What is Voluntourism?

North by North East Tours would like to answer some questions recently posed to us on Voluntourism (volunteerism mixed with tourism):

1. Opportunities to voluntourism are open to whom?

North by North East's (NXNE) voluntourism programs are open to anyone who wants to see Southeast Asia and leave a positive trail along the way. Our projects include anything from teaching English in rural schools, to building playgrounds, to tsunami relief, to cultural conservation, to working with underprivileged children and more. We have targeted groups to volunteer, but we have also had a great deal of success with individuals as well. In the past NXNE has had groups from schools, universities, religious organizations, physicians and veterans. Whether it be an individual or a group, our priority is in keeping the project actually meaningful for those who are to benefit. Simply, we welcome enquiries from individuals, groups, and or donors (whom we match with projects).

Why? We were doing 'voluntourism' before there ever was a name for it! We have always felt very lucky to work among the Thai and Lao people. Therefore, when in remote areas we found situations where a little effort and money could make a great deal of positive difference in the lives of local people, well....we almost felt a moral obligation to 'do something'. Once a person of integrity has made that decision, the next step is to insure that whatever assistance we offer is in fact needed and appropriate, because no matter how good our intentions, there are always unexpected downsides to every relationship. So we must do our best to ameliorate possible problems in advance.

We maintain that tourism has the power to make positive change in a country. But if tourism does not involve local people and improve their lives, it will be the death of the country instead of its life's blood. Voluntourism is one way to 'keep it real' and guarantee the cultural exchange we all crave.

A Rural Child Can Show You New Paths

2. Since North By North East Tours is based in Nakorn Phanom, Isan can be a perfect region to create voluntourism programs. Laos is just next door and can be a fascinating, mysterious destination for world travelers, particularly people living in Western countries. Are there other destinations in Thailand and across the border that can be developed in voluntourism programs?

It is ironic, because the open, friendly Isan people here almost always charm even the most seasoned travelers into coming back. But many parts of Isan are still impoverished and have never see a single satang's worth of outside help. Isan is the last of the Kingdom's regions to modernize (notice I did not say 'develop'). Tensions inherent in modernization anywhere are of course also present in Isan. Therefore Isan is a perfect locale for Voluntourism projects. Volunteering in Isan gives guests an opportunity to help an area that otherwise would not receive aid, would not enjoy government sponsored English teaching in schools (even though the law demands it!)

There are however many parts of Thailand where volunteers can make a positive difference. Some of our volunteers work with wildlife in Central Thailand or in the South. Others teach English on the Western borders. Some work with kids suffering HIV/AIDS in Bangkok. In the wake of the tsunami, relief aid was poured onto the affected areas, and the resultant media attention meant we got many requests to volunteer in that area. We offer opportunities in that area today.

Volunteer in Exotic Places

3. Why do Westerners want to participate in voluntourism?

There are several reasons for the voluntourism trend. It used to be a luxury simply to travel at all. Today travel is the worlds largest and fastest growing industry. Clearly we Westerners and Easterners alike consume travel today the way we consume TV, fast food or Pepsi. Simply, 50 years ago, only a very select few could ever hope to travel. Today those who never could, can. There is a huge segment of travelers who care nothing for voluntourism, and only want the cheapest rooms & beer on a beach. "Observing Hilltribe culture" will make sense to these people.

But there is a large and growing number of travelers who are not so much interested in the destination as the experience they will have while there. These are the same people who - while they like to pamper themselves - relish being challenged intellectually (and often physically too). These folks are more wont to get out of their comfort zones and actually "connect" with local people. When you must build a school with local people, you will surely have a few awkward moments trying to ask for the hammer and nails, but this kind of participation is what makes for a real cross cultural experience. Memories like this are the real take-home from a holiday. Such cross cultural experiences make an strong impression in the minds of both locals & visitors/volunteers. I think creation of understanding between peoples in this way is the hope of our planet.

4. Is it a new trend in tourism or is it just a passing fancy?

What is today called 'Voluntourism' is a relatively new trend in tourism, but NXNE has been active in these kinds of projects for over 6 years now, because we feel morally obligated to be involved. We've only just now branded it under the title "Voluntourism". Realistically, we doubt that it will totally replace standard package tourism anytime soon, but as an add-on to a package tour, Voluntourism can help promote more sustainable methods of tourism.

Change an Orphan's Life

5. When a person or an organisation wants to come here for a volunteering cause, is volunteering the main focus or is it the "standard" tourism segment?

That is totally the option of the guest. Sometimes travelers come here specifically to volunteer, and other times travelers want to help in addition to a more standard tour program. While we like to encourage voluntourism, it is never forced upon anyone, as that would totally violate the spirit of volunteerism. Sometimes folks want only to volunteer, and we encourage them to do some touring about with their hosts, as this is an important part of the cultural exchange (visiting sites which are famous, and famous cause they are important to local people).

6. Is Voluntourism usually a pattern of the first-world countries towards the third-world countries?

Voluntourism benefits both ways. If you mean, does it benefit only underdeveloped countries? No, because although it usually takes place in the poorer country, it is a revelatory experience for all parties; a great empathy develops and a cultural rapport is opened. These feelings and experiences will touch both the volunteer and the beneficiary.  

Experience Real Village Life

7. What kinds of activities can be created in the voluntour program apart from concepts mentioned on the website?

We create programs according to the requirements of needy areas in which we work, and those of our guests. Sometimes a village through which our clients often travel needs assistance, so through discussion with the local people we determine needs, and then we create a program in which volunteers can assist the village in that direction. Other times clients declare that they want to help a certain group or in a certain area. We are willing to listen to all requests, and try to accommodate. But most importantly: the projects must be mutually beneficial, not one sided.  

8. Is the demand for travel to Thailand for voluntourism on the rise? Or it is just a niche that grows slowly?

You would be surprised at the number of requests we are getting for Voluntour programs. Once we made it more known that we handle this sort of work, we have received requests from many many interested high-end organizations in institutions including university alumni associations, museum groups, press groups, and others.  

A Dentist Volunteering in a Rural Area

9. When a person or an organisation contacts for voluntourism, what kind of activity tops most?

By far the most popular activity deals with helping children. There are many ways we do this, be it teaching English in Isan or in the tsunami-affected areas of Thailand, or volunteering in an orphanage, the possibilities are many. Organizations seem to like to assist in the building of schools in Laos. Professionals like to volunteer their expertise, i.e.: dentists and ocular surgeons want ways to use their skills, as do paramedics. These folks we match up with areas that need medical work. Parasitoligists we'd match with wildlife conservation organizations. Strong backed young men looking for hard physical labor we will match with villages who need wells and bathrooms/toilets (or building a school). So it really depends upon the organization wishing to volunteer, and what we know of the needs in the villages.

If you are interested in a meaningful and beneficial journey to Southeast Asia, please contact us!