Volunteering abroad is a great way to make a difference in the world while gaining new skills and experiences. First, however, it's important to choose a sustainable and ethical program. There are many volunteer organizations out there, but not all of them adhere to the highest sustainability standards.
When looking for a Volunteer Abroad program, it is important to consider the project's sustainability. Unfortunately, many programs are not sustainable, and this can have negative consequences for both the community and the volunteers.
It can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's important to make sure that the program you choose is sustainable. Unfortunately, many voluntourism programs are not sustainable and do more harm than good. So, how can you ensure that the program you choose is sustainable?
Here are a few things to look for:
● - Good quality
● - Local community involvement (local people should be involved in the project planning and management)
● - Well defined goals/objectives
● - Monitoring and evaluation plan included in the program design
● - Funding opportunities are available for long-term projects.
● - Program outcomes are measurable.
● - The project should have sustainability as one of its core values.
Sustainability has been a hot topic in the past few years, and volunteer abroad programs are no exception. But, with so many different programs out there, how can you tell if they're truly sustainable?
What is sustainability anyway?
It all depends on who you ask, but it boils down to this: a project should continue after volunteers leave. Volunteers shouldn't be considered the "glue" that holds a project together but rather should serve as a catalyst to improve projects, and those improvements should last even after volunteers leave.
This is an important concept in volunteer abroad programs because volunteers are only there for a short amount of time. For example, if you spend two weeks teaching English in a school, you can't be expected to completely overhaul the curriculum. However, if you help the teachers get started on a new curriculum that they can continue after you leave, then your time there is more sustainable.
There are a few key things to look for when choosing a volunteer abroad program:
-Are projects long-term or short-term?
Long-term projects have been around for a few years and should be able to show you their successes. Short-term projects are fine too, but it's important that they can tell you what will happen after the project is over.
-What kind of training do volunteers receive?
Volunteer programs should provide you with some kind of training before heading to the project, whether it's language lessons or cultural tips. Training should focus on what is needed at the destination and how you can help while there.
-When are volunteers allowed to travel?
Volunteers may be restricted from traveling during their free time, or they may be able to go wherever they'd like. It should be clear how much time you can spend on vacation versus working in either case. If a program states that "all volunteers will have at least one weekend off per month," then you know that there is plenty of time for travel and volunteering.
To Sum Up
No matter the program you choose, always ensure the sustainability of the project. When choosing a volunteer abroad program, there are many things to look for, but making sure the project is sustainable should be one of your top priorities.
