International volunteering experiences: Empowering leadership development overseas
Leadership Training Like No Other: Volunteer Abroad
Ever wondered what it takes to be an outstanding leader? You might think of qualities such as great listening, inspiration, and vision. But these skills don't magically appear; they're developed over time, often through effective leadership training. But why stick to corporate training when you can get hands-on experience abroad?
Corporate leadership training can feel isolating and dull. With volunteering abroad, you'll reap the benefits of real-world leadership and training in a unique setting.
Embrace Diversity and Listen Actively
A large part of leadership is understanding and respecting others' opinions. What better way to hone this skill than by diving headfirst into foreign cultures? Each day on a volunteering program, you'll collaborate with local communities, some of whom may not speak your language or share your customs.
Effective leadership training will show you how to listen actively. As a volunteer, you'll need to set aside biased notions and tune into the needs of the communities you're working with. This skill ensures that your volunteer project is a resounding success.
Whether you're teaching sports or participating in public health education sessions, you'll learn to focus on the needs of your team. After all, a great leader always keeps their team's needs at the heart of decision-making.
Develop Problem-Solving Acumen
As a leader, you're accountable for your team's outcomes, whether they're positive or not. Leadership training often discusses problem-solving, but why not get your hands dirty by facing challenges head-on?
While volunteering, you'll encounter setbacks and have to come up with creative solutions. Take, for example, a marine conservation project, which exposes the disastrous effects of human actions on our oceans. Working with local communities, you'll implement long-term solutions to restore ecosystems.
Combine your active listening skills and problem-solving ability, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable leader. Imagine gaining these skills while swimming in the enchanting South Pacific Ocean!
Gain Recognized Qualifications
Leadership training courses may provide certifications, but volunteering with organizations like GVI offers a unique advantage—internationally-recognized qualifications. From PADI diving certifications to CATHSSETA-accredited field guiding, there's a wealth of qualifications for you to explore.
GVI also offers youth leadership training. British teens can complete the Duke of Edinburgh program outside the UK, while teens on GVI's programs can earn the ILM Youth Leadership certificate. And for volunteers over four weeks, GVI offers an ILM-endorsed leadership certificate, which combines theoretical and practical leadership elements to provide a hands-on, recognized learning experience.
Volunteering offers the benefits of leadership training while offering hands-on, international experience. You'll test your listening skills in diverse cultural settings. You'll solve problems creatively while working towards community goals. These are skills every great leader needs.
So why sit through a course on being an effective leader when you can become one by volunteering in fantastic locations?
Ami Gill is an intern at the GVI Writing Academy. The Writing Academy is a skills-development program that pairs development editors with aspiring travel writers. Learn more about the program here.
- Volunteering abroad offers a unique opportunity to develop effective listening skills by working closely with diverse local communities and adapting to their needs and customs.
- Participating in a marine conservation project helps volunteers gain valuable experience in problem-solving and implementing long-term solutions to restore ecosystems.
- Volunteering with organizations like GVI provides internationally-recognized qualifications that surpass what traditional corporate leadership training offers, such as PADI diving certifications and ILM-endorsed leadership certificates.
- Teens can also benefit from volunteer opportunities, such as completing the Duke of Edinburgh program or earning the ILM Youth Leadership certificate.
- By volunteering in different locations, individuals can accelerate their personal growth and education-and-self-development through hands-on, real-world leadership training and education.
- Instead of sitting through a course on effective leadership, you can gain the skills and practical experience necessary to become a formidable leader by volunteering in captivating international settings.
