Is International Volunteering work ethical? How can I make sure I volunteer ethically/sustainably?

Is International Volunteering work ethical? How can I make sure I volunteer ethically/sustainably?

Yes, but not always. 

Research shows there is a right and a wrong way to volunteer. Done wrong, it can cause more harm than good. Volunteering your skills, rather than participating in voluntourism, is proven to create lasting change in the most sustainable, ethical, and impactful way.

At MovingWorlds, we make sure that every project is skills-based, locally-led, and from a legitimate organization. We also educate all of our volunteers on best practices via an intensive training program prior to any experteering excursion. 

For more information, check out our #MakeVolunteeringMatter series for best practices and details about how to have a lasting positive impact on the communities you seek to help.

Additionally, here are some great articles that better explain the ethics of international volunteering:

  1. 8 factors to consider when finding a volunteering project overseas
  2. Ensuring that skilled volunteers land with impact

    • Related Articles

    • What’s the difference between Experteering and Volunteering or Voluntourism?

      Voluntourism involves providing free work to enhance your touristic experience, and often involves a hefty fee. It’s typically designed around the desires of the tourist, rather than the real needs of the community itself - and as a result can end up ...

    • How does the matching process work once I'm accepted into an Experteering program?

      Once you’ve been accepted into an Experteering Program, the first thing you’ll need to do is complete your profile. Once your profile is complete, you can start browsing opportunities and requesting/receiving introduction requests to/from ...

    • How do I connect with a skills-based volunteering project?

      To start searching for and connecting with skills-based volunteering projects, head to our project browse page here. From there, you can filter projects by the types of skills you have, and the language you speak. You can filter for additional ...

    • What are the benefits of joining the TRANSFORM Support Hub?

      For professionals looking for a way to connect with their purpose, The TRANSFORM Support Network is an easy way to make a difference with the skills you use at work every day. It’s the only platform where you can access certificate-bearing learning ...

    • Who can be an Experteer?

      If you have demonstrable professional skills, you are qualified to be an Experteer! Our goal is to facilitate matches between volunteers and social impact organizations that create true shared value – meaning that you, as the volunteer, get something ...