Ethical volunteering abroad

The opportunity to volunteer abroad enables you to make a tangible contribution to the lives of the communities you visit, whether you are involved in sustainable community development projects, teaching and care of children, health care, or nature conservation.

However, sometimes a traveler becomes a nuisance and a burden that the locals should not have to bear. We hope that with the simple advice given below, you will be aware of some sensitivity and modify your behavior to avoid any difficulty.

Furthermore, some of the advice has to do with the environment and what you can do to avoid damaging it. Finally, keep in mind the economic situation of the places you will visit, and practice being a responsible consumer while you travel and/or volunteer abroad.

5 rules for the environment

Does not litter even if it is accepted practice among the locals; instead make an effort to demonstrate environmental sensitivity and properly dispose of garbage.

As recycling may not be available, avoid products that use excessive packaging and try using glass bottles that can be re-used. Only use soaps and shampoos that are biodegradable.

Do not consume products that may contribute to the destruction of natural habitats and the exploitation of wildlife.

When in the wild, stay on the trail as erosion and many other environmentally harmful impacts may occur when hikers stray from the trail.

Do not touch, feed or corner animals, especially if they are endangered or if they can be a danger to you or your fellow travelers.

5 rules for the local society

Learn about the country you are visiting before you arrive. A few words in the local language and a smile can go a long way and is appreciated by the local people. You might get out of trouble or avoid getting in any.

There might be local traditions that are vastly different from our own. Observe and learn what is acceptable and what isn’t. If in doubt, confess your ignorance, make an apology and politely ask for advice.

Ask permission before taking pictures of people and their property. If they refuse, do not insist. Do not offer money for photographs. If they agree, make every effort to send them a copy of the picture. If asked for money after a picture is taken, offer a non-sugary snack or souvenir from home instead.

Do not offer money to people begging. Children are often exploited by “professional” beggars, since they are more likely to earn money in this way. Do not encourage further dependency on foreign cash and help encourage locals to go to school instead. If pressed to contribute, offer a healthy snack or a piece of fruit.

Support local arts and crafts. Purchase locally made genuine souvenirs and not plastic imitations made in even less developed countries. Support fair trade and avoid chain stores/restaurants. There are many street markets where local artisans sell their hand-made wares.

5 rules for the economy

Don’t just spend money, give back in kind. A monetary donation is sometimes not enough and can be spent inefficiently. By donating your time and energy, you give the locals first-hand proof that the rest of the world cares. Even a few days can go a long way in a poor country.

Do not bargain excessively. What is less than the price of chewing gum for you may be the pay for several days of work in the developing world. Do not attempt to save pennies just for the satisfaction of a better deal.

Go green! Learn how much carbon your trip has produced and try to offset that by donating money to research and develop renewable energy sources. If it is safe, use public transport or a bicycle.

Do not flaunt your wealth. Take care to be humble, reserved and sensitive to the immense disparities between your background and the social situation in the country you are visiting. Avoid displaying expensive jeweler and electronics.

Learn about the local economy and think how fair trade is between your origin and your destination. When you return home, educate others about your experiences. Support the fair trade movement and vote to change unfair policies.