Voluntourism… Why you should consider it

Working for free while on holiday? Not exactly everyone’s idea of a good time. But there are some surprising compelling reasons to consider this as part of your next trip: giving back, making friends and experiencing life as the locals do are just the tip of the iceberg.

I completed my third volunteering experience just last week, so I feel compelled to share some of this experience here. Each of the volunteering experiences I’ve had have been completely different. They were all wonderful in their own ways and also challenging for different reasons. The one thing they have in common is the sense of joy being a part of something bigger than myself.

Why volunteer?

From the day I began this adventure, I knew I wanted to find ways to give back as I travelled. I know not everyone is able to just quit their jobs and jump on a plane, and every day I feel grateful that I’m able to do this. On some level, I also feel like this is a totally self indulgent thing to do. For me, this was actually an essential step, to let go of the things that were holding me back and to find the path that will take me forwards. But I also wanted to broaden my scope beyond sight-seeing and soul searching. I wanted to at least try to make the world just a slightly better place as I go.

Perhaps this is an idealistic vision, and I certainly don’t want to romanticise the volunteer work that I’ve done. Honestly, sometimes it was hard!! But I truly do believe it is our duty to at least attempt to leave the world a better place than we found it. Sometimes, this might be just by showing someone a kindness. It could be a small gesture that costs you nothing but makes them realise that they are not alone. And other times, it is a genuine effort, and a decision to spend some time to be a part of something bigger that has the power to really make a difference in the world.

OK, so I know that this all sounds a little corny, and perhaps my idealistic inner yogi is busting out right now, but why not? This is not something that is out of reach for anyone. Not just something for those travelling for years at a time, or for idealistic yogis like me.

So how do you go about it?

Well, I’ve done this in two different ways:
*Option 1 – pay an agent
*Option 2 – work exchange

Option 1 – Pay an agent

Before I left home, I reached out to the Global Work & Travel Co. There are an agent for people looking to volunteer or work abroad. They have an application process, and a pretty long phone interview, but once they’ve deemed that you are who you say you are and not a crazy person or criminal, then the process is simple. Essentially, they vet volunteer projects from around the world, making sure that they are safe and legitimately doing what they say they are. They help you sift through these to find the right project for you and then they can help you to arrange the logistics if you like.

The catch is – you have to pay. So, you are paying to do work and not earn anything. Maybe this seems like a strange concept, but the potential to be involved in genuinely amazing projects in incredible places is real.

With Global Work & Travel Co, I arranged to be involved in two projects in Africa (more on this soon). I set it up before I left, but the dates were flexible so I could change things if I needed. As I set off with my one-way ticket, it was great knowing I had these ahead of me.

Africa has always been on my list, but my ex never wanted to go and honestly I was also a little scared. Africa is a huge and varied place, not unaccustomed to war and famine, so it’s true you need to be careful where you go, especially as a solo female traveller. I wasn’t sure how much I was comfortable to do on my own. But I also didn’t like the idea of doing a luxury safari getting a sanitised view of life there. So, for me these projects were a safe way to experience the real Africa and give a little back at the same time.

Option 2 – Work exchange

Before I left Australia I had never heard of a work exchange. However, as I travelled and met people doing the same for huge lengths of time, I became curious as to how this “lifestyle” could be possible without millions in the bank. Introducing: WorkAway. This is a website that both hosts and travellers can sign up to. Once a member, you can reach out and arrange a work exchange.

There are all kinds of projects here – NGOs, charities, small startups, people looking for language improvement or cultural exchange and families that need a hand. Brilliant because you aren’t earning money or breaching any working visa laws, but in most cases you get accommodation and some food in exchange for work. Usually, 25 hrs work per week (5hrs x 5 days per week). This makes work exchange is not only a great way to stretch the budget a little further, but it also allows you to experience local life while also giving you the opportunity to be involved in something bigger.

Regardless of the option you choose, you can be sure this experience will change you. The time you spend dedicating yourself to something else and the process of letting down your walls and opening yourself up to a different way of life and to not only understanding but doing something about the problems facing other people, is a truly incredible experience.

Want to know more?

More about my various volunteering experiences coming soon below:

*Working with Elephant conservation group EHRA in Namibia

*Teaching in a school for disadvantaged children in Tanzania

*Teaching yoga and working on a farm in Colombia

If you’re interested, want to know more or have any questions, please reach out to me! This is something I feel really passionate about and would be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you work out what might be right for you.

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Email me: livelovetravelalways@gmail.com or here
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