Voluntourism: Vacation For Change
June 23rd, 2009 by Mara Rogers
“Voluntourism” is a new term for those who wish to travel with a purpose.
Most people think of travel as being a life-changing experience–in the past that meant life-changing only for you–but through Voluntourism, travel becomes life-changing for you and for an important cause that is close to your heart.
When volunteer work and travel are combined it can change you and your world view, while adding tremendous life-meaning to your next holiday.
Whether you decide to make your meaningful, Volunteer Vacation a short- or long-term occasion, the following are some exciting opportunities and resources.
1). Biosphere Expeditions North America
www.biosphere-expeditions.org
Tel.: 1-800-407-5761
Note: Their Head Office is in the UK, with offices in North America, Germany, France, and Australia
Biosphere Expeditions is a wildlife research and conservation non-profit organization whose main focus is to conserve the biosphere with volunteer-led scientific conservation expeditions to several countries around the world. Biosphere Expeditions states its purpose as the promotion of sustainable conservation of the planet’s wildlife by involving the public, with scientists across the globe on real hands-on wildlife research and conservation expeditions. Expeditions typically place interested people with no research experience alongside scientists widely accepted to be at the forefront of their conservation work.
Biosphere Expeditions is listed as currently working in eight countries around the world; Oman, Honduras, Portugal (or more specifically the Azores), Spain, the Altai Republic, Slovakia, Namibia and Brazil.
2). Crooked Trails
www.CrookedTrails.com
Tel: (206) 383-9828
Crooked Trails is non-profit, community-based travel organization helping people broaden their understanding of the planet and it diverse cultures through education, community development and responsible travel. “Our travel programs explore many destinations around the globe and teach the ethics of responsible travel to reduce the environmental and cultural impacts of tourism. We only work in communities that have invited us and on community development projects chosen by the people we visit.”
Programs are held in Peru, India, Nepal, Kenya, Ecuador, Thailand, China, Bhutan, and Mexico.
3). Gap Year Abroad
www.gapyearabroad.ca
Tel: 1-866-GAP-TRVL
They describe their programs as ways to “seek greater depth in life,” “satisfy cultural curiosity,” “renewing your sense of purpose in life,” and “effect positive change.”
Past programs have included projects such as being part of a world-wide movement that sets up wind-power generators in Nepal, places math or English teachers in remote parts of Ghana, develops business plans for women’s co-ops in Guatemala, that protects endangered animals and their habitats in Borneo, or one that builds schools in Thailand.
More Resources For Philanthropic Travel So That You Can Make A World Of Difference:
Websites:
- Directory on International Voluntary Service: www.avso.org.
- Idealist.org: Action Without Borders: www.idealist.org.
- International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA): www.volunteerinternational.org.
- Voluntourism.org Travel and Volunteer Opportunities: www.Voluntourism.org
Videos:
- “Making a Difference: College Volunteers Abroad, and Making a Difference: American Volunteers Abroad” by Bob Gilner. Bob Gilner Productions, www.docmakeronline.com/VolunteersAbroad.html.
Books:
- “Green Volunteers: The World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature Conservation” edited by Fabio Ausenda and Erin McCloskey; www.greenvolunteers.com.
- “Volunteer: A Traveler’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World” by Charlotte Hindle; Nate Cavalieri; Rachel Collinson; Korina Miller; Mike Richard.
- “How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Abroad “ by Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher; www.volunteeroverseas.org.
By Mara Rogers, editorial.
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PLAY it Forward Adventures is another great organization that takes Voluntourism a step further by combining volunteering with active outdoor adventure for a truly all-encompassing travel experience! Check it out at http://www.pifadventures.com