Volunteering in communities around the world can leave a powerful and lasting impact in the lives of others. This is especially true when you combine your passion for travel with your love of giving back. Voluntourism lets you do just that. Not only does it allow you to make a big difference, but it also gives you the chance to enjoy a memorable getaway in the process.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at voluntourism, including how to choose ethical programs, the benefits it can offer, and more.
Understanding Voluntourism
Voluntourism allows you to combine your love of travel with your passion of volunteering and helping others. You essentially plan a trip to a destination of your choice, and while you’re there, take some time to help the community. It’s the perfect way to get out and explore the world, all while making an impact and contributing to the wellbeing of the people and places surrounding you.
Types of Voluntourism Opportunities
Depending on your skillset, location, and the community’s needs, you can give back in different ways. Some types of volunteering opportunities that you can participate in include environmental conservation, community development, healthcare support, animal welfare, and helping the youth. No matter what you decide to do, just know that you’re doing something incredible.
Preparing for Your Voluntourism Experience
There are some steps that you should take before embarking on your voluntourism journey. Being prepared can help you make the most of your time and know what to expect. The first thing you should do is research your destination and learn more about the culture. This will help you to get a better understanding of the destination and the people who live there. It also doesn’t hurt to learn a few common words of the local language to help you better communicate.
Another thing that you should do before embarking on your trip is to learn more about the program that you’ll be taking part in, and find out if there are any requirements that you’ll need to meet. For example, some volunteering programs may recommend that you get certain vaccinations or obtain specific permits before heading on your trip. Failing to do so may disqualify you from being able to volunteer, so do your best to be prepared.
How to Choose an Ethical Voluntourism Program
Not all voluntourism programs are created equal, and you should always do research to ensure that you are choosing one that is ethical. To help you select a quality program, there are some things that you should look into, such as the program’s local involvement, their sustainable impact, and transparency about where their money is going. If you are uncertain about a program, don’t be afraid to ask questions as needed.
The Benefits of Voluntourism
Volunteering while traveling lets you engage with the local community, all while learning about their culture and traditions. You can travel with meaning, knowing that you are going to leave a positive and lasting impact on those around you. Through voluntourism, you will also be able to develop a more authentic understanding of the world around you, and broaden your global perspective.
3 Tips for Making a Meaningful Impact
- Stay Longer: If you have the time and opportunity to, try to stay as long as you possibly can, and commit some quality time to volunteering while away. This will give you the chance to really immerse yourself in the culture, and get a better understanding of what the people in the community are experiencing each and every day. Staying for a longer period of time also allows you to help as much as possible.
- Utilize Your Skills: Some programs are looking for people with very specific skillsets, and if you have one of those skills, you should utilize it. For example, some programs may need people who are knowledgeable in construction, while others may need someone who can teach English. It can be challenging to find people who possess these specific skills at times, so offer up your expertise when you can.
- Share Your Experience With Others: When your trip comes to an end, the best thing that you can do is to share your experience with others. Tell them all about how wonderful it was to volunteer in another country, and encourage them to consider planning their own voluntourism experience. At the end of the day, the more people who can use their skills and willingness to help for good, the better.
Conclusion
Voluntourism is all about leaving a place better than you found it, and making a difference in the lives of others. If you’re considering volunteering during your next trip, and need a passport to get to your destination, we’d love to assist you. Visit our website to fill out your application, and we will send your passport directly to you once it has been processed. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there!
