International Development Volunteering as a Catalyst for Long-Term Prosocial Behaviours of Returned Canadian Volunteers

How does international volunteering—particularly service in international development efforts—shape the behavior and life choices after volunteers return home?

This study presents findings from qualitative and quantitative analyses of data from a survey of Canadian volunteers returning from international service tours. The findings suggest that voluntary service in international development offers “transformative learning” experiences that can shape returning volunteers’ choices, attitudes, and behavior in beneficial ways.

Project: International Service as Alternative Diplomacy