Comments on: Can You Volunteer Abroad Cheap or Free? The Real Cost of Volunteering Overseas

By: Sakshi Jaiswal

Sakshi Jaiswal — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:09:36 +0000

Volunteering seems fun and more connecting from your article and i will try it once in my life while travelling to a new country..well written! thanks for sharing

By: Mirna | Breathe Travel

Mirna | Breathe Travel — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 05:56:38 +0000

I totally understand having to pay an organisation to volunteer for them. So many people think that somehow their time/labour is enough and they should get everything else for free, but of course it costs to run an organisation and to bring more people in. Unless you are very skilled in what you’re offering, you’re probably not providing as much value as you think (that’s a hard pill for some to swallow).

It becomes a problem when it turns into ‘voluntourism’ where people think they’re doing so much good and will leave a lasting impression on local communities and their time is so invaluable to them. When in fact, it possible that they’re only volunteering to make themselves feel good. And it’s unlikely that the community will be better off (directly from their volunteered labour) in 5 years’ time.

That’s not to say I disagree with volunteering, I do think we can set up healthy and mutually respectful work exchanges and I have done this around the world. I also think it’s fair to pay if it’s an organisation you’re passionate about. But we just have to be mindful not to get all white saviour on the topic and do our research to choose ethical places (for example: no orphanages).

Thanks for the post!

By: Miroslav Glavić

Miroslav Glavić — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 23:14:51 +0000

This is one of the reasons I won’t volunteer abroad…why are organizations charging ME fees when I am helping their organization? The reason they have volunteers is most likely that they can’t afford to HIRE people locally. I understand that I will pay for the flight, accommodation and meals. But those organizations that want volunteers should not be charging a “volunteer fee”. I’d understand if they provide me with a badge/t-shirt. You know how you get an employee badge when you work in an office?.

By: Anya

Anya — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:41:08 +0000

I was never understanding the concept of paying to volunteer. I am offering my time and effort, and basically, free labor, how so that I have to pay for it? Covering expenses for food and accommodation somehow still resonates with me, but paying a “fee” to a company doesn’t make sense. Some people make a business out of a simple desire to help others and that’s not commendable. There are many organizations that connect volunteers with real projects for free, no need to pay.