Volunteering abroad is a deeply personal experience that affects each individual in unique ways. As a volunteer, you’ll often find yourself in unfamiliar situations—perhaps you’re scheduled to teach an IT class, but no one attends, the power goes out, or the pace of life is slower than you’re used to. You may face challenges like culture shock, language barriers, or feelings of isolation. However, it’s also an opportunity to push your limits, adapt, slow down, and gain valuable insights about yourself and others. With VLM, volunteering is about building solidarity, friendship, and mutual respect. Your journey will be as distinctive as you are. Below are reflections from past volunteers sharing their experiences.