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Volunteer in KenyaOne of the biggest differences you will notice at the end will not be external but will be the difference inside of yourself. Most importantly, you will be changed forever because you will have a greater understanding of another culture, you will challenge your personal limits, and you will develop friendships. Many travelers know where they want to go, but don't know what to do once they get there. Volunteering abroad gives your travels a purpose and an itinerary. In some cases you may find a volunteer gig in your field of study. A volunteer position may give you the hands-on experience you won't get stuffing envelopes for an internship. Volunteering requires flexibility, patience; those who are self-starters, and people who genuinely respect the host people and their culture. Volunteers never go to teach the people western ways, nor are they there to save the people. Volunteers go to share their energy and time with the people, to experience their culture first hand and to grow themselves. You may learn a new language, a new culture, and a new way of life. Flexibility and patience are the keys to having a satisfying experience. The most important step will be to find the right volunteer project. International volunteer experiences fall into four main arenas:· Community Development - placements might be building a school, setting up a water treatment facility, cleaning the streets or planting trees. · Education - teacher placement or acting as a teaching assistant in a local school or an adult education program. · Eco-Environmental - placements might be in wildlife reserves or national parks, monitoring endangered species, or working a reforestation project. · Social Welfare - working with under-privileged children, working with a women's co-op, or working in a hospital or orphanage. How do you get started?Here are some links for you to help with your research and good wishes for an experience of a lifetime. Volunteer Abroad Fantastic place to start your research is this extensive directory site. It provides everything; from volunteering abroad, teaching, jobs and internships. Advance-Africa.com Advance-Africa.Com is a website focused on economic development in the African community. Products and services are offered geared towards advancement of Africans. Kenya volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of jobs. These include education and training children from under-privileged backgrounds. Volunteer programs may also be in the area of HIV/AIDS counseling, working in children orphanages and in medical programs. gapwork.com Looking for a gap year in Africa? This is the place to find great resources for all sorts of different projects to do something worthwhile in Africa. goldengapyears.com Another great place to look for gap year opportunities! Everybody, from students to retirees can find something in this database. Green Volunteers The world guide and information network to voluntary work in nature conservation. It has nearly 500 projects listed for worldwide wildlife and conservation volunteer work. Africa Centre A directory with many listings of projects and volunteering opportunities in Africa! It is a good list of many non-provide organization and private volunteer agencies. Volunteer, Research and Work Opportunities in Africa Volunteer, Research and Work opportunities in Africa directory with detailed descriptions of the organizations they have listed.
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