Helpful Tips for Volunteer Vacationers

Resolve to Help, Rather than Harm, while Abroad

The number of students combining volunteerism with study abroad has grown rapidly in recent years and the range of service-learning opportunities has expanded. But not all these "volunteer vacations" are helpful.

"Students are idealistic and generous people. However, in their zeal to help, some may join hastily contrived volunteer projects and unintentionally reinforce the "Ugly American" stereotype abroad," states Global Volunteers co-founder, Michele Gran.

Prospective international volunteers should carefully choose programs structured for the ultimate benefit of the host community, and avoid any projects that look exploitive. Here are some helpful insights:

1. Put your personal agenda aside.

2. Trust local leaders. Help the community through the projects they request, not in the manner you believe is helpful. Don't let your own ideas get in the way of truly serving.

3.  Resist the urge to give money or personal gifts directly to local people, as this can generate inequities between community members and make recipients targets of jealousies, and worse. Ethical organizations channel volunteers' contributions through community leaders and local institutions.

4.  Remember you're a guest in the local community, even as a volunteer. Observe local customs, adhere to local laws, and respect traditions. Err on the side of caution.

5.  Choose volunteer programs that are firmly rooted in the long-term development of the host community and commit sufficient time to truly contribute to development work. Avoid service "add-ons" that are designed to generate revenue for the sending organization and offer minor, if any, assistance to local people.

It’s also important to know that service programs that don't commit a full day to volunteering don't conform to IRS requirements and may have very marginal benefit to the community. Genuine international service with a credible non-profit organization engages volunteers in full-time work projects, five days per week and is tax-deductible for U.S. tax-payers.

Prospective volunteers should select options which channel their efforts through work projects over well-constructed weeks, not just a few hours. If uninformed, volunteers can find themselves part of something far different from what they intended.

More information is to be found at http://www.globalvolunteers.org or by calling 800-487-1074.

Edited by Ellen Schofield.