International development service work tends to be quite controversial. On one hand, the nature of the work as well the competence and approach of the volunteer make a huge part of the argument as to whether the mission could possibly be considered valid. Competence is essential.
Assuming that the mission is genuinely valid, the approach that the volunteer takes to helping their community can make or break the entire project. Note: beware of the white savior complex. That is to say, the volunteer should integrate themselves into the community and take their cultural and political context into consideration before actually attempting to help the community rather than come in with the mentality of the “enlightened foreigner.”
But then we still have to beg the question: why go halfway across the world to help a community in need when there’s a community in need in our own country, state, or even city of residence? Do our local communities not deserve help?
I believe the beauty of international development work is its potential to open up an international forum. After the experience, the volunteer can raise global awareness of the issues they saw first hand in their location of service. The more international awareness is brought on the issue, the more that could potentially be done with alleviate their situation.
It cannot be understated, however, that no matter how good the intentions, if a community does not desire to be helped, or if the aid provided by the volunteer is not culturally sensitive, that the project is by definition unethical. A volunteer can only help a community if and only if the community accepts them and their aid.