Program Review Methodology
When we describe or recommend a volunteer abroad program, these are the questions we ask. We use the same framework to flag programs we will not promote.
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What we are — and are not — doing
Volunteer World Guide is an editorial planning resource. We do not inspect programs on the ground or run a formal certification scheme. When we describe a program type, destination or category, our framework is the one below. When we link to a third-party operator, we are linking to their public listing, not certifying it — readers should still apply this framework themselves.
Our criteria
- Safety: What are the country and regional advisories? Does the program have a written safety protocol, 24/7 in-country support, and a credible emergency plan?
- Ethics: Does the program respect the principles in our ethical volunteering standards? Does it avoid orphanage volunteering, unqualified medical practice, exploitative animal contact, and savior framing?
- Local partner credibility: Is the local partner a recognised organisation with a clear track record? Do local people lead it?
- Transparency: Does the program explain what the fee covers, who runs the project, and what the volunteer's role really is?
- Fee structure: Is the fee plausible for what is delivered? Is a reasonable share going to the local partner?
- Accommodation and support: Where do volunteers stay? Who supports them on arrival, day-to-day and in emergencies?
- Training and onboarding: Is there proper pre-departure preparation and on-arrival induction (culture, language, safeguarding, safety)?
- Role design: Is the volunteer role realistically achievable, useful, and matched to volunteer skills and trip length?
- Child protection: If the role involves children, are background checks, supervision and a safeguarding policy in place? Is the program family-based rather than residential?
- Animal welfare: If the role involves animals, does it follow recognised welfare standards? Does it avoid tourist contact with captive wild animals?
- Environmental impact: Is the project ecologically sensible? Are materials and water used responsibly?
- Community involvement: Did the community ask for this work? Will the benefit remain when the volunteer leaves?
Hard exclusions
We will not promote programs that:
- Place foreign volunteers in residential orphanages or children's homes.
- Ask unqualified volunteers to perform clinical procedures.
- Offer tourist contact with captive wild animals (elephant riding, walking with lions, tiger selfies, captive-dolphin swims).
- Refuse to disclose where the fee goes.
- Operate in destinations actively subject to “do not travel” advisories from major Western governments.
How we describe what we cannot verify
Where we cannot independently verify a claim (a specific fee, a specific safeguarding practice on a specific date), we will say so. We will link to the operator and recommend readers ask the program directly. We will not invent certifications, partnerships or accreditations that do not exist.