International voluntary service represents the contribution of one's time to some cause, which is largely uncompensated and spent in a country other than one's home country. The forms of international service have evolved from roots in missionary service to a focus on development of the host communities and the volunteers. Current trends emphasize mutuality, accountability, and participation by host communities, but against a historical and contemporary backdrop, inequality remains between the volunteers and hosts. This paper speculates a range of possible positive and negative developmental outcomes, programmatic strategies to mediate negative effects, and research to inform program and policy development.
McBride, A. M., & Daftary, D. (2005). International service: History and forms, pitfalls and potential (CSD Working Paper No. 05-10). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.