Many travelers don’t just want to tick off Instagrammable sights or exhilarating activities.
For thousands of Filipinos, traveling is an avenue to make a difference. One way you can do this is through voluntourism.
If you are eager to explore the world with a purpose, voluntourism is the perfect way to do it.
Not only will you have the opportunity to travel to new and exciting places, but you will also be able to make a positive impact on the local community.
What is Volunteer Tourism?
As its name suggests, volunteer tourism is a combination of volunteering and tourism. It involves traveling to a new destination to give back to the local community.
This type of travel allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture while also contributing to a meaningful cause.
With a strong sense of community and a desire to help others, Filipinos are well-suited to volunteer tourism
Voluntourism can take many forms. You may choose to work full-time or do it on a flexible basis.
These projects are usually short-term, ranging from a few weeks to months, allowing you to make a difference without committing to a long-term stay.
Common Types of Volunteer Tourism Projects
Here are some common types of voluntourism projects that you can participate in.
1. Community Development
These projects focus on improving the living conditions of a local community through building homes, schools, and other infrastructure.
As a voluntourist, you may be involved in construction work, painting, or landscaping.
2. Education and Teaching
Many voluntourism projects involve teaching English in impoverished areas or teaching other skills such as computer literacy.
You may also assist in developing educational resources or providing after-school programs for locals, mostly children.
3. Environmental Conservation
Environmental conservation projects aim to preserve and protect natural resources, such as forests, oceans, and wildlife.
Most projects focus on planting trees, cleaning up beaches, or monitoring endangered species.
This type of project is incredible for Filipinos who are passionate about the environment and want to make a positive impact on the planet.
4. Medical and Healthcare
If you have a background in healthcare, volunteering in medical and healthcare projects can be a great way to give back to the community.
These projects often involve working in hospitals or local clinics, providing medical care and assistance to those who are in need.
It can also involve helping with public health campaigns and initiatives, such as vaccination drives or health education seminars.
How to Prepare for Volunteer Tourism
Preparing for voluntourism ensures that you have a successful and meaningful experience. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Choosing the right volunteer program
With a myriad of voluntourism programs available, it’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your skills, interests, and values.
Research the different organizations and projects available, and make sure to read reviews and testimonials from previous volunteers. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you make an informed decision.
Factors to consider
It’s not just enough to choose a project with tons of good reviews on the internet. You also need to consider other factors that will affect your volunteer experience.
Cause
Choose a cause that you are passionate about. Ideally, this should resonate with your values. By doing this, your volunteer work will be more fulfilling and meaningful.
Location
Think about your travel preferences and what kind of environment you would like to be in.
Do you prefer to be in a rural or urban area? Are you comfortable with living in a remote location?
Consider the location’s culture and language as well, as this can affect your ability to communicate and connect with the local community.
Duration
How much time you can commit to volunteering? Some programs may require a longer stay, while others may offer shorter-term options.
Think about your schedule and how much time you can realistically dedicate to volunteering.
Skill required
Volunteering means you’ll be putting in work, so it’s necessary to consider what skills you can bring to the table.
Look for projects that match your skills and expertise, and don’t be afraid to ask the organization what kind of skills they are looking for in their volunteers.
Necessary preparations
Another important aspect of preparing for voluntourism is ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation needed to stay at your location of choice.
Given the limitations that come with having a Philippine passport, plan and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and requirements to travel to your chosen destination.
This may involve applying for a visa, providing proof of your volunteer work and intentions, and obtaining any necessary vaccinations or medical clearance.
If you don’t want to deal with visas, prioritize voluntourism opportunities in countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for Philippine passport holders.
Learning about the destination’s culture and language
The allure of voluntourism lies in the opportunity to immerse oneself in a different culture.
To fully appreciate and understand the local community, take time to learn about their customs, traditions, and language.
Research the country’s history, religion, and social norms. It’s also recommended to equip yourself with some basic phrases in the local language and practice cultural sensitivity.
This will help you connect with the community and build meaningful relationships with the people you are helping.
Where to Find Voluntourism Opportunities
Now that you’re prepared to embark on a voluntourism adventure, the next step is to find the right organization and project.
Kaya Volunteer
Kaya Responsible Travel offers over 150 projects in Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America. They team up with local initiatives for community development and conservation, welcoming volunteers of all ages.
Whether you’re an individual, part of a group, or a family, they have placements for everyone, including options that align with your interests or studies.
Volunteering costs (admin and application fees) depend on your destination country, length of the project, and type of project.
GoOverseas
Go Overseas is a vibrant platform with a community of over 100,000 members, offering access to a staggering array of 17,500+ programs and counting.
Its primary mission is to educate, inspire, and empower individuals within their community to embark on transformative journeys that broaden perspectives.
Its offers span diverse categories like Volunteer, Study, Teach, Internships, Gap Year, Language, High School, TEFL Courses, and Tours and trips.
Whether your dreams involve working in Australia, studying in England, volunteering in Peru, teaching in Asia, exploring Tuscany, or a blend of these experiences, Go Overseas offers a comprehensive platform to explore and discover life-changing opportunities.
GooVerseas program fees are based on two-week stays. Some programs may have shorter or longer options for flexibility.
WorldPackers
Worldpackers is all about making volunteer travel for everyone accessible, no matter who you are or where you’re from.
Through this platform, you can join various projects, NGOs, hostels, and communities worldwide. In return for your help, hosts offer a place to stay, meals, and other perks.
With hosts in over 140 countries, there’s a lot to explore on World Packers. Just find a volunteer role you like, check their requirements, and reach out to the host with a genuine message to learn more.
Membership starts at $49.00, valid for 1 year, plus three extra months (promo). This is more cost-effective compared to other options on this list.
Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad arrange volunteer projects and internships in developing areas that make a real difference.
This platform takes pride in prioritizing safety and support for volunteers to help create positive change while working directly with local communities.
Their programs offer a hassle-free experience and require a $295 deposit upon booking, with the rest of the payment due three months before the start date.
Volunteer World
Volunteer World merges your love for travel with giving back to the places you visit through volunteering. It’s tailored for short-term volunteer holidays.
Prices vary based on the volunteer location and are typically charged per week, allowing you to choose opportunities that align with your budget and schedule.
Budgeting and Financing Your Trip
Take a look at these tips to help you budget and finance your voluntourism trip.
Estimating costs
Keep in mind that traveling, even when you’re volunteering, can get expensive. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of flights, accommodation, food, visa application, and program fees, as well as any additional expenses for activities or excursions.
Don’t forget to research the average cost of living in your destination country and create a budget to help you stay on track.
Tips for saving and budgeting
It’s important to save money before your voluntourism trip to help cover the expenses that come with it.
Consider picking up a side job to boost your savings. You can also try cutting back on unnecessary expenses like dining out or shopping for clothes.
Setting a budget for each week and stick to it to avoid overspending also helps. If you want to take the extra mile, consider using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to help you keep track of your finances.
Potential volunteers like you can also take out a personal loan to finance voluntourism trips. This way, you can spread the costs out over a longer period and make smaller, more manageable payments. The Tonik Quick Loan is a great option for those who need an easy way to finance their trip. With this loan, you can get up to Php250,000. Loan tenure is from 6 to 18 months.
Voluntourism Requirements & Safety Considerations
When joining any voluntourism opportunities, assess the requirements and safety measures to ensure a more meaningful and secure experience.
First, research and understand the cultural norms for your destination. Additionally, verify the credibility of the voluntourism platform you’re using, as well as the host.
Thankfully, most platforms offer reviews for this. You may even message previous volunteers and ask them about their experience. After all, the last thing you want is to encounter issues while you’re in a foreign country.
Also Read: International Travel Checklist for Filipinino Travelers
It’s also your job to stay informed about the local customs, laws, and potential risks in the area where you’ll be volunteering.
Prioritize your safety by staying connected, following guidelines from program coordinators, and being aware of emergency protocols should anything unexpected happen.
As much as possible, carry necessary documents at all times and communicate openly with your host and fellow volunteers.
Understanding legal requirements
You can’t just show up in a foreign country and start volunteering without the proper legal documentation. Depending on the country and length of stay, you may need a tourist visa, work permit, or specific volunteer visa.
Do your research beforehand to avoid any legal issues or complications. If you encounter any issues at immigration, you may be denied entry or even face deportation.
Some countries may require a tourist visa, which allows you to stay for a limited time, while others may require a work permit if you plan to volunteer for an extended period.
Health and safety tips while volunteering abroad
While you’re visiting a foreign country to help, it’s still vital to prioritize your well-being. Before traveling, make sure you’re up to date on all necessary vaccinations and medications.
It’s also a good idea to research potential health risks in your destination country and take necessary precautions, such as using mosquito nets.
Finally, follow all safety guidelines and protocols set forth by your host organization. Don’t take unnecessary risks or put yourself in potentially dangerous situations.
Insurance and emergency protocols
You never know when an emergency may arise, have proper insurance and emergency protocols in place before embarking on your voluntourism trip.
Purchase a travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, lost or stolen items, medical emergencies, and evacuation. This will ensure that you receive proper medical care in case of illness or injury and can be transported home if needed.
Author Bio:
MJ de Castro is the lead personal finance columnist at Grit PH. MJ started her career as a writer for her local government’s City Information Office. Later on, she became a news anchor on PTV Davao del Norte. Now, she juggles writing professionally, her business centering on women’s menstrual health, and surfing.
