“Some travel to see the difference. Others travel to make a difference.”

There are many kinds of travel – work, leisure, vacation and sometimes, volunteering. It’s a well-known fact that once most people start to travel they often times get bit by the travel bug and return home looking for the next adventure. Well, a few years ago, that happened to me.

I traveled a lot growing up, but when I was old enough, I was ready for an adventure of my own. As I did my research and flipped through pictures of the winding streets on the countryside of Ireland and the romantic canals of Venice, I felt in my heart that I was looking for something more. I was drawn to the pictures of small villages, dirt roads with small, worn down homes and smiling school children. I wanted an adventure away the beaten path’ something that would challenge me and something that would push me outside of my comfort zone. This research lit a spark inside of me that I could not extinguish.

My Travels

At the age of 19, I boarded a plane alone to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in Africa to meet a group called GIVE (Growth International Volunteer Excursions). Then, at the age of 21, I boarded another flight to Managua, Nicaragua again with GIVE. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, go with GIVE! They are an amazing organization. Watch a short video from Africa here and video from Nicaragua here (there’s also a longer version on my channel). These trips completely changed my life and I want to let you in on some of the honest truths of what to expect on volunteer travel trips.

10 Lessons I Learned Volunteering in Tanzania, Africa

1. Embrace being uncomfortable. I knew it would be somewhat uncomfortable but it really tested me. By the end of the trip, I had really learned to roll with the punches and just take it one step at a time. I felt insecure, unsafe, afraid and at times, I wanted to go home. You will be fine, embrace it.
2. Culture shock is real. Even if you think you’re well-traveled, nothing compares to the feeling of being in a third world country in an environment incredibly far from home. There are so many emotions that will flow through you, but they will build your strength.
3. Reverse culture shock is also real. After spending time in the schools, villages and orphanages and seeing the true joy of the people there, you will have a hard time adjusting back to our culture here in the United States or your culture wherever you are from. I remember I went straight to the grocery store and a lady cut in front of me with her cart and I just had this overwhelming sense of unhappiness and guilt. I didn’t want to buy anything, I didn’t want to see fancy purses. I just wanted to go back.
4. You will experience things you’ve never experienced before. As a tourist, you don’t always see the full culture of a country. You will be exposed to a lot of very real experiences. Be prepared to try new things, even if they scare you at first. For example, when I was in Africa, I witnessed a monkey/dog fight. It was totally random and very scary. Something you wouldn’t see in everyday life in America.
5. You will eat whatever is provided. I ate rice, only rice for 18 days on my trip to Africa. The food was prepared by the locals and it was delicious and fresh. Unfortunately, not everyone has a stomach for the food so I recommend bringing some that you know your stomach can tolerate. Here are some of the snacks I brought: Nature Valley Bars, Luna Bars, Fruit Snacks, Almonds)
6. You will sleep in a bug net and trust me, you will love that thing. Definitely read up on the season you’re traveling and what bugs to expect. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and bug spray.
7. You will form an incredible bond with the people on your trip. I met some of the most incredible humans on both of my trips and the bond you create is unlike anything else. Keep in touch with them.
8. You will miss home at times. You’ll miss the comfort food, the warm water, trustworthy electricity and air conditioning. Try to leave that behind for your short trip and really embrace what you have.
9. After working all day, you will probably have some down time. Use this time wisely. Find a spot to journal about how you are feeling. It’s so nice to be able to go back and feel like you’re in that moment again. As time passes, you will forget pieces of your time there. Write it all down.
10. Your life will change forever. Volunteering is about giving and serving and finding hope and love through others. Rest assured, this trip may be your first, but it will definitely not be your last.

What To Pack

I can’t stress how important it is that you bring snacks. Food can be very unpredictable in environments like this. During our time, we were served rice and only rice for the entire trip and I was so glad I brought snacks for a variety. Definitely pack a filtering water bottle. Clean water isn’t always accessible. Bug spray and sunscreen are essential and it isn’t a bad idea to bring aloe or sun recovery cream.

You will definitely want to bring loose fitting pants. We only had access to salt water for showering and my hair got really naughty. Use this leave in conditioner to keep it soft and “brush-able.” This is my favorite wet brush that I swear by.

Have you gone on an international volunteer trip or thought about volunteering? Follow along more of my travels here and on Instagram.