Affordable Mission Trips

[jcb95]

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I am wanting to do a mission trip in the Canary Islands (preferably), but I'm so surprised at how expensive these Mission Trip companies I guess are charging for program fees. For a week it comes out to about $5,000. Are there any affordable mission trip options abroad?

 

[doc toothache]

You could do some "mission" trips in your backyard at a fraction of the cost.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/mission-trips-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly.945694/

 

[jippyslim]

why do you want to do this? As pp mentioned, there are tons of worthwhile volunteering opportunities stateside.

 

[Frychicken]

Here's an interesting take on mission trips that's worth a read: http://www.psmag.com/business-economics/instagrammingafrica-narcissism-global-voluntourism-83838

 

[Accordion]

I have experience with http://www.islonline.org and I highly recommend. Professional and affordable.

 

[rev_rend]

They're expensive because on top of travel, a premium can be extracted for selling warm and fuzzy feelings. An extra one can be demanded in the case of pre-meds and pre-dents who are looking for experience boxes to check off.

Honestly, voluntourism is rarely about the people receiving the services. You won't really "experience" another culture and you can probably do something more meaningful at home. Spend less money and go on a good vacation.

Also, as a former Peace Corps Volunteer, I've got loads more feelings about this along the lines of what Frychicken posted.

 

[midman19]

Try www.risingstaroutreach.org

 

[Frychicken]

Also, as a former Peace Corps Volunteer, I've got loads more feelings about this along the lines of what Frychicken posted.

I'd be interested in hearing more about this.

 

[rev_rend]

I'd be interested in hearing more about this.

One of my biggest pet peeves in general with a particular type of tourist (backpackers, especially) and voluntourists is the phrase "experience the culture." That doesn't happen until you start sharing daily challenges with people in a community, and that's not something people run into until they're in one place for a long time. I used to be a human geographer and my area of expertise is where I served as a volunteer. The number of times I've had to hear some jackass Fulbright Scholar, government official, or other person who did a short trip to region spout off about their deep insights is enormous. Not having to deal with those people is one of the many reasons I'm not working in that field any longer.

On the service side of things, it really frustrates me when people swoop in with a donation or some volunteer hours and then leave, propelled back home by the pats on the back they're giving themselves. I have seen it overseas and I've seen it with volunteerism here at home. If you want to make a difference, you have to give a part of yourself, not cash, equipment or a few hours of time.