Increasing in popularity in the 1990s, the combination of volunteering and tourism, also known as voluntourism, has become a new format for those traveling overseas. Volunteers use their time and energy to give back to a community while learning about their culture and seeing more of the country.
Voluntourism has faced its fair share of criticism, with communities highlighting irresponsible projects or a heavy lean towards tourism rather than service. This is why volunteers must put in the work and do the proper research before embarking on this style of travel. In the words of American University, “ethical voluntourism requires a commitment to ongoing education, humility, and a willingness to engage with the complexities of the global landscape.”
Voluntourism is wildly rewarding, and, when done right, it gives people the opportunity to explore new cultures while contributing to meaningful causes. You’ll be immersed in new cultures and give back to communities.
Another important thing to remember when discussing voluntourism is that this does not have to be all or nothing. In fact, we’ll share micro-volunteering opportunities to inspire you on your next trip.
Here’s an overview of important criteria to keep in mind when booking your first voluntourism trip.
Photo Credit: Bill Wegener
Research the Organization
While these experiences are endlessly rewarding for those who participate, volunteers must approach their trips with critical questions and open eyes. No matter how altruistic your intentions are, if volunteers truly wish to make a positive impact, it is vital that they contribute to sustainable development with responsible organizations.
Go beyond the price tag when researching your volunteer organization. Look into their ongoing impact reports to see what they have accomplished. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask the organization where your one or two weeks of volunteering fits into their larger mission.
Be sure to focus on the impact the organization has on the local community. Voluntourism needs to be about more than short-term solutions, and it should provide sustainable solutions to real problems. Educate yourself on the project, empower communities, and raise awareness for the causes that you are volunteering for.
By solely supporting ethical voluntourism opportunities, these meaningful trips can bolster communities, encourage cultural exchanges, and promote collaboration over neocolonialism.
Photo Credit: NEOM
Examine Your Qualifications
As World Vision Canada says, “One of the biggest arguments against voluntourism is the lack of related experience volunteers have for the work they’re expected to do in the field.“ Critics note that when tourists care more about feeling good than doing good, their volunteering becomes more performative than productive.
The clearest example of this shortcoming is also the most popular example of voluntourism: building schools or orphanages. If a volunteer needs construction training, these projects can cost the community more time, money, and energy than the volunteer has expended.
This is why one of the first and most important steps is to consider what skills you have to offer. For example, English speakers can work with International Volunteer HQ to tutor at rural elementary schools in Costa Rica, Cambodia, or other countries around the world.
Earthwatch is another organization that makes it easy to connect your interests and skills to the destinations where you can make the greatest impacts. They have unique opportunities for volunteers who love photography, scuba diving, or archaeology.
Photo Credit: Daniela Chintoiu
Incorporate Volunteering Into All Travel
Voluntourism does not have to be its own designated trip; there are ways to make a positive difference everywhere we go.
One seamless example of this is Trash Blitz. When you pick up trash in national parks, this app makes it easy for you to record what you’re finding, and that data is used to advocate for environmental protection.
You can also split the trip in half. For example, you can spend one week exploring northern Thailand and the next at Elephant Nature Park Sanctuary, a conservation organization where volunteers help protect and care for these gentle giants.
While it comes with its flaws, voluntourism reminds us that our actions have consequences. We can all take small steps if we want to make our travels more impactful, fulfilling, and meaningful for ourselves and the communities that we have the honor of visiting.
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