Many aspects of PML's approach to its work make it effective.

• Since its founding, PML has had an in-country director.

• The partnership includes experienced Nicaraguan staff.

• PML does not impose "we know better" projects on the Nicaraguan community.

• PML provides pre-trip and first-day orientations for travel groups.

• PML staff work with group leaders to develop reflection questions for more in-depth learning.

• PML assists individual volunteers and visitors in creating a structured activity plan and requires sufficient language ability to function independently. 

To learn more about PML's effectiveness, read "The 'Third World' Is Not Your Classroom," the reflections of a volunteer in a developing country about how an approach like PML's makes a difference in communities.