Not all volunteer abroad companies are created equal; the array of firms out there is simply dazzling. Some companies specialize in group travel, others are geared towards gappers; dozens of enterprises provide volunteer vacations to a whole host of countries, while others limit the choice to a few select destinations where they have the most experience.
While choosing the right volunteer abroad program is a subjective matter, there are some elements that everyone looks for, whether they’re traveling for a fortnight or a year, to a crisis, or to help out on a long-term community building project. Here are five constants you should prioritize when deciding how you’ll volunteer abroad.
Reputation
A key point to consider when choosing a firm to volunteer abroad with is the company’s reputation. When picking out a firm to travel abroad with, look at details like how long the company has been established and what past volunteers have to say about their experiences. Check out reviews online and visit the company’s social media pages, many of which now have review functions, so you can read testimonials that you can be more certain are real. Volunteering with a credible, trustworthy firm can make all the difference to your experience abroad, so don’t hesitate to contact companies directly and compare responses.
Value
Volunteering overseas is all about making a difference, so many people are surprised by the cost of helping others in this way. Like any other sort of trip, however, there are flights and accommodation to be paid for, not to mention meals, insurance and other costs like a donation to the placement. Volunteering shouldn’t cost the Earth, however, so striking a balance between value and quality is vital. Check out what the companies you’re interested in offer - some include flights, meals and more in a clear pricing structure. Be sure to ask questions about medical and travel insurance, support staff availability and whether any excursions or experiences are included as part of the price.
Flexibility
A volunteer vacation should be suited to you, not the other way round; flexibility can be a key issue if you need to time your getaway to fit around studying, for example, so a firm that offers a great choice of travel times might be more appropriate for you than an alternative that provides infrequent departure dates. Check out the company’s website as a first port of call to figure out the travel dates and whether they fit in with your plans. Many firms can accommodate travel outside set days, although this may require extra preparations. If meals are included, you may need to check whether they can be prepared to take account of any allergies or preferences you have, and you might need to clarify payment plans to fit around your budget.
Personalization
Volunteering abroad should be the experience of a lifetime and, as such, you’ll rightly want it to reflect your objectives. If you’re planning to volunteer with friends, family or as a group, or thinking of booking a multi-destination trip, for example, you shouldn’t feel restricted by your volunteer program provider. Plenty of volunteer trip organizers offer personalized volunteer vacations designed to your unique requirements, so you can split your time between a couple of projects, complete work experience for college credits, build teamwork abilities among colleagues and much more.
Safety
An important factor in traveling abroad is your personal safety and security, and this is something you don’t want to compromise on, even if the volunteer vacation provider you’re looking at is offering the cheapest deal on the market. Get in touch with a firm directly and ask them about safety precautions - the most reputable companies will get back to you personally with details such as how they include travel and medical insurance as standard, ensure accommodation is secure and alarmed and that support staff are available to you 24 hours a day - and others won’t. Safety is always a priority and a good volunteer company will make you feel at ease in this area.
Volunteering abroad can change lives, including your own - make sure you have the best experience by ensuring the volunteer vacation provider you book with is reputable, trustworthy, and not willing to put a price on your safety and wellbeing. Look for flexibility and personalization aspects to find a firm that really cares about its volunteers; at uVolunteer, we’re proud to offer standard and tailor-made trips to three safe locations, where we have staff on the ground and secure lodgings. You can find out more about volunteering abroad with us by downloading our program guide.
