What is Voluntourism?

 Voluntourism is a mix of tourism and volunteering. It means volunteering

your time, skills, and energy with an organization, issue, or causes to help
make a difference in communities around the world.
 Volunteer travel is much more sustainable because it deviates from the
typical indulgent vacation. You get to be responsible for the growth and
change of others which an experience unlike any other. It makes the trip
mean so much more than just another vacation.

Types of volunteering

There are many ways to get involved with international volunteering so choosing
the right type for you can sometimes be more difficult than choosing the
destination. It is important to commit to a program that resonates with you and
your passions. Here are some ways to experience volunteer work and travel all at
once.

Working with kids: One of the most popular volunteer options in both
developed and developing countries. Projects often involve daycare and youth
development working closely with children who come from disadvantaged
backgrounds. You must have the heart and passion to work with children to
make the most of this experience.
Education: Involves children of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers may
work with orphans, out-of-school youth, or even adults to teach them a wide
variety of subjects from English to life skills and disease prevention.
Community building: Focused more on working with other adults, particularly
those programed by grassroots organizations and living in rural villages. The
main goal of this sort of volunteerism is to help particular populations establish a
stable source of livelihood, enhance their skill set, encourage unity, and
contribute to the construction of community spaces.
Public health awareness: Primarily takes place in countries with many health
problems, including many locations within Africa. Volunteers help teach disease
prevention as well educate locals on how to overcome the disease and keep it
from spreading. You see this type of volunteer work in areas strongly impacted
by HIV/AIDS.
Wildlife & marine conservation: Arguably one of the best types of
volunteering abroad for those adventurous in nature. Volunteers will get to travel
to unique places, work with exotic species, and usually live close to the beach.
Women’s health, welfare, and rights: Often allows volunteers to work in rural
areas or in protective shelters. Most of the women volunteers engage in the
program will be interested in learning more life skills, such as setting up their
own income-producing activities. Many women may be victims of domestic
violence and will need help overcoming the trauma they have experienced.
Multi-country volunteering: One of the more exciting forms of placement,
mainly because you get to travel to multiple destinations throughout the
program. Each location will have a unique project that volunteers will participate
in.

Benefits of voluntourism

Cultural Exchange: Voluntourism allows participants to immerse themselves in

the local culture and interact with local communities in a way that traditional
tourism might not provide. This fosters cross-cultural understanding and
personal growth.
Contributing to a Cause: Participants have the opportunity to make a positive
impact by supporting community development, environmental conservation, or
other worthwhile causes.
Personal Growth: Voluntourism can be a transformative experience, promoting
personal growth, self-awareness, and a sense of fulfillment.
Raising Awareness: Voluntourists often return home with a deeper
understanding of global issues and a heightened awareness of the challenges
faced by the communities they visited. This can lead to increased advocacy and
support for these issues.
Voluntourism's disadvantages and criticisms

Impact on Communities: Some voluntourism projects may have limited long-

term benefits for local communities. Short-term volunteers may not have the
necessary skills or continuity to make a sustainable impact.
Ethical Concerns: There are ethical concerns surrounding voluntourism, such
as "voluntourism for profit" where some organizations prioritize profit over the
well-being of communities. Additionally, voluntourists may unintentionally
perpetuate stereotypes or engage in activities that exploit local cultures.
Skill Mismatch: Volunteers may lack the skills or training necessary for the
tasks they are assigned, potentially leading to inefficiencies or even harm.
Dependency: In some cases, communities may become overly dependent on
voluntourism, hindering their self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
Environmental Impact: Voluntourism projects involving wildlife or
conservation may unintentionally disrupt ecosystems or harm animals if not
properly managed.