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Claire DeBenedetto

Professor Pinto

Travel English

28 March 2017

The Benefits of Voluntourism

In todays culture, the concept of voluntourism is often viewed as a negative.

Voluntourism is an option where some people can help the community they visit and

experience the beauty of the country itself at the same time. Instead of a regular vacation,

voluntourists build homes and feed the poorest neighborhoods along with sightseeing.

There are many people who believe that voluntourism is a selfish act that is only centered

on self-fulfillment and personal vacation. Maya Wesby of Newsweek argues that, It

[voluntourism] creates a dependency between host communities and Western societies

rather than the infrastructure needed for sustainable self-reliance (Wesby). However, if

we leave certain countries, such as Haiti, to fend for themselves, no progress will be

achieved and the citizens will continue to live in horrible conditions. Against contrary

popular belief, there are many reasons that voluntourism is a good option because it

strengthens struggling communities, builds meaningful connections, and helps to exercise

worldwide responsibility.

Critics of voluntourism claim that sending money is way more beneficial than

personal aid in the country itself. Jared Kushner of The New York times says, there is

evidence that volunteering abroad without an understanding of a host communitys needs

and challenges, as well as spending money on airfare versus direct giving, can do more

harm than good (New York Times). However, the voluntourists can teach a lot of the
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hands on skills needed to continue the work after they leave. Money cannot teach a skill

like the way a person can. There are hundreds of houses and buildings that are in need of

repair, in addition to crucial medical treatments. For example, Earthquakes and cholera

have devastated Haiti for the past couple of years, and they need urgent help. These

voluntourists can help rebuild important structures, feed the poor, and lift the spirits of

the citizens of the country. Restoring health and shelters can also assist in bringing the

country back into a state of normalcy and inspire the rest of the world to assist these

countries as well.

Opponents of this concept always focus on the negative global impacts on other

countries, and neglect the home grown voluntourism that helps this country get back on

its feet. In the United States, people traveled from all over to New Orleans after the

devastation that happened there. While talking about Hurricane Katrina, Julie Clothier of

CNN states, There is still much to be done to help renovate houses damaged by that

storm or help with skills training of long-term unemployed (Clothier 2). Although the

process of restoration will take some time, the immediate help needed is appreciated and

is not wasted. Not only are houses being repaired, skills such as brick laying and repair

techniques are taught to help people get back on their feet. This makes more of an impact

than a just a house would do.

This kind of charity builds meaningful connections between natives and visitors

alike. A mutual understanding occurs when you work for a common purpose. The citizens

are receiving the help that they need, while learning new skills from the assisting nation,

and vise versa. Jenny Morgan of the Overseas Development Institute says, Research

has shown, perhaps unsurprisingly, that the main motivations of volunteer tourists include
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a desire to help, the possibility of a unique travel experience, and personal development

(Morgan 2). By having this desire of personal growth and helpfulness, meaningful

relationships can be built. Thus making the trip worth it for both sides of the party.

The beauty that surrounds the voluntourist can educate and expand their

knowledge of geography and history. Morgan continues to state that:

The majority of respondents felt that providing tourists with opportunities to live

and work amongst people from societies and cultures very different to their own has

the potential to increase cultural understanding, social awareness and sense of

global responsibility (3).

The voluntourist should intend to bridge the gap between both cultures in order to relate

and connect. By spending time in a country that is not his own, he can expand his

knowledge about different places and practices. Getting to know someone elses way of

life is a beautiful way to show interest, instead of ignorance, of other cultures.

The person interested in voluntouring must be sure that you are spending your

money wisely on such projects. Carolyn Bigda of Money New York states, while you

might be willing to splurge on a deserving cause, it's worth finding out exactly how your

money will be used (Bigda 100). By researching different organisations, you can choose

one that is most beneficial and humanistic to communities. Food for the Poor is a popular

organization that provides just as the title suggests. Voluntourism organisations like that

particular one can provide a great service to the people in need.

There are flaws to voluntourism that should not be overlooked. For example, in an

article about Haiti, Jacob Kushner of the New York Times has stated, Collectively they

had spent thousands of dollars to fly here to do a job that Haitian bricklayers could have
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done far more quickly (Kushner). Charities and voluntourist troops should desire to

make actual, long lasting changes to the communities they serve. Hindering the process

by trying to get your name out there is unfair to the country and its citizens. Therefore,

tourists and organisations need to find the correct balance between making a substantial

impact and discovering everything the country has to offer.

Voluntourism is beneficial to all countries involved. It takes a very strong and

driven person to donate time, energy, and capital to help serve a country that isnt his

own. Voluntourists help countries in need of repair, build connections that can last a

lifetime, and educate visitors on what the world has to offer. ABC News has reported that,

According to a major study of the voluntourism market, the industry [is] worth up to

$2.6 billion worldwide (2). The effort to make the world a better place is obviously

becoming a more popular venture. Being connected to a country is a powerful thing, and

should be promoted in all aspects.

Works Cited
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Gillett, G. (2016). The ethics of voluntourism. Student BMJ, 23

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.h6135

Kahn, Carrie. As 'Voluntourism' Explodes In Popularity, Who's It Helping Most? NPR,

NPR, 31 July 2014, www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2014/07/31/336600290/as-

volunteerism-explodes-in-popularity-whos-it-helping-most. Accessed 2 Mar. 2017.

Martinez, A. (2015, 12). 'Voluntourism'. Florida Trend, 58, 48. Retrieved from

https://libaccess.fdu.edu/login?

url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1752206264?accountid=10818

Mittmerham, S. (2016, 10). ARE WE REALLY HELPING? Geographical, 88, 50.

https://libaccess.fdu.edu/login?

url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1832952744?accountid=10818

Occhipinti, L. (2016). Not just tourists: Short-term missionaries and voluntourism.

Human Organization, 75(3), 258-268. https://libaccess.fdu.edu/login?

url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1820578433?accountid=10818

Kushner, Jacob. The Voluntourist's Dilemma. The New York Times, The New York

Times, 22 Mar. 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/03/22/magazine/the-voluntourists-

dilemma.html?_r=0. Accessed 2 Mar. 2017.

Stupart , Richard. Why You Shouldnt Participate in Voluntourism. Matador Network,

Matador , 22 Aug. 2011, matadornetwork.com/change/why-you-shouldnt-

participate-in-voluntourism/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

Wesby, Maya. The Exploitative Selfishness of Volunteering Abroad. Newsweek,

Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2016, www.newsweek.com/exploitative-selfishness-

volunteering-abroad-363768. Accessed 28 Mar. 2017.

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