Volunteering in the Middle East, to many, may seem like a daunting task. There are so many challenges and so many unknowns. People begin to ask themselves: how will I be able to interact with a foreign culture? what about the language barrier? how will I pay for my plane ticket? and how can I effectively use my skills to serve others? Some of these questions will remain unanswered until you actually arrive on the ground in your placement country, which may mean that you need to take a "leap of faith" that things will turn out all right on the other end.
But let's see if we can address a few of the toughest questions about overseas volunteer work:
How will I pay for my plane tickets and program fees?
Let's face it: travel can be expensive. Plane tickets can be expensive and it is sometimes difficult to get time away from work or school. But, for those who can afford it, take the advice of many travelers who have come before you: Don't hesitate. Traveling to another country can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of your life.
But if you're struggling to envision how you'll afford your overseas service learning project, some strategic thinking may be in order, and you may want to consider fundraising for your efforts. First, calculate the total costs of your trip (airfare, program fees and personal expenses) and figure out how much you need to raise in order to make your trip feasible.
Then develop a plan. Are there specific people you will ask? Who? Will you ask them for a direction donation or frequent flier miles (which can dramatically reduce the cost of your trip)? What can you share with them that will help convince them to join you in your efforts (your goals as a volunteer? what you'll learn from the experience?). Will you plan a fundraiser? You could, for example, show a documentary film about the Middle East, talk about your planned trip and ask for a small donation from anyone who shows up. You can plan a carwash or a bake sale. Again, your target fundraising goal will help you determine a fundraising strategy.
Do I have the skills needed to volunteer?
Yes, absolutely. Everyone has different strengths and assets and, when it comes to volunteering, everyone has something to offer. Whether it's tutoring children in arts or sports during a summer camp program or using your English skills to help nonprofits polish their human rights or legal briefings, grants and fundraising letters, you can make a difference.
Do a quick brainstorm: what are your greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses? What are some of your skills--both big and small, everything from a musical talent to how many words you can type per minute? After your brainstorm, think about what you might do as a volunteer. How can you be a force for change before, during and after your overseas volunteer opportunity?
What about the language barrier?
Many of the people you'll meet in major cities throughout the world speak fluent English. This has become increasingly true in the Middle East, where many children begin studying the English language in school at a very young age. Middle East Fellowship's summer programs are designed to provide participants with a survivor-level training in Arabic, and daily interactions with Arabic-speakers can lead to a surprisingly effective crash course. You won't be fluent, but you will, if you apply yourself, find that you are able to communicate enough to survive day-to-day.