Every Share Helps!

I conducted a poll some time ago that asked how much one would prefer to spend on a weeklong volunteer trip. The results showed that less expensive opportunities were favored heavily over those that cost $2,000 or more—to the tune of 5:1.

At the same time, volunteers I’ve spoken with have expressed the same concern time and again—their first reactions on seeing an inexpensive volunteer trip were to assume it’s unsafe, unstructured, and unreliable.

For example, my friend Dani traveled to Peru with International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ) a few years ago. Being that this was her first solo trip abroad, she was unsure about finding a program that could provide guidance and support, yet accommodate her budget as a sophomore in college.

After researching IVHQ, she contacted them about her concerns. They had a beautiful website, great volunteer reviews, and extensive information about their programs—but placements were significantly less expensive than those of similar volunteer abroad programs. She spoke at length with coordinators, who told her that while IVHQ offered everything their competitors did, they simply charged what was needed, and no more.

In the end, Dani had a great time on her trip: IVHQ prepared her for what to expect, they supported her throughout the project, and she’s kept in touch with fellow volunteers and her host family. In total, she spent less than $1,000 for five weeks’ volunteering, including the plane ticket.

Back to the poll: while most participants preferred to travel on a budget, we also have that sneaking suspicion that low cost equals low quality. It’s a valid concern, but in a market saturated by high-cost, luxury trips, those with no need to charge more than necessary—for reasons such as low housing fees, trips operated by long-term volunteers, or other cost-saving undertakings—sadly can get lumped together as “cheap” or “unsafe” regardless of whether they actually are.

The best advice I can give, which you’ve heard echoed across Volunteer Global and the web in general, is to do your research. When in doubt, just ask!

So, to get you started, here are a few tips:

Is the organization a placement group or a host group?

The former works kind of like a travel agent: It places you with a local program that needs a helping hand. Placement groups also might have other built-in excursions, products (e.g., a handbook, a t-shirt, etc.), and even alternate accommodation offsite. Because of this, costs will usually be higher.

What type of housing is provided?

If you’re in a shared house or with a host family, costs will be lower than if you stay in a hotel.

Are other excursions or packages included, aside from the volunteer work, food, and housing? Programs that offer all-inclusive packages like these tend to be more expensive than bare bones ones.

Who should you talk to?

Unfortunately, many wonderful organizations don’t have the resources to build sleek, interactive websites, but they still are happy to provide any information you’d like if you just get in touch with them! They might have a small website, a Facebook page, or a profile on another site like LinkedIn or Idealist (or VG!).

What do other volunteers say?

You can find reviews by searching online—maybe through Facebook, travel forums, or even Twitter.

Have more suggestions? Leave a comment below!