We’ve heard time and time again that volunteer experience is great for teenagers.
It teaches them responsibility, the value of hard work, and highlights the incredible impact that we can have on the lives of others. Volunteering also, as we know, is a great way to boost self-esteem, because it feels great to help others.
Benefits of Mission Trips for Students
In an increasingly global society, volunteering internationally is also growing in popularity, among both adults and teenagers. Most individuals travel with an established organization, as a member of a group- and the majority of these programs are affiliated with a religious organization.
For many families who aren’t religious, or who don’t practice regularly, however, these trips can be alienating. The volunteer work is still valuable, but the additional activities on the program may not be what everyone is looking for.
Volunteer Opportunities for those looking for a Non-Religious Mission Trip
Fortunately, there are great options and opportunities for volunteering in a developing country without any religious affiliation. These types of programs, such as those operated by Global Leadership Adventures, focus on meaningful service work and pair cultural activities and adventures alongside volunteering.
These programs give teenagers the chance to make a difference, while allowing them to experience what life is like in another country- and they are open to students of all faiths and backgrounds.
When I was first looking for programs to attend in order to volunteer in a foreign country all the programs I found seemed to be religion oriented. As I am not very religious so I did not find these programs very appealing. When I found GLA i did not know what to expect. It had no religious affiliation and seemed very legitimate. I went on my first trip to the Galapagos. It was amazing. The service, the country, and the opportunities I got because of GLA changed me as a person. It changed me so much that I went on another trip to Thailand with them last summer. I hope to do another one this summer as I love GLA and the opportunities they have given me the past two summers.
Are there any opportunities for students and several teachers to travel by themselves? Can projects be set up so that only a group from a certain school attends?