[ID:6405]So, you’ve received your acceptance letter or paid your placement fee. It’s almost time to head abroad! By now you will hopefully have been in contact with program administrators from your host organization, and you may even have been in contact with former volunteers. It’s now time to make the final preparations – both personal and practical.

Mental preparation is as important as practical preparation. Think about what you expect from your upcoming trip, what your goals are, and what the challenges might be.

Pre-departure Logistics

We’ve compiled a short list of questions to get you thinking practically before you head off for your adventure:

• What’s the climate like in your host country?
• Have you packed a variety of clothes (and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty)?
• If your placement will involve a lot of walking, have you packed the appropriate footwear?
• Are there any supplies that your host organization would find useful?
• Do you need to bring a sleeping bag or any other basic...