VOLUNTEER VACATIONS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Posted on November 30, 2015 by affairsblog GFDD Global Round Table Guest Blogger: David Searby, Founder of BeachCorps.  With International Volunteer Day on December 5th, it’s important to recognize the growing $2 billion global market for volunteer vacations, often called “voluntourism” by both supporters and detractors.  Existing volunteer vacations in the Dominican Republic range from church groups, individuals and families who arrange their own travel and volunteer work, to loosely organized trips offering a place to sleep and volunteer work, to “one-stop shop” volunteer travel providers who book travel, accommodations, all transportation, excursions, and volunteer work.  Some of the organized trips are dubious in terms of their benefits for sustainable development.  Reputable firms include the nonprofit International Student Volunteers and the for-profit Education First.  While these firms do great work, their high costs and lesser appeal to older clients may limit their popularity and thus their impact. (CLICK FOR MORE).
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