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The Pandemic Changed The World Of 'Voluntourism.' Some Folks Like The New Way Better

Malaka Gharib

Last summer, Becca Morrison, 21, was all set to volunteer at a community arts nonprofit in Zomba, Malawi. She'd work with the marketing team as a copywriter and social media manager.

Then the pandemic hit, and the trip got canceled. "I was peeved," she says. "I was so excited to travel. I had the whole thing planned."

Still, Morrison was determined to find a volunteer gig, which she needed to graduate as an international development major at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, U.K. So she found another opportunity in Zomba, this time with a nonprofit group called the Sparkle Foundation . And it would take place virtually.

For three months last summer, Morrison helped the group — which runs a school and a medical facility for children in the community — do tasks remotely. She even personally raised $7,000 for the cause.

"I've done so much without even leaving my house, my room," she says. "I think the pandemic has changed the game completely for volunteering."

Becca Morrison, 21, at home in Norwich, U.K. She has been volunteering virtually with an arts nonprofit in Zomba, Malawi from her bedroom. Becca Morrison hide caption

Becca Morrison, 21, at home in Norwich, U.K. She has been volunteering virtually with an arts nonprofit in Zomba, Malawi from her bedroom.

The pandemic has indeed transformed the landscape of international volunteering, say researchers. A February survey of 130 volunteer organizations and 239 international volunteers by the International Forum for Volunteering in Development found that the pandemic had spurred volunteer groups to offer more remote volunteering opportunities and consider expanding national volunteer membership in the future.

Even as some groups gear for a return to the way it was, others are changing their modus operandi — and some of these new ways of working are a step in a more sustainable direction.

"The pandemic has shown us there are different innovative ways volunteers are able to provide services," says Christopher Millora , an academic based in Iloilo City, Philippines, who is leading research for the U.N.'s next State of the World's Volunteerism report. This could lead to a "paradigm shift as to what kinds of relationships international volunteer organizations have toward local communities."

That's an important move in an industry riddled with criticism. Over the past few decades, critics and activists have been urging volunteer abroad organizations to rethink their business model.

They say sending volunteers from rich nations to low-income countries perpetuates the white savior complex by portraying volunteers as superheroes who will rescue the poor from their misery.

"There's this postcolonial narrative of young, aspirational, light-skinned people from the West thinking they can go to Africa for two weeks and change the world," says Konstantinos Tomazos , a senior lecturer in international tourism management at the University of Strathclyde. "That's the main criticism of the sector that plays into the idea of the white messiah."

They say projects can be harmful and exploitative.

One of the most popular activities for volunteers, say the experts, is helping children in orphanages. That demand, as a result, has created perverse economic incentives . "In places like Kenya and Cambodia, Nepal and Tanzania, orphanages are prolific. But the children within them are not orphans and in many cases are being placed in orphanages in order for orphanage directors to profit from the [volunteer] tourism demand to engage with orphans," says Leigh Mathews , founder of Alto Global, an international development consultancy group and the co-founder of Rethink Orphanages, a group that helps volunteer groups terminate their orphanage programs and repatriate children with their families.

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And some critics question the helpfulness of volunteers.

In Ours To Explore: Privilege, Power and the Paradox of Voluntourism , author Pippa Biddle writes about a shocking discovery she made while volunteering in Tanzania as a teen. She and a group of young, inexperienced volunteers were assigned to help local workers build a small library at an orphanage. Days into the project, she found out that every morning, the local workers were taking apart the volunteers' shoddy work from the day before and redoing it correctly before they woke up.

"While my intentions to be helpful and encouraging and to give back came from a good place, my time at the orphanage did not even begin to address their real needs," writes Biddle.

A major industry

Despite these criticisms, international volunteerism is a big business.

Since the mid-1800s, when trains and ships made it possible for the public to travel cheaper, faster and farther than ever before, people have strived to "voyage to less-resourced nations for pleasure and purpose," says Biddle.

The phenomenon of volunteer tourism is now a $3 billion a year industry, says Tomazos. The funds paid by participants go to the thousands of groups that coordinate the trips along with the development programs they support.

The money also benefits local economies. The volunteer organization Habitat for Humanity, for example, says their trips alone bring in an estimated $6.9 million to the drivers, hotels, restaurants and gift shops that serve international volunteers when they visit.

And while it's hard to pinpoint how many international volunteers there are in the world, the U.N. estimates that if volunteering were a full-time job, it would account for 109 million workers.

It's easy to understand the appeal of overseas service, says Biddle. There's a sense of adventure, and people feel good about helping those who are less fortunate. Studies have found that volunteers perceive the trips as a meaningful and transformative life experience . People often come away from the trips with feelings of improved well-being, purpose and happiness.

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On a more practical note, "voluntourism" is a practical way for people — like Morrison — to gain experience in international development. Maia Gedde, author of Working in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance , says people hoping to start a career in the field "volunteer as a steppingstone to build skills, knowledge and networks to put them in a much stronger position when applying for humanitarian jobs in the future."

But not all volunteer programs are the same. In the world of international volunteerism, there are two kinds of gigs. One is volunteering with development programs, such as the Peace Corps in the U.S. and Voluntary Service Overseas in the U.K. These groups, often funded with government aid, assign volunteers to long-term projects around the world — a year or two or more working at a school in Malawi, for example, or supporting helping small business owners in India. Such programs typically provide the volunteers with basic accommodation and a modest allowance for food and other living expenses.

Then there's volunteer tourism — nicknamed "voluntourism" by academics. People pay to take part in shorter-term projects abroad, which can range from tutoring kids in Nepal for a week to spending a few months conducting nutrition workshops in Thailand to traveling with a church mission group to the Philippines to dig wells. Volunteers must pay for their journey, including flights and transportation, meals and lodging as well as fees to the organizations and the programs they support.

In-person trips not required?

During the pandemic, both the development programs and volunteer tourism groups have had to recalibrate their efforts. And some groups have been surprised by how eager volunteers were to stay involved — even though their trips to the field were canceled.

One of the most well-known groups in the latter category is Habitat for Humanity . Its Global Villages program invites people — mostly from Western countries — to help out in 30 mostly low- and middle-income countries. Over the course of about two weeks, groups of 15 people, half volunteers, half local staff, build homes, hand-washing and health-care facilities as well as participate in other kinds of projects. Volunteers do not need special skills but do need cash. There's a fee of about $1,650-$2,500 per person to participate, often raised through donations from friends and family. About 12,000 volunteers participate each year. During the pandemic, that number dropped to zero.

Despite that, many of the 800 projects planned for 2020 still got done, says Jacqueline Innocent , senior vice president of integrated programs at Habitat for Humanity. Local staff and paid contractors — mason workers, for example — pitched in. It just took a little longer because there were fewer helping hands.

Innocent was also pleased to see that many of the volunteers whose trips were canceled did not ask for a refund. They let Habitat keep the funds as a donation. And many organized their own virtual workshops, events and music festivals — to raise funds.

Dave Kovac, a 20-year veteran volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, speaks to students from his international service class at Oregon State University. For 10 weeks last fall, the class conducted a virtual Habitat build. Each week, the students checked in with Habitat staff in Vietnam as they built a house for a family in need. Natalie Kovac hide caption

Some volunteers even arranged "virtual builds." Dave Kovac is a 20-year Habitat volunteer veteran and teaches courses on international service at Oregon State University. He was scheduled to go on three trips with Habitat in 2020, including one with a cohort of students. When the trips were canceled, he worked with Habitat to create an online program where students "adopted" a Habitat build in Vietnam. Over 10 weeks, Kovac and his students met weekly to fundraise, learn about Vietnamese culture, get updates from local staff about the project's progress and speak to the family whose house was being built.

The program was so successful that Kovac says he is trying it out again in August, this time with Habitat Brazil. He says he likes the model because it targets "people who are interested in some kind of experience but can't go abroad due to timing, job, personal issues, family. So maybe they can tag along virtually."

The virtual engagement made Habitat realize something, says Innocent. "We're not as dependent upon cross-border volunteers as one would have previously thought. It has been surprising how much people are willing to do [for Habitat] even though they don't get that reciprocal experience" of being there.

"I suspect," she adds, "what we're going to see when we're able to come back is more hybrid approaches" — creating opportunities like the virtual builds for international volunteers, for example.

But, she says, "I don't see a scenario at the moment where we would want to eliminate the [field] experience." The trip is what people love, she says — and local staff rely on those volunteers to help carry out the projects more quickly.

These virtual opportunities with reputable organizations offer "a wonderful alternative to on-the-ground voluntourism," says Biddle. They "bypass so many of the issues voluntourism creates and require the volunteers to show true commitment to a cause and a community — even from afar."

Greater appreciation for local volunteers

For other organizations, the pandemic has affirmed a decision they've made well before the crisis: recruiting more local volunteers instead of Westerners, says researcher Millora. And the pandemic has driven home the importance of these helpers.

Voluntary Service Overseas is a U.K.-based development organization that hires and places skilled volunteers in long-term projects in nearly 30 low- and middle-income countries.

But over the last few years, the group has been recruiting more in-country volunteers. "They're the ones who can hold the government accountable, who know the context," says Papa Diouf , who heads VSO's global work in health and is based in Kigali, Rwanda. Many of these volunteers are graduates from the School of Education at the University of Rwanda.

In the first few months of the pandemic, VSO Rwanda had to send its 50 international volunteers home. Because the group had a preexisting membership of 200 national volunteers, it was able to carry out its education program, says Diouf — training public school teachers to improve literacy and numeracy skills among primary school students.

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The international volunteers, who were brought on for their expertise in school leadership and education development, stayed involved ... virtually. Using Zoom and WhatsApp, they checked in with local volunteers, who were doing much of the in-person work — visiting schools and mentoring teachers. And when schools were shut in Rwanda due to COVID-19, it was the local volunteers who kept in touch with the schoolteachers via WhatsApp.

Diouf doesn't think VSO is going to end its practice of sending volunteers abroad anytime soon. The international volunteers have crucial expertise that the organization's projects need. In fact, now that some travel restrictions have been lifted, some of the international volunteers who were sent home from Rwanda at the start of the pandemic have returned.

But, he says, the pandemic helped him see how crucial local volunteers are, especially in times of crisis. VSO's Rwandan volunteers mobilized to spread COVID messaging in their country and track essential health services disrupted by COVID. Supporting "those local volunteers had already been a shift in our program thinking, but COVID-19 has only helped us move faster in that direction," he says.

Benjamin Lough , an associate professor at the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a global volunteerism researcher, says VSO Rwanda's emphasis toward local service in the pandemic is "a great turn." But he has a caveat.

"The pandemic revealed both the strengths of relying on local volunteers as well as the limitations when support from abroad is lacking," he says. "We can't just pass on more responsibility to domestic volunteers without providing additional support" in the form of funds or manpower.

Booking again ... but with a difference

As vaccination rates soar in the West and more countries loosen COVID travel restrictions, volunteer groups have started offering trips again.

For many overseas service operations, those trips abroad are their bread and butter, says Tomazos, the tourism researcher from University of Strathclyde. "They have a business model. No volunteers means no money."

Volunteers also bring important knowledge into the mix, says Lough. Local staff from some volunteer abroad groups have told him: "We value the skills those volunteers are bringing into this community. We want them to come in."

And people have begun booking trips again.

But things are definitely different.

Kovac sees real promise in the virtual Habitat builds, because it may help people focus on the real reasons they're volunteering. "It's really for people who want to help because they want to help, not because they want to travel."

As for Morrison, she says she "feels lucky" that she was able to accomplish so much with the Sparkle Foundation last year even if she wasn't physically in Malawi. In fact, the group liked her work so much that they asked her back this summer as a paid intern working remotely.

In her bedroom in Norwich, she says that without the distraction of feeling "mesmerized" by an exotic location, she's been more honed in on her true purpose as a volunteer. And that's made her reevaluate the concept of overseas service.

"It's almost [discriminatory] that to make a real difference, you have to pay all this money to travel somewhere very far away," she says. "That's not how charity works."

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• Travel Guide

The Ultimate Guide To Volunteer Travel

Published: November 17, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Constantia Tabor

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Introduction

Volunteer travel, also known as voluntourism, has gained immense popularity in recent years. It involves combining travel and adventure with meaningful volunteer work. This form of travel allows individuals to make a positive impact and contribute to communities and causes they are passionate about.

Unlike traditional vacations where the focus is solely on leisure and relaxation, volunteer travel provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in local cultures, gain a deeper understanding of global issues, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether it’s teaching English to children in rural villages, working on conservation projects in wildlife reserves, or building homes for underprivileged families, volunteer travel offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and interests.

In this article, we will provide you with an ultimate guide to volunteer travel. We will explore the various aspects of volunteer travel, including its definition, the benefits it offers, how to choose the right program, preparation tips, popular destinations, types of volunteer work, safety considerations, funding options, and tips for maximizing your volunteer travel experience.

So, if you have been contemplating embarking on a volunteer travel adventure, or if you are simply curious about this unique form of travel, read on to discover everything you need to know to embark on a meaningful and rewarding journey.

Chapter 1: What is Volunteer Travel?

Volunteer travel is a form of travel that combines the desire to explore new places with the opportunity to engage in meaningful volunteer work. It involves individuals dedicating their time and skills to assist local communities, conservation efforts, or social causes in various parts of the world.

Unlike traditional tourism, volunteer travel goes beyond the typical sightseeing and relaxation activities. It allows travelers to actively participate in projects and initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Volunteer travel can take many forms, depending on the needs and priorities of the destination. Some common areas of volunteer work include education, healthcare, wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, community development, and disaster relief.

Participants in volunteer travel programs have the opportunity to work alongside local communities, learning about their culture, traditions, and challenges. This immersive experience fosters cross-cultural understanding and creates lasting connections between volunteers and the communities they serve.

One of the key aspects of volunteer travel is the emphasis on sustainable and responsible practices. Organizations offering volunteer travel opportunities are committed to ensuring that the projects they support have a positive and long-lasting impact. They work closely with local communities to identify their needs and develop programs that align with their goals and values.

Volunteer travel is not limited to a specific age group or demographic. People from all walks of life, including students, professionals, retirees, and families, can participate in volunteer travel programs. The duration of volunteer travel experiences can vary, ranging from a few days to several months or even years.

Overall, volunteer travel offers a unique and rewarding way to explore the world while making a meaningful contribution to society. It provides an opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the chance to create positive change in the world.

Chapter 2: Benefits of Volunteer Travel

Volunteer travel not only benefits the communities and causes being served but also offers numerous rewards and advantages for the individuals who choose to participate. Here are some key benefits of engaging in volunteer travel:

• Meaningful Impact: One of the primary benefits of volunteer travel is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s teaching children, preserving wildlife, or building infrastructure, your efforts can directly contribute to positive change.
• Cultural Immersion: Volunteer travel allows you to immerse yourself in local cultures and communities on a deeper level than traditional tourism. You’ll have the chance to interact with locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and gain a greater understanding of different ways of life.
• Personal Growth: Engaging in volunteer work can be a transformative experience that fosters personal growth. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, challenges your perspectives, and helps develop empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional Development: Volunteer travel can enhance your resume and professional skills. It offers opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, as well as the chance to gain practical experience in fields such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
• Global Awareness: By engaging in volunteer travel, you become more aware of global issues and challenges. You gain a broader perspective on social, economic, and environmental issues, which can inspire you to advocate for change and make more sustainable choices in your own life.
• Networking and Connections: Volunteer travel provides the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. You’ll meet fellow volunteers, local community members, and professionals in the field, creating a global network of contacts and potential friendships that can last a lifetime.
• Self-Reflection and Gratitude: Engaging in volunteer work encourages self-reflection and gratitude for the privileges and opportunities we have in our own lives. It allows us to gain a deeper appreciation for the things we often take for granted and can cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility.

Overall, volunteer travel offers a multitude of benefits for both the volunteers and the communities they serve. It provides a unique and fulfilling way to travel, connect with others, and make a positive impact in the world.

Chapter 3: How to Choose the Right Volunteer Travel Program

Choosing the right volunteer travel program is essential to ensure a fulfilling and impactful experience. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a volunteer travel program:

• Research and Due Diligence: Start by researching different volunteer organizations and programs. Look for reputable and well-established organizations with a proven track record of sustainable and responsible projects. Read reviews, testimonials from past volunteers, and check if the organization is affiliated with recognized institutions or accreditation bodies.
• Project Alignment: Consider your passions, skills, and areas of interest. Look for programs that align with your values and allow you to contribute in a meaningful way. Whether it’s education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or community development, choose a project that resonates with you.
• Program Duration: Determine the length of time you’re able to commit to a volunteer travel program. Some programs offer short-term opportunities of a few weeks while others require a longer-term commitment of several months. Consider your availability and choose a program that fits your schedule.
• Location: Think about the location you wish to travel to. Consider the cultural and geographical factors that appeal to you. Research the destination’s safety, political climate, and any specific requirements or restrictions for volunteering. Ensure that the program operates in a region that aligns with your desires and comfort level.
• Support and Training: Evaluate the level of support and training provided by the volunteer organization. Look for programs that offer comprehensive pre-departure guidance, cultural orientation, and on-site support. This will ensure that you are well-prepared and have the necessary resources to navigate your volunteer experience.
• Cost and Transparency: Consider the program fees and what they cover. Transparency is crucial, so make sure you understand the breakdown of costs and how your money will be utilized. Be cautious of programs with excessively high fees or vague descriptions of how funds are allocated.
• Community Engagement: Research how the volunteer program engages with the local community. Sustainable and responsible programs involve the community in decision-making processes, respect their cultural practices, and ensure that the project aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations.
• Flexibility and Customization: Evaluate the flexibility of the program and whether it allows customization to suit your preferences and skills. Some programs offer options to focus on specific projects or areas of interest, allowing you to tailor your volunteer experience to your individual goals.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a volunteer travel program that aligns with your passions, provides a meaningful experience, and ensures your personal and professional growth while making a positive impact on the community you serve.

Chapter 4: Preparing for Volunteer Travel

Preparing for volunteer travel requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here are some essential steps to take before embarking on your volunteer travel journey:

• Research the Destination: Familiarize yourself with the destination where you will be volunteering. Learn about the local customs, traditions, language, and cultural norms. Understanding the local context will help you navigate the experience more effectively and respectfully.
• Obtain Necessary Documents: Check the entry requirements for the destination and ensure that you have a valid passport and any necessary visas or permits. Research any specific volunteer-related documents or certifications that may be required.
• Health and Vaccinations: Consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic to determine what vaccinations or medications you may need for the destination. Follow their recommendations to ensure you are up to date on all necessary immunizations and have any prescribed medications on hand.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, and liability protection. Make sure the insurance policy covers the activities and destinations involved in your volunteer travel program.
• Financial Planning: Create a budget for your volunteer travel experience, taking into account program fees, flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and any additional expenses. Consider fundraising options or seek out scholarships or grants that may be available for volunteer travel.
• Pack Strategically: Make a packing list based on the climate and activities at the destination. Remember to pack comfortable and appropriate clothing, toiletries, necessary medications, and any specialized gear or equipment required for your volunteer work. Don’t forget essential travel documents, including copies of your passport and travel insurance information.
• Learn Basic Phrases: Take the time to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. This will help you communicate with locals, show respect for their culture, and make your volunteer experience more immersive and enjoyable.
• Communicate with the Volunteer Program: Stay in touch with the volunteer program and ask any questions you may have. Discuss your goals and expectations for the experience to ensure that they align with the program’s objectives. Seek clarification on any concerns or uncertainties you may have.
• Psychological and Emotional Preparation: Volunteer travel can be emotionally challenging at times. Prepare yourself mentally for the realities and potential difficulties you may encounter. Develop strategies for self-care and stress management to ensure you can navigate any challenges that arise during your volunteer experience.

By taking these steps to prepare for your volunteer travel adventure, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on a rewarding and impactful journey. Proper planning and preparation will help set the foundation for a successful and meaningful volunteer experience.

Chapter 5: Top Volunteer Travel Destinations

When it comes to volunteer travel, there are countless destinations around the globe that offer exciting opportunities for making a difference. Here are some of the top volunteer travel destinations to consider:

• Costa Rica: Known for its stunning biodiversity and eco-friendly initiatives, Costa Rica offers volunteer opportunities in wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and community development projects.
• Thailand: With its rich culture and diverse landscapes, Thailand is a popular destination for volunteer travel. Opportunities include teaching English, working with elephants in ethical conservation programs, or assisting in community development projects.
• South Africa: South Africa provides a range of volunteer programs, from wildlife conservation projects to community outreach initiatives. Assist in caring for orphaned animals, participate in healthcare outreach, or contribute to educational programs.
• India: India offers a unique blend of culture, history, and volunteer opportunities. From teaching children in rural villages to working with non-profit organizations on women empowerment projects, there are various ways to make a difference in India.
• Peru: Volunteer work in Peru often involves community development, environmental conservation, and empowering indigenous communities. Assist in sustainable farming, support education initiatives, or contribute to eco-tourism projects in the Amazon rainforest.
• Nepal: Nepal is a popular volunteer travel destination, offering opportunities to assist in education, healthcare, and disaster relief projects. Teach English, work in medical clinics, or participate in post-earthquake reconstruction efforts.
• Ghana: Ghana provides an immersive cultural experience along with volunteer opportunities in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. Teach in schools, assist in medical clinics, or contribute to community development initiatives.
• Cambodia: Volunteer opportunities in Cambodia include teaching English, working in orphanages, or participating in community development projects. Engage with local communities and contribute to programs that focus on education and empowerment.

These are just a few of the top volunteer travel destinations, but there are numerous other countries and regions offering meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact. Consider the type of volunteer work you are interested in, the culture and environment you want to explore, and the issues that resonate with you when choosing your volunteer travel destination.

Remember to thoroughly research each destination, including safety considerations, cultural norms, and the reputation of the volunteer programs operating in the area. By choosing the right destination, you can embark on a volunteer travel experience that will leave a lasting impression on both the communities you serve and yourself.

Chapter 6: Types of Volunteer Work

When it comes to volunteer travel, there is a wide range of opportunities available, catering to different interests, skills, and causes. Here are some common types of volunteer work that you can engage in during your volunteer travel experience:

• Educational Volunteering: Teaching and education-related volunteer programs are popular around the world. You can contribute by teaching subjects like English, math, or computer skills in schools, orphanages, or community centers. These programs aim to empower individuals through education and provide them with better opportunities for the future.
• Environmental Conservation: If you’re passionate about preserving the environment, you can participate in volunteer programs focused on conservation efforts. This may involve activities such as planting trees, cleaning up beaches, monitoring wildlife, or assisting in sustainable farming practices.
• Healthcare and Medical Volunteering: Medical volunteer work is ideal for healthcare professionals, students, or anyone with a passion for healthcare. You can join medical missions, work in clinics or hospitals, provide healthcare education, or assist in public health campaigns, especially in underprivileged areas.
• Community Development: Community development volunteer programs focus on improving living conditions and empowering local communities. You can contribute to projects related to infrastructure development, clean water initiatives, women’s empowerment, or income generation programs.
• Wildlife and Animal Care: Animal lovers can engage in volunteer work focused on wildlife conservation and animal care. This may involve working in wildlife rehabilitation centers, assisting in research projects, or supporting efforts to protect endangered species.
• Disaster Relief: In the wake of natural disasters or humanitarian crises, volunteer programs dedicated to disaster relief provide essential aid and support to affected communities. This can involve distributing food and supplies, assisting in emergency medical services, or participating in reconstruction efforts.
• Orphanage and Children’s Home Volunteering: Many volunteer programs revolve around caring for orphaned or vulnerable children. Volunteers can provide love, attention, education, and support to children in need, promoting their well-being and helping them grow towards a brighter future.
• NGO Support: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often rely on volunteer support for administrative, fundraising, and community outreach work. Volunteers can assist with marketing and communication, event planning, grant writing, or capacity-building initiatives.

These are just a few examples of the types of volunteer work you can engage in during your volunteer travel experience. The key is to choose work that aligns with your interests, skills, and desired impact. When selecting a program, consider the specific projects and tasks involved, the level of expertise required, and the support provided by the organization.

Remember, regardless of the type of volunteer work you choose, the ultimate goal is to make a positive impact, contribute to sustainable development, and promote social and environmental well-being.

Chapter 7: Safety Considerations for Volunteer Travel

Ensuring your safety is paramount when embarking on a volunteer travel experience. Here are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Research and Preparation: Thoroughly research the destination and the volunteer organization you will be working with. Understand the safety situation, local customs, and any specific risks associated with the area. Prepare yourself by reading travel advisories, checking government websites, and consulting with experienced travelers.
• Travel Insurance: It is crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal liability. Read the policy carefully to ensure it covers the activities you will be involved in during your volunteer travel program.
• Health and Vaccinations: Prioritize your health by getting necessary vaccinations and taking any required medications before your trip. Consult with a healthcare professional or visit a travel clinic to assess risks specific to your destination and take appropriate preventive measures.
• Emergency Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including the local embassy or consulate, the volunteer organization, and your family or friends back home. Share your itinerary with loved ones and maintain regular communication with them throughout your trip.
• Safe Accommodations: Ensure that the accommodation provided by the volunteer program meets appropriate safety standards. If arranging your own accommodation, research reputable options that have positive reviews and good security measures in place.
• Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the destination. Respect cultural norms and traditions, dress appropriately, and adhere to local customs to avoid any unintended offense or confrontation. Be aware of any particular safety considerations related to gender, LGBTQ+ rights, or religious practices.
• Personal Safety: Practice common sense safety precautions during your volunteer travel experience. Stay aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and avoid risky situations. Take precautions such as carrying a copy of your identification, securing your belongings, and avoiding walking alone late at night.
• Transportation Safety: Use reliable and reputable transportation options, especially when traveling alone or during nighttime. Research safe modes of transportation in the destination and be cautious about accepting rides from strangers. Follow seatbelt and helmet regulations and ensure the vehicles you use are well-maintained.
• Emergency Protocols: Familiarize yourself with the emergency protocols and procedures of the volunteer program. Know whom to contact in case of any emergency or incident, and understand the evacuation or contingency plans that are in place.

Remember, safety is a shared responsibility between yourself and the volunteer program. Communication is key, so do not hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have. Trust your intuition and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable volunteer travel experience.

Chapter 8: Funding Your Volunteer Travel Experience

Funding your volunteer travel experience is an important aspect to consider before embarking on your journey. Here are some strategies to help you finance your volunteer travel:

• Saving and Budgeting: Start saving well in advance of your trip by creating a dedicated travel fund. Cut back on unnecessary expenses, set a budget, and contribute regularly to your travel savings. This disciplined approach can help you accumulate the necessary funds over time.
• Working and Fundraising: Take up part-time work or freelance gigs to generate extra income specifically for your volunteer travel experience. Consider organizing fundraising events or campaigns to involve your community and seek support from family, friends, and organizations that resonate with the cause you will be supporting.
• Scholarships and Grants: Research and apply for scholarships, grants, and fellowships that specifically support volunteer travel or the causes you are passionate about. Many organizations and institutions offer financial aid for those eager to make a difference through volunteer work.
• Crowdfunding: Utilize crowdfunding platforms to create a campaign explaining your volunteer travel goals, the program you will be participating in, and the impact you aim to make. Share your campaign with your network and social media contacts, and encourage them to contribute towards your cause.
• Corporate Sponsorship and Employer Support: Explore possibilities of corporate sponsorship by reaching out to companies that align with the cause you are supporting. Some employers may also have programs in place to promote volunteerism and could offer financial assistance or matching contributions for your volunteer travel.
• Volunteer Program Financing Options: Inquire with the volunteer program you will be joining if they offer any financing options or scholarships for participants. Some programs have partnerships with organizations that provide financial aid or work-study opportunities, making volunteer travel more accessible.
• Combine Travel with Work: Look for volunteer abroad opportunities that offer compensation or stipends to cover your basic expenses. This could involve positions in teaching English or offering specialized skills in areas such as healthcare or community development.
• Collaborate with Local Organizations: Research local organizations or charities in the destination you are interested in and explore opportunities for collaboration. They may be willing to provide assistance or even cover some of your expenses in return for your volunteer work and support.

Remember that funding your volunteer travel experience requires careful planning and persistence. Explore multiple avenues and be proactive in your approach to secure the necessary financial resources. Combine different strategies, be resourceful, and keep the focus on the positive impact you will have through your volunteer work.

Additionally, consider the overall cost-effectiveness of your volunteer travel experience. Assess the program fees, accommodation, meals, and other expenses to ensure that the chosen program offers value for your investment while aligning with your goals and priorities.

Chapter 9: Making the Most of Your Volunteer Travel Experience

Volunteer travel offers the opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange, and making a positive impact. Here are some tips to make the most of your volunteer travel experience:

• Set Clear Goals: Define what you hope to achieve from your volunteer travel experience. Set specific goals that align with your passions and desired impact. This will help guide your actions and make your experience more purposeful.
• Embrace Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the local culture and embrace the opportunity to learn from the community. Interact with locals, engage in cultural activities, try local cuisine, and respect their customs and traditions. Keep an open mind and be willing to embrace new perspectives.
• Build Meaningful Connections: Connect with fellow volunteers, local community members, and project leaders. Engage in conversations, share experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond your time as a volunteer. These connections can provide support, inspire collaboration, and create lasting friendships.
• Be Flexible and Adaptable: Volunteer travel often involves unpredictable circumstances and unfamiliar environments. Embrace flexibility and adaptability, as things may not always go as planned. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Take Initiative and Show Initiative: Proactively seek ways to contribute and make a difference. Be observant, identify gaps or areas for improvement, and offer your assistance. Show initiative in taking on tasks, finding solutions, and supporting the local community’s needs.
• Learn from Local Experts: Embrace the expertise and knowledge of local community members and project leaders. They are the best source of information about the challenges and needs within the community. Listen and learn from their experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the context.
• Document and Reflect: Keep a journal, take photos, and document your experiences during your volunteer travel. This allows you to reflect on your journey, capture memorable moments, and process your emotions and insights. Reflecting on your experiences can deepen your understanding and help you grow from the lessons learned.
• Practice Sustainability: Emphasize sustainable practices in your volunteer work and daily activities. Minimize your environmental footprint, respect local resources and wildlife, and support local businesses and initiatives that promote sustainable development.
• Continue Your Impact: Your volunteer travel experience shouldn’t end when you return home. Find ways to continue supporting the cause or community you were involved with. Share your experiences with others, advocate for the issues you care about, and explore opportunities for ongoing involvement or support.

Remember that your volunteer travel experience is not just about the impact you make, but also the personal growth and perspective you gain. Approach your journey with humility, open-mindedness, and a genuine desire to learn and contribute. By making the most of your volunteer travel experience, you can create lasting memories and make a positive difference in the world.

Volunteer travel offers a unique and meaningful way to explore the world, make a positive impact, and grow as an individual. Throughout this ultimate guide, we have explored the various aspects of volunteer travel, including what it entails, its benefits, how to choose the right program, preparation tips, popular destinations, types of volunteer work, safety considerations, and funding options.

Engaging in volunteer travel allows you to step outside of your comfort zone, immerse yourself in different cultures, and contribute to causes you are passionate about. Whether you choose to teach English to children, participate in wildlife conservation efforts, or support community development initiatives, you have the power to create positive change.

Preparing for volunteer travel involves thorough research, obtaining necessary documents, and ensuring your personal safety. By being well-prepared, you can approach your volunteer experience confidently and make the most of your time abroad.

Furthermore, funding your volunteer travel may require a combination of saving, fundraising, seeking scholarships or grants, and exploring corporate sponsorship or employer support. With careful planning and resourcefulness, you can find financial support to make your volunteer travel dreams a reality.

Throughout your volunteer travel journey, it is important to stay open-minded, embrace cultural exchange, and build meaningful connections. By taking initiative, being flexible, and learning from local experts, you can maximize the impact you make and create lasting memories.

Remember, volunteer travel is not just a one-time experience—it is a stepping stone towards a more compassionate and globally aware lifestyle. Continue your impact by sharing your experiences, advocating for the causes you believe in, and finding ways to support the communities and issues that touched your heart during your volunteer travel experience.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey, consider volunteer travel as your path to exploration, personal growth, and making a positive difference in the world. Together, let’s embrace the power of volunteer travel and contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate global community.

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• PLANET POSSIBLE

Ever wanted to volunteer for a scientific expedition? Here’s how.

From missing spacecraft to eerie auroras, volunteer scientists are making some amazing discoveries.

Tashi Hackett paddles his kayak on the Snake River, south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming , and pauses near the shore. All around him is the majestic beauty of the Bridger-Teton National Forest , a haven for wildlife watchers, hikers, and campers, located within the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. But Hackett isn’t here for the view; he’s here to help protect the river.

Hackett is one of many volunteers working with Adventure Scientists , a Bozeman, Montana -based nonprofit that harnesses the skills of experienced outdoor recreationists—from mountain climbers to kayakers—to help scientists collect much-needed data on projects ranging from surveying coral reefs to collecting vegetation samples.

Organizations like Adventure Scientists play an important role in research. Professional scientists are constrained by funding, time, and location, which can limit their ability to conduct their work. Laypeople can fill in the gaps, while helping people engage with science.

Survey the Snake River

The Snake River originates in a watershed known as the Snake River headwaters in northwestern Wyoming. From there, it continues west 1,078 miles through Idaho and into Washington State , where it joins the Columbia River. Sections of the headwaters and the Snake are part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System , a federal designation that preserves sections and entire lengths of 226 rivers across the United States .

Like other nationally designated waterways, the Snake has important ecological characteristics. In southern Idaho, it feeds the Snake River Aquifer , one of the country’s most productive sources of groundwater . The headwaters alone are one of the few remaining intact riparian ecosystems (areas where land and water meet, such as flood plains) in the contiguous U.S.

Yet Wild and Scenic Rivers are historically under surveyed, and the water quality of nearly 40 percent of them is categorized as either unknown or unassessed, says Adventure Scientists founder and executive director Gregg Treinish, who was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2013 .

Adventure Scientists is partnering with a variety of agencies, including the National Park Service , U.S. Forest Service , and Bureau of Land Management , on a five-year endeavor to enlist volunteers like Hackett to gather data on the Snake River. Participants for all projects receive training before going out into the field. Currently, there are 99 teams with more than 500 people on a waitlist.

“By doing this comprehensive effort and by doing it with a ‘citizen science’ model, we’re able to provide the managers with a resource that they desperately need to properly manage these waterways,” he says.

( Parisians want to recover a legendary river, now buried under concrete .)

In the field

Now in its 10th year, Adventure Scientists has enlisted volunteers to collect data for projects around the globe. One project amassed the largest known microplastics data set ever recorded , illustrating the global reach of microplastics pollution. Another gathered scat samples from around the world to help Harvard Medical School researchers study antibiotic resistance .

The current timber tracking project creates libraries of chemical and genetic data about trees in the U.S. to help combat timber poaching around the world. Recently, DNA evidence from that project helped convict two men charged with selling maple trees illegally harvested from Washington’s Olympic National Forest .

“All of our projects are filtered through this lens of ‘is there a tangible pathway to impact?’” explains Treinish.

( Here’s how volunteers are helping scientists during the pandemic . )

On a recent day, Hackett’s schedule begins before 8 a.m. and goes late into the afternoon, with 10 sampling sites on his agenda. By 9 a.m. Hackett is surveying another section of the Snake in Grand Teton National Park . A bald eagle soars overhead as a group of rafters descend on the Deadmans Bar boat ramp nearby. Hackett passes the boaters to a spot about a hundred feet upstream.

There, he wades out into the shallow water, calibrates a probe, and begins to collect measurements. He records information like pH and dissolved oxygen on an app, while also assessing the habitat, including trees, shrubs, and grasses on the bank and at the water’s edge. He adds notes about canopy cover, erosion, and the popularity of the site among commercial outfitters, before taking photos.

Although Hackett is a research scientist by profession, volunteering on the Snake River on his own time, anyone can volunteer. Teams go into the field in pairs for safety. Sometimes the weather is perfect; other times it’s far from ideal. One trip had Hackett wading through a bog and thick brush during a snowstorm.

Another time, in late fall, he donned a dry suit and life jacket to attempt sampling. But ice made it difficult to reach the river and the freezing temperature prevented his equipment from operating correctly. Despite the occasional weather challenges, the lifelong whitewater enthusiast says he enjoys the opportunity to give back.

“It’s been an incredible opportunity to help establish a baseline, more or less, for data that’s going to be used for a long time, to know what the health of the river shed of the place that I love is,” Hackett says. “That feels very impactful and hopefully will be of benefit.”

( Rivers and lakes are the most degraded ecosystems in the world. Can we save them? )

Making an impact

The data Hackett and other volunteers gather is analyzed by scientists and used to advance knowledge. One of the organization’s most heralded projects in 2011 involved twin brother mountain climbing guides Damian and Willie Benegas. Together, they ascended 22,300 feet on Mount Everest to collect samples of the highest-known plant life on Earth.

These plants had fungi living within their roots, resulting in a symbiotic relationship known to allow plants to thrive in harsh conditions. The samples helped researchers develop new methods to grow more climate resilient crops . Damian Benegas says the experience helped fulfill “our childhood dream of trying to understand our surroundings.”

( One way to get kids interested in science? Let them volunteer .)

The Benegas brothers have participated in other scientific endeavors, including a study to see if altitude influences gene expression. That project was modeled after a famous NASA study analyzing how time in space affected twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly.

More than 1.5 million volunteers have participated in NASA’s citizen science projects , which range from analyzing air quality and soundscapes to recording sightings of fireballs and asteroids in the sky.

Sometimes volunteers make extraordinary discoveries. In 2020, volunteers on the Aurorasaurus team, led by Elizabeth MacDonald, a space scientist who works for NASA’s Greenbelt, Maryland-based Goddard Space Flight Center , compiled observations of a purple ribbon of light in the sky. Some scientists believe this light may be a new kind of aurora. Later dubbed STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement), the rare phenomenon is still being studied .

Not every volunteer scientist is working on a formally organized project. Scott Tilley, an amateur astronomer in British Columbia , located a missing spacecraft in 2018. One night, while looking for the Zuma satellite , he detected a signal he hadn’t cataloged before. It didn’t have the right characteristics to be Zuma.

Upon closer inspection, he realized it was NASA spacecraft 26113, which he soon learned belonged to a mission called IMAGE. The spacecraft launched in 2000, but NASA lost contact with it in 2005. Tilley even found a mission failure report. But the spacecraft he found had a strong, healthy radio signal.

Tilley’s wife encouraged him to reach out to the scientists involved with the project, so he sent an email before going to bed. He says he “woke up the next morning to an inbox that had just exploded… My phone had gone nuts. All these people from NASA were trying to reach out to me and find more information,” he says.

After confirming Tilley’s discovery, a team was able to collect data from the spacecraft before they lost contact again. Thirteen years after NASA lost contact with the satellite, Tilley says his discovery “allowed them to kind of close the book on that mission.”

How You Can Help the Planet

There are many ways to get your hands dirty in the name of science. The National Park Service and other federal agencies have volunteer projects ranging from air quality monitoring to marine ecosystem work on CitizenScience.gov . NASA provides a robust lineup of volunteer astronomy endeavors. National Geographic Society and iNaturalist’s BioBlitz has families, teachers, and scientists cataloguing the biodiversity of neighborhoods and even backyards. SciStarter links people with a wide variety of projects, from a slug survey to community mapping to working with medieval manuscripts. Many activities can be done from home.

Kristen Pope is a freelance writer covering science, conservation, wildlife, and climate change.

Related Topics

• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• WATER CONSERVATION
• CITIZEN SCIENCE
• VOLUNTEERING
• VOLUNTOURISM
• NATIONAL PARKS

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• Volunteer Abroad
• Biological Research

Biological Research Volunteer Programs Abroad

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Further your studies, join our marine research project!

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#1 animal welfare & wildlife volunteer programs abroad with goeco - top volunteer organization.

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Family Volunteering: Wildlife Research in South Africa

Let your children learn about and participate in conservation work to protect wildlife species and habitats in this incredible program abroad. The Family Volunteering: Wildlife Research in a Game Reserve in ...

Kaya Responsible Travel

10 3 reviews

Zanzibar: Dolphin Research & Marine Conservation

Bask in the tropical surroundings of Zanzibar while contributing to dolphin and marine conservation initiatives! As a volunteer in this program, you will support the sustainability of dolphin tourism on the ...

Marine Impact

Marine Research and Conservation, Mozambique

Volunteer in one of the most beautiful coastal locations in Africa, getting involved in world-class field research and community development. Explore, learn, and assist a marine project designed and created by leading whale shark and manta ray scientists. The project sits in t...

African Impact

9.77 26 reviews

Top Biological Research Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

From conducting wildlife and marine research and conservation to trekking through lush rainforests to analyzing blood test results, GoEco has you covered for your biological research volunteer opportunity or...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.79 70 reviews

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as in...

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

9.53 748 reviews

World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. With over 300 projects across 40+ countries, we offer the world’s largest ...

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.94 33 reviews

Personalized Veterinary Experience in South Africa

Dive into ethical, meaningful, and practical veterinary work tailored to your goals, interests, and abilities! This program meets the requirements for Extra Mural Studies (EMS) and Animal Husbandry Extra Mur...

African Conservation Experience

9.43 148 reviews

Medical Volunteers Needed—Work in Costa Rica!

Join healthcare and medical projects, and gain practical experience in hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other related facilities in Costa Rica. You’ll work alongside doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals. Depending on your medical experience and ...

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.56 9 reviews

Urban Greening Internship at Environmental NGO in Cape Town

Join an exciting Cape Town-based non-profit for an environmental internship! You'll be part of a dynamic team that runs urban greening, reforestation, and eco-education projects in Southern and East Africa. As an intern, you'll focus on the organization's Urban Greening Progra...

Roots Interns

9.33 6 reviews

Projects Abroad in Ecuador

Projects Abroad Ecuador is based on the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most incredible island chains. Spending some time here on a volunteer project will let you experience both the unique nature and the welcoming people of the islands. Our volunteer opportunities in Ec...

Projects Abroad

8.46 13 reviews

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agenci...

Volunteer World

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Volunteering in Zambia – Lusaka & Kafue Species Conservation

Contribute to elephant conservation at three different sites in Zambia and gain insight into real species conservation!As a volunteer in this project, you help protect orphaned elephants in an elephant nursery just outside the vibrant capital of Lusaka. Then, you get involved ...

Thailand Marine Conservation

Lying in the crystal-clear tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao’s abundant and diverse coral reefs offer some of the finest scuba diving found anywhere on the planet! The perfect location to maximize your diving and reef ecology experience, this exciting and in-dep...

Marine Ecosystem Management and Conservation Project

Are you passionate about marine conservation? Can you see yourself working by the beach every day and leading a laid-back life? Become a volunteer or intern in Ecuador and contribute to a project based in a coastal National Protected Area. Working as part of the Ministry of En...

EcuaExplora

Drug Rehabilitation Program in Diani Beach, Kenya

Are you looking for a real challenge?On this challenging yet rewarding project, volunteers will work alongside a team of local volunteers to run a drug awareness community center. The main role of the center is to carry out daily outreach walks into the areas where drug users ...

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A Guide to Biological Research Volunteer Programs Abroad

From ecological preservation, assisting with animal research, or even providing support for disease research, volunteering in biological research abroad has a myriad of options to take you all over the world. With a broad choice of applications and locations, every experience is different, but biology volunteer work abroad all centers on the unique opportunity to donate your time and knowledge to deserving projects in need of extra hands, minds, and smiling faces. For those with a philanthropic disposition, becoming a biology volunteer abroad in places in need of conservation of their precious ecosystems will truly be a life changing choice.

Why Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering in biological research abroad will change your scope of the world. While learning biological concepts in the classroom is certainly valuable and necessary, nothing can top authentic first hand experience in a new and exciting environment. Whether in a laboratory or out in the field, lending a hand is a humbling experience, and one that can teach you new research skills, ways of communication, and different methods of thought. All scientists should take the opportunity to become a biology volunteer abroad.

In a field as diverse as biological research, which encompasses marine biology, conservation biology, and a myriad of other important biological applications, including medical and veterinary work, international volunteer experience shows employers, graduate schools, and research fellowships that you actively seek out hands-on opportunities to use your technical knowledge to better the world. 

Choosing a location for your biological research abroad may be the most challenging aspect of planning your trip, as there is no shortage of locations in which active biological research takes place. Traveling to an endangered or at-risk ecosystem appeals to many students who want to be a biology volunteer abroad.

For this reason, South America is a popular choice. Biological research done in Brazil , Peru , and Colombia in the Amazon rainforest includes identification of rare plants and animals, predator research, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. Biological research abroad can be completed through conservation efforts through private institutions or with government organizations, both of which are popular options in South America as well. 

Southeast Asia. The tropical climates of Thailand , Cambodia , and Laos draw in many biology volunteers. Marine conservation on the coasts is a valuable experience that can expose you to unique oceanic habitats and associated rare inhabitants. Some species in the rainforest of Southeast Asia has been damaged or changed by recent natural disasters as well, so biology volunteers in these areas will have the distinctive experience of helping rebuild habitats or study the effects of natural disasters on the environment. Whether in the sea or on land, Asia has plenty of opportunities to volunteer in biological research while learning about life halfway across the world.

Africa . Consider working as a biology volunteer abroad in an African country, such as South Africa or Kenya . Biological volunteering at animal sanctuaries in these countries, including doing research on treatment and rehabilitation, feeding, and daily lives, appeals to animal lovers or those looking to become veterinary researchers especially. Biology volunteers in Africa can also aid in the development of environmentally sustainable policies to shape the way these countries interact with their environments as they grow, or volunteering in a medical facility helping with public health education, spreading important information about how biological research and health issues affect all species. 

Biological Research Volunteering Abroad

Structure & Responsibilities. Depending on your focus, your experience as a biology volunteer abroad can look very different. The majority of biological research abroad provides volunteers with field experience to add to their resume. In this case, volunteers partner with a biology volunteer program and are typically assigned or given a choice of projects to work on. Active field research volunteers should expect to be outdoors, collecting or investigating plant or animal life for a portion of the day, then making observations and drawing conclusions about their work. Much of this biological research abroad is completed in groups with other international volunteers. 

Animal Volunteering & Conservation . Biology volunteering in these areas will probably take place at a zoo or an animal sanctuary. Volunteers will help with the feeding and caretaking of various animals, from anemones to zebras, and observing their behavior for long-term projects. Volunteering with marine animal life takes the same structure, but underwater. It’s important to note that conservation volunteer work can be physically demanding as well as intellectually demanding.

Duration & Experience. The length of your biology volunteer placement is fairly flexible, though most organizations require a two to three week commitment to ensure you will have time to finish a small project or observational period. Volunteering in biological research abroad for longer periods of time, like a sizeable portion of a summer break , is more popular, as it allows the biology volunteer to take on more responsibility with the organization of their choice. Becoming a biology volunteer abroad usually requires no prior experience, but many volunteer programs will be checking to see if volunteers have completed relevant biology, botany, or wildlife courses.

GoAbroad Insider Tips

Purposeful Passion. If you’re pursuing a career in biological research after graduation, a summer volunteer trip or even volunteering for one to three weeks during a school break, can work in your favor when it comes to the eyes of your employers. Biological research is a discipline where field experience truly matters. In contrast to studying abroad, volunteering in biological research abroad involves a singular project of focus, typically based in the field, and possibly coupled with laboratory work. This focused international experience, completed for the benefit of others and mother nature, shows potential employers you have dedicated valuable time to field work. Biological researhc abroad also shows you are willing to take on challenges, such as those that come with living abroad, working amid foreign languages, and learning a new educational culture, all for the sake of your passion for biology.

Amp Up Your Vet/Med School Application. Furthermore, those with biology degrees who are applying for veterinary or medical schools after graduation will benefit from volunteer experience in biological research as well. Veterinary and medical schools look for well-rounded applicants with philanthropic attitudes, and doing biological research abroad can illustrate both.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find out all the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Which country is the top destination for biological research programs?

The US is the most popular location for biological research initiatives. In their famous universities their institutions offers world-class research facilities and excellent technology that fosters collaboration and innovation.

• 5 Popular Countries to Find Conservation Volunteer Programs Abroad
• 11 Environmental Programs That Put You in the Field

Do international volunteers get paid?

Generally, international volunteers do not get paid. They typically cover their own expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and food, and volunteer their time and skills for a cause or organization they are passionate about.

• 9 Resources to Find Paid Volunteer Work Abroad
• 8 Volunteer Abroad Grants & Scholarships to Bookmark

Why should I be a biological research volunteer abroad?

As a biological research volunteer abroad, you will have the opportunity to obtain hands-on research experience, learn new skills, broaden your cultural awareness, and make a beneficial impact on the environment and local populations.

• 4 Marine Biology Volunteer Opportunities to Clean Our Oceans
• Conservation Volunteering Abroad: How to Have Real Impact

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Volunteer Travel: The Pitfalls, the Potential, and How to Get It Right

By Claire Bennett, Co-Founder of Learning Service

What follows is a condensed version of sections of the book Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad , by Claire Bennett, Joseph Collins, Zahara Heckscher and Daniela Papi-Thornton. For a more detailed advice on how to find an ethical volunteer program, get hold of the book!

The Context

Volunteer travel has rapidly moved into the mainstream over the past few decades. It is presented as an increasingly accessible way of responding to the complex emotions that arise from being confronted by global issues such as poverty and environmental destruction. The new generation of travelers is looking for ways to “make a difference” and to change the situations of the countries they travel in, rather than just explore, but unlike just donating money, it is seen as a way to participate in these processes and take action. Furthermore, it is seen as a way to have a travel experience that is active and immersive, working alongside local people.

The idea of international volunteering is certainly not new. Historically its roots lie in missionary movements and even colonial expansion that started centuries ago, but the diversity of forms it takes now – from a few hours in an otherwise luxury travel itinerary, to years spent in an unpaid office job in a non-profit – has not been seen before. We are also faced with an extraordinary growth that is not showing any signs of slowing down. Although definitive numbers are hard to come by (there is no fixed definition of what qualifies as volunteer travel) the general upward trend over the last couple of decades is undisputed.

• Benjamin J Lough in his study of overseas volunteering in the US in the years 2004-12 estimates that an average of 900,000 Americans volunteer abroad every year.[1]
• Researcher Jason Hickel in his 2013 research paper found that in the UK “the number of participants [in “gap year” development projects] is now as high as 2.5 million each year, or 34 per cent of the country’s total population between 16 and 24 years old.”[2]
• In 2008 it was estimated that the value of volunteer tourists was approximately $2 billion and there was an average of 1.6 million voluntourists a year.[3]
• World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation in 2015 notes that “Millennials are more generous with their time, money, and donations than any other generation, according to a recent study on travel and philanthropy. New data shows that 81% volunteered, 78% donated cash and 83% gave in-kind during their most meaningful trip from the last two years.”[4]

This growth has been accompanied by some other trends, briefly explored here.

Volunteer Travel as a Required or Incentivized Practice

Increasing numbers of schools are encouraging students to undertake international service. Harvard supports every student they admit to take a gap year before matriculation and Princeton sponsors service-based “bridge-year” programs abroad for its students. The reasons cited for this support are rarely about the impact on the communities overseas, but about the impact on the future life of the student. A 2011 study at Middlebury College conducted by its former dean of admissions Robert Clagett showed how students who had taken a year off academically outperformed those who didn’t.[5]

International service is also encouraged by companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility policy. The committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy’s 2013 report ‘Giving in Numbers’ surveyed 240 companies including 60 of the largest 100 companies in the Fortune 500 list, and found that 47% have a formal international volunteer program.[6]

The Influence of the Internet

Before the use of the internet was widespread, volunteer sending organizations were essential for potential volunteers to be able to identify and organize a placement abroad. Now any overseas organization wanting to host volunteers can advertise placements and directly liaise with volunteers through the internet. Similarly, without needing to invest much time in researching, volunteers have the whole range of options at their fingertips.

With so many options, however, it is difficult to tell which organizations are better than others. The internet makes it easier for volunteer sending agencies to skip out the steps that are necessary to ensure the placement is ethical – or even exists! If an organization advertises a volunteer placement opportunity on their website a sending organization or aggregate website can just take that posting and put it on their site, without ever even speaking with someone at that organization let alone visiting them.

An Increase in Fee-Charging Volunteer Placements

International volunteer programs that originated in the 50s and 60s, like the Peace Corps, VSO, and AVI, don’t charge volunteers for placing them abroad. In fact, these programs pay the volunteers a small local living wage, blurring the lines between volunteer placement and a traditional job, with stipends often equivalent to local wages – especially the remote areas that these volunteers are often posted in. Increasing demand in the last few decades has diversified this process to the point where you can find programs with the only “qualification” required being enough money on your credit card.

The growth of programs where the traveler is the one paying the fee completely shifts the power dynamics of volunteer travel. Whereas in theory demand should be driven by the needs of the community being “served,” the introduction of fee-paying programs has resulted in many companies treating the volunteer travelers themselves as the client, putting their needs above all others. When travelers pay for their experience, some of them feel they have the right to make more demands about what type of experience they receive. While the blatant commoditization can seem distasteful, viewing them as purely “volunteer vacations” may be a more honest way to refer to these one-click volunteer opportunities.

The Rise of Short Term Volunteering and “Voluntourism”

In the past, volunteer placements were generally managed by non-profit organizations. Many of these groups already knew the communities they were working in and had long-term projects and strategic goals. The difference today is that many entities offering volunteer experiences are not experts in community development, but travel agents or even cruise liners. Though their intentions might be pure, their lack of experience, relationships, and strategic planning in the realm of development work can lead to poorly planned – and often detrimental – volunteer offerings.

Alternatively, independent travelers may feel compelled to volunteer after seeing an advertisement pinned to a guesthouse noticeboard or being handed a leaflet in a bar. Some of these experiences may only require a few hours of time. Those who choose to volunteer in these incidental ways find it hard to do significant research about the opportunity being offered or the context of their work. These volunteers are therefore much more vulnerable to falling into a pitfall and supporting a project that is ineffective, exploitative or corrupt.

Increased Attention to Ethics

As international volunteering has become more commonplace and mass-produced, it has rightfully come under increased scrutiny. Exposés of the problems in the sector and the damage caused has led to speculation on how it can be done right. With rising awareness comes a more educated and critical volunteer base, and providers striving to meet that demand by providing experiences that are both responsible and meaningful, with a proven impact. Across the world there have been efforts made to create ethical standards for volunteering, such as Comhlámh in Ireland or The International Forum for Volunteering in Development.[7]

The Potential Harms of Volunteer Travel

It is a hard truth to swallow: volunteers do not always do good. Positive intentions do not always result in beneficial outcomes. This claim may be shocking, and we certainly do not blame individual volunteers for the many structural problems we explore here. However, when repeated thousands of times, the small mistakes and oversights made by individual volunteers – such as a lack of willingness to do adequate research or prepare properly – create problems of considerable magnitude.

Wasting Organizational Resources

Volunteers are not free resources. Even if they are not paid, the costs of training, supervising, supporting, protecting, entertaining, and following up on a volunteer’s visit can often amount to more than what the volunteer has “donated” in cash or time. Local hosts frequently complain about ill-prepared short-term volunteers, as they can require the same amount of support and training as long-term volunteers, but they don’t have as much time to make that investment worthwhile. Even highly skilled volunteers often require extensive staff time and other resources, such as translators, assistants, or supervisors, for them to be able to use their skills effectively in a new context overseas. Not surprisingly, volunteers who are underprepared often take more in time and resources than they add in value.

Under-qualified and Mismatched Volunteers

Volunteers can cause serious problems when they go abroad to perform a role that they are not qualified to do at home. Often the volunteer placement organization is responsible for the mismatch. A large number of organizations advertise placements without requiring volunteers to have any qualifications or experience—often for roles such as teaching or project management, which are specialist skills that in the volunteers’ home countries require formal training.

This is not to say that only highly skilled people should volunteer. Even the youngest and most inexperienced volunteer may have something to offer in the right placement, with the right support, and with the right framing of the goals and outcomes. The issue is not the skill level; it’s the match between the job and the skill, and the level of authority and autonomy often given to these mismatched volunteers. A mismatch between skill and responsibility levels can risk causing significant harm—for instance, if a medical student is expected to provide care beyond his/her/their expertise.

Disruptions to Local Power Dynamics

Most volunteers begin their placement without understanding the power structures of the community in which they volunteer—or the shifts they can cause as outsiders. Volunteers who jump into action before they learn about these complex relationships risk upsetting local power dynamics in ways that can be problematic. For example, a volunteer hears about a community need from the volunteer coordinator and leaps in to help, but later it emerges that the person being helped was a relative of the coordinator.

Volunteers often want to act quickly and independently, before they have understood complex local realities, and their best efforts can end up making things worse. Effective volunteer engagement in social justice work, in particular, takes a lot of patience and learning. There may well be local individuals and groups already working to challenge injustices; jumping in too soon could disrupt their sensitive work. Volunteers can learn over time whether and how to support them in their mission, which may require ongoing solidarity long after volunteers have returned home.

Reinforcing Cultural Stereotypes

Offering help automatically creates a relationship: giver and receiver. This unequal relationship can be imbued with the sense that the “helpers” – the volunteers – have superiority over the people being “volunteered for.” Volunteers often arrive with their own set of assumptions about Western cultural, linguistic, and technological superiority, sometimes labeling local ways of getting things done as illogical or deficient, and in need of change.

Furthermore, due to the long legacy of colonialism some local people may buy into the attitude that “West is Best.” Volunteer placement organizations frequently reinforce these assumptions through images on their websites of Western volunteers at the chalkboard teaching English to smiling local children, which resembles all-too-closely the myth of the “white savior.” The result of perpetuating these harmful stereotypes is either local people feeling disempowered or dependent, or angry and disengaged – neither of which lead to successful volunteer outcomes

Fostering Inefficiency and Dependency

Organizations sometimes rely on a steady stream of short-term foreign volunteers to fill important roles – such as schools where the only English teachers are volunteers, and nonprofits where all donor relations are done by volunteers. In many instances, when there are no volunteers, no one fills that role. This can foster an unsustainable dependency on external support. A void is created when the volunteers leave, which can put the organization and intended beneficiaries in a precarious position or make long-term planning impossible.

In many instances, local people could probably do the job more effectively than volunteers, but the abundance and perceived status of foreign volunteers leads to a reluctance to hire local people. Skilled labor (such as teaching or housebuilding) can be devalued if there is a supply of outsiders willing to do it for free.

“Band-Aid” Approaches Instead of Addressing Root Causes

An organization may take on volunteers to do superfluous tasks chosen simply because they appeal to volunteers, are easily accomplishable, or have a “feel-good factor.” During our research for the Learning Service book, many volunteers reported that the work they were asked to do seemed designed to fit the restrictions of a short-term visit rather than to provide lasting benefit. As well as wasting time, this can actually steer local organizations’ staff and other resources away from addressing root causes. For example, increasing literacy rates is a goal that involves changes in human behavior and education systems, which usually requires long-term efforts and resources. An organization working on root causes of illiteracy through advocacy for free primary education might feel pressure to add a project that volunteers can easily work on, such as building a library. That “solution” may look impressive, but it is not necessarily a contribution to the long-term goals. Where do the books come from? In what language are the books? Who are the teachers and librarians? Who will use the library? Who will maintain it? Will staff resources be taken away from advocacy efforts? If the answers are unclear, then the volunteers may be engaged in “band-aid” tasks.

Harm to Children

The damaging effect that some forms of volunteering can have on children is one of our biggest concerns about volunteer travel and is probably the ugliest and most saddening distortion of good intentions possible. Many volunteer positions involve working with children that are extremely vulnerable – in slums, on the streets, or in orphanages, which in Western society would require specialist skills. However, the vast majority of placements with children do not require qualifications or prior experience, and often involve a job description of “care-giving” or “providing love”. By doing this, volunteers may inadvertently exacerbate trauma or attachment issues in children.

Furthermore, there is evidence that as the demand from volunteers to work with children grows, it is incentivizing the practice of separating children from their families in a process now termed “orphanage trafficking”.[8] Orphanages are attractive places for volunteers as there are more opportunities to interact with the children than in other settings. But it is estimated that 80-90% of children in orphanages have at least one living parent, and were often brought to institutions for reasons such as poverty or disability. These issues can be more compassionately and sustainably solved by offering support to families instead of separating them. But when there is a demand for volunteering with vulnerable children, a place where they are housed together can become almost a tourist attraction.[9]

When children’s homes are run as businesses, there is a profit incentive to exploit children rather than protect them. Some orphanages offer a dance show to entice tourists to donate, some even send the children out into clubs and bars in the tourist centers, late at night, to beg. Keeping the children underfed and the facilities poor ensures a steady stream of donations from tourists and volunteers.[10]

Finally, allowing tourists and short-term volunteers to visit and play with children risks exposing children to dangerous individuals. In low-income countries, few organizations have the capacity to conduct background checks, or enforce rules regarding photography. Although most foreign volunteers have no intention of harming children, when they participate in programs without proper screening, they reinforce a system that is wide open to abuse.

Harm to the Volunteer

Poorly planned volunteer experiences can also have damaging effects on the volunteers themselves and their potential to be drivers of positive change in the future. We believe this leads to what we call “the three overloads”: Poverty overload , where volunteers feel paralyzed by the poverty they are confronting; Failure overload , where volunteers are unable to meet the expectations of themselves or other to make a difference; and Savior overload , where volunteers are so convinced that they must be doing goodthat they are blind to evidence that they might not be. All these overloads can mean that volunteers disengage from the issues they are facing and not have the opportunity to learn or contribute in a way that would make the experience meaningful.

Learning Service: A Potential Solution

Highlighting the negative impacts of volunteer travel is not a way to write off the practice but is instead a call to action. Global volunteering can be a powerful expression of solidarity and a manifestation of hope in the world, and it can also contribute positively to community development. However, these benefits are not automatic, and volunteer placements need to be set up and framed intentionally and mindfully. In our years of research into this topic, we found one key factor in avoiding the pitfalls and ensuring effectiveness – putting learning at the heart of volunteering. We call this approach learning service.

Learning service is an approach to international volunteering where:

• Learning is embraced as a primary purpose of a trip abroad, rather than a byproduct. Learning comes first and continues throughout the experience: before, during, and after volunteering overseas.
• Service consists of humble and thoughtful action, designed to “do no harm.” This service includes the work volunteers do overseas, the unofficial daily interactions they have with people while abroad, and the long-term actions that are inspired by their experience.
• Learning and service interact in an ongoing cycle, with each depending on the other. This loop is fueled by self-reflection – taking the time between activities to think critically about motivations, accomplishments, and challenges – and applying learning to future action.

Learning service is an inversion of the term service learning that is sometimes used in educational settings to describe volunteering. Service learning was coined to acknowledge the learning goals that are part of many volunteer projects. However, in this framing, “learning” appears to be secondary. With “learning service,” we have flipped the term to put learning front and center: it is the emphasis of the approach and a key to mitigating the negative impacts of international service and enhancing the positive ones. Learning should be a primary goal and activity in all stages of the process – from deciding whether you want to volunteer, to researching your options, to the way you engage overseas, to how you live your life in the future.

The Positive Potential of Volunteering Done Right

Two-way skill sharing.

When a volunteer is qualified and experienced in a certain field and commits enough time to transfer knowledge effectively, they can use their time abroad to contribute needed skills and build the capacity of others.[11] It is a reality for many countries that there are not enough trained healthcare professionals, skilled teacher trainers, or other specialists. When the needs of a host organization are well matched with the skills of a volunteer, volunteers can strengthen systems by supporting and mentoring local staff. Volunteers can also offer fresh ideas, inspiration and a new viewpoint.

Furthermore, the skill sharing can go both ways. The most effective volunteers learn skills and gain important perspectives from their hosts, and they often reflect that what they learned far outweighed what they were able to share. The beauty of viewing your learning experience as lasting well beyond your time abroad is that you can apply those experiences and skills once you return home.

Cultural Exchange

The best volunteering placements create a platform for exchange and look very different from unequal donor-recipient relationships.[12] Through their experiences abroad, volunteers often recognize the limitations in their current knowledge and perspective, and by embracing a new culture, view their own culture in a new light. These interactions often have the same impact on their hosts, both expanding their perspectives on what is “right” or “wrong” and forming new opinions about the other’s culture, replacing stereotypes and generalizations that might have shaped their prior views.

Host communities benefit not only from the work that volunteers do but also from the sense of solidarity it can bring. In researching for the Learning Service book, host organizations repeatedly mentioned the creation of strong bonds between people from diverse backgrounds as one of the most highly valued aspects of hosting foreign volunteers. The fact that volunteers care enough to show up and offer support to their cause is recognized as a benefit by activists and communities overseas—people who are often overstretched, tired, and in need of a motivation boost.

Moreover, international support can bring with it money, influence, and political leverage.[13] As such, an opportunity to maximize the potential of your time abroad is by balancing the doing of the volunteer work with your being with the community and finding ways to have a positive impact through both.

Contributing Vital Resources

Volunteers often bring with them access to money and resources. This may be through a fee paid directly to the organization to offset the costs of hosting them. Even when no money changes hands, organizations get financial benefits from volunteers who fundraise, talk to donors and connect them to opportunities. Furthermore, international volunteers can indirectly help the economy of their host country by spending money locally, which suggests that organizations think about the impact of volunteering in a broader sense than the volunteers themselves.[14]

Creating Educated Advocates

Through an experience volunteering overseas, you can connect to and learn deeply about global issues in a way that could affect the rest of your life. Learning through working abroad can lead to insights and inspiration that no amount of reading could teach you. You create life experiences rather than read textbook definitions of concepts like “poverty,” helping you move from a vague term in the media to the nuanced realities of daily living in your host community. Likewise, no amount of academic discourse on grassroots empowerment can teach you as much as meeting strong community leaders and experiencing the impacts of their work.

The vast majority of returned volunteers felt that their time overseas had an impact on their life, and many could point to specific changes they have made as a result. Furthermore, many of activists, development workers, educators, and social entrepreneurs have been deeply influenced by experiences overseas, feeling that once their eyes were opened to an issue facing the world there was no going back. Host organizations also recognize that international volunteers become advocates upon returning home.[15]

Another important role that returned volunteers play is to connect others to these global issues. Returned volunteers can bring seemingly remote issues to life for their friends and families and those who have not been able to travel abroad or experience those issues themselves. By sharing their learning, they can inspire others to take positive actions for change.

Questions to Ask Before Volunteering Abroad

Central to learning service is the idea of getting into a learning mindset . This requires being able to ask a lot of questions, both to yourself and about the potential project you will get involved with. Here are some ideas of questions you can ask to get you started.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What are your motivations? It is important to be honest with yourself about your motivations to ensure you will have an experience that meets your goals and those of the organization that hosts you. Have you been attracted to the idea of volunteering because you think it will look good on your résumé, or be an interesting anecdote at parties? Are you drawn to it from a desire for adventure, or glossy pictures of elephant trekking in exotic locations? Although it is of course great to feel excited about the opportunity to volunteer, you still need to be ready for the level of commitment and day to day hard work required for successful volunteering. On the other hand, if you feel mainly motivated by the thought of doing some good in the world, remember to be realistic about the amount that you can contribute with the time and the skills that you have. Even if you plan to volunteer for many months, no problems will be completely resolved and no people will be ‘saved’ by your presence alone. At best, you will make only a small contribution to bigger changes that will be led by local professionals.

What are your core skills? The most effective volunteers offer skills in an area in which they have some expertise. There is a need for accountants, computer technicians, and nurses everywhere in the world! Even if you don’t feel that you are an expert in anything, there will always be skills that you have and can offer – such as being a whizz with social media or the ability to edit documents in English. Alternatively, you may wish to have a stint volunteering in order to get a break from your normal work and try your hand at something new. While there is nothing wrong with that, be sure that you are clear with the volunteer organization about your limitations, and never seek to practice beyond your skill set. If you are learning a new skill try to take the position of intern or assistant, supporting qualified local staff members. An important thing to look for in a volunteer placement is skills-matching. Do you have the skills to be able to fulfil the role to the highest quality, or would someone else be better placed to do it? If the role is something that you would not be qualified to do in your own country, then the chances are that the answer to that question is no. Even if you are highly skilled in an area remember that the local people are the real experts and they should be in charge of how to put your skills to best use.

What are your learning goals? As well as thinking about what you can contribute, it is important that you also set learning goals for your time abroad. Is there a specific topic that you want to learn about—for example, child rights? Are there specific skills you want to learn or experience in action—such as fundraising tactics, or monitoring and evaluation practices? Your learning goals can help to keep you motivated in your volunteering and ensure that you stay engaged in the issues at hand. They can also help you stay out of your comfort zone and ensure your experience is culturally-immersive. But remember that your learning goals are your own, and they shouldn’t get in the way of your volunteer work or end up as anyone else’s responsibility.

Questions to ask a Volunteer Organization

Does the organization have a proven impact? Volunteer companies are usually adept at using marketing language such as “change a life” or “make a difference,” but be wary of organisations that are unable to produce evidence of the impact they have made. Ask to see evaluation reports that prove the effectiveness of their programs. Ideally they would show that the organization is addressing the root causes of problems, working towards eliminating these problems in the future. If not, they may just be band-aids. Good organizations will be able to send you reports that measure the long-term sustainable changes they have made  and highlight the roles that volunteers play.

Where is your money going? Many organizations charge a fee for volunteer placements to cover the time, capacity, and money that goes into supporting a great volunteer experience. That is entirely reasonable, but be sure to find out how the fees are used. Money may go to the sending organization to cover the costs of placing you in a volunteer role, to the local organization directly to host you, or both. The fee may include a charitable donation for the cause you are volunteering to support. It may also include a large profit margin for a company.

It is not the case that the more you pay, the better quality the service. Many volunteers pay a lot of money for their placement and end up dissatisfied, often because they assume that their money was going towards things that it was not. The bottom line is that good organizations, for a fee, can do a lot of the logistical legwork required to provide you with a positive experience, while the worst ones might take your money in profit and yet still leave you in a disorganized and poorly planned volunteer placement.

What kind of learning opportunities or training will you get ? The philosophy of learning service emphasises that learning is one of the most important aspects of a volunteer placement. Although motivated volunteers can find and plan all the learning opportunities needed by themselves, this can be a little daunting, and instead finding a volunteer provider that offers structured learning opportunities can remove the pressure. Look for organizations that offer orientation training programs, and structured opportunities for reflection.

These are just a few starting questions to think about – we have a whole lot more in our Placement Evaluation Tool in the Learning Service library.

How to Organize a Volunteer Project

Using an agency to organize your placeme nt.

Organizing your volunteer placement through an agency or sending organization may appeal if you have not traveled internationally before, or if you want support in researching, planning, or matching your placement. There are a whole range of organizations offering these services. At one end of the spectrum are those that exist only to recruit volunteers and send them to partners overseas. They may support hosting organizations to supervise and utilize volunteers, and provide in-country support to troubleshoot problems and maximize effectiveness. At the other end are companies that offer a wide range of travel products, sometimes with volunteering being just one option. The best organizations have strong, long-term relationships with the people and projects on the ground. The most “customer focused” providers tend to prioritize the choices of the volunteer over the value of the work.

In addition, there are third-party websites and marketing organizations that promote and sell volunteer programs designed and led by others. If you buy a product from one of those sites, you might not even be able to tell which organization ultimately gets your money, or where you will be giving your time. Remember that all agencies are not created equal, and you need to check whether the organization you are considering provides the services you want and does them well.

Connecting Directly to a Host Organization

You may choose not to go through an intermediary organization and instead set up a volunteer placement yourself. You may connect directly with a hosting organization from internet research, through friends, or via an advertised position. Bear in mind that if you set up a volunteer experience on your own that there is no wider system to fall back on—you will have to set up accountability structures yourself. Also remember that the opportunities you find are basically unvetted, so information-gathering, fact-checking, and evaluation is even more critical.

Volunteer-Led Projects

With the growing demand for volunteer projects abroad, impromptu volunteer programs are increasingly springing up. These are offerings organized by an individual or small group, often foreign visitors, aiming to “help local people.” While sometimes filling a need, it is difficult to evaluate and understand the implications of these projects from afar. Be very cautious of joining a DIY volunteer project organized by people who may be well-intentioned, but do not have the experience, qualifications, or accountability mechanisms to organize a sustainable project.

How to be a Responsible Volunteer Travel Provider

At Learning Service we direct much of the advice we give towards volunteers and travelers, to empower them to cultivate the right attitudes towards an experience and to choose responsible providers. Although this can play an important role in shifting demand, the industry itself can take the lead on ensuring they are applying the highest ethical standards and measuring impact. Here are a few points for an ethical volunteer travel company to consider:

Community Partnerships

One of the most fundamental aspects of a successful volunteer travel program is to have strong, well-managed and well-compensated community partnerships. Rather than requesting communities to host guests or asking them to design simple projects for travelers to participate in, this requires real investment in communities, giving them agency to identify needs and sustainable solutions. It also requires closely monitoring impact and adjusting programs accordingly. Travel companies offering volunteer experiences need to decide whether they want to diversify away from pure tourism, and assess whether they have the resources and expertise to venture into a whole new sector (community development).

Protection Vulnerable Populations

As explored previously, children and other vulnerable populations are the most at risk of being harmed by irresponsible voluntourism. Volunteer organizations need to have a robust child protection policy and methods of implementation. It is also important to ensure that your supply chain is free of human trafficking and modern slavery, which includes support of orphanages or short-term direct interaction between tourists and children.

Volunteer Matching

All potential volunteers have skills, but it is important that volunteers with the right skills are placed in the right roles. Offering short-term teaching placements to travelers without a background in teaching is likely to be more disruptive than helpful to children’s education, for example, and using unqualified volunteers in a healthcare setting may even be dangerous. People with sought-after skills such as accountancy, coding, business administration or medicine may be best-placed in a mentoring role using those skills than they would be doing manual labor or playing with children. Organizations should consider what process they have to select and match volunteers, and if and how they turn applicants down. If this seems too resource-intensive then it is unlikely your organization has the capacity to place volunteers responsibly.

Volunteer Support and Education

In order for volunteers to be useful and effective they need to be well prepared, supported and educated. Many of the best organizations have training programs for volunteers to attend before departure, cultural orientations in-country, support for both volunteers and hosts during a placement and educational opportunities both during and after an experience. If you offer any of these services it is important to be transparent about them so that volunteers know what services they are getting for their fees. For excellently curated and supported programs volunteers can be willing to pay an amount far beyond a normal tourism package, as it is also an important educational opportunity.

Ethical Marketing

Irresponsible voluntourism providers appeal to potential volunteers using images and language of either the poverty and need of the local people, or else the heroism and savior qualities of the volunteer. Ethical marketing represents local people with agency and dignity, and offers and honest and fair representation of the modest impact that international volunteers achieve.

How to be an Effective Volunteer

Volunteering effectively – that is, having the intended impact on a cause and avoiding any negative impacts – is tricky. In fact, no matter how many useful skills you bring to the table, effectiveness requires openness, humility, and a huge amount of learning. Here are some tips for volunteers to try to ensure they are being effective in their work.

Do the Work that is Needed

Even if you are highly skilled in an area, it should be up to a host organization how your skills are put to best use. Often it is “hands off” office work that your colleagues might need the most help with – such as writing reports in English or improving the website. Be patient and make sure you are supporting the overall organization’s needs, not just your own desire to feel useful in the areas that seem most interesting.

Know the Limits of Your Role

Be aware that the carefully-balanced power dynamics of an organization or community may be affected by the presence of an outsider. Very often foreigners are given respect and authority simply because of their nationality or skin color. If you feel you are being asked to make decisions beyond your remit, question this and ask for support from a permanent member of staff who can continue being in charge after you leave.

Be Culturally Sensitive

The way you dress, the way you sit, how you greet others, whether you speak directly or not – all these things have the ability to delight your local colleagues and put them at ease, or offend and upset them. Some volunteers argue that they don’t want to conform to dress codes or speak less bluntly as it makes them feel less like themselves, but you always need to remember that you are a guest in another culture. The way you dress and act might be interpreted as a lack of respect, which is a terrible basis for a volunteer to work from. Research cultural norms before you arrive in the country, and if you are ever unclear about what the most polite thing is to do in any situation – ask!

Define “Success” as Part of a Wider Plan

One of the most common mistakes we have experienced in volunteers is mis-defining “success” as “taking over full ownership of a concrete project and seeing it through to the end”. This is why so many volunteer projects involve activities like building a school or digging a well. Though taking complete ownership of a project can feel satisfying, if that project is not well integrated into a much larger system, that started before you got there and will continue long after you leave, then your efforts may have been “successful” for no-one but yourself. Rather than measuring success based on personal accomplishments, view yourself as part of a larger ecosystem, within wider systems of change.

Be committed to growth

If you are committed to effectiveness, make sure you give yourself regular opportunities to reflect on and evaluate your actions. We often leave the giving and receiving of feedback until the end of an experience, when it is too late to make adjustments or put any learning into practice. Actively seek feedback from friends, colleagues or other volunteers about how you can improve, and remain open to changing your approach.

Now What? Life After Volunteering

Rather than seeing the end of your volunteer experience as the conclusion of something, the learning service approach argues that it is in fact the beginning. Even the most successful volunteer cannot have an enormous impact in a short-term placement. However, a volunteer who becomes inspired and committed during their short time abroad can go on to make huge changes in the rest of their life.

Daily Choices

Volunteers commonly report that the time they spent overseas resulted in a heightened awareness of how they consume and a commitment to changing it. Small actions count: you do not have to dedicate your life to charity work to make a difference. Changing the food you eat, the products you buy, the energy you use and the waste you produce can lessen the harmful impacts of a consumer society.

Activism and Volunteering

Maybe your trip overseas sparked an increased awareness of global injustice. In analyzing the root causes of any issue, you can find links, influences, or stakeholders back in your own country. There are many causes to get angry about or get behind, and many new ideas to feel passionate about. There are also many forces in our world with interests in maintaining the status quo. But there is power in numbers, and if there are things you don’t like in the world that you want to challenge or things you do like and want to promote, there are ways to spread these ideas.

Career Choices

Many returnees say that one of the biggest impacts of their overseas experience is that it has crystallized, influenced, or altered their future career paths. If you are committed to living in a way that will be of benefit both to yourself and others, your career can play a big part in that. We urge you to take a learning service approach to these decisions—just like with volunteer travel, certain careers paths or job roles might market their social impact, but don’t take those claims at face value.

Learning Service Resources

Interested in learning more? The previous sections are extracts from our more thorough resources that help potential volunteers on their journeys and guide both volunteers and providers to follow the principles of learning service.

Free downloadable resources, found in the Learning Service library include:

• Tips and Tricks for Learning Before Helping
• The Learning Service Volunteer Charter
• Voluntourism 101 (a self-assessment tool for tour operators)
• Evaluating Placements: Questions to Ask

For an in depth exploration of the whole process of learning service, get hold of our book Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteer Travel .

Learning Service Providers

A number of travel companies and education providers have started using and promoting the Learning Service approach. These include:

• PEPY Tours : Provides immersive travel opportunities for school and university groups in Nepal and Cambodia, focused on improving the way groups give, travel and live.
• Where There Be Dragons : Offers experiential learning trips for students, gap year travelers, educators and adults in countries across the globe, with learning service as a core component of all trips.
• Ayana Journeys : Based in Cambodia, Ayana offer guided educational adventures for groups and individuals, exploring culture, lifestyles, and development issues facing the country, embodying the “learn first” approach.

Additional Information

For more information on any topics associated with ethical volunteer travel: [email protected] For more information about the book or for other downloadable tools, go to our website: www.learningservice.info For news, perspectives, and insight on ethical volunteering, follow us on social media!

• facebook.com/learningservice
• twitter.com/Learnser
• instagram.com/learning.service
• www.learningservice.info/blog

About the author:

Claire Bennett is a co-author of the book Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad, which has been hailed by Noam Chomsky as “a manifesto for doing good well.” She is also the co-founder of LearningService.Info, an online information and advocacy portal for potential international volunteers. She is a manager of PEPY Tours, a responsible travel organization based in Cambodia and Nepal, and helped to oversee their transition away from short-term voluntourism to immersive educational travel.

Bennet has been based in Asia for over ten years and currently lives in Kathmandu, where she has a training and consulting company. She provides consultancy to some of the biggest volunteer travel companies around shifting their models away from activities known to be damaging to local communities towards more ethical practices. She also works part time as an educator and facilitator for student travel organization Where There Be Dragons. She is passionate about global equality and social justice issues and loves her cat, her bicycle, and drinking copious amounts of tea.

[1] Lough, B. J. (2013) International Volunteering from the United States between 2004 and 2012. CSD Research Brief, (13-14). Retrieved from http://csd.wustl.edu/Publications/Documents/RB13-14.pdf .

[2] Hickel, J. (2013). The ‘Real’ Experience Industry: Student Development Projects and the Depoliticization of Poverty. Learning and Teaching: The International Journal of Higher Education in the Social Sciences 6(2) 11-32.

[3] Volunteer tourism : a global analysis : a report by Tourism Research and Marketing. https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/26237192?selectedversion=NBD43606931 .

[4] WYSE “Millenials Enjoy Tying Vacation to Philanthropy”, 2015 https://www.wyseworkandvolunteer.org/2015/10/05/millennials-enjoy-tying-vacation-to-philanthropy/.

[5] http://collegeadmissionbook.com/blog/bob-clagett-taking-gap-year .

[6] http://cecp.co/research/benchmarking-reports/giving-in-numbers.html .

[7] https://comhlamh.org/code-of-good-practice , https://bettercarenetwork.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/The-Global-Standard-for-Volunteering-for-Development.pdf .

[8] https://www.e-ir.info/2018/07/13/orphanage-trafficking-and-the-modern-slavery-act-in-australia/ .

[9] https://www.crs.org/media-center/news-release/80-90-percent-children-orphanages-are-not-orphans .

[10] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/forprofit-orphanages-keep_b_838206 .

[11] Erin Barnhardt, “Engaging Global Service: Organizational Motivations for and Perceived Benefits of Hosting International Volunteers,” 2012.

[12] Erin Barnhardt, “Engaging Global Service: Organizational Motivations for and Perceived Benefits of Hosting International Volunteers,” 2012.

[13] Erin Barnhardt, “Engaging Global Service: Organizational Motivations for and Perceived Benefits of Hosting International Volunteers,” 2012

[14] Erin Barnhardt, “Engaging Global Service: Organizational Motivations for and Perceived Benefits of Hosting International Volunteers,” 2012.

[15] Erin Barnhardt, “Engaging Global Service: Organizational Motivations for and Perceived Benefits of Hosting International Volunteers,” 2012.

This Impact Tourism Handbook was made possible by generous financial support from Elevate Destinations , Hilton , Holbrook Travel , and Overseas Adventure Travel .

Volunteer abroad with sea turtles in Trinidad, home to the world’s largest concentration of nesting leatherback turtles. © Brian J. Hutchinson

Join us as a sea turtle volunteer on the beaches of Trinidad to see and study the amazing leatherback turtle at one of the world’s most important nesting sites. With roughly 20,000 nests laid per year, Trinidad hosts the world’s densest leatherback nesting colony, and we have timed this volunteer trip to coincide with the peak of their nesting season.

Why we love it: Leatherback turtles are the largest of all sea turtles and also among the rarest. There’s no better place and no better time to see them than Trinidad in April-June. Participants on this volunteer abroad program will see multiple turtles per night as they get hands-on in helping with research.

How we give back: Leatherback turtles are threatened with extinction globally, and long-term monitoring of their nesting populations provides critical information to monitor their status. Our volunteers lend needed support to our local partner, Nature Seekers , a community-based organization that has been studying and protecting sea turtles in Matura, Trinidad for decades. Volunteers’ labor and visitor fees provide needed support to Nature Seekers’ work.

Trip Details

2. Help Study Manatees, Sea Turtles, Coral Reefs, and More in Belize

See and study endangered marine wildlife while volunteering abroad in Belize. © Linda Searle

Nestled on a beautiful private island east of Belize City, our volunteer research trips in St. George’s Caye, Belize offer the chance to help study coral reef health and monitor endangered manatees and sea turtles, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and queen conch populations in partnership with ECOMAR , a Belizean non-profit.

Why we love it: This trip is a fantastic experience to soak in the sun, snorkel, and see wildlife that inhabit coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. One of the highlights is a day spent at Hol Chan Marine Reserve , which is often cited as one of the best snorkeling sites in Belize.

How we give back: The data collected by volunteers adds to an annual report that is shared with the St. George’s Caye Village Council and Fisheries Department. The department uses the data to provide evidence that the area is critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. Our goal is to show that building and maintaining a marine reserve will help nurture coral reef health inside and outside the reserve and protect key threatened species.

3. Monitor Coral Reefs in Puerto Rico

Help monitor coral reef health in Puerto Rico while learning to identify reef fish. © Islamar

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico’s reefs are rich in biodiversity. Once dominated by agriculture and fisheries, the economy of the sleepy western beach town of Rincón is now driven by tourism. In an effort to protect the area’s beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife from coastal development, the community established the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in 2015.

In partnership with Amigos de Tres Palmas , our trip helps researchers monitor coral reef health by gaining a better understanding of the issues that impact the local marine species including marine debris, climate change, coral bleaching, and invasive lionfish.

Why we love it: Puerto Rico has beautiful coral reefs, chock-full of schools of fish, elkhorn corals, brain corals, stony corals, and sea fans. The trip offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Puerto Rico’s rich culture, sharpen your reef fish ID skills, become familiar with field techniques used to evaluate the health of coral reefs, and help local scientists monitor the health of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve . Another highlight is the day spent snorkeling at the picturesque, offshore remote reefs of Desecheo Island .

How we give back: Data gathered during the trip is used to help show that the newly established marine reserve is helping to preserve Puerto Rico’s marine resources.

4. Study Sharks & Coral Reefs in Palau while Scuba Diving

Help study sharks and coral reefs in Palau’s Rock Islands. © Fish N Fins

Known for its vibrant corals, abundant fish populations, breathtaking jungle-capped, mushroom-shaped limestone islands, and pristine aqua-blue waters, Palau is one of the nicest snorkeling destinations in the world. The tiny island nation made headlines in 2015 when they designated almost their entire ocean territory, 193,000 square miles, as a marine protected area .

Researchers in Palau are now studying the linkage between shark abundance and coral reef health. In partnership with the Micronesian Shark Foundation , participants on this snorkel and scuba flexible trip will learn to identify and survey sharks, corals, and reef fish in order to compare reef health in areas of varying shark abundance.

Why we love it: Palau has more than 1,500 species of fish, 300+ species of soft coral, and 400+ species of hard coral—it is stunning! Seeing and studying healthy populations of sharks in the wild is a once in a lifetime experience!

How we give back: The data collected on this trip helps researchers to see if there are any patterns between shark abundance and overall reef health and reef fish behaviors.

5. Volunteer Whale and Dolphin Research in Pacific Mexico

Study humpback whales and dolphins on Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast. © Katherina Audley

Many people think of Baja California when looking to venture to the Pacific side of Mexico, but few know about the equally impressive beauty and natural wonders found in the southern state of Guerrero. Often cited for its charming seaside villages, 17th century architecture, festivals, artwork, and delicious food, Guerrero, Mexico is also rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity and a hotspot for seeing wildlife.

Volunteers on this trip help scientists with the Whales of Guerrero Research Project collect key ecosystem data, and will also come away with a wealth of knowledge, including how to identify whale flukes , and how to use drones and hydro-acoustic equipment to conduct field research.

Why we love it: The area is teeming with diverse wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, fish, and birds. It’s an incredible experience being out on the water monitoring whale behavior. There will also be plenty of opportunities to explore Guerrero by visiting villages, attending village art shows, eating tasty food, touring a cloud forest coffee farm, and exploring a wildlife and mangrove-filled lagoon by boat.

How we give back: Our research will help scientists with the Whales of Guerrero Research Project better understand the population of dolphins and whales that reside in the area. Moreover, by collaborating with fishermen and local villagers, we are fostering a sense of pride in the incredible natural wealth of this region and supporting local stewardship.

Brian Hutchinson

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• Solo Travel

Journeying with Impact: Exploring Volunteer Opportunities for Purposeful Travel

• 9 minute read

• April 18, 2024

Are you looking for a travel experience that is more than just sightseeing? Do you want to embark on a journey with purpose and meaning? If your answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will explore the world of volunteer opportunities in travel, where every adventure can make a positive impact. Whether you are passionate about education, conservation, or community development, there is a volunteer program out there waiting for you.

Join us as we discover the transformative power of purposeful travel and learn how you can be a part of something greater than yourself. Get ready to unlock new horizons, forge deep connections, and leave a lasting mark on the world. Your journey starts here! 🌟🌍💼Top of Form

What is Volunteering

Volunteering is when you help others or the planet 🌍 out of the goodness of your heart, without getting paid. It’s like lending a helping hand 🤝 just because you want to make a difference. You might help at a local animal shelter 🐶, clean up a park 🌳, or teach kids how to read 📚.

Volunteering isn’t about money, it’s about giving your time and energy to make the world a better place. And guess what? It feels pretty awesome too! You get to meet new people, learn cool stuff, and know that you’re doing something good for others.

So whether you’re painting murals 🎨 or planting trees 🌱, volunteering is all about spreading kindness and making smiles 😊 wherever you go!

Importance of Volunteer opportunities in travel

Volunteer opportunities in travel are super important! 🌍 They let you explore new places while making a positive impact on the communities you visit. Here’s why they matter:

• Connecting with Locals: When you volunteer while traveling, you get to interact with local people and immerse yourself in their culture. It’s a chance to build meaningful connections and learn from each other. 🤝
• Giving Back: Traveling can sometimes feel a bit selfish, right? But volunteering flips that script! It lets you give back to the places you visit and leave a positive mark behind. 🌟
• Learning and Growing: Volunteering abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone and teaches you valuable skills. Whether it’s teaching English, building houses, or protecting wildlife, you’ll gain experiences that can change your perspective and enrich your life. 📚
• Making a Difference: Many communities around the world face challenges like poverty, environmental issues, or lack of education. By volunteering, you’re helping to tackle these problems and create real change. 💪
• Creating Lasting Memories: Sure, sightseeing is fun, but the memories that stick with you the most are often the ones where you made a difference in someone’s life. Volunteering adds depth and meaning to your travel experiences that you’ll cherish forever. 🌟

Overall, volunteer opportunities in travel offer a unique way to explore the world while leaving a positive impact. It’s a win-win for everyone involved! 🌟🌍💕

Benefits for both Travelers and communities

Volunteer opportunities in travel offer amazing benefits for both travelers and the communities they visit! Here’s how:

For Travelers:

• Cultural Immersion: Volunteering allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture, connecting with people and traditions in a meaningful way. It’s like getting an insider’s view of a place! 🌏🤝
• Personal Growth: Traveling itself is a journey of self-discovery, but volunteering takes it to the next level. It challenges you, helps you develop new skills, and boosts your confidence. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to break out of your comfort zone! 🌱💪
• Global Perspective: Experiencing life in a different part of the world opens your eyes to new perspectives and realities. Volunteering exposes you to issues like poverty, environmental conservation, and social justice, fostering empathy and understanding. 🌟🌍
• Meaningful Connections: Nothing brings people together like working toward a common goal. Volunteering allows travelers to forge deep connections with locals and fellow volunteers, creating friendships that can last a lifetime. 🤗💕

For Communities:

• Support and Assistance: Many communities, especially in developing countries, benefit greatly from the support of volunteers. Whether it’s teaching, healthcare, construction, or conservation, volunteers provide much-needed assistance that helps communities thrive. 💼🏥🏡
• Capacity Building: Through volunteering, communities can develop their skills, infrastructure, and resources for long-term sustainability. Volunteers often share knowledge and expertise that empower locals to address challenges independently in the future. 📚💡
• Cultural Exchange: Hosting volunteers enriches communities by promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Locals have the opportunity to learn from volunteers’ diverse backgrounds, ideas, and experiences, fostering mutual respect and appreciation. 🎉🤝
• Positive Impact: Volunteer projects contribute to tangible improvements in communities, whether it’s building schools, protecting natural habitats, or promoting healthcare awareness. These efforts create lasting positive changes that benefit residents for years to come. 🌟💼🌱

Overall, volunteer opportunities in travel create a beautiful symbiotic relationship, enriching both travelers and the communities they serve. It’s a wonderful way to make the world a better place, one meaningful connection at a time! 🌟🌍💕

How to find volunteer programs suitable for different interests and skills

Finding volunteer programs that match your interests and skills is key to having a meaningful experience while making a positive impact. Here are some steps to help you find the right volunteer opportunity:

• Identify Your Passions and Skills: Start by thinking about what you’re passionate about and what skills you have to offer. Are you interested in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or community development? Do you have specific skills like teaching, construction, healthcare, or marketing? Understanding your strengths and interests will guide your search.
• Research Volunteer Organizations: Look for reputable volunteer organizations or platforms that offer a variety of programs around the world. Websites like VolunteerMatch, Go Overseas, and Idealist are great resources to explore. Take your time to read reviews, compare programs, and learn about the organizations’ missions and values.
• Consider Your Budget and Timeline: Some volunteer programs require a fee to cover expenses like accommodation, meals, and support services. Consider your budget and how long you can commit to volunteering. Some programs may require a minimum time commitment, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
• Review Program Requirements and Expectations: Each volunteer program may have different requirements, such as age restrictions, language proficiency, or specific qualifications. Make sure to carefully review the program details, including the type of work involved, living arrangements, and support provided.
• Reach Out for More Information: If you have questions or need more information about a particular program, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organization directly. You can email them, schedule a call, or attend informational sessions or webinars to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available.
• Seek Recommendations and Advice: Reach out to friends, family, or fellow travelers who have volunteered abroad before. They can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and firsthand experiences that can help you make informed decisions.
• Stay Flexible and Open-Minded: Keep an open mind during your search and be flexible with your expectations. The perfect volunteer opportunity may not always align exactly with your initial criteria, but being adaptable can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.

By following these steps and doing thorough research, you’ll be able to find volunteer programs that align with your interests, skills, and values, allowing you to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. 🌍🤝💼

Impact of Volunteer Travel

Volunteer travel has a profound impact on both the volunteers themselves and the communities they serve. Let’s explore some of the key ways volunteer travel makes a difference:

• Personal Growth and Development: Volunteer travel challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and gain valuable experiences. It fosters personal growth by building confidence, resilience, and adaptability. Volunteers often return home with a broader perspective, increased self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of global issues.
• Empowerment and Capacity Building: By volunteering abroad, individuals empower themselves and others to create positive change. Volunteers contribute their time, expertise, and resources to support community-driven initiatives, empowering local residents to address challenges and build sustainable solutions. This capacity-building approach strengthens communities and promotes long-term resilience.
• Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Volunteer travel facilitates meaningful cultural exchange and fosters mutual understanding between volunteers and host communities. Through shared experiences, conversations, and collaborations, volunteers gain insights into local cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This cultural exchange promotes empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity.
• Tangible Impact on Communities: Volunteer projects address a wide range of social, environmental, and economic issues, leading to tangible improvements in communities. Whether it’s building schools, providing healthcare services, conserving natural habitats, or supporting small businesses, volunteers contribute to positive outcomes that enhance quality of life and promote social equity.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Volunteer travel encourages collaboration and partnership between volunteers and local stakeholders. By working together toward common goals, volunteers and community members leverage their respective strengths, resources, and knowledge to achieve greater impact. This collaborative approach fosters trust, respect, and solidarity across cultural and geographic boundaries.
• Inspiration and Advocacy: Volunteer travel inspires individuals to become active global citizens and advocates for social justice and environmental sustainability. Through their experiences, volunteers raise awareness about pressing issues, mobilize support for community initiatives, and advocate for policy changes at local and international levels. Their voices and actions contribute to a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.

The impact of volunteer travel extends far beyond the duration of the trip. It leaves a lasting legacy of empowerment, collaboration, and positive change that enriches both volunteers and the communities they serve. By volunteering abroad, individuals become agents of transformation, shaping a brighter future for generations to come. 🌟🌍💼

Tips for Meaningful Volunteer Experiences

Creating a meaningful volunteer experience requires thoughtful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your volunteer journey:

• Research Thoroughly: Take the time to research volunteer opportunities that align with your interests, skills, and values. Look for reputable organizations with a transparent mission, positive reviews, and a track record of making a real difference in communities.
• Set Clear Goals: Define your personal goals and expectations for volunteering, whether it’s gaining new skills, making a positive impact, or experiencing cultural immersion. Clarifying your objectives will help you find the right volunteer program and stay focused during your experience.
• Communicate Openly: Prior to volunteering, communicate openly with the organization about your skills, preferences, and any specific needs or concerns you may have. Discuss your role, responsibilities, and expectations to ensure a mutually beneficial experience for both you and the community.
• Be Flexible and Adaptable: Volunteer work often involves unpredictable situations and challenges. Stay flexible, open-minded, and adaptable to changes in plans or circumstances. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and problem-solve in diverse environments.
• Respect Cultural Differences: Approach your volunteer experience with humility, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Take the time to learn about the local customs, traditions, and etiquette, and be mindful of cultural differences in communication, behavior, and social norms.
• Build Relationships: Invest time and effort in building genuine relationships with locals, fellow volunteers, and project staff. Listen actively, show empathy, and seek opportunities to connect on a personal level. Building meaningful connections fosters trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
• Reflect and Learn: Take time to reflect on your volunteer experience and what you’ve learned along the way. Consider how your perspectives, skills, and values have evolved, and identify areas for personal growth and development. Share your insights and experiences with others to inspire dialogue and action.
• Stay Committed: Commit to making a positive impact during your volunteer placement by showing up consistently, staying engaged, and giving your best effort. Remember that meaningful change takes time and perseverance, so stay committed to your goals and the community you’re serving.
• Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and well-being during your volunteer experience. Take breaks when needed, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and seek support from fellow volunteers or project staff if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
• Continue the Journey: Your volunteer experience doesn’t end when you return home. Stay connected to the cause or community you supported, advocate for social change, and find ways to continue making a positive impact in your own community and beyond.

By following these tips, you can create a meaningful volunteer experience that not only benefits the communities you serve but also enriches your own life in profound ways. 🌟🤝🌍

Volunteering abroad offers a remarkable opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful difference in the world while embarking on a transformative journey of personal growth and cultural exchange. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the importance of volunteer opportunities in travel, the benefits they bring to both travelers and communities and practical tips for creating impactful and fulfilling experiences.

Volunteer travel enables individuals to connect with diverse communities, contribute to positive change, and gain invaluable insights into global issues. By immersing themselves in local cultures, building meaningful relationships, and actively engaging with community-driven initiatives, volunteers not only make tangible improvements in the lives of others but also undergo profound personal development.

From empowering local residents and fostering cross-cultural understanding to promoting sustainable solutions and advocating for social justice, volunteer experiences leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, collaboration, and positive change. By embracing the principles of empathy, respect, and shared humanity, volunteers become agents of transformation, shaping a brighter future for communities around the world.

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How Volunteering Improves Mental Health

February 02, 2022

By Trish Lockard

While sitting in a waiting room at a doctor’s office in 2014, I struck up a conversation with the woman sitting next to me. As we got acquainted, she told me she was deeply involved with an organization called the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I hadn’t heard of it, but I was intrigued because I was not a stranger to mental illness.

My maternal grandmother experienced debilitating depression for years, culminating in her suicide in 1939. My mother was diagnosed with depression and experienced what I believe was PTSD, following her own mother’s suicide. I had grappled with mental health challenges myself, and I had been taking medication for depression and anxiety disorders for many years.

As I learned about NAMI that day, I knew instinctively this was an organization to which I could happily devote my time and energy. I had always shied away from volunteerism because no cause had ever inspired the passion required to keep me motivated. Now, eight years later, I am still a NAMI member and vocal activist for mental health.

With some personal reflection and review of scientific literature, I’ve come to understand that volunteering itself can be an act of self-care.

The Benefits of Volunteerism

Naturally, the dialogue surrounding activism and volunteerism centers on how others will benefit from volunteer work that you do. But years of research demonstrate that there are benefits for volunteers themselves. Whether you are a family member or caregiver for someone with a mental health condition — or have the lived experience yourself — volunteering can be a positive step toward improving your health and yield many benefits:

• Reducing Stress My work with NAMI demonstrates the ways in which volunteering can counteract the effects of stress, anger and anxiety. This kind of work was my first exploration into long-term volunteerism — and, as is my nature, I sometimes felt a little anxious as I prepared to lead an affiliate board meeting or teach or speak to a group on behalf of NAMI. But I always rose to the occasion because the cause mattered so greatly to me. And afterward, I would feel exhilarated and thrilled by my accomplishments. Gradually, my focus on the work, and the gratitude I received from it, surpassed other issues in my life that caused negative emotions. There was too much to accomplish and too much to look forward to for me to feel down. Ultimately, I noticed that I slept better at night with the knowledge that I was part of a greater good.
• Increasing Happiness Research has found a correlation between volunteering and happiness. A 2020 study conducted in the United Kingdom found those who volunteered reported being more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as better. Respondents who volunteered for at least one month also reported having better mental health than those who did not volunteer.
• Developing Confidence Volunteering is an opportunity to develop confidence and self-esteem. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity, something that can be hard to come by for people with a mental health diagnosis. The better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future. Moreover, I’ve found that the sense of accomplishment from serving others can raise self-esteem and self-confidence.

I served for years as the president of my local NAMI affiliate’s board. I was the family and caregiver support group facilitator and, to this day, offer my services as a NAMI Family-to-Family certified instructor. My passion for offering education and support for people with lived experience and their families hasn’t waned because the need hasn’t waned.

Getting Started Volunteering

In 2018, my long-time friend, psychologist Terri L. Lyon, hoped to create an easy-to-follow roadmap for people to identify the cause they are most passionate about (because focusing on one issue is more effective) and determine how to use the gifts they already possess to make a difference for that cause. With me as her editor, she published the book “ What’s On Your Sign? ” in which she introduced her unique “5-Step Activism Path.” The steps are:

• Find your passion by creating a vision of how you want to change the world
• Identify the unique gifts you can bring to this activism
• Craft a unique activism opportunity ideally suited to you
• Monitor your long-term effectiveness
• Stay motivated and avoid burnout

Perhaps these steps seem intimidating at first glance — but with reflection and time, they can lead to a meaningful new path. One example of following these steps is Knoxville jewelry artist, Christinea Beane . As someone with mental illness, Christinea makes jewelry for other people struggling with their mental health, to offer hope, raise awareness and remind them that they are not alone.

As I address in the book I co-wrote with Dr. Lyon, “Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism,” we can’t underestimate the personal and wide-reaching impacts of volunteering and activism, particularly in the mental health field. Your work could not only boost your emotional well-being, it could also be a critical step toward ending stigma, achieving parity, and increasing mental health services and support. You can make a difference.

Trish Lockard has been a volunteer for NAMI Tennessee since 2014. Mental health care became her personal passion following her family’s experience with mental illness. Trish is a nonfiction editor, specializing in memoir, and a nonfiction writing coach at Strike The Write Tone . Contact Trish at [email protected] .

Submit To The NAMI Blog

We’re always accepting submissions to the NAMI Blog! We feature the latest research, stories of recovery, ways to end stigma and strategies for living well with mental illness. Most importantly: We feature your voices. Check out our Submission Guidelines for more information.

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NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264 , text “helpline” to 62640 , or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).

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Research study needs volunteers who feel out of control while eating

By Hub staff report

Volunteers who feel out of control while eating are needed for a study at the Phipps building on the East Baltimore campus. The study involves completing questionnaires and doing food selection tasks, including taste preference and olfactory surveys to gauge insight on eating behaviors and food preferences. Compensation is $50 for completing one in-person visit; parking is provided.

If you are interested in participating, fill out this survey .

PI: Kimberly Smith, PhD (#IRB00214417) Contact: Grace Grill, [email protected]

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Cass Review: Gender report author cannot travel on public transport over safety fears

Dr Hilary Cass says she is more upset and frustrated about the falsehoods being peddled about her research than the abuse directed at her, because it is "putting children at risk".

Saturday 20 April 2024 13:38, UK

The paediatrician behind a landmark report into transgender treatment of children has criticised the "disinformation" about her findings as she revealed she avoids travelling on public transport over security fears.

Dr Hilary Cass has said the attacks on her study were "inaccurate" and "unforgivable" as it put young people "at risk".

The recently-published Cass Review found that there was "remarkably weak evidence" to support gender treatments for children.

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The "toxicity of the debate" was also not helping, with people afraid of discussing transgender issues openly, she said.

The research was commissioned by NHS England four years ago after a steep rise in the numbers seeking help for gender issues.

Dr Cass told The Times newspaper: "I have been really frustrated by the criticisms, because it is straight disinformation. It is completely inaccurate.

"It started the day before the report came out when an influencer posted a picture of a list of papers that were apparently rejected because they were not randomised control trials.

"That list has absolutely nothing to do with either our report or any of the papers."

She added: "If you deliberately try to undermine a report that has looked at the evidence of children's healthcare, then that's unforgivable. You are putting children at risk by doing that."

Read more: What gender treatments are currently available to children?

She also hit out at Labour MP Dawn Butler, who questioned Health Secretary Victoria Atkins during a House of Commons debate on Monday about why "over 100 studies have not been in this Cass report".

Dr Cass expressed dismay at the Brent Central MP making assertions that were "completely wrong".

She said researchers had examined every research paper, but not all met the threshold standard for inclusion.

The total number of datasets deemed to be of high or medium-quality was 60 out of 103.

The Cass report made more than 32 recommendations, including that gender care operates "to the same standards" as other children's health services.

The review found the entire field of medicine aimed at enabling children to change gender had been "built on shaky foundations", with not enough evidence to support prescribing hormones to under-18s to pause puberty or to transition to the opposite sex.

Last month, NHS England confirmed children would no longer be prescribed puberty blockers outside of research trials.

It also emerged adult gender clinics had refused to take part in the review, which was described as "hugely disappointing" by Dr Cass.

'Vile emails'

Regarding the online abuse she has received, the physician said: "There are some pretty vile emails coming in at the moment.

"Most of which my team is protecting me from, so I'm not getting to see them."

She added: "What dismays me is just how childish the debate can become.

"If I don't agree with somebody then I'm called transphobic or a TERF [trans-exclusionary radical feminist]."

'Misinformation makes me seethe'

But asked if the vitriol had affected her, Dr Cass, the former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "No... it's personal, but these people don't know me.

"I'm much, much more upset and frustrated about all this disinformation than I am about the abuse.

"The thing that makes me seethe is the misinformation."

She added: "I'm not going on public transport at the moment, following security advice, which is inconvenient."

NHS England has since announced a second Cass Review-style appraisal of adult gender clinics.

But Dr Cass confirmed to The Times she will not take part in that report.

She said: "You heard it right here - I am not going to do the adult gender clinic review."

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News from non-English countries

"They fell to the ground with screams": Russian Guards fired at children single near Moscow - there is a casualty

2023-08-20T20:58:57.477Z

Highlights: In Russia, in the city of Elektrostal (Moscow region), during demonstrations, Rosgvardia soldiers began shooting at spectators with children from machine guns with blank cartridges. One child received serious damage from a rebounded cartridge case. In the video, a child can be heard crying and screaming violently. It is also interesting that Russia recently arranged a solemn farewell to Vladimir Shestakov, convicted for the murder of a child, who became a mercenary of PMC "Wagner" and was liquidated in the war in Ukraine.

In Russia, in the city of Elektrostal (Moscow region), during demonstrations, Rosgvardia soldiers began shooting at spectators with children from machine guns with blank cartridges.

So far, one injured child is known.

This was reported by the local Telegram channel of the Cheka-OGPU.

"Small children were clutching their heads screaming and falling to the ground. Not without injuries. The child received serious damage from a rebounded cartridge case," the report said.

One of the witnesses to the incident posted a video. It was her child who was shot by the Russian Guards. In the video, a child can be heard crying and screaming violently.

After the woman realized that her child had been wounded, she called her husband and doctor.

Meanwhile, Russian occupier Ivan Alekseev in the war in Ukraine after a drunken quarrel killed his colleague and tried to cover up the crime, saying it was the work of "Ukrainian saboteurs."

It is also interesting that Russia recently arranged a solemn farewell to Vladimir Shestakov, convicted for the murder of a child, who became a mercenary of PMC "Wagner" and was liquidated in the war in Ukraine.

• The suspect in the murder of a military volunteer was released from custody
• They will teach "patriotism": Russians in the occupied territories launch cadet classes
• Russia has created another training ground near Mariupol: how many soldiers are in the city

Source: tsn

All news articles on 2023-08-20

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What we know about unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the United States reached 10.5 million in 2021, according to new Pew Research Center estimates. That was a modest increase over 2019 but nearly identical to 2017.

The number of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. in 2021 remained below its peak of 12.2 million in 2007. It was about the same size as in 2004 and lower than every year from 2005 to 2015.

The new estimates do not reflect changes that have occurred since apprehensions and expulsions of migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border started increasing in March 2021 . Migrant encounters at the border have since reached historic highs .

Pew Research Center undertook this research to understand ongoing changes in the size and characteristics of the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States. The Center has published estimates of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population for more than two decades. The estimates presented in this research are the Center’s latest, adding new and updated annual estimates for 2017 through 2021.

Center estimates of the unauthorized immigrant population use a “residual method.” It is similar to methods used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics and nongovernmental organizations, including the Center for Migration Studies and the Migration Policy Institute . Those organizations’ estimates are generally consistent with ours. Our estimates also align with official U.S. data sources, including birth records, school enrollment figures and tax data, as well as Mexican censuses and surveys.

Our “residual” method for estimating the nation’s unauthorized immigrant population includes these steps:

• Estimate the total number of immigrants living in the country in a particular year using data from U.S. censuses and government surveys such as the American Community Survey and the Current Population Survey.
• Estimate the number of immigrants living in the U.S. legally using official counts of immigrant and refugee admissions together with other demographic data (for example, death and out-migration rates).
• Subtract our estimate of lawful immigrants from our estimate of the total immigrant population . This provides an initial estimate of the unauthorized immigrant population .

Our final estimate of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population, as well as estimates for lawful immigrants, includes an upward adjustment. We do this because censuses and surveys tend to miss some people . Undercounts for immigrants, especially unauthorized immigrants, tend to be higher than for other groups. (Our 1990 estimate comes from work by Robert Warren and John Robert Warren; details can be found here .)

The term “unauthorized immigrant” reflects standard and customary usage by many academic researchers and policy analysts. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics also generally uses it. The term means the same thing as undocumented immigrants, illegal immigrants and illegal aliens.

For more details on how we produced our estimates, read the Methodology section of our November 2018 report on unauthorized immigrants.

The unauthorized immigrant population includes any immigrants not in the following groups:

• Immigrants admitted for lawful residence (i.e., green card admissions)
• People admitted formally as refugees
• People granted asylum
• Former unauthorized immigrants granted legal residence under the 1985 Immigration Reform and Control Act
• Immigrants admitted under any of categories 1-4 who have become naturalized U.S. citizens
• Individuals admitted as lawful temporary residents under specific visa categories

Read the Methodology section of our November 2018 report on unauthorized immigrants for more details.

Pew Research Center’s estimate of unauthorized immigrants includes more than 2 million immigrants who have temporary permission to be in the United States. (Some also have permission to work in the country.) These immigrants account for about 20% of our national estimate of 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants for 2021.

Although these immigrants have permission to be in the country, they could be subject to deportation if government policy changes. Other organizations and the federal government also include these immigrants in their estimates of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population.

Immigrants can receive temporary permission to be in the U.S. through the following ways:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

In 2021, there were about 500,000 unauthorized immigrants with Temporary Protected Status . This status provides protection from removal or deportation to individuals who cannot safely return to their country because of civil unrest, violence or natural disaster.

Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a similar program that grants protection from removal. The number of immigrants with DED is much smaller than the number with TPS.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program that offers protection from deportation to individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children before June 15, 2007. As of the end of 2021, there were slightly more than 600,000 DACA beneficiaries , largely immigrants from Mexico.

Asylum applicants

Individuals who have applied for asylum but are awaiting a ruling are not legal residents yet but cannot be deported. There are two types of asylum claims, defensive and affirmative .

Defensive asylum applications are generally filed by individuals facing deportation or removal from the U.S. These are processed by the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. At the end of 2021, there were almost 600,000 applications pending.

Affirmative asylum claims are made by individuals already in the U.S. who are not in the process of being deported or removed. These claims are handled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At the end of 2021, more than 400,000 applications for affirmative asylum were pending, some covering more than one applicant.

Here are key findings about how the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population changed from 2017 to 2021:

• The most common country of birth for unauthorized immigrants is Mexico. However, the population of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico dropped by 900,000 from 2017 to 2021 , to 4.1 million.
• There were increases in unauthorized immigrants from nearly every other region of the world – Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Among U.S. states, only Florida and Washington saw increases to their unauthorized immigrant populations , while California and Nevada saw decreases. In all other states, unauthorized immigrant populations were unchanged.
• 4.6% of U.S. workers in 2021 were unauthorized immigrants , virtually identical to the share in 2017.

Trends in the U.S. immigrant population

The U.S. foreign-born population was 14.1% of the nation’s population in 2021. That was very slightly higher than in the last five years but below the record high of 14.8% in 1890.

As of 2021, the nation’s 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants represented about 3% of the total U.S. population and 22% of the foreign-born population. These shares were among the lowest since the 1990s.

Between 2007 and 2021, the unauthorized immigrant population decreased by 1.75 million, or 14%.

Meanwhile, the lawful immigrant population grew by more than 8 million, a 29% increase, and the number of naturalized U.S. citizens grew by 49%. In 2021, naturalized citizens accounted for about half (49%) of all immigrants in the country.

Where unauthorized immigrants come from

Unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. come from many parts of the world, with Mexico being the most common origin country.

The origin countries for unauthorized immigrants have changed since the population peaked in 2007, before the Great Recession slowed immigration. Here are some highlights of those changes:

The number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico living in the U.S. (4.1 million in 2021) was the lowest since the 1990s. Mexico accounted for 39% of the nation’s unauthorized immigrants in 2021, by far the smallest share on record .

The decrease in unauthorized immigrants from Mexico reflects several factors:

• A broader decline in migration from Mexico to the U.S.
• Mexican immigrants to the U.S. continuing to return to Mexico
• Expanded opportunities for lawful immigration from Mexico and other countries, especially for temporary agricultural workers.

The rest of the world

The total number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. from countries other than Mexico has grown rapidly. In 2021, this population was 6.4 million, up by 900,000 from 2017.

Almost every region in the world had a notable increase in the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. from 2007 to 2021. The largest increases were from Central America (240,000) and South and East Asia (180,000).

After Mexico, the countries of origin with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in the U.S. in 2021 were:

• El Salvador (800,000)
• India (725,000)
• Guatemala (700,000)
• Honduras (525,000)

India, Guatemala and Honduras all saw increases from 2017.

The Northern Triangle

Three Central American countries – El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala – together represented 2.0 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2021, or almost 20% of the total. The unauthorized immigrant population from the Northern Triangle grew by about 250,000 from 2017 and about 700,000 from 2007.

Other origin countries

Venezuela was the country of birth for 190,000 U.S. unauthorized immigrants in 2021. This population saw particularly fast growth, from 130,000 in 2017 and 55,000 in 2007.

Among countries with the largest numbers of U.S. unauthorized immigrants, India, Brazil, Canada and former Soviet Union countries all experienced growth from 2017 to 2021.

Some origin countries with significant unauthorized immigrant populations showed no change, notably China (375,000) and the Dominican Republic (230,000).

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrant population by region and selected country of birth (and margins of error), 1990-2021 (Excel)

U.S. states of residence of unauthorized immigrants

The unauthorized immigrant population in most U.S. states stayed steady from 2017 to 2021. However, four states saw significant changes:

• Florida (+80,000)
• Washington (+60,000)
• California (-150,000)
• Nevada (-25,000)

States with the most unauthorized immigrants

The six states with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in 2021 were:

• California (1.9 million)
• Texas (1.6 million)
• Florida (900,000)
• New York (600,000)
• New Jersey (450,000)
• Illinois (400,000)

These states have consistently had the most unauthorized immigrants since 1990 and earlier .

At the same time, the unauthorized immigrant population has become less geographically concentrated. In 2021, these six states were home to 56% of the nation’s unauthorized immigrants, down from 80% in 1990.

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrant population for states (and margins of error), 1990-2021 (Excel)

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrants and characteristics for states, 2021 (Excel)

Unauthorized immigrants in the labor force

The share of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. workforce was slightly less than 5% in 2021, compared with 3% of the total U.S. population.

Demographics help explain the difference: The unauthorized immigrant population includes relatively few children or elderly adults, groups that tend not to be in the labor force.

Overall, about 7.8 million unauthorized immigrants were in the U.S. labor force in 2021. That was up slightly from 2019 but smaller than every year from 2007 through 2015.

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrants in the labor force for states, 2021 (Excel)

Here are some additional findings about unauthorized immigrants as a share of the workforce nationwide and in certain states:

• Since 2003, unauthorized immigrants have made up 4.4% to 5.4% of all U.S. workers, a relatively narrow range.
• Fewer than 1% of workers in Maine, Montana, Vermont and West Virginia in 2021 were unauthorized immigrants.
• Nevada (9%) and Texas (8%) had the highest shares of unauthorized immigrants in the workforce.
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Don’t get a room with an eww.

NYC board-certified dermatologist Charles Puza , who studied at Harvard and Duke universities, is sharing four tips for staying in hotel rooms — check for bedbugs, avoid touching TV remotes and uncovered glassware, ignore the free toiletries, and say hi to your neighbors.

“No. 1, make sure your hotel is not on the Bed Bug Registry and always check the corners and under the bed for any signs,” Puza said in his TikTok , which has scared up 29,600 views since it was posted this month.

The Bed Bug Registry has collected about 20,000 reports of bedbugs at a total of 12,000 locations since it was created in 2006 — although it appears to be inactive, with broken links. Bed Bug Reports has more recent information.

Chicago,  New York , and Philadelphia recently topped Orkin’s Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List , a January 2024 ranking of the metros with the most bedbugs.

@drcharlesmd1 4 hotel rules everyone should know! #travel #hotel #vacation #tokyo #sakura ♬ Joy – Instrumental – ICOY Beats

Orkin recommends checking mattresses, box springs, headboards, footboards, bed frames, and furniture within 5 to 8 feet of the bed for “clusters of dark brown or black spots of dried excrement” left by live bedbugs.

Once you’ve settled into your hotel room, Puza advises steering clear of the hotel-provided TV remotes and uncovered glassware.

“And here’s why — that same rag that cleans the sink and the toilet is usually the rag that wipes down those surfaces,” he explained about hotel cleaning services.

A 2012 study by the University of Houston found that TV remotes are among the most bacteria-laden items in a hotel room, along with bedside lamp switches.

Researchers also reported a startling amount of bacteria on housekeeping supplies such as sponges and mops, which could lead to cross-contamination between rooms.

So, stay away from the remote — and the complimentary bath collection, Puza counsels.

“No. 3 is tempting, but don’t use these hotel products — they’re usually extremely drying and loaded with fragrance,” Puza said as he waved toward the shampoo, conditioner, and body soap lining the hotel sink.

And “No. 4 is optional, but you can always say hi to your neighbors. And that’s how you have the best vacation,” Puza concluded.

Hotel Indigo research from November determined that people interact with their neighbors less than ever before because they’re too shy, don’t want to be an inconvenience, or don’t have a relationship with their neighbor — even though it’s been shown that even the smallest human interaction can make for happier communities.

In the comments section of Puza’s 30-second video, his followers offered their own hotel tips.

“After 35 yrs with the largest airline in the world, never leave your toothbrush in the bathroom. Keep it in a case in a drawer or your suitcase,” one TikToker suggested.

“I started a job at a hotel supervisor and the shampoo and conditioners were expired but they still were refilling them. I mentioned it but no one listened,” another claimed.

“If you need to use the remote, cover it with the shower cap. Works like a charm!” a third exclaimed.

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