Every year, thousands of young (0) TRAVELLERS (TRAVEL) sign up for volunteering programmes in countries far from home. These 1VOLUNTEER placements can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, and usually involve teaching, conservation work or helping in local communities. Supporters argue that the experience offers 2CULTURE insights that no guidebook can ever provide, and that the personal skills gained are often 3VALUE later in life. The chance to live and work alongside the 4LOCAL means that volunteers quickly learn about everyday 5DIFFER in food, language and customs. Of course, such trips can also be 6CHALLENGE, particularly for those who have never been abroad on their own before. Long working hours, unfamiliar diets and occasional homesickness are all part of the package. Still, most returning volunteers describe the experience as deeply 7REWARD and speak warmly of the 8FRIEND welcome they received from their host families.