Ten times, (I join) students will sign up for a study/volunteer program abroad based on a good feelings. They may find that the description on the program's website matches their wishes, the program coordinator may have spoken kindly to them, or they may simply assume that all companies are the same. And they can only choose. Go with another one. This all seems like a reasonable way to choose a program abroad, but it is known for backfiring.
This past summer, I volunteered for a good amount of money in Costa Rica. I left for a few reasons: I wanted to improve my Spanish skills, I wanted to experience a different country, and I wanted to do some internally rewarding work, volunteering. At least two of the three goals were achieved. I went through a national volunteer placement agency that will remain anonymous. He assured me that I would volunteer in Costa Rica to learn Spanish as well as gain a lifetime of experience. I spent hours talking to the volunteer coordinator, and he persuaded me to volunteer for six weeks at a grand event in Costa Rica. (This price did not include flights, transportation, etc.)
When I arrived in Costa Rica, it didn't take me long to realize that the company I thought was going to be there (to which I sent my money) wasn't really there. He was the only man in the middle of a "voluntary organization" in Costa Rica. This organization was responsible for everything, including my homestay, volunteering, and help. The homestay was great, support wasn't bad, but volunteer placement was virtually non-existent. I was placed in a clinic where they did not need my help. I usually sat alone in one room while doctors and nurses chatted in another room. I complained about my volunteer deployment, so they decided to move me to a temporary children's camp, which was very unorganized, to say the least. The children's camp ended voluntarily with 3 weeks left for me, so I hung out with the host family for the rest of the time.
One day, I talked to the host mom and found out she was paying me $ 70 a week to stay there. I quickly did the math in my mind, and I realized that about ¾ or $ 900 of my fee went to the volunteer place. It hasn't added much yet. They didn't do anything to get me anywhere. I spoke to other volunteers who felt that they too had been deceived. Passed through some other brokers who took an even bigger cut. There was also a large group of "medical intensive" students who paid too much for a short period of time and got a worse deal than themselves. They were promised several hours a day of medical volunteer work with Spanish medical classes, and the "volunteer organization" provided about 25% of the time. Some people actually left early because they were very disappointed with the program. A girl is actually suing her program.
The only person who seemed satisfied with the whole thing did some extra research before signing up for the program. Instead of going through a middleman, he went straight through the organization in Costa Rica. He didn't have to pay a premium to have a middleman but chose to pick him up from the airport and keep him with the host family. He also talked to them directly about weekly payments, so they could leave whenever they wanted. He was more informed because he found a blog from someone who had already gone through the program, so he knew exactly what to expect. Too bad he was alone.
It makes me sick to know that these "voluntary organizations" are benefiting from good people everywhere. Although I know there are good programs out there, this experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth. I just hope that future students and volunteers will read the reviews abroad before signing up with the company. As long as people continue to suffer from these fabricated programs, they will continue. If you've had a bad experience, be sure to post a review warning others to stay away. Together with psychology disciplines, we can help improve the industry and volunteer to do what is perceived.
You must be logged in to post a comment.