I know one of these companies very well, as I founded it - Madventurer.

I think when you look at all the blog sites that are out there this will be one of a tiny number where our past volunteers leave feedback of this kind - which is great as we can correct things to make the next project the correct balance between the community getting exactly what it wants from the project and the travelling volunteer does to.

In all of our building projects this is easy to see as there is something physical at the end of the stay. In the case of volunteers wanting much needed work experience for their university courses (we only ever place medical and health students in environments suitable for the stage of their studies - and always with a senior medical office as a mentor) then we did operate projects where their local contribution went to a country fund to help with the building projects we were doing in that country - effectively helping the wider local communities.

However, after we had this feedback from this volunteer on the trip we changed this so that no matter what the project is (sport / health / teaching / building) then a significant amount goes to the host placement instead of a country related development fund - this small alteration has since meant that the feedback we have had since has been a good balance for the all concerned.

I travelled with Madventurer last summer, and found them to be an excellent company. It was clear to me that everyone I spoke before I travelled, whilst I was in Ghana and when I returned really care about helping the communities that they are working in.

Take a look at this article published in the Sunday Times yesterday

The question of paying to volunteer is one that often faces companies such as Real Gap. We do not make a secret of the fact that we are a company, we are proud of the contribution we make to projects overseas who often cannot afford to market themselves and therefore increase the number of volunteers. Our customers fees go towards many things including, accommodation, food, in-country transport and 24/7 support should it be needed. For more details of where our volunteers money goes please see http://www.realgap.co.uk/paying-to-volunteer.