LYW Foundation

Q1：I have no volunteer experience—can I still join an international program?

Absolutely! However, the true spirit of volunteerism starts at home. Before heading abroad, we encourage you to develop habits of care in your daily life or participate in local volunteer programs. These experiences help you understand the core values of service and build a solid foundation for meaningful international volunteering.

Q2：Does travel experience help in becoming an international volunteer?

Definitely—it’s a big advantage! Traveling, especially solo trips, strengthens your adaptability, independence, and ability to handle unfamiliar environments. These skills are essential for taking care of yourself and effectively serving others during overseas volunteer work.

Q3：Why do international volunteers need to pay their own expenses?

International volunteering isn’t free travel. Most programs are run by non-profit organizations that rely on participant fees to remain sustainable. Your payment covers essentials such as airfare, lodging, insurance, local transportation, cultural experiences, and training. It’s an investment that allows your service to create real, lasting impact.

Q4：How can I choose a suitable volunteer program and organizer?

Do your research before registering or paying any fees. Contact organizers, read online reviews, or speak with experienced volunteers to assess program sustainability, transparency, and community impact. Also, consider your own circumstances:

1.Interests: Choose causes you truly care about and can stay committed to.
2.Time: Short-term programs are usually under 4 weeks; long-term ones may exceed 12 weeks.
3.Budget: Projects in Europe, the Americas, or Africa often cost more—ensure it fits your financial plan.

Q5：How should I prepare before departure to adapt quickly?

Preparation is a form of respect. Learn about local history and culture through books, films, or music. Try connecting with international friends in Taiwan or learning basic greetings from them—it’s a direct way to build cultural understanding and global awareness.

Q6：What mindset should I adopt upon arrival?

See yourself as a learner. Let go of preconceived ideas, respect local expertise, and collaborate with humility. The residents you serve are your best teachers—observe their lives, learn from their wisdom, and contribute your own professional strengths wherever possible.

Q7： What if the experience isn’t what I imagined?

Flexibility is key. Overseas volunteering often involves unexpected challenges—schedule changes, limited resources, or unfamiliar living conditions. Stay open-minded and adaptable. Pre-departure training exists to help you build realistic expectations and handle surprises constructively.

Q8：Does international volunteering broaden young people’s horizons?

Absolutely. Beyond improving language skills, it immerses you in new cultures and challenges assumptions. You’ll gain global awareness, empathy, and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives—insights that no classroom can fully teach.

Q9：Is there an age limit? Can middle-aged people join?

There is no age limit. Whether you are a student, a professional, or retired, your participation is valued as long as your goals align with the organization's mission. Many programs actively seek experienced professionals for long-term placements.

Q10：Can short-term volunteering negatively affect local communities?

Yes, if not approached carefully. Over-giving can foster dependency or disrupt local jobs. Focus on collaboration rather than one-way help. Sustainable service means empowering local communities, not making decisions for them.

Q11：How can I make my trip a "fair travel" experience?

"Fair travel" means acting responsibly toward people and the planet. Support local businesses, conserve resources, and respect cultural norms and personal privacy. A simple rule: if you wouldn’t appreciate it from tourists at home, don’t do it abroad.。

Q12：Does the journey end when the service is over?

Not at all—the end of your trip marks the start of a lifelong journey. Turn your inspiration into ongoing action: support charities, engage with global issues, and influence those around you through everyday compassion. True change begins when you change yourself—and the world changes with you.