20 Reasons You Should Serve Abroad

Have you ever traveled to a different country? If yes, then you know how amazing of an experience it is - whether it is the scenic beauty, the traditional cuisine, the breathtaking weather or the charming native accents. A majority of us have been abroad either for a family vacation or if you are an upperclassmen in college, maybe for a study abroad program. But have you ever considered going to a different country to do service? It is not something that people have on their bucket lists generally. However, as college students, we have myriad opportunities to get involved and take advantage of organizations such as Global Brigades. The organization takes 7-10 day trips to countries such as Panama, Nicaragua, Ghana and Honduras to work on specific projects (Medical/Dental/Environmental/Public Health/Water/Architecture) with the native, rural communities of these nations. It is an incredible experience all in all, with the perfect combination of selfless deeds, new skills, fascinating cultural experiences and bonding with strangers that turn into a family!

1. You get to travel. Enough said.

Traveling, in itself, is an exciting experience! The smell of the different airports, the plane rides, air hostesses, and so much more.

2. You get to develop your career-related skills

Want to be a physician and know how to take vital signs? Well, then service trips can provide you opportunities to master the skills you learned in a class setting, and practice them in a real world scenario.

Playing with these adorable little beings is just another perk! :p

You get to feel all professional and ready to be in the workforce, too!

3. You get to try the exotic, traditional dishes!

Yum Yum Yum! Platanas, Fried Dough, traditional Burritos, and so much more! When we say we love Mexican food, we generally refer to Taco Bell or Chipotle, but there is no such branch in Mexico. You have only had real Mexican food when you have eaten directly from an actual kitchen in Mexico.

4. You get to try New Skills

Ever thought of wanting to saw or hammer a nail, but your parents wouldn't let you because it's dangerous? Well, on service trips such as this one, you get to try these different skills (of course under the supervision of the responsible experts)

Some skills may not be something you wanted to do all your life, such as bagging chicken poop...But hey! still an interesting experience and knowing that it is going to make so many people's lives easier, makes it all the better :)

5. You get to expand that Vocabulary!

No matter how many semesters you have taken a foreign language in your high school or college, nothing improves your language/speaking skills better than interacting with the natives who speak that language. And sometimes ONLY that language, which forces you to try all the more to get a good grasp on it.

6. You get to meet new people!

We encourage getting to know people from all different backgrounds in our communities to foster a more developed sense of the world. And living with people from different countries like Chile or Panama, and talking to them about their lives and values can really open up your view of the world especially if you haven't traveled abroad before.

Including the cool ones such as the army men overseas

7. You get to see tourist attractions

Above featured is known as The Screw building in Panama City!

You get to see really cool architecture and scenery, and if the weather is nice, (which most of the time it is), the views are truly beautiful!

8.

9. You get to wear traditional ornaments such as Flower Crowns

Aren't those so pretty? The rural people are really sweet and will many times make you some really pretty things such as the flower bandana you see at the top.

10. You get to master new beats!

And if they like you enough, they will even teach you how to rock their dance steps and dance with you on their music

11. You get to buy super creative gifts

Remember the beaded bracelet you really like? or the hand woven baskets? You can buy those first-hand and surprise your loved ones back home, and in the process, also help the local economy prosper, too! It's a win-win, see?

12. You get to meet the local people

We have all learned a little bit about the different lifestyles of people living in other countries through news, etc. But, that is no match to hearing them talk about their life, their problems, and sharing their real-life experiences

13. You get to try new fruits and that too, right off the tree!

The sweet sweet taste of eating fresh and ripe fruits is unexplainable. Whether it is the white cream of the inside of the green coconut, the sweet and juicy sugarcane or the exotic gwanamana!

14. You get to pet and play with animals you don't see in your everyda lives!

Yea, I know we have goats and horses here too! But, how often do you get a chance to see or pet them?

15. You learn to conquer your fears or live with them!

Bugs (big and small) are everywhere and that you can't really do anything about that is a fact you learn to accept and live with. That is a green grasshopper that lived outside our window and that we soon learned to make peace with.

And you learn to live in the absence of all the luxuries you are used to taking for granted.

16. You get to learn some survivor skills!

Hiking through the forest is not as thrilling and easy as it may seem! Not tripping over those rocks or slipping through that cliff are big tasks that you master after just a few times of going in and out of the forest.

17. You get to try new porter potties

Going to the bathroom is a big ordeal when you visit a rural region of a different country. It may seem odd and strange at first, but, it's an interesting experience and you will be amazed at how adaptive humans can be!

18. You get to take picturesque pictures!

Need some impressive pictures for you Instagram? Well, going on a service trip abroad will give you plenty of opportunities!

19. You might just get a new family in your group of strangers!

It is amazing how strong of a connection staying together for a week can form, when you are in a different country. Regardless of whether you are on a trip with all strangers or some acquaintances, you will get really close to them in a very unique way. Proximity and Disclosure can work quite a magic.

20. Or if all else doesn't appeal you enough, you may just find the love of your life! :p

Just for the record, this was just all a joke! But, there are chances you may find the right one on one of these trips! If anything, you will definitely form some unforgettable memories and some long lasting friendships! :)