C1 TED- Talk Gap year volunteering - Who gains more?

1. How can volunteer projects in low-income developing countries create awareness and bring about beneficial change for both volunteers and recipients?
2. What are the potential negative impacts of international volunteers doing manual tasks that local residents are capable of doing themselves?
3. Should the primary intention of volunteering abroad be for personal development and professional growth, or should it be focused on helping the community in need?
4. In what ways can students with high skills and qualifications use their expertise to improve charities in developing countries in the long run?

5. What are the benefits of developing long-standing relationships with charities and communities in need, rather than just providing one-time donations or occasional volunteer appearances?

Gap year volunteering - Who gains more? 

Visited Namibia with __________(1), refurbished __________(2)

Emotional bond with local children, received __________(3)

Disparity in diet and living conditions between locals and __________(4)

Questioning impact of volunteering on local __________(5)

Concerns about __________(6) and __________(7)

Need for sustainable, long-term support for __________(8)

Push for more __________(9)

Correct answers:

1. school group    2. classrooms  3. letters    4. volunteers   5. communities   6. imperialistic views   7. inequality  8. communities  9. meaningful, impactful volunteer projects

General essay topics:

1. Taking a gap year to volunteer can provide valuable life experiences that traditional education cannot offer. Is this a positive or negative development?

2. Some people argue that gap year volunteering is a waste of time and resources. Others believe it is a necessary part of personal development. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

3. Volunteering during a gap year can help individuals gain a better understanding of different cultures and perspectives. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

4. The rise of gap year volunteering programs has sparked a debate about the ethics of "voluntourism". Do the benefits of these programs outweigh the potential harm they may cause?

5. More young people are choosing to take a gap year to volunteer abroad, but some critics argue that this trend is driven by a desire for social media validation. Is this a positive or negative development?