WWOOF Volunteer Travel

Updated: April 29th, 2019

All about WWOOF – Organic farming has grown by leaps and bounds, and the need for farmers to communicate and interact grows more each day.

This is where WWOOF comes in as a movement that aims to join organic farmers and growers with volunteers in an effort to increase cultural understanding.

It’s all about constructing a global community.

Here’s all about WWOOF

Learn all about WWOOF

WWOOFing stands for ‘World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.’

The volunteer or ‘WWOOFer,’ gets the opportunity to spend time in an organic farm, learn what it’s like, how it works and what sustainable agriculture is all about.

During your stay in the farm, you don’t have to pay for board or lodging.

It is not a monetary exchange program.

WWOOF is an educational program and it offers the visitors / WWOOFers the chance to learn what WWOOFing is about.

It is all about learning how to farm, taking part in the organic agriculture program and learning the culture.

WWOOFing is a worldwide movement, and WWOOF-USA® Host Farm Directory has more than 2,000 organic farms all over the nation. Agritourism is rising in popularity.

Who can WWOOF?

Any garden project, community or farm can participate in the program.

Anyone can be WWOOFer as long as they are at least 18 years old regardless whether you have experience or not.

In some countries, those under 18 can participate when accompanied by any adult parent or legal guardian.

The membership for WWOOF USA is good for one year after buying, but you should check the regulations from the country where you are going to be a member.

WWOOFing gives you the chance to learn all about organic farming and do real, physical work.

Among the things you will discover while WWOOFing are making wine, beekeeping, creating straw houses, growing vegetables and more.

You can read about these things in school and online, but there is nothing quite like getting down and dirty and being in a real farm, and that is what you get here.

11 Things to know before you WWOOF

WWOOFing began in 1971 in the UK.

It was the brainchild of Sue Coppard, who together with a couple of friends, wanted to spend some time in a farm.

In return for their stay, Sue and her friends performed various tasks around the farm.

Following their successful stay, other people soon followed and the WWOOF movement was on its way.

Today the WWOOFing organization is available in more than 50 countries and is available as independents in over 40 more.

In the beginning, WWOOFing was confined to the weekends, but now volunteers can stay for longer periods of time.

Aside from those mentioned earlier, WWOOFers will have the opportunity to assist with animal care, weeding and help with harvesting.

While a certain level of fitness is required for these tasks, you don’t need to be exceptionally fit.

Please keep in mind that tasks in farms change on a daily basis, so while you may be given an idea of what duties to perform, these can change.

Best Places to WWOOF and How to Select a WWOOF Host

How WWOOFing Works

The first step is to join a WWOOF organization.

Just go online and look for the WWOOF organization in your country and apply for membership.

Earlier we mentioned that only those 18 years and above are allowed, but in some counties like the US, those below 18 can join if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Once you have applied for membership, you gain access to that country’s list of smallholdings, gardens and organic farms.

Here the visitor / WWOOFer can contact a host farm and arrange for their stay and the type of volunteer work the will do.

In exchange for the farm work you do, your host will take care of your lodging and food.

As a visitor / volunteer, you will stay with your host in their farm and participate in the daily activities and tasks.

There are two types of jobs in this world, those you receive a paycheck for your work and those who’s compensation is other than monetary.

But in both cases they are a job and that work requires the same dedication and commitment.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the number of hours you have to work, but usually it is 4 to 6 hours a day helping around the farm, and in exchange you will get a full day’s worth of accommodation and food.

As a volunteer you will be asked to perform any number of tasks.

In addition to those, you will learn and take part in the fundamentals of farming such as bread making, cheese making, how to create mud bricks, milk cows and feed different types of animals.

Volunteers may also learn how to sow seed, prepare compost, cut wood, harvest, pack, garden, prune and so on.

The time you stay in the farm will have been negotiated prior to your arrival and will be between you and your host.

The average stay length is 2 to 3 weeks, but it can be as short as 2 days or as long as 6 months; it all depends on your negotiations with your host.

How to be a WWOOF Host

If you’ve got a woodland, vineyard, allotment, garden or farm and adhere to the principles of organic farming sustainability, you are eligible to be a WWOOF host and take in volunteers.

Volunteers can provide assistance with your day-to-day tasks and lessen your workload.

Another advantage is many volunteers are familiar with bio-dynamic growing and permaculture growing techniques.

There are different types of hosts: some use their land for self-sufficiency, others make a living from it.

Some hosts are individuals while others are comprised of families with children.

Some hosts are independent while others are part of eco-villages, communities or cooperatives.

If you’ve got a farm, being a WWOOF host gives you the opportunity to learn the latest techniques for growing organics, and it is also a chance to show people another lifestyle they may not be familiar with.

In other words, WWOOF benefits both host and volunteer, and a lot of volunteers enjoy their experience so much they end up becoming farmers.

As a host, this is the right time to spread word about organic farming and its benefits.

If you’re interested in becoming one, simply get in touch with the WWOOF in your country and they will help with the procedure.

Expectations when WWOOFing

WWOOFing has become very popular.

It has become something a lot of young people want to try out.

Aside from college graduates and adventurers, there are those who are just plain curious want to give it a try.

If you’re interested in organic farming and want to be a volunteer, here are some do’s and don’ts.

Do the following when WWOOFing

Set criteria:

Before you apply as a volunteer, ask yourself why you’re joining and what type of experience you want to gain.

Do you want to work with animals?

Do you want to plant vegetables?

Or would you prefer to learn how to create stone walls and prepare local food?

Define your goals and you will have an easier time figuring out what to do.

Be honest with your time:

How long do you want to work in a farm?

Is it just for a few days or several weeks?

Ask yourself if you’d rather spend time traveling than being on the farm or how flexible you can be.

While the typical workday is around 4 to 6 hours, it can vary from farm to farm.

In some cases you may have to work all day and have the following day off.

Take your time choosing a host:

There is no need to rush.

Online research makes it easy to explore many opportunities and to read reviews.

Don’t make your decision after just a couple of emails, as you need to spend a little time getting to know your host –and vice versa – so you can try to ensure a good rapport.

During this point, get to know each other’s expectations so there are no misunderstandings later.

Location matters:

You won’t be spending all your time in the farm so choose a location that you will enjoy.

For instance, you could choose a farm that is close to camping trails.

Or you could go to farm that is adjacent to important locations in the area or near public transport.

Consider the language:

Language is another matter to consider.

Are you willing to stay in a farm where they don’t speak much English or your native language?

Others may not want to, but this also gives you the chance to learn and use a foreign language.

You should also consider the general atmosphere and situation such as the weather, climate, etc.

Be prepared:

Your host will provide for most of your needs, but it won’t hurt to be prepared.

Your host is going to have the tools and boots, but you should bring a bandanna, reusable stainless steel water bottle, pocketknife, hat, work gloves (also recommend some gardening gloves as well), rain gear and work clothes.

Make sure the clothes you bring in are proper for farm work and that your pocketknife is properly stored so it doesn’t get confiscated if you’re visiting a farm abroad, or just buy one on your way there.

What not to do while WWOOFing

Keep the following in mind so you and your host don’t encounter any problems when it comes to expectations.

Do not slack off:

If you’re interested in WWOOFing, look for a host farm as soon as possible.

It’s not just you who is going to make plans but your host as well, so plan ahead by 4 to 6 months.

Keep in mind that farmers have a lot of work, plus many of them won’t have the time to be online and need time to respond.

Be polite, patient and keep looking for a farm that you like.

Do not be shy:

You’ll be staying at their farm so let them know a bit about you.

You’re not the only one volunteering for that farm so it won’t hurt to “sell yourself” by pointing out your strong points.

Can you sow seeds?

Do you have some experience planting vegetables?

Provide some details of your skills.

If you don’t have any direct related experience, emphasize other attributes.

Are you hard working?

Do you take directions well?

Will you take ownership of the work assigned to you?

Going to go far in helping you land that volunteer spot in the farm.

Don’t take risks:

While you are a guest at their farm, you alone are responsible for your safety.

Members of WWOOF have insurance but if you’re careful you won’t ever have to use it.

Be careful when spraying on plants, when feeding animals and doing other tasks.

Use common sense as well.

If you’re asked to drive the tractor and you don’t feel capable of doing so, let your host know and politely decline.

Do not be rigid:

One of the things you will quickly learn in a farm is that plans for the day changes.

This isn’t like your regular 9 to 5 job.

When you emailed the farm back in January, they might have said you’ll be feeding the chickens and cows, and doing cleaning and maintenance, but that could change drastically when you arrive.

The important thing to keep in mind is that WWOOFing is about learning life in a farm.

You will need to get your hands dirty.

If you’re prepared for that, you hopefully won’t be disappointed.

Don’t expect fancy lodging:

This isn’t a five star hotel, it is farm, so you could end up sleeping in a barn loft, basement bunkhouse or tepee.

In some farms you could be staying in a comfortable room with amenities, while in another you may have to set up your own tent.

Remember why you’re there:

Being in a new place, it’s tempting to go out sightseeing.

It’s allowed provided you’re done with your duties for the day.

All the good food, meeting new people, the beautiful vistas and local sights and sounds are secondary as you are there to do volunteer work.

To gain the respect of your hosts, don’t hesitate to get your hands dirty, be responsible and respectful of your work.

Why Choose to WWOOF?

You’re probably wondering why a lot of people are into WWOOFing, and there is no single answer.

WWOOFing is popular right now because it offers you the chance to experience something new, and work in exchange for food and lodging, making it more affordable.

You may have read about it and seen videos, but it’s a totally different matter to actually live on a farm and live like a farmer.

It is quite literally an experience unlike any other.

Family Volunteer Travel Guide

Reasons to WWOOF

Gain practical experience.

Sure, you can read about biodynamic and organic farming.

However, it’s totally different when you’re out there harvesting, growing and farming.

Animal husbandry and other aspects of farming have a sort of therapeutic effect.

The feeling of planting and mixing soil is something you’ll not likely to forget.

Get to know like-minded folks.

If you’re eager to know how organic farming works, then there’s no better place to find the answers than in a farm with farmers and others there WWOOFing as well.

Aside from meeting farmers, you also have the chance to meet and engage other WWOOFers and learn from each other.

This is one of the most exciting parts of WWOOFing and what a lot of people look forward to.

Learn the intricacies of farming.

Organic farming is not just about planting and feeding animals.

When you take in WWOOF, you will learn firsthand the relationship between the community and food production.

Eat organic food.

Another reason why people WWOOF is the opportunity to eat organic food.

It’s your chance to get away from processed food and enjoy fresh healthy produce.

Be fit and healthy.

If you haven’t had the time or inclination to exercise, going to WWOOF is an alternative.

The work you do will help get you in shape.

Tasks vary on a farm, and you will never get bored or run out of things to do.

Breathe fresh air.

There are some things we take for granted and that includes fresh air.

If you’ve been filling your lungs with smoke and pollution while living in the city, being able to breathe the fresh air will be a welcome change.

Learn something new.

WWOOF gives you the chance to learn a new skill at low cost, and at the same time you get to visit different places and meet new people.

Try something different.

If you’ve been doing the same thing over and over during your vacation, then it’s time for a change.

It’s not exactly your typical vacation, but one where you can learn new things and do something adventurous.

Fight stress.

This might seem odd at first.

After all you’ll be doing some farm work, but a lot of volunteers say the experience actually reduces their stress level.

While you’ll be doing some work, it’s more about learning.

Throw in the fresh air, meeting new people and being able to visit new locales, and your stress may fade away.

Affordable means of traveling.

WWOOFing is one of the most affordable means of traveling.

Your food and lodging are taken care of, plus a lot of these farms are far away from populated centers, giving you the chance to explore without spending a lot of money.

No farming experience required.

Earlier we mentioned that having farm skills is a plus.

That’s true but it’s not a requirement.

Even if you know next to nothing about farming, you can still apply as a lot of farms take in volunteers who have little or no experience.

The only thing that’s important is you arrive at the farm with a positive outlook and willing to keep up with the daily tasks required.

Being self-reliant.

Becoming a volunteer means learning how to grow food and get hands-on training on what it’s like being a farmer.

The knowledge you gain WWOOFing can be put to good use and in your own garden.

People choose to go WWOOFing to learn a new way of living as well as how to be resilient.

Pros of WWOOFing

Travel to different places.

WWOOF is all over the world.

It offers you the chance to go globetrotting while learning how to farm and help others.

Usually don’t have to pay for food and lodging.

Meet different people and experience an alternative lifestyle.

Gain new knowledge about organic farming.

Learn how to plant and cultivate.

Doing farm work is not just emotionally rewarding but physically good as well.

Building walls, hauling rocks and making garden beds is good exercise and good for your body.

You’ll be one with nature again.

If you’ve been living in the city for a while, being on farm gives you the chance to get away from it all.

Depending on where you chose to go WWOOFing, beaches, the mountains and ocean shores could be near by.

A chance to enjoy different kinds of weather.

Is it winter where you live and want to get away from it?

Go WWOOFing and enjoy the sun.

It’s an experience to remember.

By the time your stay is over, you’ll have some interesting stories to tell your friends and memories for a lifetime.

Gives you a new perspective on life:

some people become so enamored with life on the farm they decide to be farmers full time.

This is your chance to see if this lifestyle is for you.

Cons of WWOOFing

Hard work:

Life on the farm isn’t easy.

You have to get up early and do real work.

Aside from feeding and planting, you may end up doing physically demanding tasks.

You will be outside, so apply sunscreen to avoid sunburns.

You need to be careful; If you’re WWOOFing for the first time, watch out for insect bites as they’re prevalent in some countries.

The amenities vary.

In some farms you will have your own room while in others you may have to share it and bathrooms with several people.

The weather might be too hot or too cold.

This is something you need to get used to especially if you’re used to living in a particular climate.

Internet and TV connections could be sporadic.

Maybe this could be a good thing!

More information about WWOOFing

There are many excellent books on what to know about WWOOFing.

Resources and About GoGreenTravelGreen.com

As you can see, there’s much to learn about WWOOF.

Now that you know all about WWOOF, you can tell the pros outweigh the cons.

WWOOFing is for many an unforgettable experience and well worth trying.

Top Spots for Agritourism: From Pizza Farms to Cheese Trails

Top Spots for Agritourism – Autumn has arrived, and with it, a prime season for agritourism.

Take advantage of beautiful fall weather, the outdoors, and the opportunity to eat, can, and bake with whole food ingredients this autumn by traveling to your nearest organic u-pick farms and orchards.

In the mood for something different?

Read on to learn where you can find pizza farms, cheese trails, and organic wineries.

What is agritourism?

Agricultural tourism, or agritourism, encompasses working farms, ranches, wineries, and orchards that include an element of commercial enterprise for guests.

Agritourism includes the usual suspects — roadside fruit stands, u-pick orchards, farmers’ markets, and pumpkin patches — as well as more unique travel experiences ranging from farm stays and organic winery tours to guest ranches and pizza farms.

While agritourism exists in most parts of the US and Canada, the sure fire way to find the freshest and most abundant harvest selection is to follow the foodie: regions and communities with the most farm-to-table restaurants, organic food trucks, and organic wineries or breweries most likely have the best produce to pick from… literally!

If you’re ready for a unique, local dining experience, check out these top spots for agritourism in the US.

Top Spots for Agritourism

Charlottesville, VA

With a greater restaurant-to-visitor ratio than any other city in the country, Charlottesville takes the cake when it comes to organic produce and fruit.

While strolling Charlottesville’s City Market or Farmers in the Park, agricultural tourists rub elbows with local chefs and restaurant managers.

Personally, I’d just trail them and ask them what’s for dinner.

If you’d rather pick your own produce, spend a day at Carter Mountain Orchard, where over 30 varieties of apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, and pumpkins are available seasonally (19 of apples alone).

Buy jams, jellies, and apple butter at the on-site store, and get pie recipes from the staff.

Northampton, MA

You may not think of Western Massachusetts as farm country, but the outlying communities of Northampton at the edge of the Berkshires would disagree.

Starting in June, local organic u-pick farms burst with berry fields, lending to a rich apple-picking season through October.

Any time of year, enjoy the handfuls of local breweries.

My favorite is The People’s Pint, located in nearby Greenfield.

What sets it apart?

The People’s Pint won’t take credit cards, and reuses resources like napkins, to cut down on garbage.

In fact, even on their busiest nights, they claim to produce only one bag of trash.

Best of all, The People’s Pint uses only local ingredients in their pub food and beer-making.

Yes, this means they sometime run out of popular items, but knowing you’re eating what was grown or raised right down the road more than makes up for it.

Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley, OR

Situated in the fastest growing winery region of the US, the Rogue and Applegate valleys of Southern Oregon enjoy a Mediterranean climate rare in this part of the US.

Visitors can follow the Applegate Wine Trail (once the route of the famed pioneer trail) for organic wines, farm-to-table food, and beautiful views.

My favorite stop: Troon Vineyard, where guests might catch a glimpse of local hang gliders landing.

Medford, OR, in the heart of the Rogue Valley, is also home to Harry and David, famous for pears, produce, and gourmet holiday baskets.

Harry and David offers an extensive tour of their kitchens and operations, including time on the soil in their pear orchards and on the concrete of their production floors.

Checkout of posts of our time in this area of Oregon Oregon’s Warm Springs Reservation Land of Big Sky and Rafting the Rogue River Oregon with O.A.R.S.

Niagara, NY

Niagara is not just about falls. With over 80 u-pick farms and orchards (many of which use organic farming methods) in Niagara County, travelers can be kept busy bringing in their own harvest.

End your labors at Becker Farms, where you can tuck into one of their 100 Radius Meals, with ingredients grown within 100 miles or less of the farm.

The Niagara Wine Trail will keep adults busy, while pumpkin festivals abound for families in October.

Throughout the season, take in the fabulous fall foliage.

Finger Lakes Region, NY

Travelers needing to get away from it all have been coming to New York’s Finger Lakes region for decades, but with dozens of u-pick farms, farmers’ markets, and even a cheese trail, it’s the place to be productive (and with an appetite) too.

Finger Lake u-pick farms, with an emphasis on apples and pumpkins, may be the biggest draw, but the region’s unique lavender production comes in a close second.

Known to be ‘spa quality,’ the lavender harvested at Lavender Crest Farm competes in charm with its Icelandic horses grazing on the rolling hillsides.

If you still need a reason to go, the New York Wine and Culinary Center sits in nearby Canandaigua, NY, offering events and classes for groups as well as individuals.

Northfield, MN

If you’re craving a homegrown pizza (yes, pizza!), the greater Saint Paul and Minneapolis area, as well as several parts of Wisconsin, have cornered the market on pizza farms.

What is a pizza farm? It’s any working farm that makes pizza in (usually in wood-fired ovens) on-site, using ingredients grown on the farm.

Local enthusiasts recommend the Red Barn Farm of Northfield, where guests bring their own blankets, refreshments, and salads to compliment their outdoor pizza-dining experience.

11 Things to Know Before You WWOOF
Chacra Millalen: Volunteering on an Argentina Organic Farm

North Coast of Oregon

Last weekend I went to visit a college friend in Eugene, Oregon.

She picked me up in Portland and we saw some of the finest sights The Beaver State (yes, that really is Oregon’s state nickname) has to offer on our way down the North Coast.

The Goonies House

My brother and I spent far too many hours of our childhood watching Mikey, Brandon, and their Goonie friends search for buried treasure and outwit the Fratellis, so I was pretty psyched to see the house from The Goonies movie.

If you somehow missed this 1985 classic, it’s time to check it out.

Sea Lions

As we climbed up the road to the Goonies house, we heard a cacophony of distinctly animal noises in the distance.

Intrigued by the noise, we set out to find out what it was and discovered dozens of sea lions barking.

It turns out the house is just a hop, skip, and jump from the ocean.

Haystack Rock

According to the City of Cannon Beach’s website, this awesome monolith is 235 feet tall, which makes it the 3rd largest monolith in the world.

It’s also a seabird nesting refuge. The winds picked up as we looked on so we didn’t stay long, but Haystack Rock is magnificent.

Tillamook Cheese Factory

In addition to tasty cheese samples, the factory offers free self-guided tours, 38 flavors of ice cream, and the chance to peer down at Tillamook cheese workers on the job.

The last was a little too reminiscent of a zoo for my comfort, but the excursion was fun nonetheless.

Where else do you get to sample Marionberry Pie ice cream?

Next time you’re in Oregon, I would definitely recommend a leisurely trip down the coast.

It has it all: pop culture, wildlife, natural beauty, and cheese.

What more could you ask for?

Best Farmers Markets and Why I Shop at Farmers Markets

Best Farmers Markets in the United States – Here are my choices for the best farmers’ markets in the United States.

As summer approaches, seasonal farmers’ markets are opening up all over the country.

Whether you are looking for fresh produce or ready-made jams and artisan breads, local farmers’ markets are a great place to start.

They are also a fun, green way to experience local culture if you are traveling.

Best Farmers Markets in the United States

Most of these farmers’ markets are open from May until October but check before you venture out.

Also, be sure to verify the weekends and weekdays they will be open as well.

Union Square Greenmarket – New York, NY

Union Square Greenmarket is one of New York City’s most famous farmers’ markets.

Started in 1976, this market now features over 140 local farmers, bakers, and fishermen who sell their goods to city dwellers.

Open year-round, whether you are looking for award-winning farmstead cheese or cut flowers and plants.

You can find it all at Union Square Greenmarket.

Visitors can even watch cooking demonstrations by some of the City’s hottest chefs.

North and west sides of Union Square Park

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market – San Francisco

Widely acclaimed as being one of the top farmers’ markets in the country, the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market is where the chefs shop.

Some of San Francisco’s most acclaimed chefs can be seen at this market.

With nearly 25,000 shoppers at the market each week, finding artisan specialties like breads, cheeses and jams is a breeze.

On Thursdays, you can find a variety of street food: wood-fired pizza, tacos, and gourmet sandwiches.

Locals love stopping by on Saturdays to find restaurants serving a variety of tasty treats at the market.

Making this one of the best farmers’ markets to visit on summer vacation.

Located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street

Open Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Green City Market – Chicago

The Green City Market opened for their outdoor season just last week.

Every Wednesday and Saturday Chicagoland residents’ head to the south end of Lincoln Park to find things like organic micro-greens and artisanal cheese.

With a mission to improve the availability of high quality sustainable grown food in the greater Chicago area, The Green City Market is a great place to time as a family.

Visiting Chicago in the winter?

You can still visit the Green City Market, from November to April the market moves indoors.

Located at the south end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive

Open mid-May – October, every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am – 1 pm

Crescent City Farmers’ Market – New Orleans

New Orleans is home to one of the country’s favorite farmers’ markets.

Some of New Orleans most popular chefs hit up the Crescent City Farmers’ Market for ingredients on Saturday mornings.

With over 30 vendors you can find local favorites like wild catfish, creole tomatoes and other locally grown treats.

Open three days a week with three different locations.

You can find what you want regardless of where you are staying in the city.

Tuesday Market: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., located at the northeast corner of the Tulane Square parking lot, 200 Broadway.

Thursday Market: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., located at Orleans Avenue and Bayou St. John, in the parking lot of the American Can Co.

Saturday Market: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., located at the corner of Girod Street and Magazine Street in New Orleans’ historic Warehouse District.

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market – New Mexico

You will find southwestern produce at its best at this northern New Mexico farmers’ market.

Located in Santa Fe’s rail yard, over 150 vendors sell locally grown favorites.

The market began in the 1960’s with a handful of farmers, and in 2002 it started operating year round.

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is unique because they do not allow reselling.

The people who sell you the products are also the farmers.

So, they will be able to answer any questions you have about anything you are buying at this popular farmers’ market.

Located in the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market in the Rail yard.

Tuesdays and Saturdays: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Visiting the best farmers’ markets in the United States is a wonderful way to embrace the local culture and support local growers.

It’s a way to eat healthier on vacation and every day and get a real sense and feel of the area you are visiting.

Why Shop at Farmers Markets?

Shopping at farmers markets has a certain appeal because based on aesthetics alone, it’s much better than going to large supermarkets.

But as any shopper will tell you, there’s a lot more to it, as there are simply more options available here that you cannot get anywhere else.

First of all, buying at farmers market provides support for local agricultural products, and that’s always a good thing.

Not only that, but it helps the environment too since the food doesn’t have to be transported halfway across the planet, saving on energy and fuel.

Second, you’re eating food in its natural environment, with all the nutrients suited for your region and climate.

Another reason why I love shopping here is there’s plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, and at prices that are more affordable than what you’d find in the supermarket.

Furthermore, you’re likely to find lots of foods that are pesticide free, and there’s also the fact that you can actually speak to the farmer about the methods they use, what they sell and so on.

Shopping at farmers market also means you’re doing your part in supporting the local folks, so it’s your community that will benefit, not some multinational company that operates halfway around the country or the world.

In other words, it all comes back to you eventually.

Reusable Bags

My love for these markets are only matched by my desire for reusable bags.

These have been around for a long time, but it’s only now that people have come to realize their full benefits, and if you haven’t gotten one, well it’s time you did for the following reasons.

Plastics cause heavy damage to the environment and they take almost 100 years to decompose.

Less than one percent of plastics in the US are recycled, as the rest end up in landfills, the trash or just thrown in the ocean.

By simply purchasing a bag that’s reusable, you’ll be doing your part in reducing the amount of trash in the environment.

More and more animals die every year because the ingest plastic bags discarded in the ocean.

More than 10% of the debris that wash up and pollute the United States coastline is comprised of plastic bags.

More than 12 million barrels of oil are used to produce the 100 billion plastic bags the US uses yearly.

But aside from helping the environment, these bags are perfectly usable and can be used the same way as regular plastic bags.

The biggest difference is they are reusable and aren’t going to contribute to pollution, and they’re available in different sizes as well so if you’re thinking of bringing one while in a farmers market, you can do so easily.

As you can see, buying stuff at farmers markets can be a very satisfying experience, and just like buying reusable bags, offers great value for your money.

Any way you look at it, it’s an experience you’re going to savor and look forward to again and again.

Free range eggs, fresh bread, homemade cheese and yogurt, and organic local produce abound at Washington, DC farmers markets.

I went to two this weekend and you just can’t trade the experience of chatting with the people who grow your food.

Especially when the alternative is the bored teenage checker at the local Safeway.

My favorite part of my weekend farmers market excursions was at the H Street Farmers Market when, upon seeing my reusable bag, a lettuce vendor told me how happy she is that everyone is bringing their own bags these days.

Since last year, she’s seen a 50% decrease in the number of plastic bags her customers need.

I looked around the Dupont Farmers Market and noticed that she’s right.

Just about everyone was carrying at least one reusable shopping bag. Yay!

But I also saw a distinct lack of reusable produce bags like my lovely organic cotton produce bag by Ecobags.

My guess is that people don’t know they exist; I didn’t until six months ago.

Maybe reusable produce bags are the next step in the anti-plastic bag revolution.

No matter where in the world you are, local markets and reusable bags are the way to go.

11 Things to Know Before You WWOOF
Chacra Millalen: Volunteering on an Argentina Organic Farm

Why do you love your local farmers market?

Who would you vote for the best farmers’ markets in the United States?

photo credits: Wahooo, asmythie, flickr4jazz, LizMarie_AK, BFS Man, kthread, Todd Emerson and jdtornow

Updated: April 22nd, 2019

In Volunteering Abroad: 10 Things to Know Before You Go, we discussed everything you should think about before you sign up. With proper planning, it can be the experience of a lifetime.

Volunteer Travel Programs Local and Abroad – Volunteer travel is an amazing way to see a place, get to know local culture, and leave a positive footprint.

We volunteered while traveling through Argentina.

We learned a ton about WWOOFing — World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms — and had an amazing experience at Chacra Millalen.

It’s been awhile since we’ve written about volunteer travel and since summer is here (or so it feels in Minnesota today) with summer vacation planning underway, I thought I’d revisit the subject focusing specifically on volunteer travel abroad versus volunteer travel locally.

Local vs. Abroad Volunteer Travel

Whether its sandbagging for a flood emergency in Fargo or picking strawberries on an organic farm in California there are plenty of opportunities to take 1 or 2 days and see a place (relatively) near your home and volunteer the same time.

You don’t have to travel far to find a place to volunteer.

The trick is finding a place you want to visit for a vacation that also has a volunteer opportunity.

Generally, there are two ways to search for a volunteer travel program: by place or by opportunity.

For US based volunteer travel I find it more exciting to search for an opportunity and then find out what else there is to do in that city or town.

Some of the top sites for finding U.S. based volunteer travel programs include Idealist, VolunteerMatch, WWOOF and Organic Volunteers.

We offer some resources for volunteering abroad to help find a good program to ensure it is seamless, hassle-free and rewarding.

Perks of volunteering abroad

When we volunteered abroad at Chacra Millalen, an organic farm in Argentina, we learned new skills, met interesting people, ate lots of new foods, and experienced a different way of life.

Help others.

Whether you’re cleaning up a polluted river or volunteering in a medical clinic, the work you’re doing is making a difference.

The people you’re helping will be incredibly grateful.

It will make you feel good too.

Get up close and personal with a culture.

There’s no better way to experience a culture than by living in it.

You’ll see parts of the culture and country you’d easily miss living in a hostel, especially if you’re living with a host family.

Plus, you’ll get to try new foods.

Learn a language.

The best way to practice a language is to be immersed in it.

When the people you’re working with are counting on you to communicate, and you’re listening to another language being spoken for hours every day, you’ll become more proficient than you would believe.

And you won’t even have to pay for language classes.

Have fun.

When you’re working 12 hour days with someone, you’re going to bond, even if you might never have otherwise been friends.

And making friends will take your mind off the hard work, sore muscles, or hot weather.

In addition to getting to know other volunteers, you’ll also get to build relationships locals.

Learn a trade.

You may not want to be an organic farmer now, but who knows what your dream will be in 10 or 15 years?

You may decide to start your own garden or even a farm.

Even if you don’t, you’ll learn leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that will impress any prospective employer.

Most of these reasons for volunteering abroad also apply to local volunteering.

So, while planning your summer vacation see if you can find a volunteer opportunity as part of your travels to help wildlife in Belize.

Great resources for volunteering abroad, Volunteer Traveling and WWOOF ‘ing:

11 Things to Know Before You WWOOF
21 Resources for Volunteering Abroad Why You Should Do It
10 Things to Know Volunteering Abroad Before You Sign Up
All about WWOOFing

Getting Started & Finding Volunteer Programs

Whether you WWOOF or choose one of these below, there are many options, including:

Crossculturalsolutions.org: Offers volunteer programs in 12 countries, including Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand.

idealist.org: An extensive volunteer database with environmental listings, connections to local nonprofits, financial aid information, internships and a kids and teens page.

Current opportunities include teaching environmental awareness to Nepalese villagers and developing a fruit-drying program for Ghanan villagers, among many others.

volunteerabroad.com: Listings include opportunities to protect Australia’s environment and conservation projects in Costa Rica.

volunteerinternational.org: Conservation programs in Thailand, creating a Holocaust Memorial Park in Poland and making eco-friendly soap with disabled persons in Japan are just three of the unique opportunities you’ll find on this site.

The Nature Conservancy accepts volunteers working to conserve the Boreal Forest and the Great Bear Rainforest in Canada (see nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/canada).

Great Adventures provides links to volunteer and work abroad programs in dozens of countries.

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms– Volunteer on organic farms across the world – no previous experience required.

i-to-i.com: Work to conserve Madagascar’s lemurs, care for endangered wallabies in Australia or help maintain biodiversity with indigenous peoples in Costa Rica.

Tim Ferriss’s take on volunteering abroad lists 5 international volunteering organizations under “Volunteering Mini-Retirements” experiences:

Burners Without Borders– Following the 2005 Burning Man event, several participants headed south into the Hurricane Katrina disaster area to help people rebuild their devastated communities.

After several months of working along the Gulf Coast, BWB has set up a project in Pisco, Peru to assist with earthquake relief work.

Project HOPE– Nearly 50 years ago, Project HOPE was founded on the willingness of doctors, nurses and other medical volunteers to travel the globe on a floating hospital ship, the SS HOPE, to provide medical care, health education and humanitarian assistance to people in need.

While we now operate land-based programs in more than 35 countries, Project HOPE has again returned to sending medical volunteers on board ships around the world to provide medical assistance, long reaching health education programs, vaccinations and humanitarian assistance.

International Relief Teams – International Relief Teams mobilizes volunteers and distributes medical supplies to support the organization’s four missions:

Domestic and international disaster relief,

Medical education and training,

Surgical and clinical outreach,

Public health. Since 1988, IRT has provided more than $5.6 million in volunteer services, and more than $112 million in medicines and supplies to families in desperate need in 42 countries worldwide.

Relief International – Relief International is a humanitarian non-profit agency that provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, development assistance, and program services to vulnerable communities worldwide.

RI is solely dedicated to reducing human suffering and is non-political and non-sectarian in its mission.

Hands On Disaster Response – Hands on Disaster Response covers food and housing and does not require a fee.

Habitat for Humanity – Build houses for people who can’t afford them with this well-known U.S.-based organization.

Doctors Without Borders -You don’t have to be an MD to provide medical care to people in developing countries.

They’re currently seeking doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, technicians, logisticians, and others.

Engineers Without Borders USA – Projects “range from the construction of sustainable systems that developing communities can own and operate without external assistance, to empowering such communities by enhancing local, technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills.”

Conservation Volunteers in Australia. – Links to various conservation programs and organizations in Australia.

Volunteer Match – A great resource for providing you with volunteer opportunities (including many in the US) that match your interests.

Looking for more resources for volunteering abroad?

Volunteer Traveling and WWOOFing:

11 Things to Know Before You WWOOF
10 Things to Know Volunteering Abroad Before You Sign Up

Volunteering can be a life-changing experience for you and those you help.

Using these resources for volunteering abroad, you will have your choice of opportunities and find the best one for your interests.

Volunteer in Africa: What to Know Before You Go

If you’ve always dreamed of volunteering in Africa, now is a great time to do it.

People in Africa face an array of challenges.

Extreme poverty, lack of clean drinking water, HIV/AIDS, lack of access to healthcare — and there are plenty opportunities to help.

Here’s how to volunteer in Africa.

Volunteering in Africa is a great opportunity to give back, learn new skills, and gain valuable life experiences.

Be sure you do your homework before you go.

Your volunteer experience will be much more meaningful if you’re adequately prepared.

As you’re planning your trip to volunteer in Africa, these tips will tell you what you need to know before you go even if you are WWOOFing

How to volunteer in Africa

I’ve met hundreds of volunteers in Africa over the last few years, and I’ve learned that people often come with misconceptions about what their experience will be like.

Understanding what to expect can help you have a richer volunteer experience.

If you’re thinking about volunteering in Africa, here are a few things to consider:

Not all organizations will have volunteer opportunities.

Some organizations’ missions are incompatible with short-term volunteers.

For example, over the years many children’s homes and orphanages have learned that having people come and go frequently can be harmful for the children in their care.

They’ve learned that consistency is important, and it’s something short-term volunteers can’t offer.

Managing volunteers requires time and effort

Organizations that have a lot of volunteers often need to hire someone to manage the volunteers’ schedules — and in some cases their accommodations and transportation.

I’ve heard from a number of volunteers who wanted to volunteer in Africa for free and are frustrated when they have to pay for a volunteer experience.

But keep in mind that hosting volunteers, and doing it well, can take a lot of time and effort.

For example, if you volunteer on a building project, someone needs to make sure you have the supplies you need.

If you volunteer at a school, someone must coordinate with the teachers and the person in charge of the school.

This is one reason some organizations charge for a volunteer experience and have a limited number of volunteer spots available.

Sometimes locals can do the job better

Whether it’s a building project or teaching in a village, sometimes locals can do the job more effectively than international volunteers.

If you’ve traveled in Africa, you know that foreigners often attract attention, which can be a distraction on a volunteer site.

And with building projects, volunteers often don’t have the skills needed to build with local materials and tools.

Plus, it would be a shame if volunteers were taking away paid work for local residents.

Tips for an amazing volunteer experience in Africa

All of that said, there are many organizations rely heavily on volunteers and feel that their service is invaluable.

Here are some tips for having a memorable and life-changing volunteer experience:

If you’re short on time, plan ahead

I’ve met a handful of people who arrived in Africa hoping to volunteer, but with out having any contacts or plans for what they would be doing.

If you have plenty of time (and patience!) this can work.

But it’s best to plan ahead, especially if you’re on a shorter trip.

Contact a few organizations in areas you’ll be visiting and find out how you might be able to get involved.

It’s okay to pay, just not too much

There are a lot of great organizations that ask volunteers to contribute to overhead costs, or the cost of the specific project they’ll be working on.

In general, I think this is fine.

But ask good questions — make sure the money is staying in the local community and supporting local programs.

There are some organizations that will charge inflated amounts and take advantage of volunteers.

Do your homework and plan ahead ;to make sure you find an excellent volunteer experience with a reputable organization.

Be willing to do anything

It’s great if you have specific skills you think will be helpful, but it may be difficult to find a short-term volunteer opportunity where you’ll be able to use your talents.

Be open to a variety tasks, however menial they may seem, that allow you to take some of the load off of the people working hard in their local communities.

Use the time to build relationships with other volunteers and local non-profit workers; you’ll be able to gain insight into their culture, as well as the significant challenges they may be facing.

Learn about WWOOFing

If you’ve always wanted to volunteer in Africa, there’s no time like the present.

Volunteering in Africa and volunteering abroad can be an amazing, life-changing experience.

Just make sure you have realistic expectations, and use the tips above to set yourself up for success.

Eco-tourism in Africa

Many people may plan to volunteer as well as travel in a new country.

It’s great if you have the time to do both.

When we were in Argentina, we took several days to volunteer on an organic farm.

It was one of the highlights of our trip.

When you go to Africa, or anywhere and are planning travel, more and more tourists and tourism providers are taking responsibility for the environmental impact caused by their activities.

The tide is turning toward eco-friendly, sustainable travel.

Holiday-makers expect ethical dealings, and tourism providers understand the importance of maintaining the environments and communities they operate within.

An example of a company that takes eco-tourism its commitment to ethical tourism practice, a UK-based tourism provider.

Here’s a case study of the different ways this company is working to maintain sustainable tourism:

In Africa

Education

Giving back to the communities who accommodate tourists through the Loldia School Fund, Safari Consultants sponsors students for the entire five years of high school in Kenya.

There is also a commitment to provide two bursaries each year for students at the Koiyaki Guiding School.

Providing local Maasai youth in Kenya the opportunity to learn the tourism industry and skills in eco-friendly land management.

Wildlife Conservation

Safari Consultants demonstrates its commitment to taking care of wildlife through regular contributions to the South Luangwa Conservation Society in Zambia.

Individual projects

Smaller conservation projects and one-off involvement is also key.

Maintaining a level of flexibility in the budget allows a company to make pledges to a variety of different projects as they come up.

eco Tourism to Africa

Safari Consultants has assisted small-scale projects such as providing school equipment in school, and football boots for a local team.

Examples in the UK

Industry standards

It’s necessary to keep up with peak industry bodies such as The Travel Foundation and Ethical Tour Operators Group (ETOG) of Tourism Concern to keep up-to-date with projects and industry news and demonstrate a commitment to ethical tourism.

Local

Taking care of the environment has been extended to onsite practice at Safari Consultants HQ in Suffolk, where low energy light bulbs are used, and electricity runs off 100% renewable resources.

They have an in-house green travel policy for all staff, plus a comprehensive recycling scheme in the office.

As climates change ever more rapidly, it becomes increasingly essential to do as much as possible to mitigate the impact that humans have on the environment.

The onus is on both tourism companies and travelers, who can choose to support ethical tourism providers, especially when travelling in the delicate ecosystems such as while on safari.

Always remember about supporting the local economy and to buy sustainable souvenirs only.

Volunteers and tourists

In Africa and wherever you are going — should also take personal responsibility while abroad – from taking care of the environment while visiting to offsetting carbon emissions, there are many ways to ensure the lightest possible footprints are left.

(photo credit: 1 – mklipovsky)

Are you planning a trip to Africa?

The chance to volunteer in Africa is sure to be a memorable and life-changing experience.

Do your research in advance for the best time possible.

Volunteer in Uganda ~ My Life-Changing Trip with Shanti Uganda

For a volunteering experience like no other, consider the chance to volunteer in Uganda.

No travel experience has been more powerful and transforming for me than my trip to Uganda.

Just for reference, I have traveled to more than 70 countries.

I went with Shanti Uganda, a non-governmental organization dedicated to women’s health.

Instead of being on the outside looking in, Shanti Uganda afforded me the unique and precious opportunity to immerse myself in the daily lives of a small Ugandan community.

Volunteer in Uganda

Arriving at Shanti Uganda, I was embraced with open arms by the local Ugandan women and their children.

Their joy for life was contagious and their beaming and outpouring welcome was deeply moving.

Over the ensuing days, other trip participants and I worked with them, sang with them, drummed with them, and danced around the fire with them late into the evening.

They told us their stories and shared their sorrows and their dreams.

We learned how to prepare their food, dined in their homes, and played with their children.

After just a week, I felt such a deep bond and connection with this group of rural Ugandan women and their families.

I experienced a profound reaffirmation that we are all one.

On my trip, I visited a birthing center Shanti Uganda built to assist local mothers (many of them HIV-positive) who have virtually no other support for normal deliveries.

Tragically minimal support for births with complications.

Their work in that area is essential; in Uganda, one in twenty-five women in dies in childbirth.

It was evident that Shanti Uganda has grown far beyond its original vision of bringing conscious birth to communities experiencing trauma in Uganda.

It’s become a center for women and children’s health education, vaccinations, and preventive care.

And it’s become a community activity and education center for teens, and a work and skills training site for rural women who, through Shanti Uganda’s initiative in developing cottage industries, are earning an income for the first time in their lives!

And this amazing work takes place in a beautiful organic garden setting with solar-powered energy and a cistern-based water collection system, making Shanti Uganda off-the-grid and self-sufficient.

Learn about WWOOF before you make your plans to volunteer in Uganda.

My trip with Shanti Uganda was ten days, and it included a trip to a national park and the impressive Murchison Falls.

We also experienced a safari with elephant, hippo, giraffe, lion, baboon, crocodile and warthog sightings; a white water rafting experience on the Nile; and time exploring the local markets and amazing restaurants of the capital, Kampala.

But the truly unique part of our travel was living and working with and learning from the women of the Shanti Uganda community center.

Through Shanti Uganda, I discovered a way to support meaningful work, both actively with my time and more passively with the money and supplies I could bring to the center.

I felt like my contributions could make a real and palpable difference in the lives of people I grew to know and care for.

It is rare to find a way to truly immerse yourself in another culture and live it, not just peer at it through a camera lens or on a tourist bus.

Shanti Uganda afforded me that experience and I am eternally grateful.

Volunteering in Uganda

There are many ways to volunteer in Africa and to volunteer abroad.

Learn all you can in advance so you can make the right trip for your interests and your abilities to serve.

Learn about volunteering on an organic farm.

If going abroad isn’t in your sights right now, there are plenty of local volunteer opportunities as well.

Shanti Uganda is an NGO committed to improving lives.

They strive to improve infant and maternal health, provide safe women-centered care, and support the well-being of birthing mothers and women living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

The chance to volunteer in Uganda was life-changing.

For a unique opportunity for travel to transform lives, join Shanti Uganda on one of their upcoming trips.

photo credit: Shanti Uganda

Volunteering in SE Asia: Getting Your Foot on the NGO Ladder

Volunteering in SE Asia can be a wonderful, life-changing experience.

Getting your foot on the first rung of the ladder in the conservation and humanitarian sectors is a chicken and egg kind of situation – you want a job to gain experience but the employers want to employ someone with experience which you can’t have until you get a job!

Through searching the web and talking to career advisers, you will probably come to the conclusion that to take that first step you often must volunteer.

Volunteer travel is now big business and as the pool for governmental and corporate funding is continually shrinking, which is worsened by the increasing number of fund seekers.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are turning to volunteering as a way to fund their conservation or outreach activities.

Paying to volunteer in itself sounds wrong, but when you think of yourself as a voluntourist and, if you volunteer, 100% of your money is paid directly to the project then this blow is lessened.

Editor’s Note: While we don’t necessarily advocate for paying for volunteering, (since there are ways to volunteer without paying, like through WWOOF) the author makes a good point that if you are going to pay you should only pay the volunteer organization directly and not a middleman.

Volunteering direct is booking and paying the organization directly rather than pay through an agent.

Many excellent projects around the world are crying out for paying volunteers and would be more than happy for you to come along and help out.

There are many benefits for joining these smaller organizations.

The most important will be that you will increase your contacts and network within the relevant NGO sector.

It’s “who you know”

The more you delve into the world of conservation and community development, the more you may realize that it is not what you know but who you know.

Many positions are filled even before the job is publicized.

Many of the top leaders in conservation actually started as a volunteer.

The contacts you can make by volunteering directly can lead you to places you never thought possible.

I personally was offered a PhD position in Australia in ecotourism as a result of people I worked with when I volunteered in Borneo.

After volunteering on my own I set out to help more people to volunteer directly and started Ecoteer.

We now help around 2,000 members to find volunteering positions directly.

We have scores of projects on our site and have introduced a member assessed rating system to help our members when they are choosing which projects to apply to.

Through the past years of running Ecoteer and extensive travels and volunteering in SE Asia, I have found many small projects in need of volunteer help.

Below I have listed my top 5 volunteer projects in Southeast Asia which could help you get on the first rung of the ladder.

Kalaweit

Kalaweit means Gibbon in Indonesian.

This project shows what can be achieved by a traveler with a mission — it is a sheer inspiration to any budding conservationist.

In 1999, Chanee, an 18 year old Frenchman, set off on an adventure to save the Gibbons of Borneo.

He found a small wildlife center in the center of Kalimantan, Borneo, where he first volunteered and started to buy gibbons from villagers who kept them as pets.

At the wildlife center, Chanee helped the Gibbons back to full strength and then set them through the long and tedious process of rehabilitation.

Chanee also started a radio station with hourly messages about gibbon conservation and requests for listeners to report caged Gibbons.

The Kalaweit organisation now rehabilitates 300 Gibbons and Siamangs, and employs 50 people (veterinarians and keepers).

Before you pay to be a volunteer, it is worth learning about volunteer travel programs.

There are so many resources for volunteering abroad and volunteer opportunities to consider.

Help Our Penyu

Penyu means sea turtle.

Help Our Penyu is a sea turtle conservation project in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia.

The project was initiated in 2009 by Azimi Ahmad, a Malaysian student.

It is a registered charity in Malaysia.

The Perhentian Islands are a heaven for travelers following the SE Asia backpacking trail; however, the high tourist population on the islands are causing big problems for the sea turtles.

The project seeks to unify sea turtle conservation by engaging the resorts, villagers and school children in sea turtle conservation.

Help Our Penyu has already stopped egg poaching on one major nesting beach in the Perhentian Islands.

In 2011 it expanded to protect a second nesting beach.

Each week, Help Our Penyu run an after school club for the school children and host an information booth on weekends to engage tourists in marine conservation.

Help Our Penyu initiated the Walk for Turtles campaign which was the first large-scale turtle track survey in Terengganu.

The turtle track surveys are essential to accurately assess the nesting turtle populations of Terengganu.

If you are considering volunteering, there are several things to know about volunteering abroad.

Marine Conservation Cambodia

Founded in early 2008 by Paul Ferber, Marine Conservation Cambodia has committed itself to the comprehensive protection of Cambodia’s marine environment.

They assist local communities in the sustainable use of their marine resources and provide alternative forms of income generation through ‘true’ eco-tourism and scuba diving.

The project plays a big part in marine research in Cambodia and has an online photographic directory of marine species in Cambodia.

MCC has had a positive ID on a seahorse species never found before in Cambodia – Hippocampus mohnikei.

MCC has empowered the community at Koh Rung Samleom, who are now self-protecting a globally significant seahorse breeding ground.

Borneo Child Aid Society

In Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, it is estimated that over 50,000 children are not given any schooling.

Non-Malaysian children are not entitled to state schooling.

The Borneo Child Aid Society is helping to address this issue and are providing basic education for about 10,000 children.

The project started in the mid-1990’s and is led by Torben Venning, a Danish humanitarian activist.

The society works very closely with the Palm Oil Plantations and is helping to provide education for their foreign workers’ children who are not entitled to state education.

The Borneo Child Aid society learning centers provides the children with basic math, science, Bahasa Malaysia and English lessons.

Afternoon activities for the children are conducted with environmental awareness sessions at least once a week.

The Borneo Child Aid Society is expanding its learning center network to offer floating schools to the sea gypsies of the Sulu Sea (Bajau Laut) who live on boats off the coast of Semporna and the southern Philippines.

Ban Roean Ram Workcamps

Ban Roean Ram was founded in 2008 by Jatuporn Jitprapan and Uthai Tongkamkeaw, two passionate and caring Thai women.

They now have a team of five Thai people and a few past volunteers are now helping them develop their network internationally.

The purpose of the NGO is to develop sustainable development in villages in Southern Thailand.

The centers provide locals with education about community development, traditional Thai culture and folk wisdom, (which is being lost) the local environment and nature.

In cooperation with temples, schools, local government and with the community, Ban Roean Ram is aiming to establish groups around Southern Thailand with six objectives:

1. collect folk wisdom from sages
2. stimulate cultural as well as economic life in the village
3. improve opportunities for children and youths teaching them about Thai traditions
4. offer activities such as music, sports and establish a shop with local products
5. found local museums
6. found libraries

Volunteering in SE Asia is a valuable opportunity

Our world is full of amazing, inspiring and life-changing places to volunteer.

Learn about volunteering in Africa and in Uganda, and our experience volunteering on an organic farm

There’s much to learn about volunteering.

Fistula Horror Stories: Socially Conscious Travel & Human Rights

I didn’t want to get married. They would find a husband, throw a party and send me away. I ran away many times. I refused to go back, but my father kept beating me. I was about 10 or 11 years old. I kept running away until I finally stayed with the fourth one because I got pregnant. I told my father, “You beat me and kept sending me back and look what has become of me.” If my mother were alive, she wouldn’t have let this happen. I won’t go home without being cured because no one will accept me. My other choice is to kill myself.
— Wubete, 17 years old, in A Walk to Beautiful

I seriously considered becoming a physician so I could travel to Africa and volunteer.

In the end it didn’t work out (chemistry is not my friend), but I’m still fascinated by public health.

Frankly, find it abhorrent that the US doesn’t provide medical care to everyone who lives here.

But I digress.

At Go Green Travel Green, we’re advocates for social responsibility and volunteering at home and abroad.

In honor of Bloggers Unite for Human Rights, I want to bring to light an issue that I just learned about on Tuesday: the obstetric fistula epidemic in Ethiopia.

I watched the PBS documentary A Walk to Beautiful about a hospital in Addis Ababa dedicated to treating women with this condition.

What Is Fistula?

The Fistula Foundation defines an obstetric fistula as a “hole between a woman’s birth passage and one or more of her internal organs” – namely, her bladder and/or rectum.

And according to the World Health Organization, “2 million women have untreated fistula” and “approximately 100,000 women develop fistula each year.”

These days, fistula of this sort is seen primarily in developing countries when women are in labor for many days without the care of a doctor or midwife.

Ethiopian girls like Wubete are often married off before they hit their teens.

Their young age, coupled with the fact that malnutrition has stunted their growth, means that their pelvises are under-developed for childbirth.

That causes labor to take longer and often leads to fistula. And, ultimately, the “root causes of fistula are grinding poverty and the low status of women and girls,” says the Fistula Foundation.

On top of the physical pain associated with a long labor and a gaping hole between internal organs, women affected by fistula suffer psychologically.

They’re outcast in their communities because of incontinence and their husbands reject them.

Fortunately for these girls and women, Drs. Catherine and Reginald Hamlin have founded hospitals in Ethiopia dedicated to treating fistula patients.

Australia-born Catherine lives in Ethiopia, where she’s been for 30 years, treating women affected by fistulas.

In the documentary, she says her husband would still be with her in Addis Ababa if he were living.

Wubete, photo credit: PBS

It doesn’t have to be this way.

If the girls and women in Ethiopia had basic human rights, they wouldn’t be married as preteens and pregnant at 13.

But there’s hope for fistula prevention.

One of the women in the documentary said she wouldn’t let her daughter marry young.

She wanted her to be able to make her own choice.

A number of the interviewees spoke bitterly of the fact that they were married as children.

It sounds like the tide is slowly turning in Ethiopia.

I can only hope that in 10 or 20 years, the idea of marrying off an 8 year old will seem as outrageous there as it does here.

But change takes time.

Back to Wubete.

In the end, a Sister from the clinic gets her a job at an orphanage.

The documentary concludes with Wubete saying, “I grew up too fast and then was made small and helpless.

And now I have become an adult again.”

What you can do to help end fistula suffering

Donate to an organization fighting for human rights or working to improve the quality of health care in developing countries:

• Fistula Foundation
• Doctors of the World
• Doctors Without Borders
• Amnesty International

Volunteer

With the Fistula Foundation to fund raise and spread the word about the fistula epidemic.

In Ethiopia with a variety of organizations.

If you’re a medical professional or have a relevant specialty, volunteer with an organization like Doctors of the World or Doctors Without Borders.

Spread the Word

Blog about fistula or send this post to your friends.

Every bit counts.

Updated: April 29th, 2019

Volunteering abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

You get to spend a few weeks or months saving the rain forest or building houses for people who can’t afford them.

Every program is not a good fit for everyone.

But there are so many different places and types of work to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find one that works for you.

We’ll cover everything you need to consider when deciding on a program for volunteering abroad.

Read another one of our articles to learn about resources for volunteering abroad and reasons to volunteer abroad.

There are so many important things to consider before planning a trip to volunteer overseas.

Here’s our top list.

10 things to know about volunteering abroad before you sign up

Do your research about volunteering abroad

Not all volunteer abroad opportunities are created equal.

Some cost money, others are free.

Some require commitments of 3 or more months; others only ask that you stay a week.

Location

This is one of the most important things to consider when you’re picking a destination.

Is the program in a place you want to visit?

Would you be living close to a major city?

Would you want to?

If you’re looking to go barhopping on the weekends, and you commit to 6 months in rural Romania, you probably won’t be happy.

Safety

Learn about the safety of the region you’ll visit and, if possible, talk to other people who have lived or traveled there.

Safety can be crime-related or illness-related.

Some people would prefer to avoid politically volatile regions, but are okay with risking malaria.

Decide what you value before you book a trip.

Cost

Some volunteer programs charge thousands of dollars; others are completely free and provide you with housing and food.

Take your budget into account before you commit to a program.

Climate

If you’re uncomfortable when the thermostat rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you should probably steer clear of Calcutta in May.

Look at average temperatures for the dates you’ll travel and make sure you pack weather-appropriate clothes.

Most programs offer packing advice on their websites.

Length of Stay

Some programs are come-and-go and allow you to show up and stay for a while.

Others have strict requirements for booking in advance and staying a minimum amount of time.

Your dream program may require a 6-month commitment.

If you’re only able to get away for 3 months, contact them and see if that’s a possibility.

If not, ask them for recommendations of similar programs and keep on looking.

Type of Work

You could be volunteering on an organic farm, like Chacra Millalen, building houses through Habitat for Humanity, doing environmental research, teaching English, or helping out in a medical clinic.

There’s definitely something for everyone, so choose an activity that you’ll enjoy.

What’s Provided

Some programs give you food and lodging at no additional cost.

Others provide lodging, but you’re expected to pay extra for it.

Still others point you in the right direction by giving you recommendations, but you have to book and pay for it.

Figure out what your program provides and what you can afford.

Schedule

If getting out and exploring the region is important to you, figure out how much free time you’ll have.

Some programs give you days off, while others expect you to be available the entire time you’re there.

Do your research, and decide what will work best for you.

As an example, while we were in Argentina volunteering at Chacra Millalen, we didn’t realize they do not have their volunteers work on the weekend.

Had we realized that, we might not have planned on Saturday-Sunday as part of our stay.

It was wonderful being there, but we were there to work.

Reputation

Dig around online, scour forums, and ask for references if you have doubts.

If the company or organization you’re considering seems sketchy, it might be.

Or they might just have a small budget and no website.

Do your research and try to speak to a real person about any concerns.

You can look up U.S.-based organizations (or orgs with a U.S. affiliate) on Charity Navigator, which evaluates non-profits and gives them 1-4 stars, and GuideStar, which provides information on thousands of non-profits.

Additional resources for volunteering abroad traveling and WWOOF ‘ing:

Volunteer Travel Programs: Local and Abroad
11 Things to Know Before You WWOOF
21 Resources for Volunteering Abroad Why You Should Do It

Doing your homework in advance will ensure there are no surprises.

Using our list above will help you consider things you might not have otherwise thought about.

Volunteering abroad should be an enriching experience.

Make it a great one too with these tips.