We already shared the story of our post-return reflection workshop (read here), where volunteers came together after their international volunteering experiences to reflect on what they had learned. But every volunteering journey starts much earlier.
Before joining an international workcamp or another international volunteering project, participants can take part in Egyesek’s Volunteering Preparation Workshop. As a sending organisation based in Hungary, we believe that preparation is just as important as the volunteering experience itself.
The workshop helps future volunteers get to know one another, share their motivations, expectations and concerns, and build a supportive community before departure. Through interactive activities, participants reflect on questions such as: Why do I want to volunteer abroad? What challenges might I face? How can I step outside my comfort zone while respecting my own boundaries?
We also introduce the values of International Voluntary Service (IVS) and discuss what responsible international volunteering means. Together, we explore topics such as solidarity, intercultural learning, community participation and the difference between meaningful volunteering and voluntourism. At Egyesek, we believe volunteering is not about “saving” communities, but about learning from each other and contributing together.
One of the most valuable parts of the workshop is creating space for honest conversations about fears. Travelling alone, language barriers, culture shock or making new friends are common concerns. By talking openly, participants realise they are not alone. Together, they develop practical strategies and learn that the support of both the group and the sending organisation continues throughout their volunteering experience.
The workshop ends with a letter to each participant’s future self. These letters will be returned during the post-return reflection workshop, connecting the excitement before departure with the reflections after coming home.
At Egyesek, we don’t simply send volunteers abroad. We prepare them before departure, support them during their international volunteering projects, and help them reflect on their experiences after they return. This continuous learning journey is at the heart of our work and one of the reasons why international volunteering can have such a lasting impact on both volunteers and local communities.
This preparation workshop was supported by the PGN Network programme, which promotes dialogue on the prevention of gender-based violence, supports youth empowerment and cooperation between youth organisations, and strengthens awareness and advocacy at local, national and EU level, funded by the European Union.
