Travel for a Better World

Travel has been described in a number of ways.  It is considered a means to broaden minds; although, in some instances it has often failed to open closed minds.  Concern has increased over the last few years about how travel can be detrimental to local environments and cultures.

One of the new trends that is clearly helping to making the world a better place is travel by people who volunteer to help others at selected destinations in a variety of ways, such as teaching, health care, construction and others.

For most volunteers there is a great satisfaction in doing good things for other people.  In addition, they gain insights to the people and countries that they visit in a way that commercial tours could not hope to achieve.  In some cases, there is a monetary benefit in being able to write off travel expenses as taxable deductions; however, in this case we suggest you discuss this issue with a professional tax adviser..

TravelData21 takes pleasure in providing this list of organizations offering opportunities for volunteers to experience what could be the most rewarding travel experiences of their lives.  These are non-profit organizations, and volunteers are expected to pay for their own expenses.

Global Volunteers - "In 1984, Global Volunteers set the standard for "volunteer vacations" as the first private, non-profit, non-sectarian organization providing short-term volunteer teams to host communities abroad.  Global Volunteers' goal is to help establish a foundation for peace through mutual international, and cross-cultural understanding."

Top of Page

Himalayan Explorer’s Connection, based in Boulder, Colorado, "is a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote a better understanding of and respect for the environment and culture of the Himalayan region."

Global Service Corps, based in San Francisco, California, "offers rewarding cultural immersion service-learning experiences in both Thailand and Tanzania. Participants choose from Short-Term (three to four weeks), Internship (ten weeks), and Long-Term (six weeks to three months) programs. Programs are offered year-round in the areas of health, environment and education, and include homestays with local families."

International Executive Service Corps, based in Stamford, Connecticut, "is the world's largest not-for-profit business development organization.  IESC has been working since 1964 to increase the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized firms in the developing world and in emerging democracies."

International Institute for Peace Through Tourism "is a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to fostering and facilitating tourism initiatives which
contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality
of environment, the preservation of heritage, and through these initiatives,
help to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world."

International Volunteer Program Association, based in New York, provides a search site to assist volunteers locate places where they can serve in areas of their interests.

Top of Page

USA Freedom Corps has been sponsored by the US government to encourage volunteerism in a wide range of areas of interest and locations.  The web site provides a database listing many thousands of organizations offering volunteer opportunities.

Oxfam International has for many years been one of the leading organizations helping with development and aid projects around the world.  Oxfam does not make travel arrangements in ways similar to the other organizations listed above; however, the branch of Oxfam in your region may be able to connect you with projects where you can volunteer in an area of your interest.

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) delivers emergency aid to victims of armed conflict, epidemics, and natural and man-made disasters, and to others who lack health care due to social or geographical isolation.

Amizake is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism, providing community service, encouraging collaboration and improving cultural awareness in locations around the world.
              
Habitat For Humanity International brings families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build affordable housing.

Top of Page

Earthwatch Institute has a mission to promote the sustainable conservation of our natural resources and cultural heritage by creating partnerships among scientists, the general public, educators, and businesses.

Cross Cultural Solutions is a not-for-profit international volunteer organization that operates volunteer programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Peru, Russia, Tanzania, and Thailand. 

Wilderness Volunteers organizes service trips in cooperation with public land agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, National Forest Service and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.     

Passport in Time is a volunteer archaeology and historic preservation program of the USDA Forest Service.      
       
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) conducts international exchange programs for youth, young adults and professionals with and without disabilities in the US and abroad.
       
The Volunteer Vacation Guide book, that is a great source of information, separating the vacations by cost, place, when and where, etc.

In a column in the New York Time in May, 2006, Nicholas Kristof suggested volunteering at ANAA (The Asian-American Network Against Human Rights Abuses) in Pakistan or New Light in Calcutta, India to teach English.  A minimum of a six-week commitment should be considered.

Top of Page