Benefits of working in a non-profit organization

Benefits of working in a non-profit organization
Posted on 3 December 2024

Are you planning to work in NGOs or NPOs internationally?

Before you make up your mind, do you want to know what the benefits are and whether this is the career for you? Here are just a few of the benefits of a professional commitment to social and environmental causes.

Difference between NGO and NPO

The terms NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) and NPO (Non-Profit Organization) are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings, depending on the context.

NGO: An NGO is an organization that operates independently from any government. It is typically formed to address social, political, environmental, or humanitarian issues at a national or international level.

NPO: An NPO is an organization that operates for purposes other than making a profit. The primary goal of an NPO is to serve the public good, such as in education, charity, research, or culture.

Here are some of the benefits.

Working behind the scenes

Unlike travelers, who have few opportunities to discover a culture during a stay abroad, international volunteers actively participate in a project. If a holidaymaker visits a nature reserve in South Africa, Costa Rica or another nature destination, he or she will certainly not have the same experience as a volunteer working there. The volunteer also benefits from a deeper experience, having access to the behind-the-scenes guidance of a team of local experts.

Immersing yourself in a new culture

Working on a sustainable development project is the best way to immerse yourself in a new culture. Why is this? The duration of this type of project is often long, a few months or even longer. That's enough time to get a feel for the local culture, especially if the assignment is in a social field.

Enhance your CV with international work experience

Taking part in a humanitarian project is a good way to build up your CV. On the one hand, it allows you to familiarize yourself with new practices and skills, especially if the project you're helping with is not in your sector. On the other hand, it's ideal for developing your language skills, as you'll be required to speak the local language in all everyday situations. And it's a well-known fact that to master a foreign language, you have to practice it!

Working with local communities

Unlike a simple tourist trip, a sustainable development mission involves spending a lot of time with the locals. Indeed, it's a great opportunity to discover different cultures and enjoy unique experiences: discovering local customs, learning local jargon, sharing meals, etc.

Personal development

According to feedback from many international volunteers, working in an international NGO is an effective method of personal development, and a step not to be missed if you want to grow as a person. Working in a foreign country makes you aware of the challenges facing the world. This awareness brings with it a great deal of personal change. You become more conscientious, more courageous, more adventurous and even more independent.

A new family and new friends

Taking part in a humanitarian project is a golden opportunity to make real friends. As well as forging strong links with local communities through day-to-day work, you'll make real friends with the people involved in the project. We share unique moments, go through difficulties and explore new thing

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