Gap Year Forum

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Is Voluntourism Good or Bad?

Hello,

I'm looking to go overseas to Peru do some summer volunteering work I think, I've seen a project I like but then I read some people saying to avoid volunteering as it is unethical and more harmful than beneficial?!

I'm posting this as I'd like to know some of the pros and cons of volunteer tourism from people who have experienced anything to do with this branch of tourism.

If anyone could let me know of their experiences and what was good and bad about them, this would be an awesome help!!

Thanks heaps!

Orphanage projects should be avoided as most are questionable but there are lots of rewarding research, wildlife, conservation and community projects which are very beneficial/worthwhile.