Before you take the step: Answers to the most common concerns volunteers have.

Embarking on an international volunteering project can be one of the most impactful and life-changing experiences you can have.

But stepping out of your comfort zone and into something completely new can be daunting, and it’s natural to have reservations. As Concordia’s International Volunteer Manager, I look after our outgoing volunteers, helping them to find the right project for them and supporting them as they prepare to set off. I use my own experience in international volunteering and adventure travel, plus the collective knowledge of our networks, to advise and guide volunteers. In this article, I’ll walk you through the most common concerns I hear from volunteers, and offer advice on how to overcome them.

Confidence:

By far the most common worry I hear is related to confidence. It could be about travelling to a country you’ve never been to before, or meeting new people. Most volunteers arrive at their project feeling a bit unsure, especially younger ones or first‑timers. However, almost every volunteer I’ve met has said their feelings of nervousness evaporate as soon as they get going.

We know that volunteers will arrive with different personalities, confidence levels, and experiences. That’s why every project is coordinated by experienced leaders who know how to put you at ease and help volunteers bond as a team. For most projects, you’ll be arriving at the same time as the rest of the team, so everyone’s in the same boat. Your leaders will be keeping an eye on how group dynamics develop to make sure everyone feels included and can get involved. You’ve also got the Concordia team backing you, so you’ll never be on your own.

It’s important to remember that by stepping into an unfamiliar situation, we allow ourselves to learn, grow, and experience something new. International volunteering is the perfect way to challenge yourself in a safe and well-supported environment. Between our partners, we organise hundreds of projects each year, and exchange thousands of volunteers, so you can be sure we’ve thought of everything.

What will it actually be like when I arrive?

A lot of nervousness comes from the unknown. Before you head off, you’ll receive a detailed information sheet at least three weeks before you start (but normally earlier). This will include detailed instructions on where to meet and how to get there, what to bring, and an outline of your daily routine. It will also include information on where you’ll be sleeping, how the food/catering will work, and contact details for the host organisation.

A little bit of mystery can be a good thing. While you’ll have all the key information upfront, it’s impossible to know everything beforehand. This is the perfect opportunity to embrace the unknown and prove how adaptable you can be. Still, if there’s something that’s on your mind before you go or you're really not sure about, we’re here to answer your questions.

Is the project safe?

It’s really important to consider your safety when choosing where to volunteer. We do the homework for you here, so you can set off knowing you’ll be safe and taken care of. Our partner networks set strict standards for project hosts, and organisations that fall below these standards have their memberships revoked. Projects are thoroughly risk-assessed, and you’ll be given a detailed briefing by project leaders at the start of the project and before starting new tasks.

If something goes wrong, your host organisation will be there to support you, and you can also contact Concordia’s team directly. Our trained safeguarding officers know how to help and will make sure you get the support you need as soon as possible.  

Is the project ethical?

Volunteering should be about giving back to society and supporting local communities, so you are right to be concerned about the ethics of your project and mindful of its impact on the local people and environment.

All of our projects are created and run by community organisations working with one of our network partners from their country. Concordia is a UK-registered charity, and we don’t work with any commercial operators. This means the local community have asked for this project and actually wants your help, rather than a foreign company designing projects they think will be commercially viable.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this has helped address some of your concerns. If there’s one takeaway I’d like you to remember, it’s that international volunteering is about getting outside of your comfort zone and trying something new. This is supposed to feel a bit scary at times. Everyone feels this way, so you’re not alone. You’ll love every second once you arrive and settle in, you’ll make new friends, pick up skills and come home proud that you overcame your worries and contributed to a meaningful cause.

Ready to take the step? Check out our projects or get in touch for more information.