Not for profit organizations are everywhere! There are organizations established just about anywhere in the world, each with its own unique mission that, in some way, makes the world a better place.

Some organizations are focused on helping animals, such as rehabilitating elephants in Laos. Others, such as Thailand’s plastic pollution project, are aimed at conserving and protecting the environment. Countless others work to meet the needs of men, women, and children, perhaps through providing access to quality medical care, education, or legal services.

Although each individual organization works to meet a different need for the unique population it serves, one thing all not for profit organizations have in common is a reliance on volunteers to keep their organizations alive. They are constantly looking for motivated and caring men and women to invest their time and energy into building and sustaining their important work.

Volunteering is important in order to sustain the good work of countless organizations world wide. Volunteers are able to make a lasting impact on communities through their work. Although the primary goal of volunteering is to give back to others, volunteering also has incredible benefits for the volunteer themselves.

1. Lower Levels of Depression 

According to the Mayo Clinic, those who volunteer on a regular basis are at a lower risk for depression. The social nature and mission focus of volunteer work makes people feel connected and important. This work can give meaning to a person’s life and time, which consequently reduces the likelihood of developing depression.

2. Increases Memory Preservation

A huge concern for many older adults is maintaining the mental acuity and memory of their youth. Memory impacting diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, impact many aging individuals. Research shows that adults who spend time volunteering have a lower probability of developing cognitive problems, such as memory loss, than those who don’t volunteer.

3. Reduces Stress

Individuals who are well connected with others tend to have lower stress levels than those who feel isolated or alone. Volunteering is an excellent way to build relationships and connection, both with other volunteers and with those you are serving. Volunteering also gives people a sense of purpose, which can make dealing with daily stressors more manageable.

4. Greater Self-Confidence

Once again, volunteers often feel a greater sense of purpose than those who don’t volunteer. They feel like their life and time are meaningful, important and needed. Feeling important and needed can do wonders for your overall self-confidence.

5. Develops Passion

A passionless life is a bland and boring life. Volunteering is a great way to discover and cultivate the passions that give your life meaning. Whether your passion is for animal conservation or it’s making a difference in the life of a child with cancer, there are volunteer opportunities for every passion, interest, and individual.

6. Makes You Happy

It’s not just a nice idea. Research shows that volunteering will actually make you happier! When a person volunteers, dopamine, the hormone that brings feelings of happiness, is released in your brain. It’s the same kind of “high” that people experience after exercising.

Although the primary goal of volunteering is to make a difference and give back to the community, there are some significant personal benefits for those who volunteer on a regular basis. Check out the many volunteering opportunities that Global Nomadic has to offer and experience to mental health benefits of volunteering while doing something meaningful!

Anyone who has ever tried to start a business will tell you that it’s difficult! A bit like raising a child, launching a business requires a significant amount of time, energy, patience and nurturing.

Each year, many men and women decide to chase their dreams of entrepreneurial success. Some are successful in establishing their businesses, others are not. In many cases, field experience and strong network connections can make a huge difference in business success.

Internships are an excellent way to gain crucial knowledge and experience before jumping out on your own business journey. They can provide the skills and connections you need to establish a sturdy foundation for your business, before you’ve even begun.

If you are looking to start a business, take advantage of one of these incredible internship opportunities! They offer the chance to explore another country and immerse yourself in their culture while gaining valuable experience to start your business off on the right foot.

South Korea: Business Development and Marketing Internship

Korea’s companies. Placements could be anything from well-established international companies to promising startups. Each opportunity will provide interns with field related skills, countless opportunities to build business relationships, and mentoring.

Peru: Micro-Enterprise Business Support

Looking to develop your business leadership skills? This Peruvian internship offers the opportunity to participate in business leadership courses and micro-enterprise workshops, all while exploring the beautiful country of Peru. Interns will also receive mentoring and support in developing their own  micro-enterprise skills.

Ecuador: Social Entrepreneurship with Indigenous Cacao Farmer Associations

Calling all chocolate lovers! Grow your business skills while working with the Cacao Farmer Association in Ecuador, whose work is responsible for one of the world’s sweetest treats. Interns participating in this program will receive hands on experience in Social Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management while immersing themselves in the local culture by living with an indigenous family. They will work closely with the Cacao Farmer Association to support and sustain local families.

Cape Town & Swaziland: Business Development and Product Design

If you’ve got a passion for business and a heart for social justice issues, come to South Africa, the nation with the highest rate of economic inequality in the world. Interns will be supporting organizations working to improve the lives of South Africans by providing necessary field skills and connecting them with job opportunities. Interns will be given their own business and marketing projects to manage and run with. This internship is an excellent way to gain practical experience in the areas of business and marketing.

South Korea: Finance Internship

Working in the financial sector? Come to Seoul, South Korea for an exciting internship in East Asia’s booming financial hub. This program offers applicants the opportunity to work and learn within the city’s top financial institutions. In addition to valuable work experience, interns will participate in language and culture classes and be able to explore the incredible city of Seoul.

Cambodia: Business Analyst

Cambodia is a nation with a dark history of war, genocide, and famine. The people in Cambodia continue to live in poverty and in many cases, lack essential skills to be successful in business. By joining this program, you’ll have the opportunity to use your business expertise to make a real difference in the lives of Cambodians. Interns will be matched with a project according to their personal skill set and will work with a company to become more financially sustainable.

Argentina: Business Internship

Travel to the cultural city of Buenos Aires to support a growing internet retailing company in developing their business. This internship is ideal for those who like to tackle many different types of projects and can think on their feet. Individuals participating in this internship will enjoy their work as well in addition to getting to know the uniquely beautiful Argentinian culture.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur with dreams of launching and running your own business, don’t miss the once in a lifetime experience to live and work abroad while gaining practical tips, knowledge, and connections that could help take your business to the next level.