2.4.1 SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS: REFLECTING ON MOTIVATIONS AND ALIGNING EXPECTATIONS

TASK 1: Now, go ahead and create your own star/form of your choosing, where you write or draw down your own motivations for volunteer work. 

REFLECT: Is there one source that you find stronger than other motivations? Can you write something for each point of the star?

TASK 2: Hopefully, the exercise gives you a clearer picture about your motivation to volunteer. Now, try to put yourself in the position of your potential host organisation. What could be their motivations to host an international volunteer? 

REFLECT: Do you see similarities or connections between your motivation to volunteer and the motivation of the host community to involve an  international volunteer in their organisation?

TASK 3: Try to see how your motivation aligns with your expectations. Think about your expectations. What do you want to get out of your volunteering experience? Make a list, do a separate star or write in your previous star with a different colour.

REFLECT: Compare these two lists or stars. Do you see any similarities with your motivations and expectations? Where do you see differences? Can you explain them?

TASK 4: Put yourself in the position of the host community. What kind of expectations might they have towards volunteers coming to work with them? List some of them and try to find some matches. Write them down.  

REFLECT: Think about how your motivations and expectations could affect your upcoming volunteer experience as well as your behaviour. What can we do to make sure our expectations are met in our volunteering?

TASK 5: write some suggestions about how to manage your expectations when volunteering in a cross-cultural context in the comment section of this learning unit.