Volunteer programs should benefit needy, not travel agencies

MANY INTERNATIONAL volunteer programs have been welcoming Chinese students to apply for enrollment this summer. However, China Youth Daily has found that some volunteer programs are just overseas trips. They charge the applicants tens of thousands of yuan per week, and organize travel without the participants actually helping those in need. Thepaper.cn comments:

To be a volunteer, one must have something more than enthusiasm. Many volunteers who serve in foreign countries, provide humanitarian assistance or cooperate with their foreign partners to solve technological problems. They provide their professional skills and enrich their knowledge via the experience.

Therefore, professional international volunteer organizations generally have very strict review procedures before deciding whether to accept a student applicant. They often require applicants to be able to speak English and to at least have majors in the professions they require the skills and services of. And most of them do not charge students fees because they do not make a profit.