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voluntourism

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ˌvɒlənˈtʊərɪzəm//

KK: /ˈvɑlənˌtʊrɪzəm/

noun
Definition

A type of travel that combines visiting new places with doing volunteer work to help others.


Example

Many young people choose voluntourism to make a positive impact while exploring different cultures.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of voluntourism?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's a great way to travel and help others at the same time.
Sloth A
I want to try voluntourism on my next trip to South America.
Sloth B
That sounds awesome! You'll have such a rewarding experience.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
volunteerism
philanthropy
charity
Antonyms
exploitation
selfishness
greed
Root Explanation

Voluntourism is formed from "volunteer" (from Latin "voluntarius", meaning willing or of one's free will) and "tourism" (from French "tourisme", meaning the act of traveling). The word describes the practice of traveling to engage in volunteer work, combining the willingness to help with the experience of travel.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'willing' ('voluntarius') to help others while 'traveling' ('tourisme') — that's what voluntourism is all about.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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