Every Share Helps!

Update: We've turned this post into a video! Click here to watch on YouTube.

I know your first instinct is to think it’s a rip-off to pay to volunteer. You’re giving your time to help with a program, so why give them money too? Here’s a breakdown on where your payment usually goes:

1. The Community: Funding for local programs, tools for those projects, and education for those living in the area.
2. Your Housing: Almost all volunteer programs offer housing, and often place you with a host family. For many families, this is some of the only income they receive.
3. Your Food: Same as above; locals often grow or purchase, and then prepare, all of your meals.
4. Project Costs: Tools, maintenance and upkeep, and more.
5. In-Country Transportation: Airport pickup and drop-off or transportation to and from the project site.
6. Administration: Your payment also helps the program stay up and running; most of these groups’ only form of income is from volunteer donations! You’re helping to keep volunteers safe with in-country staff who can help and train those who work on the projects, as well as to provide some income for the locals who assist with the group.

I often see angry blog posts criticizing volunteer vacations as a scam because the volunteers are expected to pay a fee.

It’s no surprise that frustration arises primarily from those only viewing the first page or so of Google results for “Volunteer Vacation.” That's an extremely broad term, and businesses know it.

Think of it this way. If you search for “Computer,” the first things you'll find are megastores selling all kinds of computers – Mac, Dell, Toshiba, HP, and more. And of course, many of them raise the prices on the computers, because they have a business to run. Well, the same goes for placement groups—you’ll find large organizations with a broad volunteer vacation spectrum before you find a single, stand-alone group.

Digging deeper and figuring out where you want to go, what you want to do, and more, will help you figure out exactly the right volunteer abroad program.
Once you’ve found a few groups you might like, ask the coordinators how your funds are allocated.

Good luck, and happy travels!