The Scared Traveler: Trying to Make the World a Better Place

Have you ever wanted to do something great, because you heard, read or watched someone somewhere in the world making a difference. In an instant you are filled with a need to contribute just a faction of yourself to the world. Somewhere in your mind you want a sincere feeling of having done something great to make the world a better place. That being said, you go out to find a cause that would be worthy of your time and energy. Something that would make you want to fight for the greater good. I, myself felt this feeling quite recently, and decided to become a better citizen of the world. It took me some time to figure out what truly would be the cause that’s worthy of my time and energy. I scoured the internet looking for worthy causes preferably within the vicinity of my home. Luckily for me, I didn't have to look too far to find a cause I would be comfortable with.

Thanks, in part to the ingenuity of Facebook allowing me to read posts of people I have befriended. Normally, I'm not into OPB (Other People’s Busy), but I happened to see a post about an article about foreigners volunteering on a “friend’s” page. The article was about volunteers coming from Seoul (South Korea) to Asan (South Korea) helping at an animal shelter caring for dogs that otherwise would have been euthanized. They dedicate their time, energy and money assisting the owner with cleaning, feeding and adopting these animals into safe environments. I felt this cause would be something I would enjoy doing, because I'm an animal lover. I was able to contact the person who wrote the article, and set a date and time for when I will come and help out with whatever is needed on that day. 

Foster Poodle (play time)

While I have plans to help out at the shelter I took it upon myself to help a friend who fosters and helps cats and dogs find good homes. My first foster pet was a cute poodle I took into my home for a few days, in which I learned a great deal from this particular dog. It was abused and in need of love, and when I wasn't there it showed its’ true colours.  It reminded me that people need to be more responsible towards GOD’s creatures, because like themselves they would never want to be abandoned by no one.

For those that find themselves with down time in your temporary home country, and want to volunteer. Here are a few steps to get you in the right direction for doing something good.

1)    Internet Search: The internet is a great place to start, because it has connected the world in such a way that information has become easier to access. There are many articles, blogs and social networking sites to get you started.

A.     Facebook: For those with Facebook pages the best place to start is by looking at group pages you joined. See who has posted information about volunteering or just make a post yourself.

B.     Local on-line news websites in a language you understand: There may be an article there about a person who’s making a difference through animal or child welfare. You can contact the author of the article about getting into contact with someone to volunteer your time to help.

C.    Volunteer Organizations: These organizations offer short and long term tours for people to participate and there may be a chance for you to do something local in your region.

2)    Ask a friend in the same country: It’s hard not to make new friends or acquaintance in a foreign land. Being assertive when meeting new people and asking the right questions could yield great results. When you are meeting new people it’s easy to get to know their hobbies or their passions. You will find they can be involved in various projects that sometimes need help.

3)    Contact your local Embassy: Sometimes the people that know best can be your home country local embassy. The people working there could have information pertaining to various volunteer services that take place within the country you are residing. These could be from language exchanges to helping out in a devastated area.

For those that are looking to do a holiday volunteer gig I have added a few links below for the ultimate volunteer. I hope this helps you in getting started if you want to dedicate your time in doing your part to help a person or animal in this world. I believe we need more good people to show their kindness to others. Please take a step in making a difference no matter how small to someone in need.

Note: I did notice that i-to-i.com is a paid volunteer service with activities built in for those interested in that kind of service.

http://www.projecthope.org

http://www.goabroad.com/volunteer-abroad

http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer/

http://oneworld.net

http://www.globalvolunteers.org

http://www.projects-abroad.org

The Novelty of Being a Waygookin (Foreigner) in Korea

 By Nicole Brewer

I’ve managed to have many first in Korea after living here for over three years.  The first time I road a horse was on Jeju island; my first time staying in a temple; my first time attending an international World Championship match.  Well I recently added a new first to my ever-extending list: my first time playing a role in a music video! Yeah, you read that right. I’m now a video chick, nonetheless a classy one as I played a jazzy type singer singing the chorus to a Korean rapper’s song entitled Rain by Masstige. 

So I know you’re wondering, how did that come about? I’m apart of a really cool group here in Korea called the Brothers and Sisters of South Korea. Brothers and Sisters of South Korea (BSSK) is a resourceful group on facebook for those looking to network with other minorities or learn about the experience of living in Korea.  One day while at work killing time in between classes I scrolled through the newsfeed of BSSK to find a posting by a Korean film student looking for a Black lady to cast in the video of a Korean rapper that lived in Busan, my Korean hometown.  As a hip hop head I was intrigued.  

On the set of Korean rapper Masstige video for a song entitled "Rain."

The only prerequisite was to be a Black woman. No dancing, singing or Korean skills applied. He thought that a Black woman would fit perfectly for the cinematography of the video. I shoot him an email displaying my interest and the rest is history. I had fun chatting it up with some of the others on the set of Club Fabric (who will be hosting the “Attack on Busan” hip hop invasion night soon) in Busan. One Korean actor asked me if I spoke Korean. I said chocum which means a little in Korean. I asked, do you speak English and he waved his hands feverishly saying no, no. However, he managed to tell me who his favorite hip hop artist are such as DMX, Tupac and Biggie. We managed to discuss the universal language of music.

Now there was some debate and speculation amongst some of the group members of BSSK.  Why is he looking for a Black women? What’s up with this strange request, etc were some of the things I heard.  Well, me being the curious bee that I am followed up, nothing lost right.  Ironically enough many group members had an e-debate on a thread recently about the lack of representation of Black women in big K-pop stars videos, especially considering how many of them are influenced by Black or African American artist. My love Rain (Bi), in all of his ninja assassin glory, admitted that Usher is his idol. We don’t hear too many of those admissions here in Korea. 

In my time in Korea I am often approached by random Koreans with interesting, slightly strange request at times.  I don’t know if I just have an open, approachable face or not but I think it’s the waygook effect.  A couple of weeks ago while sitting in the café on the University campus where the high school I work at is located, I was approached by two Korean college students.  They wanted to film me while they did a magic trick. In his broken English, he said “we need to use foreigner”.  It was their lucky day to come across me while I took in my rich café mocha latte.  I went ahead with their request, why not? Nothing lost again right it was enjoyable to be entertained. 

Not all of my experiences as a foreigner in Korea are pleasurable.  You will come across the random stares (esp. in my case as a 5’10 African American women not too many of us tall beauties walking around), snarls and more especially from some of the older Koreans that are stuck in their train of thought of keeping Korea a “one blood” nation.  It is still quite a homogenous society but I like to think with some of these small feats that I’m managing to help change this mentality. 

Picture courtesy of Mannam International Volunteer association.

Another interesting experience I had while walking on the glorious beauty of Haeundae beach was being approached by a few Koreans that were interested in talking to me.  They were apart of a volunteer group called Mannam that actively recruits foreigners in Korea to partake in activities such as free Korean classes, sports teams, marathons for charity and more. She really peaked my interest at the mention of a cooking class as I’ve had the desire to learn how to cook Korean food. 

I’ll be attending a meet and greet at a dinner in the near future with the chef for the class. I shall “move with caution” as my Korean co-teacher said when I mentioned it to her. Her first thought was oh no, they may be a religious group that will try to convert you ha.  My advice to those that are in Korea or any other foreign land is to really allow yourself to immerse into the culture.  I’m a firm believer that you get back to you the energy that you put out. Therefore keep it light hearted, fun and enjoyable and you will get this back to you. 

Integrating Into A New Community

March 15, 2012--Meisha

It’s always exciting to move to a new place, but making friends, learning the culture, and getting acclimated to unfamiliar surroundings always initially poses a challenge.  Here are a couple of tips to ease your transition and help you integrate into a foreign culture.

Learn the language: Language is the biggest barrier to keep you from understanding the culture and truly getting to know people.  Don’t take for granted that everyone will be able to speak English. And even if English is the dominate language, if any local dialects are spoken, it is invaluable to also learn one of them.  For instance, I live in South Africa where English is the national language, but I am also learning Tswana which is the tribal language spoken in my community. 

Minimally, before you arrive, learn greetings and “do you speak English,” to demonstrate to your new community that you are at least trying.  Meet-up groups and Verbling provide great forums to practice languages with speakers at all levels. Once settled into your new home, seek out a tutor or classes to increase your fluency of the local language. 

Create a network prior to your arrival: Before you leave home seek out contacts in your new home from friends, coworkers, and family.  Also, try social networks such as Facebook affinity groups like as Women of Color Living Abroad and Nomadness Travel Tribe, Linkedin, and CouchSurfing, to make local or expat contacts in your new home.  Your new contacts may not become your close friends, but they can be useful when you first arrive to introduce you to other people, help you navigate the culture, and assist you finding your way around.

Observe: When you first arrive conduct your own research by sitting back and observing the locals—the style of dress, grooming, eating, and social and professional interactions.  Adopt behaviors and customs that will ensure that you are respectable and non-offensive of the culture and avoid unnecessary harassment.  I am particularly mindful of how women dress.  In a Muslim country this is even more important. I also closely watch interactions between women and men to understand what is socially acceptable.

Dressed in my Nigerian best during a visit to Port Harcourte, Nigeria!

Walk:  Even if you have a car take the time to walk around. In particular, walking around in the community where you are living will get people familiar with your face.  Depending on the culture, many people will introduce themselves because they will know that you are new to the community.  This will also give you a great opportunity to practice those greetings you learned!

Recreate your normal routine: This is your new home.  The sooner you are doing the activities that you love and are part of your normal routine the quicker you will feel like you are at home.  This will also create opportunities for you to meet new people and learn your way around.  Gather information from your coworkers, neighbors, and landlord.  Don’t forget Google is always a great resource!  Hairstyling also offers a great way to meet women in your community or learn local gossip!  Also, do try to participate in the local pastimes and social activities.

Say hi!!!:  The unfamiliar can be daunting. It will take some time to adjust to the visual of your new home and the people living there. Remember, you may look just as strange to the people in your new community as they do you.  Don’t mistake the strange looks you may get for disdain.  Most non-Western cultures are pretty hospitable and open.  Simply saying "hi" and introducing yourself is as always a great way to break the ice!!

--Mei

Seeing the World Through Service

March 2, 2012-Meisha


Since I was an adolescent, taking African Dance classes, I wanted to travel to Africa.  I didn’t know how though! And thought it was a formidable goal.  However, thanks to the Peace Corps, I have now lived in two African countries (Benin and South Africa) and traveled to more than ten.

Benefits of Volunteering Overseas

Peace Corps Volunteers secretly admit to each other that we benefit just at much (and maybe even more) from our service as our host communities.  Why? 

Support Services: Most programs offer some form of training before the start of your service.  Peace Corps training is 3-months in your country of assignment and covers culture, history, language, health, safety, and technical skills for your work assignment.   This type of training will familiarize you with your new community, making your transition a bit easier. 

The language classes will also ensure you can communicate in the national or local language spoken in your community. I learned French (and Mina—one of the local languages spoken in Benin and Togo) while serving in Benin, which made traveling across the primarily French speaking West Africa easier. And although I am now serving in English speaking South Africa, I am learning Tswana (which is spoken in South Africa and Botswana).

Before you depart, all programs will also ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations and medications to keep you healthy during your service. Medical care or access to medical facilities is also provided during service.

Cultural Immersion: Volunteering helps remove many of the barriers, such as lack of trust, which prevent foreigners from integrating into a community.  Local communities will already have a basic level of trust for the volunteer based on the organization’s reputation and interactions with previous volunteers. Living in local communities and on a local level, as many volunteers do, will further establish a trusting relationship. Volunteering also allows the time to fully immerse into a community to become integrated.

Although, not something that happens overnight, once integrated into a community volunteers gain access to a world that tourist, backpackers, and even expats living in the same area will never experience.

In Benin, enjoying a game of Uno with my next door neighbors

Save Money: The Peace Corps is one of the few programs that covers all of your travel expenses and provides a living allowance during your service. Even if you do have to cover your travel and expenses during your service, it is usually less than if you were to organize the trip on your own.  You can fundraise to cover your cost.  There are also a few grants available for voluntourism, such as Travelocity’s Travel for Good program. If you do pay out of pocket for your travel, you may be able to write-off on your taxes a portion of the expenses related to your service.

You Still Get to Travel: Most programs will give you the flexibility to arrange your own travel back to your home of record.  This allows you to travel in the region where you served before returning home.  Traveling within a region, in particular land travel in Africa and South America and air travel in Asia is relatively inexpensive.  Depending on the duration of your service you will also be given vacation days or time to travel independently.  During my service in Benin I was able to see most of West Africa through vacations and travel after my service.

Plus, since volunteers live on the same level as locals, you will learn how to navigate the developing world like locals.  Traveling “locally” saves money, provides a great opportunity to interact with locals, and makes for great stories to share with your friends at home. I promise you will never forget an African bush taxi ride or a South American cross-country bus ride!

"Traveling" in Mali

Increase Your Network: Volunteers not only become a member of the community where they serve, but a part of their volunteer community.  The strong bonds I formed with my fellow volunteers have developed into lifelong friendships!  My Peace Corps friends and the larger Peace Corps community have been helpful for everything from job searching to establishing contacts overseas before traveling.

Gain Professional Experience: Now more then ever, companies are looking to hire candidates with international experience.  With programs in everything from business to agriculture, volunteering is a great way to acquire international experience in your field. Adapting to a new culture and working with limited resources will also hone intangible skills that companies value such as flexibility, leadership, creative problem, “can do attitude,” and entrepreneurialism.

Make an Impact: Most importantly volunteering overseas gives you the opportunity to leave an everlasting impact on someone’s life or make a difference in a community!  During my first service I helped a community get a water pump installed.  One member of the community was so grateful that she named her daughter after me.  I am figuratively and literally forever connected to this community!

Beniniese School Children in a School Where I Donated Computers

International Volunteer Programs

Not everyone has two years available to serve in the Peace Corps.  Fortunately, there are numerous organizations that offer recent graduates and professionals the opportunity to serve abroad for shorter periods   Here are a few programs to consider:

• Amigos de las Americas
• CDC Development Solutions
• Child Family Health International
• Cross Cultural Solutions
• Global Citizens Network
• Global Service Corps
• Habitat for Humanity
•  IFESH
• Projects Abroad

Disclaimer
The contents of this post are solely written by me and only express my own personal views. This post does not represent the views of the United States Government or the Peace Corps.