Covid-19 may be disrupting our current plans and adventures, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use this time to achieve something remarkable.
Many people around the globe are in lockdown, quarantining, or staying home to protect society’s most vulnerable citizens. So, where does that leave us - the travelers, the dreamers and go-getters? If we can’t go abroad to make a difference, then it’s time to get creative and do something meaningful from home.
Here are the best lockdown activities and things to do in quarantine to keep you motivated, connected and inspired:
1. Take an online TEFL course to volunteer or earn money as a teacher
Whether you’re planning to volunteer and teach abroad or searching for a lockdown side hustle, taking a TEFL course will give you a head start and enable you to make money as you travel the world. As an IVHQ volunteer, you can teach abroad in 32 countries or if you’re looking for paid opportunities - more than 20,000 new TEFL jobs are listed per month and average salaries can hit well over $3,000 USD a month.
The course will help you build confidence as a teacher, develop highly transferable communication skills, and make your resume, job or college application stand out from the crowd. You can also use it to earn money through online tuition, which is currently in high demand and can be done from the comfort of your home!
2. Plan something incredible for the future
Although this is an extremely challenging time, it also really puts things into perspective. It’s easy to sideline our big dreams and burning ambitions in the fast-paced chaos of modern life. This is your chance to slow down, reflect and form new goals.
What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to do but never got round to? What are your strengths and how can you use them to make a positive impact? Which cultures and landscapes do you want to experience? Find out which volunteer programs are open and prepare now, so that when the world does wake up again, you’ll be ready to make it happen.
As requested by our community, we’ve opened more USA programs to give Americans the opportunity to immerse themselves in vibrant new places and cultures, without crossing any borders. You’ll be able to support local organizations and NGOs in tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as climate change, homelessness, pollution and poverty. This is also an incredible chance to explore America’s wonderful cities, including San Diego, New Orleans, Chicago and Philadelphia.
With our flexible booking policy, you can plan your next adventure with confidence. You can make free changes to your booking up to 14 days before your start date - and you’ll never lose your registration fee.
3. Kickstart your career through an online internship
When Shakespeare was quarantined because of the plague, he wrote King Lear. Now we’re not saying that you need to create a masterpiece, but this just goes to show what can be accomplished during ‘down time’. A great place to start is an online internship.
Is there a career path you’re keen to explore? Online skills you want to cultivate? The future is digital, so completing an internship online will not only make you extra employable - it could also help you work out what you want to do with your life. Intern Abroad HQ are currently taking some of their most popular internships online - see the full range of remote internships
4. Inspire, serve and connect with your community
This pandemic may challenge us but it will not divide us. The power of kindness and community will see us through. Although those of us in lockdown cannot physically be with our loved ones, we can still connect in other ways. Call your family, pick up groceries for your elderly neighbours, or you could even do some virtual volunteering from home.
Let’s pull together as a community, move forward in a better direction and create a kinder world for the future. Look back at everything you’ve achieved, read some volunteer stories to get inspired and share your favorite IVHQ memories to get featured on our pages. Remember to smile about the good things that remain, because sooner or later you’ll be back out exploring again - with more gratitude and resilience than ever before.
5. Get outside and heal the planet
How can we use this time to move forward in a better direction and be more sustainable in our everyday choices? All of a sudden there’s no infinite supply of everything… Perhaps this is the wake up call humankind needs to become less wasteful and destructive?
Covid-19 serves as a reminder that the Earth is also sick - and we are the only ones who can heal it. So, spend time outdoors. Shop locally, ethically and sustainably. Start your own veggie garden. Do not panic buy. When you’re out walking, pick up some trash. Collective individual effort is an important catalyst for significant global change.
One of the most direct and hands-on ways to protect the planet is to volunteer on a conservation program. IVHQ’s wildlife conservation, environmental conservation and marine conservation programs enable you to help preserve precious ecosystems, protect endangered wildlife, prevent deforestation, tackle pollution and fight climate change. This regenerative form of travel is becoming increasingly popular and important, as we face the greatest environmental crises of our time.
6. Take time for self-care
You don’t have to be productive all the time! Lockdown frees up valuable time to properly take care of ourselves, fully relax and switch off. Allocate part of your day to doing the things that make you feel good. For some people, this might be getting fresh air, practicing yoga or doing a workout. For others, it’s cooking a hearty meal, reading a book or taking a bath.
This precious time will allow you to disconnect from the chaos of the outside world and reconnect with yourself. Stay active, eat healthy and be kind to yourself. It will strengthen your immune system, do wonders for your mental health and keep you feeling strong and motivated during this strange time.
