Where Voluntourism Has Gone Wrong & How You Can Make It Right Tali Love May 1, 2019 general This post was updated on November 21, 2023. Voluntourism is a form of tourism in which travelers volunteering their time and skills to the places they visit. Sounds great, right? However, this form of travel has recently been at the center of a debate. Due to its recent growth in popularity, you’ll hear more and more cases about how even the most eager and selfless travelers have been prey to volunteer-abroad programs that have done more harm than good. Of course, that’s not to say you should boycott voluntourism altogether. At its core, with the best of intentions, voluntourism is a great way to see the world while simultaneously giving back. But, by being aware of some of the problems surrounding voluntourism practices, you can be an educated voluntourist. Read on to see what you can do to ensure that you’re doing the right thing while volunteering and traveling abroad. Going for the Wrong Reasons Many prospective voluntourists, driven either by the allure of social media accolades or a genuine but perhaps naïve belief in their potential impact, decide to volunteer abroad. The thought that a few days can bring about significant change is commendable but often unrealistic. True impact, whether at home or abroad, typically requires a commitment extending beyond a week. While there are situations in which any assistance is appreciated, it’s crucial to be well-informed and considerate when planning volunteer travel experiences. Inaccurate Impressions of Local Communities People often amplify the negative experiences they have abroad, which can create misleading impressions of certain destinations. As these stories circulate, they can unfortunately create inaccurate perceptions of these communities and countries. Before committing to volunteer in a specific area, you need to gain an accurate understanding of the local situation. Simply browsing social media hashtags isn’t sufficient. Instead, engage with local residents or connect with previous volunteers from that region. Researching local news sources can also provide a more grounded view. Efforts like these will ensure you’re genuinely addressing the area’s needs and will help you determine if these needs aligns with your intentions. Furthermore, understanding the community you aim to serve is essential. Even if exaggerated claims like “millions of orphans on the streets” aren’t true, it’s vital to approach your volunteer work informed and ready to assist based on reality, not misconceptions. Mismatched Skillsets Many individuals who volunteer abroad lack the specialized training needed for certain humanitarian tasks. Of course, there are exceptions, such as medical students on mission trips or professionals with organizations like Doctors Without Borders. Additionally, there are roles that involve basic manual labor like painting, restoration, or serving meals, which don’t necessitate specific expertise. However, there’s concern over enthusiastic college students or other volunteers eager to teach, yet lacking experience in education or child development. A passion for working with children doesn’t automatically qualify one to educate them. Similarly, being in the midst of academic studies doesn’t make one ready to undertake tasks meant for seasoned professionals. Unfortunately, some organizations prioritize their own metrics or financial gains over ensuring the right fit between volunteers and tasks. Responsible volunteers should actively seek roles that align with their existing skills. While it’s natural to want to acquire new skills during a service trip, the primary focus should be on tasks one is genuinely equipped to handle. Doing More Harm Than Good It’s no secret that voluntourism is a popular way to take a vacation. But it often tends to peak in the aftermath of a natural disaster. If a destination has just been devastated by an earthquake, tsunami, or hurricane, sometimes the last thing the affected community needs is an influx of visitors. When it comes to an emergency situation, while you may think people need help and relief quickly, it’s important that you slow down and do a bit of research to find out what essentials are needed. Yes, there are times that your presence and the extra helping hands are vital, but there are also sometimes when it’s truly best if you simply send monetary support or supplies, because a donation toward rebuilding post-devastation may go much further than a devastated destination having to host you as a guest. Make a conscious effort to travel at the time that you’re needed and not at the time that it’s most convenient for you. Programs with the Wrong Intentions It’s sad to say, but while many travelers have the best intentions, some volunteer programs simply don’t. Drawing on everything from the naivete of tourists to the sympathy they can evoke through a few heart-wrenching photos, some organizations have been rumored to scam people into paying astronomical amounts of money to participate in their programs while limiting the tourists’ exposure to the realities of the surrounding communities and the area itself. Do your research and ask questions! What skill level would be right for the volunteer position? How much does the program’s presence impact the local community’s daily life? Can you follow up on the progress of the program that you plan to participate in after you’ve left the destination? How to Volunteer the Right Way We can’t emphasize it enough — the best step to a good experience volunteering abroad is doing your research and here are a few ways to do just that! Spend some time really thinking about your intentions. Is there a particular community you want to go to? Why do you feel drawn there? What do you hope to get out of the volunteer experience, and what do you hope to do for the local community? Answering these questions can really help you determine if voluntourism is truly a good choice for you. Find a program that matches your skills. If you’re a child development specialist, finding a trip that involves work with children might be a great idea. If you’ve worked as an engineer for 10 years, you might be better off looking for a trip that needs your construction expertise. Research the area you’ll be visiting. Learn about any cultural practices that are different from yours, and how you can be respectful of these differences while you’re there. This also includes learning how people dress in the area you’ll be visiting and packing clothes that will help you blend in respectfully. While you’re traveling, take extra steps to take care of the area. Make an effort to clean up litter while you’re walking around. Purchase local, handmade souvenirs made by local artisans. These acts alone make a huge impact. Find a reputable program. Spend a considerable amount of time looking into programs, reading reviews, and comparing different companies. Not only should you follow up on the projects and areas after you leave, but you should also think about how you can continue to support the efforts from afar. Lastly, share your story. Tell the truth about the area that you visited, what they need more of, and how you personally contributed. Sharing knowledge about how to volunteer and travel the right way will not only educate eager travel and volunteer enthusiasts; it will make a huge impact on the voluntourism industry as a whole. FAQs: Q: What is voluntourism, and how does it differ from traditional tourism? A: Voluntourism is a type of travel that combines tourism and volunteer work. It involves visiting a destination not only to explore its culture and attractions but also to contribute to a social or environmental cause. In contrast, traditional tourism is primarily focused on leisure, sightseeing, and relaxation. Q: Is voluntourism suitable for everyone, or are there specific requirements to participate? A: Voluntourism programs vary in their requirements, but most are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Some programs may have specific prerequisites, such as medical qualifications for healthcare-related projects or certain language skills for teaching programs. It’s essential to choose a program that aligns with your abilities and interests. Q: How can I ensure that my voluntourism experience is ethical and beneficial to the community I’m visiting? A: To ensure your voluntourism experience is ethical and beneficial, consider these tips: Research the program thoroughly and assess its transparency. Choose a program that aligns with the community’s long-term needs. Collaborate with local organizations and respect their guidance. Prioritize sustainability and long-term impact in your volunteer work. Q: What are some common challenges that voluntourists may encounter, and how can people address these challenges? A: Voluntourists may face challenges such as culture shock, language barriers, or unfamiliar living conditions. To mitigate these challenges: Prepare by researching the destination’s culture and customs. Learn some basic phrases in the local language. Pack appropriately for the climate and living conditions. Maintain an open and adaptable mindset to navigate cultural differences. Have you ever volunteered while traveling? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
