Volunteering benefits your community, your environment and you. Volunteering offers many benefits like forming new friendships, learning valuable skills, advancing your career and boosting your well-being.
When I moved to Seoul, South Korea, one reason I started volunteering was to connect with the local scene. Teaching English to the elderly and helping out at a food bank were great ways to meet people and get to know the city. Those experiences landed me some great friends and made me feel right at home.
5 Benefits of Volunteering
“During my short trip to Costa Rica, I learned many skills that I know I will continue to use throughout the rest of my life. I gained self-confidence from trying new and unfamiliar activities and learned how to forge relationships with new people.”
Caroline Bae – Surf and Service in Costa Rica 2021
Benefit of Volunteering #1: Build Social Connections
Volunteering offers a great opportunity to meet new people and build social connections. Whether you’re teaming up with another volunteer or engaging with those you’re helping, these interactions can lead to deep connections and stronger ties in your community.
- Feel at home in your community: By getting involved, you’ll create bonds with people, organizations and causes that matter to you. This was especially comforting for me when I moved to South Korea from Germany.
- Sharpen your social skills: Volunteering is a fun way to improve your social skills. You can practice active listening, empathy and effective communication, allowing for deeper emotional connections with others.
- Expand your social circle: Meet a variety of individuals who care about the same causes you do. This natural bond can help you build a diverse and supportive network of friends and colleagues.
At Rustic Pathways, we’re more than a team-we’re a community!
Benefit of Volunteering #2: Improve Your Mental and Physical Health
Volunteering keeps you active and engaged, which is great for your mental and physical health. Research shows that helping others can reduce stress, symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being.
- Feel better, live better: Helping others can lower stress, ease symptoms of depression and reduce your risk of health issues like heart diseases.
- Find your happy place: The Journal of Happiness Studies (2020) found that volunteers are more satisfied with their lives than non-volunteers. Giving back and seeing the positive impact of your efforts can lift your spirits and spread joy.
Smile please! Volunteer alongside zookeepers on a variety of tasks like gardening, raking, and mulching.
Benefit of Volunteering #3: Advance Your Career
Advance your career by gaining practical experiences and developing skills that will be useful for your professional life. Whether you want to explore new career paths, enhance your resume or network in your industry.
- Grow your career: Gain hands-on experience and develop skills that can make your resume stand out. From fundraising and public speaking to project management, these transferable skills are highly valued in any professional setting.
- Career prospects: Volunteering opens doors to potential job opportunities and connections with mentors or industry insiders who can offer career advice and job leads.
Benefit of Volunteering #4: Experience Personal Fulfillment
Volunteering can bring purpose and creativity to your life. It’s a way to break the monotony of daily routines and discover new passions.
- Sense of purpose: We often seek a sense of purpose in our lives. Volunteering connects you with something larger than yourself, providing a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.
- Boosting self-esteem: Contributing to meaningful projects and receiving appreciation for your efforts can enhance your confidence and self-worth. This positive reinforcement can uplift your overall life satisfaction.
- Fun and fulfillment: Engage in activities you love, whether working outdoors, getting creative or helping at events. It’s a refreshing break from your daily routine.
Feel alive with our summer volunteer programs worldwide!
Benefit of Volunteering #5: Foster Personal Growth
Volunteering challenges you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. This journey often involves overcoming obstacles, solving problems and building resilience. Taking on different volunteer roles helps you develop critical thinking skills and adaptability, enriching your personal growth.
Related content: Best Guide to Summer Volunteer Programs
Travel, volunteer and grow – join us for an adventure of a lifetime!