Volunteer holidays (Voluntourism) are on the rise, especially during the recession as people look to take time out from their careers during low employment periods. Volunteering can be a useful way to enhance a CV due to the skills it can develop and enhance.

Organising this alone can be a daunting experience, especially when trying to organise a volunteering trip abroad. There could be sourcing volunteering placements, visa or even simple communication issues.

Due to increasing popularity, there are many Gap Year providers that will help you arrange to go on a project.  Be it for a 3 weeks or 2 months.

They take on the hassle for you, whether it’s solely a volunteering trip or incorporating some volunteering within a tour.

Although it may cost more to go through a third party organiser than arranging it all alone, the benefits of paying that bit extra make it all worth while. But what exactly are these benefits?

Most volunteers will pay for their own travel expenses, and even non-profit agencies need to be reimbursed for recruiting, volunteer training and on-site coordination. In addition to this, many of the fees will contribute to the development and survival of volunteer programmes.

So what does your fee give you?

Benefits Before You Go

• Point of contact: A good company will have a point of contact at home and in the host company -  providing you with a safety net of logistical and emotional support.
• Visa applications: Depending on the country you are applying to, a volunteer organisation should have the latest knowledge and up to date information on the visa you will need. They could also assist with application process.
• Guaranteed volunteer placements: Agencies have built relationships with projects offering volunteering opportunities and will act as a point of contact. They can provide you with a guaranteed placement, one which will be of interest to you and relevant to your skills and experience.
• Pre-trip information: Many agencies will provide you with language and technical training as well as providing you with information on the practice  culture and political orientation of your host country prior to you arriving.
• Clear expectations: Volunteers are provided with a clear and well-defined structure of what their placement will involve. This helps avoid any misunderstandings once the volunteer has arrived.
• Affordability: Although not all volunteering schemes charge. Most will, don’t be put off by this, because when you calculate the difference between travelling to a country on your own and participating in  programme, you may be surprised at how little difference there is. Just make sure you take into account everything the fee includes and from there you should be able to distinguish whether it is value for money.

Benefits Whilst Abroad

• Trust: Because agencies are likely to have some sort of relationship with the volunteer project you are intending on participating in, the project is likely to be trusting and welcoming  of new comers.
• Local representative: There will usually be someone who acts  as a point of contact within the host region. They will have knowledge of the project and environment and are likely to be either locals or expatriates with a history in the area. It’s good to know that you will have a friendly face in the area, someone who can give you advice and guidance, but to also ensure that you can have a good time too.
• Orientation: On arrival many agencies offer orientation for the first few days. This usually includes transfers from your arrival point and a stay in the landing city, tour of the area, lessons on the culture, where to go as well as providing you with an opportunity to meet other volunteers.
• Arranged accommodation: Most volunteer placements will include accommodation at least for the first few days to allow you to get used to your surroundings.
• In case of emergency: Volunteering anywhere can be unpredictable, as you never know what could happen, whether it be political instability or a natural disaster. Most agencies will be able to liaise with you, your  family, the project and embassies/consulates to ensure you’re safe and if necessary extract you from your location.

Organising It Yourself? – Things To Remember

If you do decide that you would like to volunteer independently, take into account what you will need to plan and prepare before your departure and the duration of your placement:

• Arrange all visas, dealing with applications and embassies.
• Arrange for all flights and usually transfers.
• Insurance – don’t forget to check what you’re covered for.
• Project search, application and acceptance.
• Accommodation.
• Food.
• Health and safety during your stay.
• Education on your projects cultures, facilities and infrastructure.