The impact continues when the trip ends
When someone embarks on an international volunteering experience, they usually imagine what the arrival will be like, the cultural shock, the project and living together with other participants and local communities. But there is a part of the journey that almost no one talks about… the return home.
Returning home after such an experience is not just unpacking your suitcase: it’s coming back with a new perspective, new questions and, in many cases, with the feeling that you don’t want it all to remain just a beautiful memory — you want to keep contributing, even from afar. And that is our motto.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we have accompanied thousands of people who, after their project, feel the same: “I don’t want this to end here.”
And that’s why, with the creation of our NGO, Cooperating NGO, we make it possible for your experience not to remain just a trip.
That’s why today we want to talk about what happens after volunteering and how to continue generating impact even when the trip is over.
The emotional return: when your heart stays there
Many people describe the return as a small “reality check”.
You go back to your routine, but many things have changed. Because maybe the things that once seemed like big problems, now aren’t that important. You discover that the most valuable thing is not material, but what you experienced, and you feel a deep connection with a culture and community that is now part of your story.
If you have ever lived a volunteering experience, you know exactly what we mean.
And then the question arises… How do I keep all of this alive?
Can you keep helping from home? Yes, always.
Volunteering doesn’t end when you say goodbye to the project. There are many simple and accessible ways to keep contributing from home. And here are some of our suggestions:
- Share what you lived
Telling your story is a powerful way to inspire others to get involved and encourage them to live this experience that can be scary at first because it pushes us out of our comfort zone.
You can share photos, videos and reflections on social media, give a talk at your school, university or workplace and write a blog or article about what you learned. Your shared story could make a difference for someone who hasn’t yet dared to take the leap.
- Sponsor, donate or collaborate with the project you joined
Often, small financial contributions have a huge impact on local projects: buying school supplies, supporting a scholarship, helping maintain a centre…
At Cooperating NGO, we launch different initiatives so your trip becomes long-lasting and your impact stays REAL.
- Create initiatives within your community
Some people have organised different challenges through the Migranodearena platform with the intention of raising funds for various causes: from building a school to something as simple as making it possible to celebrate a birthday.
In addition, many participants have created different initiatives such as charity markets, fundraising races and collections of school or medical supplies.
- Maintain the bond
Today, thanks to social media, it’s easy to stay in touch with the team and community you lived with. That connection is not only emotional – it can also turn into mutual support, cultural exchange or even future reunions.
From volunteering to life purpose
Something wonderful happens after the volunteering experience: many people discover that they want to lead their lives in a more conscious, supportive and value-driven way.
Some of you have decided that you want to:
- Study or work in cooperation, education, health or sustainability.
- Change jobs in search of roles with purpose.
- Start your own projects with social impact.
Because volunteering doesn’t just help change the world. It transforms you too.
So… what happens after volunteering?
What happens is that the trip doesn’t end. It transforms.
What happens is that you discover you can keep helping even from afar.
What happens is that the person you were before is no longer the same.
And most importantly: what happens is that now you have the power to continue creating change from wherever you are.
