1. Go into it with an open mind and pack light.
Before going on the trip, throw your expectations out the window and be ready for whatever you are about to see and experience! Sometimes a site that you are working at may not have the amenities that you thought it would or the work you are doing might not be exactly what you wanted to do, so it is best to just "go with the flow" and take each experience that comes with an open mind. Also remember that in order to have a smooth and easy trip its better to pack light! When working with a community abroad you will not be needing a large makeup bag, a hairdryer or multiple outfits per day. The best way to pack is to look up the weather ahead of time and have: shirts and pants that you don't mind getting dirty; baby wipes or face wipes for days when you may not have running water; soap, a toothbrush and other basic toiletries; comfortable sneakers, boots and extra socks; mosquito repellent, sunscreen or any medications such as anti-malarials that are necessary for the area; and a journal, so you can write about your experiences each night to look back on later on.
2. Put away your technology.
With such a short trip and an immersed experience, take this time to turn off your phone and leave your laptop behind to get a break from the world of social media and emails, to destress and to really get to know the people around you and learn their stories. Bonding with the members on your trip is key to having a fun and memorable experience and you are bound to learn something new!
3. Practice the language!
It may be funny and embarrassing at first to try and speak the language, but it's important to remember this may be one of your only chances to be fully immersed with fluent speakers! Try out what you know and take feedback from the people you talk to. The community your are volunteering with will also be happy to see your efforts to connect and communicate with them! When your words don't work, remember a smile always goes a long way.
4. Dance with the locals!
Often times volunteer trips will have a day during the week or down time at night to get to know the culture of your community! Hop right in! It is not only respectful to the community you are working with, but it is also fun and a universal way of connecting with others to dance and sing like nobody is watching! You may feel shy at first however letting go of these boundaries and living in the moment will lead to a more rewarding experience to look back on.
5. Remember why you are there.
When days are long and work is hard, it is easy to forget your purpose for being on the trip, to maybe lose motivation and want to go back to the comforts of home. In these times, take a minute to decompress at meal time or when everyone is settling down at night and reflect back on why you signed up for this in the first place and what impact you are making. No matter how laborious the task, you are fulfilling the needs of a community that may not have the rights or the resources that they deserve. Each task that you do and person that you help will have a direct impact and going in to each day wholeheartedly will make all the difference.
