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Voluntourism

Volunteer tourism. Voluntourism.

 

As I prepare to teach internationally once again, I have a lot going through my mind.

Volunteering abroad can be defined in many different ways by many different people. Everyone has their own opinion of what it means to volunteer abroad. Is it for yourself? Is it to better a small community down South? Is it to post pictures on social media and have everyone give you a high five when you get home? Is it to change the lives of impoverished children who are eager to learn from you?

Every opinion differs.

In 2018, I went abroad to Nicaragua with the organization Outreach360. I have traveled with them twice in the past. This would be my third trip.

While on the trip: Yes, I learned a lot and yes, I grew as an individual. Did I go there for me? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I went to Nicaragua to meet these amazing kids and to help teach them a language that you and I take for granted everyday. Did they miss me when I left? I think so. Did I miss them?! You bet your ass I did. I miss those kids every day.

 

I recently watched a video on Facebook that pushed me over the edge.

“You’re doing more harm than good” she said.

STOP. To everyone who says that me being in those kids lives caused them harm, stop. Until you meet a child from a developing country who you create a relationship with, don’t tell me how they feel. Don’t tell me that being there was JUST FOR ME.

I have traveled abroad almost 4 times (I’m returning to the Dominican Republic this November with the same organization) and I’ll do it for the rest of my life if I’m able. I know multiple other people who go abroad and change the lives of children and individuals in other countries while also changing themselves. They become humble. They begin to understand what love really is. They understand kindness.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m aware that there are organizations in this world who focus more on the volunteer and less on the impact they’re making but please stop making assumptions. Not every organization is the same. Not every volunteer is the same. Not even country is the same.

Please stop thinking that every volunteer who goes abroad is doing it for the idea that they’ll be able to post cool pictures on social media.

Please stop posting about how bad the children feel when we (the volunteers) leave. Whether you’re abroad in a different country or down the street in your home country, if you create a relationship with a student or child and then no longer see them, it's okay that you miss eachother. Tell me that I’m doing more harm than good when I’m in my teaching placement in London, Ontario, teaching 24 kids for 6 weeks and then never see them again or see them once every few months. You’re right.. there’s no way I could have positively impacted their life...

Everyone has their own opinion and I understand that fully and completely. But next time you speak about volunteering abroad, voluntourism, or anything related to this concept, keep your heart open. Please stop making assumptions that volunteering abroad (teaching, helping, anything!) does more harm than it does good.

 

If you have any comments or concerns with this blog, please direct them to the "contact" page on this website.

 

Outreach360 changed my life. The students I taught, changed my life. The teachers I worked with, changed my life. The staff that guided me, changed my life. The friends I met, changed my life. The country I was in, changed my life.

Here's my story:


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