If you are a premed student who loves to travel and wants to make a positive impact on the world, volunteering abroad might be the perfect option for you. Volunteering abroad can offer you many benefits, such as:
- Gaining valuable clinical experience
- Developing cross-cultural communication skills
- Exploring different health systems and practices
- Enhancing your personal and professional growth
- Having fun and making new friends
In this blog post, I will share with you some of my experiences and tips on volunteering abroad as a premed student. I hope this will inspire you to consider this amazing opportunity and help you prepare for your future medical career.
1. How to Choose a Volunteer Program
There are many volunteer programs out there that cater to premed students, but not all of them are created equal. You want to choose a program that matches your interests, goals, and expectations. Here are some questions to ask yourself before applying:
- What kind of work do you want to do? Do you prefer hands-on clinical work, public health education, or research?
- Where do you want to go? Do you have a preference for a certain region, country, or culture?
- How long do you want to stay? Do you have enough time and money to commit to a short-term or long-term program?
- What kind of support do you need? Do you need guidance from mentors, supervision from doctors, or training from staff?
- What kind of impact do you want to make? Do you want to work with a specific population, address a specific health issue, or contribute to a specific project?
Once you have answered these questions, you can start researching different volunteer programs online. You can also ask for recommendations from your peers, professors, or advisors who have done similar programs before. Make sure to read reviews and testimonials from past volunteers and check the credibility and reputation of the organization.
2. How to Prepare for Your Trip
Once you have chosen a volunteer program and been accepted, you need to prepare for your trip. This involves taking care of some practical and logistical matters, such as:
- Getting your passport and visa (if required)
- Booking your flight and accommodation
- Packing your luggage and essentials
- Getting your vaccinations and medications
- Buying your travel insurance
- Arranging your finances and budget
- Learning some basic phrases in the local language
You also need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for your trip. Volunteering abroad can be challenging, rewarding, but also stressful at times. You need to be flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. You need to respect the local culture, customs, and values. You need to be aware of the ethical issues and dilemmas that may arise in your work. You need to be ready to face some hardships, such as poverty, disease, or violence.
To help you cope with these challenges, you can do some research on the country and the community you will be working with. You can also talk to other volunteers who have been there before or who are going with you. You can also seek support from your family, friends, or mentors who can encourage you and give you advice.
3. How to Make the Most of Your Experience
Once you arrive at your destination, you need to make the most of your experience. This means taking advantage of every opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Be proactive and enthusiastic in your work. Show initiative and interest in your tasks and projects. Ask questions and seek feedback from your supervisors and colleagues.
- Be respectful and humble in your interactions. Listen and learn from the local people and professionals. Appreciate their knowledge and skills. Acknowledge their challenges and needs.
- Be curious and adventurous in your travels. Explore the local sights and attractions. Try the local food and drinks. Join the local events and festivities.
- Be sociable and friendly in your relationships. Connect with other volunteers and locals. Share your stories and experiences. Make new friends and memories.
4. How to Reflect on Your Experience
After you finish your volunteer program, you need to reflect on your experience. This means processing what you have learned, felt, and achieved during your trip. Here are some ways to do that:
- Write a journal or a blog post about your experience. Express your thoughts and feelings about your work, travel, and relationships.
- Create a portfolio or a presentation of your experience. Showcase your accomplishments and contributions to your work, community, and organization.
- Share your experience with others. Talk to your family, friends, or classmates about your trip. Teach them something new or inspire them to volunteer abroad too.
- Apply your experience to your future goals. Think about how your experience has influenced your personal and professional development. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, your interests and passions, your values and beliefs.
5. How to Stay Involved and Connected
After you return from your trip, you need to stay involved and connected. This means maintaining your relationship with the organization, the community, and the people you have met during your trip. Here are some ways to do that:
- Follow up with the organization and the community. Send them a thank you note or a feedback survey. Ask them for updates or news on their work and progress.
- Keep in touch with the people you have met. Send them emails or messages. Call them or video chat with them. Plan a reunion or a visit.
- Support the cause and the mission. Donate money or resources to the organization
Comments