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Last year my Facebook feed filled up with wonderful photos of Nepal. My friend Sonya took the trip of a lifetime and as usual, I was envious and my FOMO led me to ask her a lot of questions. How could she afford to go on this fabulous trip to such a faraway place? While I knew people who had gone on church missions, I had never heard of volunteer tourism. I needed to find out more!
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Most programs ask for a minimum commitment of two weeks, lasting as long as twelve weeks. While rare, a few weeklong opportunities are also available.
The Organizations
Sonya volunteered through abroaderview.org. There are many similar organizations that allow one to travel and volunteer at the same time. Disclaimer, I don’t have any experience with these organizations, so I suggest you research them before you settle on one. Almost all of the organizations ask you to apply online and list any skills that might be relevant to the opportunity. Some charge an application fee, which you need to know is generally non-refundable. You are also responsible for your own flight to the location. And while many of your meals may be provided by the host family, you should be prepared to pay for meals at times and any sightseeing you choose to do.
Some of these organizations are:
The Countries
Where have you dreamed of going? Africa? Asia? Central America? Europe? South America? Most of the different programs had several countries in common. Here is the list of countries in which A Broader View places volunteers. Which one have you been dreaming of seeing and helping its people?
Central America
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
South America
- Argentina
- Chile
- Columbia
- Ecuador
- Peru
Asia
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Vietnam
Africa
- Cameroon
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
The Opportunities – Or What Skills Do I Have?
How else can you save turtles at the same time as you enjoy a beach stay in Bali? Or help a group of orphans at an orphanage while in beautiful Belize? Pick the program that complements your skills with your interests and desire to see a certain location. If you have medical or scientific training, volunteer in a country that needs help in a hospital or dental clinic. Do you work as a teacher or can teach English? Volunteer for a program that teaches new skills to those in need. And don’t worry if you don’t think you have special skills to offer – the companies will help you find a place or narrow down your choices!
Tips For The Best Experience
Tips from Sonya if you agree to try this way to both see the world and help:
- Pack light
- Be gracious with your host
- Fulfill your contract as a volunteer
- Bring a good attitude
Some of the locations available are either favorites or places I would like to see: Belize, Bali, Argentina. I’m researching the possibilities as I look into potential upcoming trips. This would be a great way to see a new region of the world while doing good!
Have you volunteered while traveling? What was your favorite part? What tips would you add?
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.
Volunteer Tourism is quite an innovative idea to travel to a new location while contributing for a good cause. I haven’t explored much about the idea yet, but I’m planning to do so. I’m glad you shared the list of organisations who offer this option. I’ll be checking the details on their site. I think teaching English is something I can opt for.
That is a good option. These organizations have good reviews.
I have never explored the idea of volunteer tourism before, though I have heard a lot about it. Thank you for listing some organisations that we can work with, I am seriously thinking of maybe teaching English and travelling somewhere in Asia. It’s a brilliant idea – gives you an opportunity to interact with locals, learn about a new place and live in a completely different environment from home. Not everyone’s cup of tea, I am sure, but I’d like it give it a try some time anyway!
Volunteering abroad definitely is a lifechanging experience for many, myself included. But isn’t it funny how it can seem easier to do it while overseas, but many of us don’t do the same back in our own countries, where there are also people in need. I think volunteering abroad with a good reputable agency can encourage people to think twice about the communities they live in and see where they can help out. That way, we encourage and faciliate long-term change, rather than just a couple of weeks of doing things to feel good about helping someone.
I have seen split opinions on this type of travel and I myself have mixed feelings about this. I am concerned with how people are feeling after the volunteers leave (especially children get attached to the volunteers). I must admit this post put my mind at ease for a bit, especially for my thoughts, since it seems that there are many other types of volunteering to do. Thanks a lot for this post!
Volunteering is a good way to travel and give back to the community. I always thought you need at least a month to join some of the organizations. It is good to know that you can do it even if you have as little as 2 weeks!
Voluntourism is definitely a great way to travel. I love the idea that you can do good things and discovering the world at the same time. I’d love to teach English for volunteering.
There is a lot of demand. Plus we’re helping!
This is such a great idea! Ive heard about those programs before and I think it amazing that we get such a great opportunity to help others and see the world! I don’t have too much skills so not sure where I could go and help but I am sure I could find something. Thanks for sharing it!
Everyone can help. Let me know if you try it!
What a wonderful way of seeing the world whilst giving back at the same time! The photo with all the smiling, happy kids would surely have made it all worth it. Do you think you’ll do it again some day and where would you go? Looks like there are so many choices.
Lots of amazing choices…
I think voluntourism is a great idea, but unfortunately there are a lot of stories about shady organisations using the poor people to lure unknowing western tourists for their money. That said, if I do it, I’d definitely do my research and find out as much about the organisation and country before going. Argentina and Peru would be amazing choices!
Oh no! Yes, definitely a need to do research first!
I wasn’t aware there were these options to volunteer abroad, thanks for telling us about it. We don’t often go abroad but if we were to do so I’d like to have purpose in our trip. This would fit nicely.
It’s such a great way to see the world and feel better!
Did you change your theme? Nice. I love volunteering and have thousands of hours from all over the world. I don’t do it so much anymore because I have the rescue. But I guess I volunteer there full-time.
We’ll have to talk more! You’ve got your hands full these days!
Great resource for future reference..only 12-ish years til the kids go to college and we can travel everywhere and anywhere!! 🙂
What a great way of seeing the world! Trying to do good whilst seeing your favourite destination. I hope I can volunteer and teach English some day.
Who knew, right? I saw several destinations available for teaching English!