The Exchange is Two-way: Experiences of Hosting Visiting Volunteers Participating in Short-term Experiences in Global Health

This qualitative study explores the multifaceted impact of volunteer engagement at a range of healthcare organizations in North India. Volunteers can play a pivotal role in advancing program goals by bringing in new resources, ideas, and skills that help to fill gaps and support existing staff. However, the effectiveness of their contributions is influenced by several factors, including group size and length of engagement, personal characteristics, training and preparedness, coordination efforts and community perceptions. Effective short-term programs rely on volunteers' cultural sensitivity, flexibility and a clear understanding of their roles.  This study explores the perceptions of 10 program leaders in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who were interviewed about their experiences of hosting volunteers. Participants described the qualities of short-term experiences in global health (STEGH) volunteers and programs which they found to be effective, such as longer trip lengths, and highlighted the potential benefits for a mutual learning exchange when programs were approached with collaborative, respectful and relationship-building mindsets.