Positive Aspects Of Voluntourism

• It's ridiculously Fun - exploring new places, food & cultures, trips to the beach, evening events and games.

Researchers have different definitions for tourism. According to (Jafari,J.,2000)." "tourism is traveling to natural areas untouched and uncontaminated by human factor, with the specific purpose of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery, wild animals and plants in it, as well as any cultural events (past and present) found in these areas.

Nowadays with people having busy lives, of school, job, and family, it could get complex in taking time of someones day to volunteer; however, volunteering is monumental to people and the community. Volunteer work helps connect people, it is exceptional for the mind and body, and can advance career opportunities.

There are numerous aspects of voluntourism that are positive in nature. For example, short-term volunteer trips (1-3 weeks) can be quite beneficial in the case of dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster. In the case of a serious catastrophe like that, it can take years to rebuild the community that it occurred in. With a continuous stream of fresh volunteer recruits, the momentum will remain at a constant pace. A short-term time frame for this type of scenario will result in more efficient progress being made. On another topic, volunteers have been proven, through extensive research on the subject, to be able to provide locals with some things that very few other aid workers can. The volunteers can be an effective link between the locals of the community and the humanitarian organizations. As an example, they can help locals fill out the forms required to apply for funding for certain projects. Volunteers can also help the locals understand ways in which they can effectively communicate with their government, and potentially receive more aid from them. Voluntourism agencies often emphasize the emotional connections that tourists can make with the locals, but rarely speak about this kind of connection that I have just mentioned. In other words, tourists can be a great resource for the locals, and that is a very positive aspect of the voluntourism industry. Another positive aspect is that the experiences that a voluntourist goes through while taking part in a

Restoring archeological sites in Machu Picchu. Maintaining trails in Patagonia. Organic gardening in Taiwan. Although it may not seem like it, these three destinations have something in common: They’re all sites that cater to volunteer tourists. Volunteer tourism counts as one of the most unique branches of tourism that exists. It combines adventure travel with altruism. It’s an excellent way to acquire new skills, to exercise existing ones, and to leave your mark on the world.

The benefits of voluntourism are most seen by the volunteers themselves. They include; travel opportunities, providing invaluable education, field experience, acquiring vital skills, and network ties (Smith 2015). Some of these volunteer experiences may lead to future involvement in the field of social movements on a global scale (McLennan 2014). Likewise, the marketable skills that voluntourists develop such as self-sufficiency and cultivating emotional skills are pivotal for the neoliberal markets (Germann 2017). The institutions through which voluntourist volunteer at, whether it be a hospital or orphanage, became a place where local and international populations connect, which allows one to make a global network of connections (Smith

Volunteering is a core component of Encore's global Corporate Social Responsibility program. Throughout the year,

Breaking into the job market with little or no workplace experience is one of the challenges of seeking employment, that even the most highly educated person can face. Volunteering is one way to gain work experience that afford a range of opportunities to develop skills while working as part of a team. Work experience activities enhance job seekers' chances of finding employment, provide work-like experiences and address barriers to employment (Department of Employment,

Through my volunteer abroad experiences in Peru and Costa Rica, I developed cultural sensitivity and awareness, and I fostered my passion for volunteerism. Recognizing that I am privileged to live in a society with proper water, heat, and healthcare system, I realize my responsibility as a global citizen that I need to give back my skills, knowledge, and compassion to underprivileged communities around the world.

This article focuses on evaluating the cost perspective benefits of volunteerism for both the organization and the volunteer. A case study of an organization is used to analyze the costs and benefits to both parties.

Graff [2001] predicts that episodic volunteering will become more and more common in the future. Her study

Voluntourism is defined as “a form of tourism in which travelers participate in voluntary work, typically for a charity”. This type of tourism is extremely popular today and has done a fantastic job in expanding its market. Whether you’ve read about it in a pamphlet or book, have travelled with an organization whose vision correlates with that of voluntourism, or know of someone who has, in some way we have all been affected by this new phenomenon. At first glance, these types of organizations are seen as valuable, generous and resourceful to countries around the world including South Africa, Mexico and India. However throughout my own experience, education and research, I believe advocates are too quick to praise these associations that combine vacation with charity work. They give a false representation of role models, take jobs away within the local community, glorify the West and give short term solutions for long term problems. Because of this, voluntourism is an exploitative and selfish act that benefits the volunteer more so than the communities in which aid is most needed.

Self-reflection and self-awareness are two of the best reasons why you should travel alone. There are a lot of best places to travel alone that will help you reflect and know more about yourself. You might discover some things about you that will surprise you, or you may realize some bad things

Each person who decides to volunteer, do not only contribute to the community they reside or work, but also for the organizations who enlisted the aid of such persons. An establishment that uses Volunteerism, which is connected to their Human resources and non-profit [outfits] organizations; may not only receive accolades throughout their industry, but in the public via media relations. The benefits will transcend an establishments to the [a] neighbourhoods their employees reside or where their businesses are based. For example a student may volunteer at their local police principality because they want to see how officers deal with the public they serve. However, upon seeing the destitution and relationship issues between the

Organizing an overseas community service trip (Shanghai) for 20 - 24 students to connect with the Shanghainese community for 13 days within a $75000 budget.