Jane Stanfield
I found my goal in life in 2004 when I came across several articles and a class on volunteer vacations. I had been an active local volunteer for years and I lived abroad for three years during elementary school. The thought of being able to travel and volunteer became my focus and I looked for an opportunity to experience a volunteer vacation.
I did my first international volunteer vacation in 2005 in St. Victor le Coste, France. Then in 2006, I went around the world where I completed 12 volunteer placements in eight countries. Starting in Peru and ending in Romania, my volunteer work included working with orphans, teaching English, an archaeological dig, speaking English and working with seven different species of wildlife. I had such a good time at the archaeological dig, I went back again in 2007.
When I returned to the U.S. I started my business, Where Is She Heading. Through WISH, I speak, teach, coach and write about volunteer vacations. My book, Mapping Your Volunteer Vacation was published in 2009 and won the 2009 US BOOK NEWS Best Travel Book is available on my website, at Amazon.com and at several independent bookstores in Colorado. I also contributed a chapter in the book, The Voluntary Traveler, that was released in the fall 2009.
My current plans include a more focused international volunteer trip in 2013 after working on Antarctica during the summer season 2012-2013.
Latest Articles
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Volunteering with Baboons in South Africa
They have been called endearing orphans and pests. Volunteering with these engaging primates ranges from raising, rehabilitating, and advocating to falling in love.
Jul 26, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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Meet New People on a Volunteer Vacation
In as little as a week, a community develops on a volunteer site and the right mix of ages and nationalities can add to the overall experience.
Jul 2, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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Why Take a Volunteer Vacation?
The reasons why people volunteer vary tremendously. This question thoughtfully answered makes all the difference in finding the right match for a volunteer vacation.
Jun 30, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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An Explosion of International Volunteer Options
Volunteer vacations and voluntourism agencies have grown by double digits over the past few years. What can a savvy volunteer do to find the right placement?
Jun 10, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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Arrive Rested, Relaxed and Ready to Volunteer
When heading off on a long plane ride towards a volunteer vacation, these items may make all the difference to arrive rested, hydrated and ready to work as you land.
May 27, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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Packing Tips When Volunteering Overseas
To pack only what is needed when volunteering overseas, ask the questions what to wear as a volunteer and tourist, how many sets to take, and can it be found locally?
May 6, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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Seven Things to Have on a Volunteer Vacation
Love packing lists? Here are suggested conveniences to have at a volunteer site. Some items are best brought from home while others can be found in the foreign country.
May 6, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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Luggage for Overseas Volunteer Vacations
It is wise to research in advance to find the luggage that fits your packing needs and the type that will be comfortable and easy to handle at your destination.
Apr 26, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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Health Issues When Volunteering Overseas
When traveling internationally, your immunization record can be of great interest at immigration. Begin early and research what immunizations are required to travel.
Apr 15, 2009
- Jane Stanfield
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