How to Assess Volunteer Abroad Programs

As digital nomads and citizens of the world, we travel bloggers have a unique spark in us.  While there are parts of us that are a bit selfish – wanting to take in as much of the world as we possibly can, there are parts of our inner being that is good.  We want to learn about places to understand cultures, to leave a positive mark, to help where we can.  A lot of us are turning to volunteering while we travel.  This is nothing new, however, volunteer travel has been around since the early 1960s with organizations like the Peace Corps.  What is relatively new, however, is the idea of voluntourism or ‘volunteer vacations’.

[Photo: Operation Groundswell]

Nowadays there are many for-profit companies providing exotic voluntourism experiences aimed at leaving tourists with a sense of holiday adventure and accomplishment. But not all volunteer programs are created equally.

At the March meet-up of Toronto Travel Massive, Operation Groundswell presented on travelling with a purpose, and gave travellers some pointers when it comes to choosing their next volunteer abroad program. Here are 6 important questions you should ask a volunteer organization before you book.

1. What will you be doing?

There are many different kinds of volunteer travel organizations that offer various experiences. Some focus more on travel and show you different parts of the country while others focus on volunteering. If there is a particularly heavy focus on volunteering, be sure to find out if you will be doing “token” volunteer activities or meaningful, useful work.

Volunteering itself can also include a broad range of projects and activities. Some projects are more social while others are more hands-on or physical. On a conservation program, for example, you might help by researching and recording useful data or tending to injured wildlife. In an education-based volunteer program, you may be asked to play games with children or teach your own class. Make sure you are clear about what your role will entail and how comfortable you are in that capacity.

2. Is there a minimum time commitment to volunteer?

Certain projects ask for a long-term commitment while other volunteer programs allow shorter commitments. Shorter programs may not give you enough time to learn about the cultural, social, political or historical context you’re working in, let alone to make a real, positive impact. Orphanages, for instance, may allow volunteers to pop in and out for a few days or a week, but you should consider the ethical implications behind such an arrangement. Are quick visits actually helping the children in need or creating more instability in their lives?

3. Do they work with partners?  If so, how is the relationship structured?

Many volunteering abroad programs are run by organizations whose priority is to turn a profit, not to make a positive difference in local communities. These organizations might work with international aid organizations, but they might not have any connection to the local communities where they operate volunteer programs. Find an organization that is partnered with local non-profit organizations that are committed to building a better world for themselves and their community.

At the end of the day, as volunteers, we are there to serve the local communities, not making work for them or taking work away from them. For instance, Operation Groundswell recognizes that a project will have significantly higher impact and success if it is undertaken in collaboration with the community. Not as a handout, not as charity – but in solidarity. Involving the community goes a long way in ensuring sustainability and that your work, as a volunteer, is productive.

4. Do they clearly state where the money goes?

Understanding where your program fee goes is just as important as the volunteer work you do. How much of the money is used to cover administrative costs and how much actually goes back into the community you want to help? And just because one program is cheaper than another, doesn’t mean much. Check what’s included and what’s not included in the fee. Look carefully at what is being offered. For example, is the organization simply setting you up with a volunteer placement or are they providing meals, accommodations and guides?

5. Are you going to be learning before serving?

Responsible and ethical volunteering means understanding the social, economic and political context that you are working in to be able to contribute meaningfully. It means keeping an open mind, challenging your assumptions, and changing your perspective. Look for an organization that gives you the space to learn prior to your volunteer work, but also to reflect on your experience during and after. Operation Groundswell’s programs, for example, includes an orientation where participants learn about the culture and context of the communities they are working with, as well as integrated guided discussions on their volunteer experience. A lot of what you will be seeing and doing on your volunteer travel program may be difficult to comprehend or accept at the onset and it’s important to choose an organization that will facilitate a productive and meaningful learning experience.

[Photo: Operation Groundswell]

6. Do they clearly state their values?

Does the volunteer travel organization you are considering hold the same values as you do? Do their principles and ethics align with yours? That’s an important one to think about. Maybe the organization is only interested in community development or values conservation projects instead? It’s also important to choose an organization with practices you believe in. Go beyond the website for additional information or reviews about the organization. What outside projects do they support? What are followers saying on their Facebook page? Are they making positive headlines in Google News? Participating with an organization you believe in will help you get the most of your experience.

[Photo: Sharon Mendelaoui, dreamtravelmagazine.com]

Do you have any tips on volunteering abroad?

Operation Groundswell is a non-profit organization that offers travel and community service experiences around the world. They aim to build a community of backpacktivists that are socially, environmentally and politically aware of their impact in the communities they travel to and live in. 

About the author

Melissa Shearer is a travel blogger and co-organizer of Toronto Travel Massive. You can follow her on Travel Massive.