My friend, David, has just stepped off the corporate treadmill. He''s heading for Alaska, planning to spend about a month learning organic farming. He''s joining a virtual army of urban professionals, fleeing the city to learn about life, the earth and themselves - in a safe, peaceful setting.
David and others like him aren''t lured by the benefits of volunteering, and they''re not specifically seeking an escape from ringing phones and mortgage payments to bask in the rustic backwoods, contemplating the meaning of life. People like David have chosen a path that''s been around long enough to have a name: agrotourism.
Agrotourism isn''t your average overseas volunteering experience. You may not be feeding the hungry or entertaining orphans, although these can be side benefits of your visit. Generally, the goal is to participate, learn and work in a setting that''s different from any you''ve experienced on any holiday trip you''ve ever taken.
The concept began when a German couple offered room and board in exchange for a six-hour workday, teaching guests to make cheese and help sell products at the local market. The farm experience caught on and became a great way for visitors to sample cultural diversity in the countries they visited. To this day, visitors to an Alpine farm herd goats in the morning, make cheese in the afternoon and spend evenings eating gourmet meals - all at a modest cost.
In this age of global economies - and global terrorism - coming together as a world family is of critical importance. Many countries have known for years that their youth should participate in life overseas, in foreign universities, if they are to truly understand the challenge of leading their country in the 21st century.
Agrotourism is an excellent vehicle for bringing people together. If anything, the primitive, no-frills context of the farm vacation allows people to roll up their sleeves and let down their hair. They are ambassadors to the world as they learn the basics of food growing and harvesting.
While you''re learning about cheese, vegetables and irrigation, you can also pick up the local language and take in a bit of history.
If your preconceived notions of volunteer work need updating, consider agrotourism. You might have to keep an open mind as you morph from do-gooder to feel-better. You may never come home.