Kathy Mcphail in Uganda

Image source: Buyanet.ca

As we’ve discussed on the blog over the past few weeks, voluntouring is a potentially life-changing experience for both the volunteer and the people she helps. It is a real, accessible option for people with full lives, families, and tight budgets. The voluntour opportunities out there are as varied as the people of the world. Of course, with such an overwhelming number of voluntour organizations in operation, some of them are bound to be better than others. Here are some important things to look for when planning your voluntour.

How Will the Work Help?

If you’re like most voluntour travelers, you’re probably only going to be working on a project for a week or two. That’s not a whole lot of time. Think about whether or not the work you do will make an appreciable difference in the time you have. Similarly, while it would certainly help in the long-run, it wouldn’t be very fulfilling to work on a giant year-long construction project for two weeks. You wouldn’t see any progress!

Voluntourist Carrying Sticks

Image source: Aidnography.blogspot.com

What is the Ratio of Service to Sight-seeing?

This matters in as much as it matches your expectations. Yes, ideally, you will be spending a large amount of time doing work. But if the primary purpose of your trip is to sight-see and the volunteering is secondary, you won’t be happy working a five-day 9-5 week. Alternately, if you find yourself on safari 24×7 and came to Africa to tend to sick children, well, you won’t be happy then either.

Nepalese Woman and Baby

Image source: Lifestyle.yahoo.co.nz

Is There an Orientation?

Arriving in a new country where you don’t speak the language can be frightening and disorienting. Many tour companies will offer a brief sit-down chat with the leaders of the project and the other volunteers.

Is There an On-Site Liaison?

It’s just a fact: sometimes things go wrong. You might get sick or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation with a local person. Whatever the trouble, it’s important to have an English-speaking liaison to turn to. Knowing that person exists may ease your mind before you even get on the plane.

Volunteers Smiling on a Bus

Image source: Voluntourism.org

Is There a Commitment to Finish the Job?

While you may head back home after two weeks, the people you meet and the project you start will stay behind. Sometimes, if another destination becomes more popular for volunteers, a tour company will pack up shop, leaving a project unfinished, letting your hard work go to waste. Before you choose a company, make sure they are tied to the area, and that they are committed to finishing the work they start. Similarly, make sure the project will be sustainable in the long-term. Is there a plan for maintaining the site if the infrastructure needs upkeep?

 

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