additionally, it’s important to learn about any safety protocols or behavioral expectations that may be applicable to the area where you’ll be volunteering.
With the right amount of preparation ahead of time, your volunteer experience abroad can be an amazing journey full of learning and growth opportunities both professionally and personally. At Maximo Nivel we strive to make sure our volunteers are prepared by providing them with everything they need from pre-trip orientation sessions to post-trip support networks—all designed to help maximize their volunteer experience abroad!
We believe that taking part in volunteer activities abroad is a fantastic way to develop your understanding of the world and broaden your global outlook. We also recognize that volunteering can be challenging, so we provide our volunteers with the necessary materials and support throughout their journey to make sure they have a safe, successful, and fulfilling experience.
