This is part IX of my 3-month journey in Sri Lanka, as a volunteer for WECare Worldwide.
Over three months ago, I took a leap of faith. I left my secure job at a large Korean conglomerate to pursue my passion — improving the welfare of dogs. This decision led me to Sri Lanka, where I joined WECare as a volunteer in the small fishing village of Gandara. For ten weeks, I immersed myself in various aspects of animal care. In the mobile CNVR clinic, I both readied the street dogs for their sterilization surgeries and looked over them as they recovered from the anesthesia. In the hospital, I cleaned the kennels, prepared the dogs’ breakfast, and socialized the dogs. In the office, I counted cabinets after cabinets of medicines, as well as moved boxes and boxes of donated goods from the UK.
As my time in Sri Lanka draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on this transformative journey. Beyond the practical knowledge of running a veterinary hospital in a developing country, this voluntourism experience has gifted me with profound life lessons. Here are the top seven insights I would remind myself of before my next volunteer abroad experience:
1. It’s Not Going to Be a Holiday
While Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches and palm trees, my memories are dominated by work routines rather than leisurely days by the ocean. Volunteering abroad is a significant commitment. Even though unpaid, you play a crucial role that contributes to a larger mission. My days typically began at seven in the morning and often stretched until three in the afternoon, with lunch breaks frequently sacrificed to the cause. This experience was more akin to work than a vacation, but therein lay its true value. The challenges and long hours were integral to creating a lasting impact.
I could easily list a hundred ways to enjoy a more relaxing holiday. Yet, witnessing meaningful outcomes at the end of each hardworking day made this voluntourism experience invaluable.
2. Be Prepared to Make Compromises and Trade-offs
Adaptability and flexibility are essential when volunteering in a developing country. My first compromise came before I even arrived — accepting a location that did not offer the mountain trekking I love. Gandara, while ideal for WECare’s mission, presented its own set of challenges. Limited transportation options made weekend explorations difficult, and my decision not to rent a motorcycle further restricted my mobility. My living conditions, though comfortable, lacked certain luxuries I had grown accustomed to, such as air conditioning. It also came with unexpected roommates in the form of ants. However, these compromises are part and parcel of authentically immersing oneself in a new culture and environment.
3. Know That I Will Go Over My Budget
Creating a budget for an extended volunteering trip is challenging, primarily due to unfamiliarity with the location and lifestyle. While tourist hotspots like Hairketiya had easily accessible price information, the cost of living in our small fishing village was less transparent. I had estimated rent would account for about a third of my total expenses, but several unforeseen costs arose. These included frequent meals at tourist-friendly restaurants (a welcome respite from local cuisine), broadband internet quotas, unexpected medical needs, and even an unplanned trip to Thailand due to visa complications. While it is crucial to create a budget, it is equally important to prepare a substantial buffer for unexpected expenses. This financial flexibility allows for a more comprehensive and stress-free experience.
4. Work Harder to Be Healthy
Maintaining physical health while volunteering abroad requires conscious effort. At home, hampered by a bad knee, I religiously followed a stretching routine. However, once in Sri Lanka, my usual exercise regimen was disrupted by the new environment and lack of familiar equipment. The dietary changes — less meat, unfamiliar vegetables, and my limited cooking skills — led to nutritional imbalances. Consequently, I found myself more susceptible to illnesses circulating in the clinic. Prioritizing health is crucial for maintaining energy and enthusiasm throughout the volunteering period. This requires a concerted effort to learn versatile, healthy recipes and adapt exercise routines to be less dependent on specific equipment or environments.
5. Have A Way to Cope with Life
Despite the fulfillment that comes from pursuing a passion, challenges are inevitable. Cultural adjustments and physical discomforts can take a toll on one’s mental well-being. As I battled what I suspected to be COVID, homesickness set in. I found solace in an unexpected place – an online course with Best Friends Animal Society about running a lifesaving sanctuary. This not only provided a welcome distraction but also broadened my knowledge in my field of interest. Having a personal project, hobby, or learning goal can serve as a vital coping mechanism. It is an escape to a different place, as well as a sense of progress and accomplishment outside of the volunteering work.
6. Appreciate the People
In Sri Lanka, we often joked that we would rather spend eight hours with a dog than with each other. While there was some truth to this jest, the relationships formed during this volunteering experience became one of its most rewarding aspects. Our small team in Gandara evolved into a close-knit community, sharing not just work responsibilities but also meals, living spaces, and travel experiences. Art club became our collective stress relief, while supper club offered rare chances to feast together. Local colleagues became invaluable cultural guides, introducing me to festivals and nuances I might have otherwise missed. Despite occasional conflicts arising from differing work styles, our shared commitment to the mission fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. These connections transformed what could have been an isolating experience into a rich, collaborative adventure.
7. Remember That Time Flies
The intensity and engagement of volunteering make time pass remarkably quickly. Reflecting on my journey, the weeks in Sri Lanka felt like a mere glimpse into the complex world of animal welfare work in developing countries. This experience has illuminated the vast expanse of knowledge and skills yet to be acquired in this field.
The path of learning stretches far ahead, beckoning me to deepen my understanding of intricate local dynamics and the nuanced human-dog relationships. It challenges me to grasp the complexities of building and sustaining organizations dedicated to dog welfare. This realization underscores the critical importance of setting specific goals and seeking defined roles in future volunteering experiences. By doing so, one can maximize both impact and learning opportunities within the limited timeframe of a volunteer placement.
While the timing of my next volunteer abroad experience remains uncertain, I am certain that these seven lessons will serve as a compass, guiding my approach to future opportunities. They will remind me to balance idealism with pragmatism, to remain open-minded in the face of new challenges, and to embrace each adventure with enthusiasm tempered by realistic expectations. As I continue along this path, I carry with me not just memories and experiences, but a reinforced commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of dogs and the communities that surround them.
This is part IX of my 3-month journey in Sri Lanka, as a volunteer for WECare Worldwide.