Volunteering Abroad - Your Safety

There is rather a less need for volunteers in the US or any other industrialized states as in less developed countries. Governmental aid agencies often have neither sufficient funds nor enough support from the government to fulfill their mission. An unclear legal situation, as well as social differences, are the main reasons why it is so difficult for private organizations to contribute socially.

The local people are directly confronted with poverty and violence and have to get along with that every day. Knowing that makes us understand the local community better.

You will contribute socially. Most of the local people are aware of that and will welcome you warmly. But there are always exceptions, which we want to make you aware of by providing basic guidelines and rules that will keep you away from dangers.

Observation is important; watch how the others behave in certain situations (Dealing with Beggars, Public Payment, et cetera)

Get familiar with your new environment and go on some trips

Avoid mentioning critical social issues in discussions

Be careful meeting strangers

After arriving in your new country, immediately exchange contact details with a person of the project you trust and local contact person from our organization

Save numbers of friends & familiar persons, of the local embassy of your origin country, and security services in your phone, as well as writing them down separately on paper

Try to get a connection to project participants in order to get new trustful acquaintances and friends

Avoid overly showing-off any high-value belongings in public (e.g: expensive clothing, jewelry)

Avoid showing obvious amount of cash while opening your wallet

Connect with the locals; they they can always give you some good tips

Avoid going out at night, especially when you go out on your own

It is always safer to take a taxi or car ride than going on a bicycle on your own, during a night-out

Please keep in touch with your relatives and friends when you are abroad; what your plans are and when you are going to be back

Be careful when withdrawing cash, avoid doing it alone

Different countries, different customs. Don't ever expect the police to be as trust-worthy in foreign countries as in Germany- corruption is quite common in some other countries

If you are planning to make a trip during your stay abroad, please inform yourself about the security situation of your destination

Travel in groups, if possible with travel organizations

Inform friends or relatives about your planned trips

Make sure that the cars are in good condition before traveling far

Plan to arrive at your destined place during daytime

Try getting information about your trip from reliable travel companies (Hotels, Tourist Information Center, Embassy)