Choosing the right placement and organisation is the most important thing
We find ourselves in a situation where there is an almost endless list of options open to those interested in volunteering overseas during a gap year or time off. The question is now:
How to choose?
very first thing volunteer should note when looking for a voluntary placement is why they want to go. Essentially it comes down to three factors:
1. A real desire to contribute time and skills to a community or project
2. An understanding that they will also benefit through cultural immersion, developing confidence and development of transferable skills
3. A desire to experience something new, to travel and to have an adventure.
It is important to note that all volunteers share these common traits. It is the understanding of how to achieve them that is confusing; how to prioritise these aspects and how to stay true to them.
So how do you do stay true to real volunteering?
Long term volunteering
First and foremost; long term volunteering. Many of those that volunteer abroad do so on a gap year, it is completely understandable that they would wish to get as much out of their experience as possible. But this does not mean you have to cram as much in at the detriment of volunteering. The reason you are there in the first place. On the face of it, booking up more activities before you go seems like you are getting as much out of the experience as possible, but in this instance less is more. If you do not get to know the people you are working with, if you do not become a part of society and a productive member of the community have you really fulfilled the desire to help others and to benefit your own learn? no, not really.
Short term volunteering (i.e. less than 2 months) can be relatively worthless and disappointing , for such a short period ‘volunteers’ may not be useful and therefore not asked to do anything. This is exceptionally frustrating for volunteers who believe they have come to help.
Short term volunteering can be detrimental to the host community, for example there is one (and there is probably more that offer similar placements) large organisation offers a 1 week volunteering placement in an orphanage in Vietnam. It is common knowledge that stability is important for vulnerable people such as children. Rotating volunteers on a weekly basis is NOT stability for these children. It is something we would expect in this country, why should it be promoted in other countries? Some young people looking to volunteer may not think of this, but organisations have a responsibility to ensure that their host communities are receiving benefit and are not being affected adversely.
In regards to the above example, you would also have to ask how much would a volunteer really learn about a culture, about the people they are working with in 1 week?
” Short-term volunteer tourists are encouraged to ‘make intimate connections’ with previously neglected, abused, and abandoned young children. However, shortly after these ‘connections’ have been made, tourists leave - many undoubtedly feeling that they have made a positive contribution to the plight of very vulnerable children. And, in turn, feeling very special as a result of receiving a needy child’s affection. Unfortunately, many of the children they leave behind have experienced another abandonment to the detriment of their short- and long-term emotional and social development. “
Human Sciences Research council
But if I go for a long time will I also be able to travel?
This is an aspect that many worry about, understandably many do not wish to stay in one place for their whole time away. But it is important to get the most out of volunteering first. That is why you are there. Many long term volunteering placements (i.e. 6 months) still leave plenty of time within a year out to travel. Furthermore the travelling is usually a far better experience. Having gained an understanding of the culture and people volunteers can meet people easier, understand people better and travel more like a local. Confidence and language skills will also (in general) be improved immensely and further contribute to a better travelling experience.
Be responsible
It is up to the volunteer as well as the organisation to be responsible. You are going to be a part of a community. Go somewhere where you think you can contribute your skills best. Be open to ideas of what your best skills may be. Some organisations help match you to placements, look out for these
Understand that some placements are a set length as that is what is best for the community that you are going to help. For example if you are going to teach, it is unfair to leave part way through a term as this may leave the school and a class without a teacher. It may not be ‘perfect’ for you and your timing, but when you volunteer you are not the only one with an interest in what is best. If you see teaching placements that are shorter than an average term, ask yourself some questions and enquire as to why this might be the case.
Go with a charity
This is a simple yet often overlooked aspect. A company’s first priority is profit. Companies exist to make a profit. If they could not make a profit out of young people’s desire to make a difference then they would not operate in the industry. Charities have a mission that is based around supporting a worthy cause. This, not profit is their first priority.
So why do charities also charge?
Simply put, in this sector placements cost money. To ensure volunteer’s have all the support they need throughout their time away there are costs involved. The fees charged by charities go entirely on running the placements, not into profits of company shareholders. In general, the fees charities charge will be far better value for money. Charities will also subsidise their costs by fundraising and with the help of trusts and foundations, this should reduce the fee costs further.
