TRAVEL SPECIAL ......Volunteerism Vacations: Trending Now

TRAVEL SPECIAL Volunteerism Vacations: Trending Now

Travelling with a purpose can be very gratifying. Volunteer on your vacations and make pals globally.

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VOLUNTEER IN PORTUGAL WITH ENGLISH CLASSES

Region: Portugal

Teaching English as a language could never have been so much fun (and important) as it will be when you volunteer to make others feel comfortable using it. We suggest you look at becoming a short-term volunteer in Portugal. This European country has many programmes that are open for volunteering purposes. By signing up in Beja, Portugal, you can help students (young and not so young) to communicate in English as it has become the language of commerce and opportunity (do you agree?) What's high in demand is the language that is used to interact on the internet -American English. So, once you sign up, community partners in Beja open their doors to you with friendly hospitality.

Many people think that volunteer programmes can turn out to be a bit dull but here's what they do not know -The volunteer sessions can be viewed as a fabulous platform for cultural exchange. You can learn about their food habits, ceremonial rituals, local fests and more. Later, use your time over weekends to take your bicycle and peddle around the countryside in Portugal. Take excursions to the tourist attractions across the country.

GUYANA CALLING FOR INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES

Region: Guyana

If you have a fascination for indigenous cultures then this is your chance to further the cause to sustain the indigenous ways of life. It's a no-brainer that the tribals are deeply connected to nature. A volunteer programme that can connect you to the tribals can be a refreshing new way to go on a vacation, isn't it! Signing up for working in Guyana is going to take you deep in to the amazing jungles where you will get to interact with the local Amerindian Communities. You can choose to set up eco-friendly infrastructure within their community by building classrooms, houses, public lavatories and open fenced playgrounds for small kids. Wildlife research and monitoring is another session that can catch i your fancy . There's a lot to be documented, thanks to the biodiversity in the jungles. It is interesting to note that in case the rainforests are not given a sustainable sense of value, the tribals will be forced to get involved in occupations such as mining, cutting trees for timber etc. The ecosystem here is sensitive and its green cover must be protected.

By Nimisha Tiwari