They say that voluntourism is based more on feeling good, than doing good.
But with the term ‘voluntourism’ being thrown around so often these days, does it always refer to a bad thing?
Let’s take a dive into what voluntourism is, whether you should get involved with it, and how to differentiate it standard volunteer experiences.
What is Voluntourism?
Volunteering and tourism are two of the most common reasons for travellers to spend time abroad. So its not surprising that someone found a way to combine those experiences into one word- ‘voluntourism’.
Voluntourism aims to provide the excitement of travelling and learning about new cultures with a feel-good volunteer program, allowing participants to experience the best of both. For example, a voluntourism program might be advertised as helping to rescue sea turtles, but also includes a safari tour, a day of sea-kayaking and a cooking class all within the same package (the first time I ever zip-lined was on an international voluntourism project).
It sounds like a fun way to mix up the hard work of volunteering with exciting local activities. Its a win-win, right?
Well actually, there are a couple of major draw-backs with this model:
1) Voluntourism providers are usually for-profit organisations, so the programs come with a significant participation cost, and usually no guarantee of where that money is going.
2) The priority of the organisers is usually keeping the participants comfortable and happy- NOT doing the best for the animal sanctuaries that they are involved with. This means that not every animal sanctuary is run ethically, and some will even buy in animals, or encourage human contact with young animals in order to continue making an income- even if this is harmful to the animals in their care
Is Voluntourism a Bad Thing?
Voluntourism gets slated a lot in the media, but I don’t think its necessarily something to be avoided provided that:
1) Its an ethical program that supports genuine animal charities in a sustainable way.
2) The program does not treat animals like commodities. That means, all animals should be present only for rehabilitation and release. For example, there should be no handling of wild animals, no photo ops with cubs or riding of elephants.
3) Its very clear to the participants when they book that they are signing up for a voluntourism program! The company should be transparent about what your role and duties will be, and also that your impact will be primarily financial if you’ve booked a short term stay. For example, they don’t oversell it that you’ll be saviour of these orphaned animals, but instead are clear that you’ll be assisting by cleaning kennels and preparing food for those in the shelter.
So don’t feel like you can’t participate in a program that you love because you suspect it might be a voluntourism provider! Just make sure you’ve done plenty of research and know what you’re signing up for before you spend your money.
In fact, ethical voluntourism programs can be a good way to start out your volunteering journey, especially if you’re a young person without a lot of experience. Its a lot like the way that young travellers tend to join tour groups for their first international experience- then later on, they might set out on their own with a backpack once they feel more comfortable. Voluntourism programs tend to offer a lot more guidance and hand-holding than standard animal charity work, and can help you to have a positive experience while you gain confidence and skills. Just make sure you choose an ethical and supportive company to go with.
How to Spot a Voluntourism Program
The internet is a big place, and it can be seriously difficult to determine which programs advertise genuine volunteering programs versus those that could be classified as voluntourism. In fact, you often don’t really know which it is until you arrive on location (which is a big part of why I started this website- to share what its like behind the scenes at the projects I visit!)
Voluntourism can also be a spectrum- its not always black and white as to how a program is run. Just because they do some of things below, its does not necessarily mean they are unethical. However, it might be an indication that you need to do more research before you book.
Also, don’t expect any company to use the term ‘voluntourism’. These websites often work hard to look like they are animal shelters, and not to reveal their third party affiliates.
So from my experience, here are 12 ways you can determine whether an international program that you find online is more likely to be a voluntourism or genuine volunteering experience:
| Voluntourism Provider | Genuine Volunteer Program |
|---|---|
| Many different programs are offered on the website, ranging from volunteering with animals, with orphans, or teaching English. | The website usually offers just one shelter or experience. |
| The website is run by a sleek third party, who then coordinates your visit to the shelter | The website is run directly by the shelter and their supporters, who you contact directly (an exception would be websites run by veterinary charities like Vets Beyond Borders or WVS) |
| Volunteer program costs are many times more than the average daily cost of travelling in the country | Volunteer program costs are more likely to be similar to average living costs (or sometimes less), but with less included. If the costs are higher, it should be very clear that the income goes directly to the shelter. |
| The programs are all inclusive- including airport transfers, food and accommodation. | Programs are less likely to include all these things. |
| The website is really flashy with incredible photos, videos, symbols and graphics | Website is pretty simple, and often run by the volunteers themselves. |
| Programs do not require you to have any skills or qualifications to volunteer, even when they’re advertised as ‘conservation’ or ‘veterinary’ | Programs ask for you to provide proof of your relevant skills or qualifications so they can see how you can help them. |
| Programs have very short minimal durations- from as little as a day to a week | Programs ask you to stay for at least a fortnight or a month onwards. |
| Websites show images of unethical animal treatment, including volunteers in contact with wild animals, bottle feeding cubs, or riding elephants. | Websites show volunteers only interacting with animals in an appropriate manner (i.e. from a distance) and doing more realistic tasks like cleaning and preparing food. |
| Shows a wide range of exotic animals, which may not be native to the area. | Specialises in caring for only a few species, who are housed in appropriate social groups for the time until they are released. |
| Its difficult to work out the exact name and location of the shelter that you volunteer with, if they’re actually a charity, and where they get their animals. | Website is clear and transparent, displaying registered charity numbers and charity names. The name, address and contact details of the shelter are clear, and you can verify its a real place by finding other mentions of it online |
| Shelters don’t outline their specific long-term goals, apart from vague mentions of rescuing animals or stopping poaching or trafficking. | Website is specific and clear about their reasons for existence and aims for the future, and publish a plan of action of how they will achieve their goals, ideally with the help of the local community. |
| Generally quick to respond to email and enquiries, and may ask if you’d like upgrades and add-ons like airport transfers and activities. | Might be slow to respond, and generally gets straight to the point- emails are often manned by volunteers or on-site employees who are busy running the shelter, not marketing and advertising. |
Want some practice spotting voluntourism providers?
Let me give you some examples. I want you to go to these websites, then compare what they present you with against the table above. See if you can spot the difference.
For the first website I want you to go to is this one.
For the second website, I want you to put these words in google and choose one of the top responses: “Volunteer with rescue animals in Africa/South America”
You’ll see that although you’re likely looking at two nicely maintained websites, their approach to recruiting volunteers is very different!
How to Avoid Voluntourism
If you choose to be a traveller who avoids voluntourism, there are still plenty of ways you can get in touch with genuine animal charities who want your help.
For starters, check out my post on how to find ethical animal volunteer opportunities, where I detail how I find the projects that I volunteer for: How to Find Ethical Volunteer Opportunities
And of course, check out the Volunteer Projects and shelters, where I’ve been in the past and recommend!
And what if you’ve found your dream experience but you’re worried it might be operated by voluntourism providers?
Well, if the program does work with a genuine existing charity, you might be able to cut out the middle man. Try getting in touch with the charity directly. Some charities would love to take on more volunteers, but might not have a great website or marketing team- so they have to pay a third party to get their name out there. So, approach them politely, outline your skills and how you can help them. You may be able to visit them directly without all the high fees and adventure tourism thrown in.
Final Thoughts
In my book, not all voluntourism opportunities are equal, and not all are bad! Voluntourism can make volunteering accessible for the time-poor and those who need more support, and that’s a great thing! The important part is that the providers are ethical, animal-welfare focused, and honest with you about how their programs (and profits) are utilised.
Want to get some more tips about Planning a Volunteer Trip?
You might be interested to learn more about my take on volunteering in Why You Should Pay to Volunteer. Or, get some help choosing between opportunities in The key to finding the best Volunteer Program for you.
Do you have strong thoughts on this topic? Please leave your comments below, or get in touch on the contact me page!
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