The benefits of international volunteering in educational institutions in Cape Town

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-68).The study examines two volunteer programmes in Cape Town offered to international volunteers, presents the positive and negative outcomes of these programmes and analyses their value for all parties concerned. On the basis of the data gathered during eight weeks of fieldwork, I argue that these programmes are of value to both the volunteers and to the recipients of their services, albeit in different ways. The positive responses from both sides were significant indicators of the success of the programmes and of the various benefits for all parties. Open-mindedness, enthusiasm and a positive attitude on the part of the volunteers were key characteristics that had a considerable and positive effect on both their and the recipients' experiences