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Group Trips Versus Individual Trips

Thu, 11/17/2011 - 20:24

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This awesome article was brought to you by Katie Boyer

Katie studied public relations at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA and is now working with Go Overseas in the Bay Area. Her experiences with traveling abroad combined with her passion for Latin American culture and community service fuel her writing and creativity. Follow Katie on Twitter: @VolunteeReviews and her blog.

Group of volunteers in traditional Peruvian outfits

An important aspect of volunteering abroad is the company you keep. As such, who you go with will greatly impact your trip. There are two different routes to take: going with a group of other volunteers and going on your own. The type of trip you take usually depends on what your financial situation is and what your reasons and interests are for volunteering abroad. Many organizations offer both program options.

If you want to pick your travel dates and which organization to volunteer with, going as an individual volunteer will fit your needs. If you’re a more adventurous, experienced traveler, an individual trip is a great way to challenge yourself and learn something about yourself and about the country you decide to go to.

Group trips are great for families and students. If you’re an inexperienced traveler or just unsure about what you want to do, a prearranged group trip can be a great way to try something new with support from the organization you go with and your fellow travelers. International volunteer work with a group usually results in traveling with people from the town you live in, the school you go to, an organization you all belong to, etc. These types of trips can combine studying and volunteering abroad, and are also called service-learning trips.

Below are some benefits of group and individual international volunteer trips.

Group volunteer trips:

More organized and structured

When you go abroad in a group, there is usually a leader who has coordinated most of the travel arrangements with the volunteer organization. This is a big plus if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about making travel arrangements in a new country. Many groups explore the local tourist attractions together, which is a great way to see the country.

Meeting like-minded people you can sustain relationships with after your trip

Because group volunteer trips usually consist of members from the same community, school, church, etc., it can be a great way to make friends from home you wouldn’t have spent time with otherwise. International volunteer is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life, and making lifelong friends through the process can make it more meaningful.

Comfort

Volunteering abroad can be a lot of work in itself. Some volunteers prefer the ease and comfort of letting an experienced organization take care of the little things. The more support an organization offers to its volunteers, the easier your trip will be. Going with a group takes the pressure off of coordinating meals, living accommodations, and more.

School credit

Although individuals can sometimes get school credit for their volunteer activities abroad, it is much easier when you go with a group affiliated with your school. Most universities have a study abroad department, but if yours doesn’t, look into organizations that facilitate faculty-led study/volunteer abroad trips.

Individual volunteer trips:

Volunteering for a local bike organization in Oaxaca, Mexico

Choosing to volunteer abroad as an individual, through an organization or on your own, is best for more independent travelers. As an individual, you still have options. You can contract through an organization who will coordinate your volunteer work, your living arrangements, and more. Alternatively, you can choose to volunteer directly with a nonprofit organization abroad and plan the rest of your arrangements yourself according to your preferences.

Control over daily activities

Sometimes group trips can be more constraining. For example, your prearranged group calendar says you are supposed to go to the market today, but you’d rather go to the museum. Going abroad as an individual, whether it’s through an organization or your own arrangements, can be a lot more flexible. Your day-to-day routine activities, volunteer responsibilities, living situations, and excursions are all up to you. This can also be a good way to save money. While more planning and work can be hard for some, it is more of an adventure for others.

More customized volunteer work

Some groups volunteer with a specific interest in mind, like building houses or taking med students to service clinics in underdeveloped communities. Most nonprofits, especially in underdeveloped countries, welcome volunteers at anytime and find a role within the organization that fits their unique skills and interests. Find an ideal organization to work for and get in contact. Maybe there are two you can’t choose between; why not split your time and really customize your volunteer experience to get the most out of it?

Meeting people from around the world

As a member of a volunteer group, you generally spend your time with the other group members. When you volunteer abroad independently, you are more likely to meet volunteers with all types of different backgrounds. International volunteers range in age, skills, interests, language and more. Meeting new people-- locals as well as other foreigners--adds to a cultural volunteer experience.

More of a local experience

Navigating your own way through a foreign city will teach you about yourself and the local culture. Most residents of a city don’t take official tours of the sites. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take tours, just remember that there are many ways to experience a new city authentically. You can find something new and exciting just by taking a new route to work. Independent travel will also give you a chance to befriend more locals than you might through a more sheltered group trip.