Vetting Volunteer Organizations

How to Vet a Volunteer Opportunity Abroad (So You Can Help and Feel Good About It)

Volunteering abroad can be one of the most meaningful ways to travel. It offers connection, perspective, and purpose. But not all “voluntourism” opportunities are created equal. Some make a real difference. Others… not so much.

As a solo traveler, you want to ensure the time, energy, and heart you give truly matters and that the experience is safe, ethical, and enriching for everyone involved (including you).

Here’s how to thoughtfully vet a volunteer opportunity abroad before you book:

1. Research the Organization’s Mission (and Track Record)

Look beyond the website photos. Read the mission statement. Then ask:

• Is the organization community-led or community-informed?
• Do they outline long-term goals and how volunteers fit into that?
• Have they been operating in the region for several years?
• Are their reviews consistent across platforms (not just hand-picked)?

Red flag: Vague “change the world” language with no real plan or transparency.

2. Ask What the Local Community Gets Out of It

Ethical organizations are focused on impact for the community, not just the traveler experience.

Look for:

• Programs that train or employ locals
• Clear partnerships with schools, clinics, or conservation agencies
• Language around empowerment, not saviorism

Tip: If the project could be done more sustainably by hiring locals, that’s worth questioning.

3. Check Safety Protocols for Solo Travelers

Especially if you’re going solo, you need to know:

• Is airport pickup included?
• Are housing and meals provided and secure?
• Is there 24/7 emergency support?
• Are past solo female travelers recommending it?

Read recent reviews (Reddit, Trustpilot, Google), not just the testimonials on their site.

4. Understand What’s Required of You

Good programs should outline:

• Daily duties and realistic expectations
• Language requirements (if any)
• Physical labor, emotional demands, or special skills
• Vaccination, visa, and travel insurance needs

Red flag: If a program says “no experience needed!” for something like medical work, run.

5. Know Where Your Money’s Going

Many programs charge a fee. That’s okay — as long as it’s transparent.

Ask:

• What percentage of my fee supports the host community?
• Does it cover housing, food, and staff wages?
• Are scholarships or fundraising tools available?

Tip: Be cautious of programs that seem overly profit-driven or cagey about costs.

6. Choose Projects That Match Your Heart and Skillset

It’s easy to romanticize volunteering, but you’ll make a bigger impact (and feel more fulfilled) by choosing something aligned with your interests and energy.

• Love animals? Try conservation work.
• Creative soul? Arts-based community programs.
• Deeply empathetic? Women’s empowerment or education projects may be a fit.

You’re allowed to want the experience to be meaningful for you too.

Bonus: Questions to Ask Before You Go

• Who supervises volunteers on-site?
• How are volunteers prepared and trained?
• What’s a typical day like?
• What impact has the program made in the last year?
• Are there alumni I can talk to?

Volunteering abroad isn’t about rescuing. It’s about respectful partnership. When done right, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and give in a way that truly honors the community you’re entering. Do your homework, trust your gut, and choose experiences rooted in humility, sustainability, and heart.

You’re not just going to help. You’re going to connect, to grow, and maybe even to heal.