An Explosion of International Volunteer Options
Questions to Ask to Find the Right Volunteer Vacation
Jun 10, 2009
For the benevolent traveler, here are suggested questions to ask to find where to put the time, energy and money for a volunteer trip overseas.
What is the Length of the Vacation?
It is possible to find volunteer options for as little as a few days, one to two weeks or more. Volunteer projects can be found locally, domestically and internationally.
What is the Ratio of Volunteer Work to Time Off?
Volunteer work can range from 40 hours a week, half - day sessions at one location, to partial day sessions at multiple locations. Check the website or pre - trip literature for the expected amount of time spent daily/weekly at each activity. If a traveler selects 40 hours of volunteer work, the norm is only a half to one day off during a two week volunteer vacation.
What is the Longevity and Mission Statement of the Agency or Non - Profit?
Review the mission/vision statements, founding date or date of incorporation and the current board of directors of the agency. Non profits can also be asked to supply their annual report.
How is the Agency Organized?
In the past, primarily non - profit organizations placed volunteers in international projects. Over the past 10 years, for - profit corporations also offer volunteer trips that can be called volunteer vacations or voluntourism trips.
The ability to write off part of the volunteer trip is dependent on how the agency is organized. For a U.S. citizen, to be eligible for a tax deduction, the fees must have been paid to a U.S. 501(c) 3 non-profit. The volunteer must also work at least five 8 - hour days per week. Note! Not all fees paid to U.S. non - profits are eligible for deductions due to their mission statement. Ask prior to booking and seek the advice of a licensed accountant or tax advisor to determine the actual deduction amount allowed.
What Percentage of the Fees Goes to the Local Project?
The amount of money used to fund projects and assist the local community can range from 30 - 70% depending on the type of agency. While some of the fees may be large, remember that many international projects only exist due to the funds provided by international volunteers.
What is the Longevity of the Local Project?
Some agencies offer on - going volunteer opportunities from year to year. Others offer volunteer placements only during certain times of the year or for a finite range of dates.
Why Pay to Volunteer Internationally?
If the foreign non - profit had the ability, they would hire a local person to accomplish their work. Because they don’t have the funds, they depend heavily on volunteers.
In addition to room and board during the vacation, a volunteer receives an opportunity to connect with the local community in ways not available to the traditional traveler. At times, the volunteer has access to work not available at home. By working side by side with local people, the volunteer has a chance to live in a foreign country, develop an understanding about the culture and gain a new perspective of the world.
By researching the placement agency and the non -profit that will benefit from a volunteer’s time, a traveler can find the right combination of work experience, cultural immersion, philanthropy and time off for a wonderful volunteer vacation.
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