Every year, around 10 million people decide to do something amazing with their vacations. Instead of just going sightseeing, they choose voluntourism—traveling to different places to help out while they explore.
It’s an adventure that mixes helping others with discovering new parts of the world. To make sure this adventure is as good as it can be, here are seven voluntourism tips to keep in mind.
1. Research the Organization’s Credentials
When looking into voluntourism, the first step is to find an organization that not only talks the talk but walks the walk. Here’s how to do your homework and pick a group that’s genuinely making a difference:
How to Research an Organization’s Credentials
- Check Reviews and Testimonials. Look for feedback from previous volunteers. Sites like Volunteer Forever, Go Overseas, or GoAbroad offer reviews and ratings.
- Look for Transparency. A trustworthy organization will be open about where your money goes, their achievements, and their impact on the community. Check their website for annual reports or impact assessments to avoid voluntourism problems.
- Ask for References. Don’t hesitate to ask the organization for contacts of past volunteers. First-hand experiences can give you insight into what to expect and validate the organization’s work.
- Verify Partnerships. Reputable organizations often partner with local communities, governments, or other NGOs. Look for these partnerships as a sign of legitimacy.
- Evaluate Their Presence in the Community. How long has the organization worked in the community? An organization with a long-term commitment is likely to be more impactful.
- Assess the Support. Consider how much support and guidance the organization offers before, during, and after your trip. Good organizations prepare you well and ensure you’re making a meaningful contribution.
2. Understand the Local Community’s Needs
Before you decide where to volunteer, it’s really important to find out what the local community actually needs help with. You want to make sure you’re doing something that’s truly useful for them.
First, try to learn about the main issues the community is facing. You can read local news online or check out websites that talk about community projects. Getting in touch with groups or organizations that are already working there can also give you a good idea of how you can help.
You can also look on social media or internet forums where people from the destination might talk about what’s going on in their area. Sometimes, people who’ve volunteered there before share their stories and advice, which can be super helpful.
By picking a volunteer project that really meets the community’s needs, you’re making sure that your efforts have a positive and lasting impact. Plus, getting to know the community and understanding their challenges can make your volunteer experience even more rewarding.
3. Avoid Harmful Practices
When choosing a volunteer project, it’s crucial to steer clear of practices that could be harmful. Not all projects are as helpful as they seem, especially when it comes to working with animals or in healthcare settings.
If an organization suggests you’ll be handling animals, make sure it’s for a good reason like veterinary care, research, or conservation work. Handling animals for any other reason can be stressful and harmful to them.
In the case of health projects, it’s important that only qualified and certified individuals provide medical assistance. This ensures that the help offered is safe and effective. Always look for organizations that prioritize the well-being of those they aim to help by requiring the appropriate skills and certifications from their volunteers.
4. Balance Volunteering and Leisure Activities
Finding the right balance between volunteering and exploring the local area is key to get the full benefits of voluntourism. Creating a detailed itinerary can help ensure you make the most of your time, contributing positively while also taking the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and surroundings.
Checking Out the Itinerary
- Look closely at the schedule for your volunteer work. Understand when and where you’ll be working, and what tasks you’ll be involved in.
- Identify the gaps in your schedule that can be used for leisure activities. Research local attractions, cultural sites, and natural wonders you’d like to visit during your downtime.
- Consider including activities that allow you to engage with the local community outside of your volunteer work. This could be attending local events, markets, or festivals.
What to Bring?
- Appropriate Clothing – Pack clothes that are suitable for both your volunteer work and exploring the area. Remember to respect local customs and dress codes.
- Essential Gear – Depending on your activities, you may need specific gear. This could range from sturdy work gloves for conservation projects to comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.
- Cultural Research Materials – Bring along guides or books about the local area to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the place you’re visiting.
- Notebook or Journal – Keep a journal to document your experiences, both as a volunteer and as a traveler. This can be a valuable keepsake of your journey.
5. Be Humble and Gracious
Approaching voluntourism with humility and gratitude is key. Think of your volunteer work as you would a job. This means being respectful, working diligently, and carrying out the tasks assigned to you.
During your time volunteering, you’re a guest in the community. Showing humility and appreciation for the opportunity to help and learn from the experience enriches not only your own journey but also the lives of those you’re there to support.
For example: If you’re helping in a school, take the time to learn from the teachers as well as impart your knowledge. Or, if you’re involved in conservation work, show respect for local practices and wildlife.
Always ask before taking photos in sensitive situations or communities, demonstrating respect for people’s privacy and dignity. Acknowledge the expertise and experiences of the locals, understanding that you’re there to learn from them as much as to help.
6. Prepare Yourself
Getting ready for a volunteer trip abroad means doing your homework on the place you’ll be visiting. It’s important to understand the country’s culture and customs to make sure you’re respectful and can fit in as smoothly as possible. Learning about the history, social norms, and even a bit of the local language not only shows respect for the community you’re helping but also enriches your experience.
For example: If you go to Bali to volunteer, taking the time to learn about Balinese culture and traditions will greatly enhance your stay. Bali has a unique Hindu culture with ceremonies and festivals that are quite different from other parts of Indonesia.
Understanding the significance of these cultural practices, dressing modestly, and learning simple Balinese phrases like “Terima Kasih” (Thank you) will show your respect and willingness to integrate.
Knowing the basics about Bali’s rich history, its people’s values, and the importance of community and religion in daily life will not only make your volunteer work more meaningful but also help you connect more deeply with the locals.
This preparation ensures that your contribution as a volunteer is both appreciated and impactful, fostering a genuine exchange between you and the community.
7. Ask Questions
Asking questions is crucial when preparing for a voluntourism trip, as it helps ensure that the organization you’re planning to volunteer with is transparent and aligned with your values. Be cautious of organizations that hesitate to provide clear answers.
Here’s what you should inquire about:
- Project Impact – How does this project specifically benefit the local community? Can you share examples of positive outcomes from previous volunteers?
- Community Involvement – To what extent does the local community participate in this project? Are projects initiated by the community or in response to their expressed needs?
- Financial Transparency – How is my participation fee used? Can you break down the costs?
- Support and Safety – What kind of support and orientation will I receive? How do you ensure the safety and well-being of volunteers?
- Sustainability – How does the project ensure long-term benefits for the community? What happens when volunteers leave?
- Cultural Sensitivity – What measures are in place to promote cultural understanding and respect among volunteers?
- Skills Matching – How do you match volunteers’ skills with project needs? What happens if there’s not a good fit?
Asking these questions will give you a better understanding of the organization’s operations, ethics, and the actual impact of their projects. It’s an essential step in finding a voluntourism experience that is both meaningful and responsible.
Last But Not Least
Going on a voluntourism trip is a special way to see the world and help people at the same time. If you follow these voluntourism tips, you’re all set for an adventure that’s not just exciting for you but also really helpful for the places you visit. Remember, the best trips are the ones where you come with an open mind and a big heart, ready to make a difference.