If you truly want to add more meaning to travelling abroad why not try voluntourism? Voluntourism is a fairly new phenomenon which can be defined as the act of travelling abroad to volunteer. Voluntourism is enriching in at least three different ways. Firstly, there’s the excitement of travelling abroad and actually learning first-hand about the community you’re visiting. Secondly, there’s the satisfaction you will experience from making a positive difference to the lives of others and thirdly you will also gain an advantage in the working world as many employers place high value on volunteerism. In the current economic climate such an advantage is highly important. What’s more, voluntourism tends to be a cheaper way of travelling abroad then just your average holiday as your accommodation and food are either provided free or very cheaply.



Through their EVS (European Voluntary Service) programmes, the European Commission offer all young Europeans aged 18-30 the opportunity to volunteer in a foreign country. Taking part in an EVS programme is a fantastic route to personal development through a non-formal learning experience (in other words, you have fun while learning!). Participants learn new skills, develop existing ones, benefit from specific training and receive a certificate (named the Youthpass) detailing what they have achieved, plus a Euro<26 Youth Card which offers thousands of discounts in 42 different countries. For more information about the Euro<26 Youth card visit http://www.eyca.org. Best of all, participation, board, lodging and insurance cover are free to all volunteers meaning that it EVS is affordable as well as rewarding and fun.

EVS cater for every possible interest and skill by offering programmes in a wide range of areas including; culture, youth, sports, social care, cultural heritage, the arts, civil protection, the environment and development co-operation. Previous programmes include: ‘Tradition and Modernity’, an exchange involving young people aged 16-19 from 4 different countries travelling to France to explore each others cultures through music; ‘Kick out Racism and Violence’, a programme centred on the theme of Racism and Violence in football where young fans from 5 different countries met in Marseilles to discuss discrimination in society and football; and ‘Be a part of it’, an exchange which involved around 100 young people from 10 European countries coming together in Venice, Italy to discuss important social issues such as immigration, addiction, health and environmental risks. To find out how you can take part in an EVS programme click on the following link; http://ec.europa.eu/youth/youth-in-action-programme/doc126_en.htm

Those of you with more cash to splash* (a common British phrase meaning plenty of money to spare!) and a craving for volunteer projects out of Europe should check out the voluntours that Planeterra, a partner of Gap Adventures has to offer. Planeterra provide a wide variety of volunteering options to suit all interests. If you would like to give something back to the community through education you could take part in a 10 day project in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil where you will help out at a community-run day care centre. You will help out in a variety of rewarding activities including cooking, playing games with children and day-care. However, the trip isn’t just all work and no play, plenty of spare time is awarded to explore the spectacular beaches and vibrant nightlife that Rio has to offer meaning that volunteers enjoy a truly rewarding experience. This project costs €349 which is inclusive of accommodation and most meals.

If working with animals is more your thing then you could choose to take part in a 15 day Project Costa Rica volunteering trip. On this project you will spend 6 days helping on a sea turtle conservation project to protect endangered turtles through activities such as beach clean-ups, counting baby turtles and releasing them. After all your hard work you will spend 9 days exploring many of the wonders that Cost Rica has to offer including horse-riding through the Monteverde Cloud Forest , hiking around the base of the Arenal Volcano and experiencing the hustle and bustle of San Jose. The project costs €509 which includes accommodation, excursions and some meals. To find out more visit the Planeterra website by clicking on this link; http://www.planeterra.org/pages/voluntours/4.php