Responsible Travel Report Blog

Also ask yourself...

Why do you really want to volunteer in the first place? Truly.

What are you looking to get out of this? Experientially? Socially? Educationally?

Are you OK leaving your comfort zone (aka hot showers, flushing toilets, Starbucks)?

How well do you cope with language barriers?

Are you able to recognize that right or wrong, countries have different gender roles than you are used to?

What are your expectations of the culture and community you are working in?

What are the expectations you have of the people you will be working with?

What are the expectations you have of yourself to contribute to the community?

Ask the voluntourism operator you are planning to travel with:

Here are a few questions to ask operators to make sure you’ve found a genuinely sustainable project that’s right for you:

What is the average age of volunteers on this project?

Can I chat with volunteers that have done this project before?

What work will I be doing mainly? For how many hours a day? For how many days a week?

Do I need to speak another language to really enjoy this project? Is there a translator nearby if I need one?

What are the accommodations like? Will I have to share? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

What kind of food can I expect to eat?

What’s included in the project fee? Meals? Lodging? Will I need to pay anything else in country?

And of course the safety questions:

What is the emergency evacuation plan should a natural disaster, riot, etc happen?

Where is the nearest hospital or clinic?

Is travel insurance included?

Is there a number that my parents/friends/loved ones can call me at to make sure I’ve arrived safely?

Is there a number I can call 24/7 to get help?

Is there someone from your company in country to help/advise me?

Do I need to get any immunizations before I go?

Are there certain clothes I shouldn’t wear because of cultural norms?