There’s a huge choice of volunteer work out there -featuring varying durations in every continent.
When choosing, make sure you avoid programmes that exploit people or animals, use an approved provider and make sure you do your research and read our questions to ask guide before you commit.
Here’s our overview of the main types of programme:
Marine Conservation:
Marine Conservation schemes can be a good way to balance concern for the environment with travel. There are endless options from coastline preservation to collecting data on turtles, from clearing plastic pollution on beaches to reef preservation.
Marine conservation courses can work well in combination with leisure diving, gaining diving experience or learning to dive (make sure the dive credentials are PADI or the equivalent).
Costa Rica, Fiji and Sri Lanka are popular destinations.
Wildlife Conservation:
There are opportunities for skilled and unskilled volunteers to help protect endangered species, preserve the natural environment and improve the lives of rescued animals.
Popular projects include elephant rehabilitation, collecting data on orangutans, and researching endangered rhinos.
Thailand, South Africa and Costa Rica are popular destinations.
Teaching:
In many of the world’s remote locations, schools are overcrowded and under resourced. Skilled and non-skilled teachers can help by teaching English or assisting in the classroom.
You can can also combine volunteer work with gaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification.
Cambodia, Thailand and Costa Rica are popular destinations.
Construction:
Sustainable construction projects can help create basic infrastructures in developing communities. Helping with building or renovation also allows you the unique opportunity to experience life inside a local community.
Typical work includes building classrooms, improving sanitation and water supplies and renovation and repairs.
South Africa, Nepal and Peru are popular destinations. .
Medical:
If you are a qualified nurse or medic, or in training, there are many opportunities to promote better health and wellbeing within global communities. From supporting the provision of medical care, helping with hygiene campaigns and assisting in healthcare education.
Uganda, Tanzania and Vietnam are popular destinations. .