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Volunteer Tourism ExperiencesWhat Outbound Volunteers Might Expect from Voluntourism
Nate Cavalieri offers great advice on volunteer travel in his co-authored book Volunteer: A Traveler's Guide to Making a Difference Around the World (Lonely Planet).
Cavalieri spoke to Suite101 about the questions potential volunteers should ask. Compatible Volunteer CandidatesSuite101: What's a good way to start voluntouring? NC: Participants in a volunteer trip need to ask themselves what degree of intensity they want - the balance between the two key words of voluntourism. How much time do you want to spend as a volunteer and as a tourist? There is no right or wrong answer, and even the nature of that question - and how common volunteer tourism is today - illustrates a certain shift in the zeitgeist or at least the way we think about "responsible" travel. Finding the Right Volunteer ProgramSuite101: How can a potential volunteer find a reputable aid organization matched to his personal goals? NC: Researching the volunteer book, I was astounded by the wealth of opportunity for very specific career people who were maybe engineers or baseball coaches or teachers, who could apply what they know professionally to an existing program literally. Look for an organization that brings together people in your profession first. In terms of finding something reputable, the main things to look for are acknowledgment from the host country in some form, and it is essential that an organization connects potential volunteers with former volunteers so that you can get a feel for the program. Adventure Vacation versus Volunteerism WorkSuite101: What about the vacation / work balance? NC: This balance is a key part of the initial planning of the trip - if you want a two-week beach vacation with one afternoon of light volunteer work, that's one end of the spectrum. If you want to dedicate yourself to investing a year or two, in a developing part of the world, traveling only occasionally for pleasure and living in a relatively challenging situation by western standards, that's the other. There's no such thing as the two-week vacation where you'll make a huge dent in the complex problems of a developing country. It's important to be honest with yourself about what you can commit to, and what the results will be. Saving the WorldSuite101: Are there common misconceptions about volunteering? NC: I think the greatest misconception - and for some reason I always picture George Clooney in this role - is that someone can take a few weeks off of work and parachute into a developing country to inoculate the helpless masses. There is the misconception that you will volunteer in a place and see results instantaneously, like magic. Truth is - that week of volunteer work could just as likely be spent cleaning up garbage or doing some unglamorous task. But remember that mundane task makes a difference as well. You many not see the results of the labor, but if you are working hard, the results will make a difference. Volunteering during your travels can give you a wonderful connection with a community, but don't bank on it being glorious - strings don't play - there's no soft lighting. Personal SafetySuite101: What about personal safety, injury or illness? Should you purchase medical evacuation insurance? NC: This depends on where you go. Being cautious in the planning stages is always key. Basic travelers insurance is readily available and not too pricey. I started using travel insurance when traveling with Lonely Planet and it does offer peace of mind. More elaborate plans, including some evacuation insurance, can get very expensive though, and are probably best for people who can afford it, are extremely cautious and deft with reading fine print. In most cases, a reputable organization will keep close tabs on the volunteers and have a good plan to handle health problems. This is an essential question to ask a volunteer organization. More Information about VoluntourismIn Volunteer Travel - Picking the Best Experience, Cavalieri discusses
Nate Cavalieri on Volunteer Travel, Travel WritingAn Interview with Nate Cavalieri: The Lonely Planet Guide Author Describes Travel Writing as a Career, by Jennifer W. Miner. Nate spoke to Karen Lotter about potential volunteers and host communities.
The copyright of the article Volunteer Tourism Experiences in International Volunteering is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Volunteer Tourism Experiences in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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