Before you embark on your international volunteering journey, it’s important to properly weigh your options and ensure that you’re financially prepared. Start by researching the cost of your trip, being realistic about what you can afford, and knowing what you’re willing to sacrifice in order to make it happen.

Research the Cost

The first step in weighing your options is to research the cost of your trip. This can be done by visiting the website of the organization you’ll be volunteering with, or by simply doing an online search for “international volunteer trip cost.” This will give you an estimate of the total cost of your trip, which includes airfare, accommodations, food, and any other costs associated with the trip.

Be Realistic About What You Can Afford

Once you’ve done your research, be realistic about what you can afford. If the cost of the trip is more than you can comfortably pay, consider ways to lower the cost or look for other options.

Know What You’re Willing to Sacrifice

Finally, be aware of what you’re willing to sacrifice in order to make the trip happen. Are you willing to cut back on your spending for a few months? Are you willing to work extra hours to save up money? Knowing what you’re willing to do to make your international volunteer trip a reality will help you plan accordingly and set realistic expectations.

Fundraising is a great way to pay for your international volunteer trip. There are a few different ways to do this, such as creating a crowdfunding page, organizing a fundraising event, and reaching out to businesses.

Create a Crowdfunding Page

Creating a crowdfunding page is a great way to fundraise for your trip. You can set up a page on a crowdfunding website like GoFundMe and then share it with your friends, family, and social media followers. Ask them to help you reach your goal by donating or spreading the word about your page.

Organize a Fundraising Event

Another way to fundraise for your trip is to organize a fundraising event. You could host a bake sale, a silent auction, or even a charity dinner. Get creative and come up with an event that everyone will enjoy.

Reach Out to Businesses

Finally, consider reaching out to local businesses to see if they would be willing to donate money or items to your cause. Many businesses are happy to support charitable causes, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Saving money is another great way to pay for your international volunteer trip. This can be done by creating a budget, looking for deals, and cutting unnecessary expenses.

Create a Budget

Creating a budget is a great way to get started on saving money. Make a list of all your expenses and income, and then set a budget for each month. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to your budget as much as possible.

Look for Deals

Look for deals when you’re booking your trip. Try to find the best airfare, accommodations, and meal plans that you can afford. There are often great deals to be found if you look hard enough.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Finally, consider cutting unnecessary expenses. Do you really need that morning latte every day? Do you really need to buy new clothes every month? Cutting out small luxuries can add up quickly and help you save money for your trip.

If saving money isn’t enough, consider earning money to pay for your international volunteer trip. This can be done by getting a second job, finding paid internships, or selling unwanted items.

Get a Second Job

If you’re willing to put in the extra work, consider getting a second job. You could find a job in the evenings or on weekends, or you could look for a job that pays per hour or per project.

Find Paid Internships

Another way to earn money is to find paid internships. There are often internships available in fields related to volunteering, such as nonprofit work, education, and environmental conservation.

Sell Unwanted Items

Finally, consider selling unwanted items. Take a look around your house and see what you no longer need. You could sell these items online or at a garage sale, and use the money to pay for your trip.

Scholarships are a great way to pay for your international volunteer trip. You can search for scholarships online, or you can look for them through your university, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

Check with Your University

If you’re a student, the first place to look for scholarships is your university. Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international volunteering trips, so be sure to check with your school’s financial aid office.

Research Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations often offer scholarships for international volunteer trips. Look for organizations that are related to your field of work, or simply do an online search for “international volunteer trip scholarships.”

Look for Corporate Funds

Finally, consider looking for corporate funds. Many companies have funds specifically for international volunteer trips, so be sure to check with your employer or with other companies you may be familiar with.

Keep track of your finances while you’re planning your trip. Make a master list of all the expenses associated with the trip, set financial goals, and track your progress to make sure you’re on track.

Make a Master List

Start by making a master list of all the expenses associated with your trip. Include everything from airfare to accommodations to food. This will help you stay organized and on track.

Set Financial Goals

Once you’ve made your list, set financial goals for yourself. How much do you need to save each month? How much do you need to raise through fundraising? Setting goals will help keep you motivated and on track.

Track Your Progress

Finally, track your progress. Each week or month, review your master list and see how close you are to achieving your financial goals. This will help you stay on top of your finances and make sure you’re on track.

If you’re looking for a way to pay for your international volunteer trip without spending all of your own money, consider looking for a travel reward credit card. These cards offer special offers, low interest rates, and sign-up bonuses, so be sure to compare the different options available.

Check for Special Offers

When looking for a travel reward credit card, check for any special offers. Some cards offer bonus points or cash back for spending a certain amount during the first three months of having the card.

Look for Low Interest Rates

Another important factor to consider is the interest rate. Look for a card with a low interest rate, as this will ensure that you don’t end up paying more than you have to.

Consider Sign-Up Bonuses

Finally, consider any sign-up bonuses offered by the card. Some cards offer bonus points or cash back when you sign up, so be sure to look for these offers.

If you’re still in need of money for your trip, you may want to consider taking out a loan. There are a few different loan options available, so be sure to research the different options and compare interest rates before you make a decision.

Research Different Options

Start by researching the different loan options available. Consider both personal and business loans, and research the different interest rates and repayment terms offered.

Compare Interest Rates

Once you’ve done your research, compare the interest rates offered by the different loan options. Look for the lowest interest rate possible, as this will ensure that you don’t end up paying more than you have to.

Understand the Terms

Finally, make sure you understand the terms of the loan before you sign any documents. Read over the paperwork carefully and make sure you understand all the details.

If you’re willing to put in the extra work, consider working abroad to pay for your international volunteer trip. This can be done by researching job opportunities, being flexible about your travel dates, and pursuing a remote job.

Research Job Opportunities

Start by researching job opportunities in the country you’ll be visiting. There may be job postings on the organization’s website, or you could look for job postings online.

Be Flexible About Your Travel Dates

Another thing to consider is being flexible about your travel dates. If you’re willing to work for a few weeks before or after your volunteer trip, you may be able to find a job that covers the cost of your trip.

Pursue a Remote Job

Finally, consider pursuing a remote job. There are often remote job opportunities available in fields related to volunteering, such as nonprofit work, education, and environmental conservation.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Talk to family and friends, join a support group, and seek advice from professionals. Everyone is willing to help if you just ask.

Talk to Family and Friends

Start by talking to family and friends. They may be able to provide financial assistance, or simply offer emotional support and advice.

Join a Support Group

Another option is to join a support group. There are often support groups available for international volunteers, and they can be a great source of advice and encouragement.

Seek Advice From Professionals

Finally, seek advice from professionals. Consider reaching out to a financial advisor or an experienced international volunteer to get their advice.

Above all, it’s important to recognize your priorities. Understand your motivations for wanting to take the trip, weigh the pros and cons, and set and maintain your boundaries.

Understand Your Motivations

Start by understanding your motivations for wanting to take the trip. Are you passionate about the cause you’ll be working for? Are you looking for a new experience? Knowing why you’re taking the trip will help you stay focused and motivated.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

Once you’ve established your motivations, weigh the pros and cons of taking the trip. What are the benefits of going? What are the risks? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Set and Maintain Your Boundaries

Finally, set and maintain your boundaries. How much money are you willing to spend on the trip? How long are you willing to stay? Setting boundaries will help ensure that you don’t overextend yourself financially or emotionally.

Funding an international volunteer trip can be a daunting task, but it is possible. Start by weighing your options, researching the cost, and being realistic about what you can afford. Consider fundraising, saving money, and earning money to cover the cost of the trip, and look for scholarships, travel reward credit cards, and loans to help cover the cost. Finally, reach out for help and recognize your priorities. With the right preparation and planning, you can make your international volunteer trip a reality.

References:

GoFundMe. (2020). Crowdfunding For Causes. Retrieved from https://www.gofundme.com/

NerdWallet. (2020). Best Travel Credit Cards of 2020. Retrieved from https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel