Are you suitable to be a volunteer?

The unique challenges of volunteering in a developing country are worthy of sincere contemplation before you decide to volunteer. Please fill out this interactive Quiz to see if volunteering in a developing country might suit you.

INTERACTIVE ASSESSMENT QUIZ

Are you ready to become a Volunteer in a developing country?
So you are thinking of going overseas to study, work or volunteer? Maybe you have been abroad before, maybe you have not. The adventure to a new place can be exciting. It could also be unsettling if you fail to properly prepare and plan for your journey. And some programs and regions of the world may just not match your expectations, experience, or even your temperament.

Below, we have compiled a self-assessment quiz to help you gauge your international adaptability. See which scenario best describes your situation - or you. Also note that this is not a scientific exercise. It is only intended to give you some food for thought.

 

Note - Please respond to at least 10 of the questions.

1. In my own home I am:
a) Like a tornado. My belongings are all over the place and I can never remember where I put things.
b) Organized, but sometimes things get a little messy.
c) A total neat freak. Everything must be in its own place and I can't stand things being out of order when my home is unclean.

2. I have already traveled:

a) A fair amount and I've spent extended periods of time away from my home country.
b) To a few different countries as a tourist.
c) A bit in places close to my home country, but I prefer to stay close to my friends and family.

3. With regard to time-management I tend to be:

a) Somewhat forgetful - I subscribe to the notion that what is meant to happen will happen whether I plan for it or not.
b) On schedule, for the most part, but I leave room for flexibility.
c) A go-getter who believes that time is precious and I get impatient when others don't move at my speed.

4. When thinking about traveling I also have to consider the needs of:

a) Nobody else - I'm as free as a bird!
b) My boyfriend/girlfriend who will be staying at home.
c) My spouse and/or children who may be coming with me/staying at home.

5. When going abroad I realize that my host country will have different customs and day-to-day procedures that I may consider to be less efficient than what I am used to and I feel that:

a) I will make a major difference in creating change.
b) I can offer suggestions of alternative methods, but I don't plan on "changing the world" in a day.
c) Once they hear how we run things I'm sure that they will change.

6. My best friend participated in a volunteer program last year and I:

a) Will take her advice and apply to it since first-hand reports are the best way to make a decision.
b) Will consider her advice in the decision-making process, but I also want to do extra research.
c) Feel like my friend is pressuring me to do something and I'm not sure that it is right for me.

7. When at home I follow a strict diet (i.e., vegetarian, only meat-and-potatoes, or have allergies) and while abroad I plan to:

a) Adapt to the eating pattern of the country - I figure that I only live once and the discomfort is worth the new experience.
b) Try as many new things as possible, but will need to stick to my regular diet.
c) Continue with my usual diet - it is a non-negotiable.

8. I am heading off to an exotic locale and think that:

a) This shouldn't be much of a change since I move around so often.
b) Others have done this, so can I!
c) I have never lived away from home before and this seems like a drastic change.

9. If I were to describe my personality I would say that I am:

a) Open and I don't mind telling my life story to strangers.
b) Discreet, but know when to ask for help if I need it.
c) Fairly shy and private. I share my feelings only with those people I know really well.

10. How would you describe you and your financial situation:

a) I don't have much in the way of savings, but with a bit of creativity I could scrounge up some more money.
b) I have some money saved from previous employment and have people who are willing to assist me financially.
c) A struggling student who barely has enough money throughout the academic year to pay for my tuition and living expenses. I am on the brink of major debt.

11. What kind of person are you when it comes to packing for a vacation:

a) A light traveler. I can cram all the essentials into my regular school backpack.
b) Usually a medium-sized suitcase does the trick for me. I figure that I can buy any essentials once I'm there.
c) If I go away somewhere for the weekend, it looks like I'm moving the entire contents of my home.

12. You figure that you can adapt to different sanitary conditions:

a) Rather well. I'm used to camping and don't mind.
b) More-or-less. It would be an adjustment, but I'm willing to make the sacrifice.
c) No western-style toilet - no way! I need to always have a certain level of sanitary standards.

13. With regard to safety, I feel that this is:

a) Not a high priority - I want to travel for the adventure.
b) Important, but it won't stop me from traveling abroad.
c) A very important issue for me. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States I am wary of leaving my home country for an extended period of time.

14. I'm seriously considering spending some time overseas primarily because I:

a) Am interested in exploring another culture and/or language.
b) Have friends who have gone abroad and have told me about what a great experience it was.
c) Want to get away from problems at home.

15. For me, if I cannot receive public health care that is as advanced as in my home country when I am abroad I:

a) Would not be that worried - I've had to deal with this before.
b) Am a little concerned and would take with me some medication and supplies that I might need while I'm away.
c) Would consider this to be a serious problem. I have a health problem that needs medical care on a regular basis.