Today we’re exploring volunteering overseas during an event screening of ‘The Voluntourist’! So we’re having a look at past blogs that our students have written on voluntourism. This one is from one of our past Student Volunteering Ambassadors, Maelys (BSc in Management, 2021). She explores the ethics of overseas volunteering, it’s connection to social media and explores the ‘white saviour syndrome’.

Yes, volunteering abroad is amazing. You get to travel, to meet people you never thought you’d meet, explore another country, and all that while giving back and contributing to a project that matters to you. It sounds great but are there problems with this?

You’ve probably heard about it already, but I’m talking about ‘voluntourism’. If this concept is totally new to you, let me fill you in. Voluntourism is a form of tourism in which travellers participate in voluntary work, typically for a charity. It is a pretty big industry now, with websites and organisations completely dedicated to it.

You might also have heard of the more controversial concept of called ‘white saviour syndrome’. It refers to ‘western people going in to “fix” the problems of struggling nations or people of colour without understanding their history, needs, or the region’s current state of affairs.’ (Urban dictionary)

This short video gives a good explanation.

Don’t get me wrong, selfies are great and I am totally addicted to Instagram. Social media platforms are not the problem here; it is how we use them. Taking pictures of your volunteering experiences certainly comes from a good heart. You’re probably just thinking “oh I want to remember this moment”. Nevertheless, it is important to put things in their context.

Let me ask you this way; in the UK, when you are volunteering and you take a picture with the children you are working with, do you post it without their consent? Then why would you do it anywhere else? You need to have permission of the people if you want to post a picture with them on your social media and, when they are underage, the permission of their parents.

You might think that there aren’t any consequences but perhaps there are.

Unconsciously, the white saviour syndrome is perpetuating the oldest cliché and stereotype that is not only reducing but racist. Helping is amazing but don’t reduce Africa or anywhere else you’re volunteering to a simple Instagram post with the hashtag #SaveTheWorld. Africa is a developing continent, full of differing stories and experience and one where many economies are growing at a rapid rate.

Be careful on which organisation you choose to volunteer with, it has a real impact on your experience and your work. Don’t forget that certain organisations are here only to make profit. Luckily, LSE offers an amazing Volunteer Centre who would be more than happy to guide you and find the perfect fit for you.

And in the meantime, you can always volunteer here, at your school, in your neighbourhood. There are plenty of opportunities.

This article is in no way trying to lecture you or to judge anyone. Voluntourism is a cool opportunity and of course volunteering overseas can be of great help. We are just trying to put things in perspective here and make the most out of volunteering. When you’ll consider going abroad next summer, ask yourself some questions:

• Why am I doing this and not another volunteering experience?
• What can I bring to these communities?
• Is this way the best way to do it?
• Why am I paying so much?

Yes voluntourism can be fun and helpful. But no, perhaps we shouldn’t be the centre of attention when it comes to volunteering.

Of course, volunteering is not selfless. We know we are going to get something out of it. If not money then friends, experience, better understanding of ourselves and a feeling of gratitude. There is no harm in that. But volunteering is also about respect, not pity. Whoever you are volunteering for, whether it is children, elderly, start-ups etc. they all deserve the same respect.

For further reading I’d recommend taking a look to this article : https://wp-us.konbini.com/lifestyle/barbie-savior-instagram-parodies-white-savior-complex/

If this has inspired you to volunteer, check out one of our other 200+ ongoing opportunities or book a one-to-one with David Coles, the Volunteer Centre Manager if you have more questions. If you are short on time, then take a look at the one-off opportunities taking place in Lent Term organised by the LSE Volunteer Centre. And why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our events and opportunities and read our blog for more volunteering tips and stories.