7 Questions to Ask Before Volunteering Abroad

Voluntourism has had its whiplash of eyerolls lately, and none of us wants to fall prey to a greenwashing trap on a humanitarian level. That’s why it’s important to be critical when choosing a volunteer abroad program; if our hearts are in a good place, our program fees and energy should be as well.

Volunteering abroad is a big decision, so careful research is a must.

With the rise of free time and travel opportunities, the number of volunteer opportunities have increased dramatically in recent years. Unfortunately, quality is not consistent and it’s not always easy to differentiate between organizations that save lives and those that offer a cheap bed in exchange for unnecessary work.

Honesty is key in determining how to volunteer abroad ethically and it’s a great idea to have a thorough list of questions to ask a volunteer organization before signing up.

Is volunteering abroad good?

It depends.

There are many factors going into volunteer programs abroad and the concept of impact travel. Of course, the basis of the task is great: A humanitarian desire to improve something. However, what is on paper does not always translate into reality and it is our job to make sure that the volunteer mission is noble, sustainable, and a good investment (both financially and time-wise, both for ourselves and others).

The most important aspect of this decision is clarity: What am I trying to accomplish and what is the mission of the organization? And do those two answers overlap? Ethical organizations should prioritize helping others help themselves, rather than just helping others. Learning experiences should be for both volunteers and local communities, and a list of internationally-recognized awards is worth more than a 5-star Google review.

Once you know the main ethical issues in volunteering, it’s easier to steer clear of them and rest easy that our experience is in the highest good of all parties involved. Here are some questions to ask before volunteering abroad, both in regards to fair practices and being a good fit.

7 important questions to ask a volunteer organization

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1. What is the main goal of my time volunteering abroad?

Is it to fill in a required section of a college application, follow through on a lifetime desire to increase literacy, desire for new experiences, or a need to get away from current relationship problems back home?

Volunteering abroad is not a stroll in the park, so be honest with yourself about how much time and energy you are willing to give. If you just need to check off some extracurricular boxes, don’t exaggerate with budgets and time frames (and keep in mind that online volunteering is a thing as well!). Also, be realistic about what skills you can offer—because as noble as it is to want to volunteer abroad, you need to actually be able to bring something to the table.

2. What is the mission of the volunteer organization?

The goal of the company should be easy to find on their website: bring clean water to a community in southwest Ghana, teach English to children in Peru, build a school in Guatemala, count turtle eggs on an Ecuadorian beach.

However, dive deeper: Why is it their mission? Who are the founders and what is their story? The most impactful volunteer programs have a strong motivation to bring about positive change and this usually starts with passionate individuals.

Furthermore, the impact should be sustainable long-term; usually, imparting opportunities and education is a good thing to check for. If the organization creates dependency instead of empowering the local community to stand and evolve solo, it might be more of a business venture.

3. How willing am I to leave my comfort zone?

Volunteering abroad is meaningful, but culture shock can take its toll.

Volunteer organizations often operate in developing countries, so are you willing to skip a few hot showers? Adhere to local cultures and gender roles? Communicate in a foreign language? Get up at dawn, live in a rural setting, follow a new routine, detox from WiFi?

Volunteering takes its toll if taken seriously, and it’s normal to crave for comfort items after a full day of nailing together wooden boards. However, Hot Pockets and the latest season of Emily in Paris might not be there to keep you company. Make a list of things you are not willing to compromise on or you’ll not be a happy camper.

4. What are the logistics of the volunteer program?

Do you have the money and time to commit to the program? It’s a very basic question and there is always some form of financial aid available, but be realistic with your bank account and calendar. If you only have two weeks during the summer to offer, that’ll narrow your options down a bit.

In addition, check how program fees are allocated. It is normal (and necessary!) for a portion of the fees to go to supporting the company and your stay, but most of the money should be a direct investment to the community.

5. Where is the organization based?

While there are many successful global volunteering companies, it is important to have a solid local base. Not only do smaller organizations have a more efficient contact with the local communities and direct interaction with your money, but the work is usually more urgent.

The more local staff there is (coordinators, business partnerships, team leaders), the more knowledge of the immediate surroundings/requirements there is…which means the solutions are in the best interest of everyone, not just a big boss sitting behind a desk in London. Also, a sustainable volunteer organization should create jobs for locals!

6. What are the prerequisites?

What kind of hard skills do you need to bring to the table?

A successful volunteer organization should be a healthy balance of give-and-take. If there are no education or experience requirements, what is the chance that a volunteer’s skillset actually contributes to the local community?

Of course, you will learn much on location, but if you have never held a hammer, are you really the best person to “help locals build a bridge?” If you just want to try a new type of work or learn a specific skillset, there are many international opportunities to do so without taking the job from someone who has the right tools already.

In addition, remember to check all vaccine, visa, paperwork, and other travel requirements for volunteering abroad!

7. How is a typical day organized?

A detailed overview of the work day is crucial for organizing your responsibilities and expectations of the experience. This outline will also allow you to be realistic about how much you will contribute to the project, and if you’re a good match for the operation.

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What if I don’t like the answers to these questions?

If you’re on the fence about your ambitions and the purpose of an organization, draw it out. Create a pro/con list, write down a list of priorities, do some more research, and compile a list of questions to ask a volunteer coordinator.

Ask if there is a way to get in touch with previous volunteers or read reviews. Be sure to check out the sponsors, beneficiaries, and staff lists of the program. Just like there are many unfortunate examples of greenwashing during the environmental crisis, there are unethical business motivations behind programs. The more research we do, the more we can separate true humanitarians from corporate beasts.

Ask for long-term statistics to see how much impact the organization has locally and pose direct questions. Price is not necessarily associated with quality, so while it’s probably a best bet to steer away from the cheapest options, a breakdown of fee allocation is smart.

Demand specific project descriptions. Consider short-term and long-term placements and their implications. (Does a constant flow of two-week volunteers in orphanages or schools really provide the skilled, long-term help that young children require?) Remember to keep the interests of the community above your own.

If something seems off or you do not feel comfortable in being the right fit, move on.

Your volunteer experience should put the community first

Ethical, sustainable volunteering can change the world!

Volunteers should accept any task with the mindset that this is a learning experience. Foreign places, cultures, and people have a whole different set of needs, histories, ideas, beliefs, and traditions than those of your upbringing.

As volunteers, it is our job to respect that. Even if we come with innovative ideas and modern technology, our perception is not necessarily “correct” for local communities and we are not on a mission to “save” anyone. It is only with open minds and hands that we can communicate in a healthy way in order to find the best solution for all parties involved.

Remember, you are the guest. The agenda of the local community operates on a bigger scale than your individual existence—and that is beautiful! We should feel honored that our contribution is part of a larger scheme and timeframe; it is a humbling realization that facilitates a healthy flow of ideas.

Taking time to help out abroad is a noble endeavor as long as ethical issues in volunteering can be avoided. When we team up with a program that benefits both our own growth and that of the local community, this travel experience proves that together, we can make the world (and us!) a better place.

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