Toward an Understanding of Communicative Adaptation Abroad: A Case-Study on Volunteer Sojourners

Abstract

Tourism is the largest setting for intercultural contact. Volunteer tourism is growing in popularity all over the world. The purpose of this research is to understand volunteer sojourners communication efforts in a culturally different environment and to add to the accumulation of data on sociocultural adaptation. Research indicates that short-term volunteer tourism is growing in popularity. Using a qualitative research plan, the researcher traveled to Peru and conducted a two-week case study. Both participant observation and interviews were employed. Research focused on communication among volunteers, staff, and locals. Nine interviews were conducted with native- English speaking volunteers. The results of the research offer a small glimpse into the expansive world of volunteer tourism. Understanding how volunteers interact and communicate with locals while abroad can further better communication with culturally dissimilar individuals and aid all sojourners with adaptation.