Maximizing Your Experience

The VWP experience is unique. We have found that team members who have the best experiences and are most suited for these types of vacation share these traits:

1. A high degree of flexibility and patience. If there is one thing we’ve learned from experience, it is that things never go 100% according to plan. Being flexible and patient will enable you to enjoy and learn from the unexpected instead of being frustrated.

One common frustration is delays in the work project. This can be understandably frustrating, because you have travelled a long way and want to feel useful. But although our host partners try their best to be organized and prepared, we will likely feel under-utilized from time to time. Often this happens because we get ahead of schedule or materials just don’t arrive as planned or aren’t available.

2. Self-motivation. The team will be provided with tasks that the host partner would like us to complete. But you won’t be assigned to a particular task. It will be up to each team member to decide what work you would like to do and at what intensity you want to work, depending on your skills and comfort with the tasks.

There will also be periods of free time when no team activities have been planned. During those times, you will need to take initiative to find things to do - on your own or even better, with others from the team. You might want to organize a board game or card game or a game of charades. Or you might invite others to go for a walk or explore the town with you.

3. Cultural Sensitivity. One of the most rewarding aspects of a volunteer vacation to a developing country is experiencing a culture often vastly different from our own. But that also means that tools, equipment and materials may be far below the quality we are used to at home. And we may be asked to use methods that seem inefficient to us. While you are encouraged to share ideas on how to improve their processes – don’t be offended if they don’t use them. It may simply not be possible due to availability or cost of tools or materials, or it may be a cultural difference. And learning a new way of doing things – even if it seems primitive or inefficient – could come in handy some day!

4. Willingness to Participate. The success of any team experience is largely dependent on group participation and sharing of responsibilities. There will be some tasks where volunteers from the team will be asked to take the lead. Everyone has something to offer, and a willingness to offer assistance is essential.

Just as important though is a good sense of humor, willingness to work with a servant heart, openness to new experiences, and a desire to have FUN!