Become a paid intern in the dynamic NYC office of Doctors Without Borders and thereby help MSF provide medical care to those most in need in nearly 70 countries. Internship commitment is 4 months and interns are paid $15/hour for full-time work. Interns must pay own travel and lodging to NYC. This is a competitive program, apply here. Those with less availability might consider being an unpaid volunteer.
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Waves for Water (W4W) provides clean water solutions worldwide through projects funded by the “Clean Water Courier” program. Operating across dozens of countries, W4W’s mission is to provide access to clean water to every single person who needs it. The nonprofit’s philosophy is to empower people to take initiative, step outside their comfort zones and create unique personal experiences. W4W was born out of a love for discovery, travel and adventure and the group wants its volunteer model to similarly encourage and empower individuals during their trips.
For prospective travelers, Waves for Water has teamed up with surf company Hurley to develop an independent volunteer program called Clean Water Couriers. It is not a traditional volunteer model, but more of a do-it-yourself method meant to be utilized by travelers who want to make a positive contribution to local communities. Each person creates their own travel experience and then crowdfunds on the site to buy water filters to distribute while on their trip. W4W provides the online platform and serves as a resource for information about the filtration systems and how participants may donate them on the ground. Travelers can make a huge difference in the lives of people and communities in distress by packing a few water filters for their trips. The filters are compact and easy to use and can provide up to 100 people with clean water for up to five years. They cost $25 to $50 each.
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There is an extremely large population of stray dogs in the Dominican Republic. They need food, shelter and care and population control to keep manageable numbers as to where they can all receive resources. With this trip, volunteers can assist in the rescue, treatment and home placement of the masses of stray dogs that struggle to survive there. Volunteers in veterinary school or are vets can also assist the medical team on site with procedures and medical care. However, veterinary experience is not required to attend this trip. The farm where these dogs are brought after rescue is also home to many other animals that have suffered neglect, such as horses and cats. Volunteers will also help foster a better situation for the future by raising awareness of the benefits animals can have for individuals if they are cared for properly.
This volunteer adventure offered by Peace Villages requires a minimum of two weeks on site to maximize the impact each participant can have. It is also possible to make this program into an internship for students with an interest in medicine. Two weeks on this trip will start at $1,285 and there is an option to stay for as long as 13 weeks.
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This is a great opportunity for pre-med, medical and nursing students, volunteers will gain professional experience by working on a medical project in Palampur, India. Interns will assist medical professionals while treating patients through hands-on tasks that vary based on an individual's level of experience. Internships take place in hospitals, clinics, medical colleges and community clinics in Palampur, a town known for its tea gardens and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Volunteers rest in homestays located just 25 miles from Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. As an added bonus, volunteers will receive weekly yoga classes. A two-week trip costs £925 ($1,183 as of Sept. 12 with a fluctuating exchange rate), which can be extended up to 12 weeks for £2,805 (currently $3,588).
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Romania is a country in southeastern Europe known for its heavily forested region of Transylvania. Ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, it harbors well-preserved medieval towns with many fortified churches and castles—specifically the Bran Castle, which has long been associated with the legend of Dracula. Romania spent decades under the communist rule of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and continues to restore its rich heritage after his government’s collapse in 1989. The “Volunteering in Transylvania, Romania” trip is located in Brasov, a city in the heart of Romania’s Transylvania region. The volunteer work is locally organized and consists of helping children and adults who have special needs, such as autism or Down syndrome. The Romanian state generally fails to integrate these children into mainstream schooling. Therefore, this work is vital in developing their potential and in preparing them for the future. The volunteer work includes improving and refurbishing two of Brasov’s day therapy centers and also includes a variety of interactive opportunities with the recipients. This two-week trip costs $1,567.
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This trip gives you the opportunity to volunteer in Cuzco, Peru at a medical center. The program offers both medical and healthcare placements, allowing students of all science-related majors to gain real experience in their field while living abroad. Additionally, this trip exposes volunteers to the Peruvian healthcare system and is a great opportunity for learning, giving back, and taking part in positive cultural exchange. The healthcare placement is for students of health science, nursing, and pre-med. Volunteers also have the option to add on additional activities for a small fee to practice or learn Spanish. The project length is minimum one week and maximum one year with costs that range up to $1,000.
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The Yasawa Islands of western Fiji, despite being surrounding by miles of beautiful ocean, often lack fresh drinking water and the shortages are usually pretty severe. Volunteers on this trip work to address each community’s individual needs. Some days are spent installing rainwater catchment systems and others working the land to plant community gardens. Days off can be spent exploring island life, from diving to hiking, or sight-seeing around Fiji’s capital city. A minimum 2 week trip costs $1,945 (£1,145) and a maximum 12 week trip costs $4,915 (£2,895).
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