So, you’re a student looking to give back this summer. Well, after some google (and soul) searching, I have collated personal anecdotes and experiences of mine to share with you as you jet off. Here are four volunteer destinations a long, long plane ride away that would be wayyy more fun to dedicate time to than your own community over the break!
China
China is amazing. The culture is so rich I think. Ok, yeah, there’s a primary school a quick RIPTA ride away that could use another after-school tutor… and you should definitely be thinking of them when you go abroad and volunteer to build a school (?) or ride an elephant <3 do they have elephants? Only one way to find out!
Asia
If you have already b̶o̶o̶s̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶u̶m̶e̶ changed lives in China (thank you!), you should go to Asia. It’s incredible there. There’s loads of countries so you will definitely find something to do if you go there to help them. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the language! If you’re anything like me, an open mind is more than enough to get by 🙂
Mexico
My friends have all gone to Mexico for spring break, so clearly, there is an established program of support between College campuses and activism in Tulum and Cabo. Cash in! Sure, you could help raise awareness locally about the upcoming census and its importance to Rhode Islanders,,, but the sun <3 the sea 🙂 and me! Building a school (?) or a well. Water >>>
Africa
Africa is unreal. The country is a great place to go and help. If you’ve ever looked at your Insta feed and been like … do people know I get on well with kids and have left my home state? Go to Africa and volunteer for two whole weeks and, like, teach. They say you learn from children almost as much as they learn from you <3 I think Maya Angelee said that.
Rhode Island is great and all and I totally support people who choose to stay here and boring. But definitely, if you’re looking to get involved with activism over the summer, outsource 🙂 bring your smarts, and your hearts <3 to places you have never been and will never go back to again. We are all citizens of the world, after all.
Image Via.