Holy Cross Sociologist Discusses the Increasing Popularity of 'Voluntourism' with The Times of India

Jennie Germann Molz, associate professor of sociology and anthropology at the College of the Holy Cross, shares her thoughts on volunteer tourism or "voluntourism," one of the fastest growing trends in travel today.

In an article for The Times of India, Molz, who has done extensive research on this matter, says that voluntourism is becoming increasingly popular because it promotes a sense of closeness and bonding within families and allows parents to provide valuable lessons to their kids.

"Parents also see volunteering away from home as a way of preparing children for an uncertain future. Voluntourism equips youngsters not only with CV-worthy skills, but also emotional competences that will prepare them for the future," explains Molz.

Molz has taught numerous sociology courses at Holy Cross related to the study of tourism, culture and technology’s effects on human interaction. In 2012, she received a Fulbright grant to explore the couch surfing trend.

You can read the full article at The Times of India.