Volunteering Abroad: After you return

Culture shock in reverse!

“Coming back to earth after a spell in a rural community abroad can be a bit of a jolt”, says Anthony Lunch of MondoChallenge.

“Initially most people are busy catching up with family, friends and colleagues, with lots of opportunity to share their experiences. Also, when you first return, depending on what you did whilst you were away, you may be preoccupied with enjoying some of the home comforts that you missed on your travels - a hot shower, cupboards full of food, a clean western toilet…!
“However as you settle back into your normal routine you may find that life feels a bit mundane and you miss the constant new experiences and stimulus that you were having on your gap, but there are ways of easing this transitional period, and making sure that you reap the benefits of your experience.”

Here are some MondoChallenge words of wisdom

Make the most of everything you will have learnt. For example, if you have returned from a teaching placement, you may feel more confident about speaking in public than you did before your gap. Maybe you can build on this by giving talks to groups at university or in your local community.
Write a short report on your time away, emphasising how it has helped you develop your skills. It might feel like you will never forget all the things you learnt and achieved, but putting it on paper while it is still fresh in your mind will prove useful a year or so down the line when you are applying for promotion or a new job.
Keep helping! Many volunteer organisations support the project where you will have been working financially. In the case of MondoChallenge we also run the MondoChallenge Foundation so that we can back up the work of our volunteers by providing equipment, buildings and grants. Past volunteers are a fantastic source of support for this and often raise funds through sponsored events, themed parties, and even just by pestering family and friends.
Depending on which organisation you worked with, you may find that they organise reunions and / or fundraising events. This is a great chance to meet and share your experiences with other people who have done something similar to you.
If you plan a career in the development sector, look our for intern opportunities. MondoChallenge takes 2-3 interns a year and often sends them out as deputy managers to gain experience.
Keep in touch. Many volunteers keep in contact with friends and colleagues where they were working by email and letter. Some even go back for a short visit after a year or so. If you decide to this contact the organisation that arranged your original placement – it may be that you could do something useful, even on a short visit.
Go back for another stint! It might not be possible in the short term, but after a few years you may find yourself in the position where you could take some more time to do something different.