Placement Problem Solving: Still having trouble?

Sometimes volunteer placements are just not a good fit, and this is OK.  However, it is also important to remember that you have been placed based on the staff's assessment of your skills and interests, and the needs of the community - so there is a reason that they feel you could be a great benefit to the Partner Program.

If you feel like you are really struggling, ask yourself these questions:

• Have you re-read your placement description?  What are the goals of the Partner Program?
• Have you already spoken with the in-country staff to brainstorm solutions?
• Have you verbalized your problem with your fellow volunteers? Often they have experienced the same things and they will have some good tips for you.
• What have previous volunteers done? Visit the Resource Center and read the Placement Logbooks.
• What are your goals and expectations for what you can achieve at your placement?  Are these realistic?
• What special skills and interests do you have? Is there any way you can utilize those into something that your placement would appreciate?
• Are there any special holidays or events (either in their culture or yours) that are coming up that you could celebrate with the people at your placement? 
• Have you brought up your concerns at the Feedback meetings?  Often group sessions centered on these issues can be more beneficial than individual meetings.

Remember to keep the lines of communication open with the in-country staff - they have a lot of experience working with these organizations, and knowing your concerns and challenges will only help them match you with a new organization if that becomes necessary.