Voluntary tourism and culture shock : the case of Maltese missionaries in Cambodia

Abstract

Voluntourism and Culture Shock form the basis of this study by presenting the experiences of Maltese individuals who have carried out voluntary missionary work amongst deprived communities and children in Cambodia. Moreover, by analysing the elements of this type of voluntourism, the researcher gives sense to the repercussions which may occur as well as impacts the voluntourist may be faced with as a European visiting a south-eastern Asian country. The extensive cross-cultural differences between Malta and Cambodia are scrutinised to examine possible incidences of disorientation and confusion amongst volunteers and are examined to determine whether there is any correlation between voluntourism and culture shock. A case study approach was selected for the purpose of this study, along with the implementation of qualitative research methods, specifically Focus Groups. As a result, the researcher examined and analysed first-hand narratives and feedback from past voluntourists, as well as voluntourism experts who work for different organisations. Factors such as motivations, criticism, impacts and input of organisations were dealt with in the grouping of data. Additionally, the collection of secondary data through literature and academic journals further complimented the research. The results indicate that culture shock is subject to character and disposition of the voluntourist, nonetheless it occurs in the majority of the voluntourists taking part in the study. Furthermore, the study concludes that the involvement of experts and organisers effectively contributes to the mitigation of culture shock as well as enhancing the experience for the volunteer. Lastly, this research attempts to assist both future voluntourists as well as organisations by recommending methods and approaches to alleviate obstacles, mitigate risks and negative experiences during similar journeys.