Read the following passage about volunteer tourism and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
The pristine beaches of Koh Rong have long drawn tourists seeking an authentic glimpse of Cambodia’s coastal life. Yet beneath the surface of this seeming paradise, a complex dynamic unfolds. Local businesses, once thriving on traditional tourism, now navigate the rising tide of volunteer tourism - a phenomenon reshaping the island’s economic and social fabric.
In the narrow streets of the fishing village, ‘volunteer houses’ have proliferated at an unprecedented rate. [I] These establishments, charging participants substantial fees for the privilege of teaching English or conducting marine conservation work, generate revenue streams that bypass traditional community structures. [II] Market vendors, whose daily income previously averaged $75, now report earnings below $45 as volunteers, housed in all-inclusive compounds, rarely venture into local establishments. [III] Local restaurants have adapted by offering international menus, though many struggle to attract volunteer residents who receive meals within their compounds. [IV]
The marine conservation sector particularly exemplifies this shifting landscape. Professional dive operators previously employed 45 local guides, paying certification fees exceeding $2,000 per person. Currently, they maintain only 15 positions as volunteer programs offer free diving services. These programs contribute valuable reef monitoring data, collecting over 1,000 marine species records annually. Local dive masters, having invested years in certification and training, find their expertise commanding lower wages - dropping from $60 to $35 per dive session in areas with high volunteer presence.
Cultural preservation initiatives reveal similar patterns. Traditional craft workshops, which once hosted 200 weekly visitors at $25 per session, now average 80 participants despite reducing fees to $15. While volunteer programs record 300 weekly participants in craft activities, their standardized sessions run 30 minutes compared to traditional three-hour workshops. Master craftsmen, whose techniques typically require two years to master, observe volunteers teaching simplified versions learned in two-week orientations.
The education sector presents perhaps the most nuanced picture. Local schools receiving volunteer teachers report improved English test scores, rising 25% on average. However, student performance fluctuates by up to 40% with each teaching transition. Established language centers have reduced staff from twenty to twelve instructors, as enrollment declined by 35% following the introduction of free volunteer-taught classes. “We’re seeing repeated adjustments in teaching methods,” notes headmaster Chan, highlighting monthly changes in classroom approaches.
Local authorities aim to turn the tide through regulatory frameworks, requiring volunteer organizations to demonstrate measurable community benefits. Economic data shows $2 million invested in volunteer facilities in 2023, while traditional business revenue dropped 28%. Community surveys indicate 60% of local enterprises have modified their business models, with 45% reporting reduced profitability despite these adaptations. Local leaders fear the shift may cause irrevocable damage to the traditional economy and cultural practices on the island.
(Adapted from Eng Exam.info)