Helping Hands
Volunteering holidays have had something of a bad rap. Do your homework though and they can be life changing.
Whether it's down to an increasingly troubled world or a simple desire to put something back, holidays in which we roll up our sleeves to make a difference were gaining in appeal before the pandemic – and are now expected to assume an even greater appeal.
From helping rehabilitate elephants whose lives have been blighted by tourism to turtle conservation in Belize and the study of dolphin behaviour off the Italian coast, there are numerous projects at which the contribution of volunteers is crucial.
There was a time the likely candidates for this type of "personal development" were students, but with debt-laden graduates who exactly is rushing to offer a helping hand?
“We’ve seen more of a trend towards shorter experiences as well as increased interest from older people and what you might call the ‘tired and jaded’ professional,” says Sarah Faith of Responsible Travel, a leading website for ethical travel in which you can search options offered by different specialists.
“Volunteering holidays have had a lot of press scrutiny with negative comments about activities such as orphanage tourism. That said, there are terrific projects out there, but you have to be clear about what you can offer and want back,” cautions Sarah.
“You’re not going to change the world in two weeks, but these opportunities can provide a wonderful chance to hone your skills, enhance a CV and allow you to make a positive contribution.”
"All types of tourism rely on nature and impact upon it. Volunteer projects offer a unique opportunity for travellers to actively benefit nature and wildlife while on holiday - and to provide valuable funds to ongoing initiatives to help reverse the global biodiversity crisis. Whether through reforesting or rewildling areas of degraded land, conserving habitats or helping with ongoing research into the protection of endangered species."
Sarah says the key is in research and planning: “Do your homework and ask questions. Make sure any project you’re considering has clear aims, find out what exactly it is you’ll be doing and if the company is listening to you and matching your skills accordingly.”
Some people are keen to go the teaching route when considering volunteering overseas, something on which Responsible Travel has clear boundaries, as Sarah explains:
“We’ll only market teaching placements requiring a TEFL or other qualification together with a commitment of at least one month. We do offer placements as teaching assistants as long as the volunteer is helping an existing teacher and not left to take classes or plan lessons.”
Vicky McNeil co-founded WorkingAbroad after travelling extensively and volunteering herself. The company offers projects everywhere from Cambodia to Canada and New Zealand to Namibia.
“We work with everyone from gap year students to those on a career break and people in their 70s and 80s,” says Vicky. “The family market is growing and there seems to be a real desire to get children off iPads and give them a wider perspective on the world. When I visited our wildlife conservation projects in Namibia prior to the pandemic with my 13-year-old, she was already planning her gap year.
“What all the people we work with have in common is a desire to gain experiences that will benefit them as individuals and, of course, to put something back. We’re also seeing a demand from people wanting to avoid faceless hotels and, for example, spend time at a home stay or actually work in a wildlife reserve rather than just popping in,” adds Vicky, who says volunteering plays a crucial role in developing a more open-minded, tolerant world.
What sort of projects offered by a company like WorkingAbroad appeal most to those itching for a different experience?
“We partner with a project working with the desert-adapted elephants of Damaraland in Namibia,” explains Vicky. “Because of a severe lack of water, they are venturing into and damaging villages, so you spend a week helping build walls to protect communities while also creating lower-level watering wells for the elephants. In the second week, you go tracking these amazing animals while sleeping under the stars.
“The important thing with all the projects we feature is that we’ll talk to you about what you’d like to do and find a match. There is so much going on all over the world we can usually tailor it to the person’s interests to give them an experience that is rewarding, enjoyable and, who knows, maybe even life changing.
“Now because of the pandemic, we also keep up to date with current travel restrictions for each country where we run projects and can advise about everything you need to do post travel. Many parts of the world have been closed for more than 18 months, and now as they re-opening, there is an even greater need to welcome volunteers back to give a helping hand.”
“As a volunteer traveller, you need to feel confident the organisation has the best interests of the local community at heart, and that they’re transparent with their fees.”
Here’s an idea (or two)…
Elephant Treks
Working Abroad (workingabroad.com) has a project in Namibia’s Damaraland where you’ll track elephants that have adapted themselves to life in the Namib Desert, learning simple camp-craft whilst becoming directly involved in important work designed to protect the species and ensure they live in harmony with communities. The cost is from £885 per person for two weeks excluding flights. In the countryside of Northern Thailand there is a chance to help at the Elephant Sanctuary in Mae Chaem. This project (also through Working Abroad and costing from £480 excluding flights) allows animals to leave behind an often harsh live of trekking and tourist rides for a retirement in which they’re cared for by experienced locals and volunteers.
Bear Necessities
You could choose to work with bears in Romania's largest sanctuary - a haven for captured and abused animals who now spend their days recuperating in an incredible haven at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Volunteers are needed to assist with day-to-day tasks and a seven-day experience through Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.com) costs from £895 excluding flights.
Maritime Treasures
If the idea of studying whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean appeals then Working Abroad (workingabroad.com) offers a fascinating project. Places are available annually for one or more weeks and cost from £760 per person excluding flights. Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.com) features a five-day marine conservation project with a difference where you’ll dive the stunning Belize barrier reef in search of the invasive lionfish – an alien species destroying the delicate ecosystems. The trip costs from US$1330 excluding flights.
Endangered Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
For a safari with a difference, Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.com) offer a 14-day endangered wildlife conservation experience in South Africa starting from £1230 excluding flights. You'll have access to parts of some of the country’s prestigious wildlife reserves while assisting an award-winning permanent team of conservation professionals with vital research work.
Check List
International Volunteer HQ (volunteerhq.org) has worked with more than 65,000 volunteers in 30 destinations across some 150 projects since 2007. Ellen Varoy, its head of marketing, has advice on what you should ask yourself – and organisers – if you’re considering such an experience.
“You want to ensure your experience allows you to make a valuable contribution to a community while engaging in meaningful exchanges in a safe and supportive environment,” says Ellen.
“As a volunteer traveller, you need to feel confident the organisation has the best interests of the local community at heart, and that they’re transparent with their fees.”
Ellen adds that it’s important to:
- Ensure the project is community-driven and focused on providing assistance to the achievement of long-term goals.
- Check your time and skills will be used in a way that’s best for the community and be prepared to do what’s necessary rather than what’s most glamorous.
- Have a clear understanding of what the organisation's fees are and how they’re allocated.
- Be satisfied with the level of support provided pre-departure, in country and post-programme.