What is your opinion on volunteer vacations?

Question

There are more and more organizations popping up offering "volunteer vacations" where one goes and volunteers their time and skills in usually a foreign country. Aside from Habitat for Humanity or Doctor's Without Borders, I would very much like to know anyone's experiences with organizations like those. I get the sense that these "programs" are no better than one going out there on their own and spending less money for the same or better benefit of the particular community. In mind I have particular organizations that are bad at organizing any volunteer work and worse at providing adequate funding. I just would like to know if there are people with first hand experience who truly believe that the organizations they vacationed with were very beneficial.

Answer 1

When hurricane Katrina wiped out New Orleans,i Voulenteered My help for the first time in my life with The RED CROSS.At our breifing and first meeting here in California about travel and otherthings,We were told That The Red Cross Required each voulenteer had a Valid Drivers Lisence. At the time I only had my valid Ca.State I.D.
We were told we would recieve a VISA Debit Card For each voulenteer with the amount of $800 dollars for food or whatever we wanted...One Of the Guys that Had been with the RED CROSS said " You dont have to use the card ,You can take out the cash at an atm when you arrive back home and just say u used it in New Orleans.That,I thought was wrong. he also said" we usually get together for drinks so save some of your money for partying. Again,I thought "well ,thats wrong." And I was told that each voulenteer needed a valid Drivers Lisence because we all get a rental Car. Again, Wrong. I wasnt able to go because of my driving status but thought to myself later "No one is using cars ,its flooded,also where was anyone going to party when this big disaster was unfolding and people needed help?
I then realized after my anger subsided that The Red Cross was a joke and was really mis-managing Funds. People around the world were pouring in with Donations and The R.C. was buying VISA CARDS w/$800 each for each volunteer and rental cars. Here I was,A perfectly capable person to help with shelters,with giving out food, and moral support for the victims. I was angry and I told myself I will never donate any money to the Red Cross again.months later we all saw on the news how the Director of the Red Cross was held accountable for mis-management and mis handeling of funds. The Red Cross to me is a Racket with people using donations for comfartability and there amusement as they wished. So wrong!!!

Answer 2

Oh, in my case, it's different. I tried my best to save money and at the same time look for someone who could unselfishly give enough amount of money to buy medicines and provide transportation expenses for the 26-30 volunteer doctors. Once I was able to secure such amount from $3,000 to $5,000, that's the time I invite the volunteer doctors and offer medical-dental-optical mission to the remotest area, the so-called unserved places here in the Philippines.
Want to join me in organizing and coordination with the volunteer doctors and the poor people?
I would like to take this opportunity to THANK ALL THE CITIZENS OF THE WORLD WITH UNSELFISH INTENTIONS TO HELP THE POOR ONES. GOD BLESS US ALL.

Answer 3

I'm hesitant to spend tons of money to go on a volunteer experience. I am more inclined to contact ngos directly and ask what volunteer opportunities they offer. Most have websites that provide this sort of information. Some of the "placement" agencies ask for thousands of dollars for 1 or 2 week assignments.