Llife changing experience or waste of money?

Come along and get some advice on understanding the issues around gap years and volunteering overseas.

Many people, especially young people, are increasingly considering volunteering overseas in order to gain experience, improve their CV or just to give something back.

There is no doubt that volunteering can be a rewarding and sometimes life-changing experience. It can also contribute something to the people in the place where you volunteer. However not all volunteering overseas benefits the host communities and some exploit the good intentions of well-meaning volunteers. UK volunteers can pay thousands of pounds (most going to the tour operator) to undertake short volunteering placements overseas, which although well intentioned, can often do more harm than good.
The conference, organised by Tourism Concern, will bring together international speakers, ethical volunteering organisations, returned volunteers - plus experts from NGO’s, industry and Croydon’s voluntary sector.

The day will include discussion groups (including on motivations and expectations), presentations, films and the opportunity to speak to past volunteers and Ethical Volunteering organisations.
It will help prospective volunteers choose placements that bring real benefits to the destinations – and will provide them a rewarding experience – including questions to ask, issues to consider and marketing blurb to avoid.

Register your place here