What kind of difference do you want to make…?

Volunteering is now a global industry with millions of pounds spent by travellers every year. Long gone are the days of one lone man trekking across the world to save orphaned children. Now the options are endless, varied and complex.

 

A global industry

It is important for you to recognise that volunteering has become commercial if you are to make a considered choice. In many ways this is a good thing, bringing much needed money and skills into the most impoverished or needy areas of the world. Huge teams of  grown-up gappers build villages, conserve forests, save coral reefs and work in schools. The impact you make can be substantial. But on the flipside there is a lot to consider in terms of ethical volunteering, preserving local traditions and communities and ensuring your money is being used in the right way, and where there is a need for it.

 

 Making a contribution

The WAY you choose to volunteer depends very much on the

With so many options available it can be hard to know where to start. So start with the Career Break Guru.

contribution you want to make and the time you want to spend. There are now options which start at a few days, and others which require a ten or twelve month commitment. You can work with animals, children, adults, plants, sea-life, wildlife and architecture. You can volunteer on nearly every continent in the world, and even do something in the UK. You can work in big teams, or be part of a select few. You can choose manual labour, or take your nursing, financial or legal skills to use in a very different setting. You can combine volunteering with an adventure holiday. Or you can go and work solidly for six months. The possibilities are endless.

 

Which is no doubt why you’re here – looking for some clarity.

 

It’s vital you work out what you want to get out of the volunteering experience and the kind of things you would like to do.

 

Be sure

There’s no point saving tigers in the jungle if you don’t like humidity, or are scared of animals. With so many options available it can be hard to know where to start. So start with the Career Break Guru who will take the time to find out what your passion is, where you might like to go and how best to spend that money to make a difference. It’s independent, impartial advice, centred around what’s right for you.

 

Making a difference
Ethical Volunteering
Basic Premise: Volunteering, usually abroad, in a variety of projetcs including teaching, building, health work and conservation. Volunteers are usually vetted and skilled professionals including health, legal and business are desirable.
What to expect: At least four months away, often closer to a year. You'll be staying in homestay accomodation, living with the local community and will be expected to work full-time.
Costs: As much of it is charity based you may only be expected to pay your own costs - flights, food, accomodation, and possibly a donation to the project - but this can vary.
Pros: You will really be making a difference; you'll learn an incredible amount.
Cons: It's hard work, a lot of time away and there's not much luxury.

 

Doing your bit
Voluntourism
Basic Premise: Shorthaul volunteering, across the globe; teaching and building projects are common.
What to expect: Anything from six weeks to four months; staying either in homestay or local hostels. Large groups, with a fun and sociable atmosphere.
Costs: Can be quite expensive as you're paying to ensure everything is set up and organised.
Pros: A brilliant first time volunteering experience, usually in exotic surroundings.
Cons: Some companies are entirely profit-led, which means the projects you work on may be doing more harm than good. It can also be harder to get a sense of the local community in a large group.
Typical experience: Four months somewhere like Asia or Africa, building various schools, village halls etc in a local community.

 

A unique way to see the world
Adventure and Charity Holidays
Basic Premise: A tour with a difference. Travelling through remote areas, stopping for short time to pitch in with local projects.
What to expect: Adventure feel, travelling on trucks and on foot, helping with community volunteering on a very short term basis. 
Costs: This is more of a holiday tour than volunteering, and the costs will reflect that.
Pros: Great fun, a unique way to see a country and briefly get involved with its communities.
Cons: If you want to make a real difference and volunteer, this isn't for you. Volunteering portions are often only 2-3 days out of three weeks and there is some doubt as to the lasting impact of this kind of volunteering.
Typical experience: Think overland trekking, with stop offs at local villages, and pitching in for a couple of days to build a hut, teach a class, dig a well.