Volunteer at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia

Help care for rescued and endangered animals on this GoEco volunteer trip. Located at one of Australia’s highest regarded animal sanctuaries, travelers will spend quality time with koalas, kangaroos and other local wildlife. Days are split between mornings focused on animal care and afternoons spent working on bush restoration and habitat rehabilitation. After volunteering at the sanctuary all day, nights and weekends can be spent exploring nearby Sydney and its beautiful Bondi Beach or Australia’s famous Blue Mountains, which can be visited on a scenic train journey with fellow volunteers. 

This trip begins at $1,240 for one week, but volunteers are encouraged to spend up to four weeks at the sanctuary, with the fourth week free. Meals, in-country transportation, accommodation and cultural activities are all included in the trip price.

Volunteer in a Community Garden in Colombia

Medellin,the capital city of Colombia’s Antioquia province, is sometimes called the “City of Eternal Spring” and is known for its flower-growing and festivals. The city is also famous for its friendly people and natural beauty. On this trip, volunteers will help local organizations transform neglected areas of Medellin into gardens to produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all of which will later be shared with the local community to help families live healthier lifestyles. Additionally, they assist in landscaping and producing organic fertilizers, as well as supporting environmental workshops, marketing, and fundraising. Other projects include painting, clearing areas for the creation of new gardens, and assisting staff with workshops to present to educational institutions. Volunteers will work up to seven hours a day in the community gardens and will also have ample time to enjoy the gorgeous city of Medellin.

This is a minimum 1 week and maximum 24 week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. IVHQ is a leading volunteer travel organization, offering sustainable and community-oriented experiences all around the globe. This trip costs $345 for one week and $4,712 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Help Abandoned Animals in Ecuador

Ecuador is a megadiverse country, with around 23,056 identified plant and animal species, and an estimated 6.1% of all animal species worldwide. Animal protection is codified in the nation’s constitution, but many still face individual and ecosystem-wide dangers. In 2020, the Secretary of Health reported an increase in abandoned animals, from one to ten cases per day in the same year, with the abandonment of dogs going up by 90% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that there are around 600,000 lost animals in Quito alone, with dogs making up approximately 125,000 of those. Volunteers can work in a treatment center in Santa Elena that looks after sick wildlife and marine animals. This haven looks after marine animals, including fish, turtles, crocodiles and exotic birds. Participants can work closely with a local veterinarian to assist with treatment and other tasks. Duties include assisting with surgeries, giving vaccines, general medical treatment, and general center tasks. It’s recommended for volunteers to bring their own supplies, including gloves, stethoscopes, and other necessary equipment. Participants will get hands-on, professional experience, develop their communication skills, and immerse themselves in Ecuadorian culture.

This is a minimum one-week and maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. IVHQ is a leading volunteer travel organization, offering sustainable and community-oriented experiences all around the globe. This project costs $430 for one week and $1,970 for 12 weeks. Accommodation, breakfasts and 24/7 in-country support are all included.

Volunteer to help in the Peruvian Amazon

Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and has a stunning variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches and rainforests. The country is home to the source of the Amazon River and the historical Incan settlement of Machu Picchu. In fact, the Peruvian Amazon is the second-largest stretch of the Amazon and includes thousands of different animal species. The forest’s tropical climate also has lots of the country’s natural resources. However, construction and commercial mining have led to the deforestation of the Peruvian Amazon, which threatens the unique and endangered species that live there. Volunteers will work to plant trees, monitor animals and remove non-native species to combat deforestation. Additionally, volunteers will get to learn about the tree species of the Peruvian Amazon and its inhabitants. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and  costs $685 for one week and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, four-to-six hours per day (Sunday to Thursday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Dental Care Volunteering in Costa Rica

Dental work in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the US or Canada. Low dental treatment costs in the country allow one to save up to seventy percent! Costa Rica prides itself on having well-educated dentists, with a minimum of five years' training before graduation. It’s also worth noting that many dental surgeons speak English. Despite Costa Rica’s developed healthcare system there is still a large inconsistency between patients’ needs and the care they receive. International volunteers can become a tremendous benefit to local dental professionals that work with limited resources, funding and support staff. Participants can assist dentists and dental hygienists during consultations, cleanings and treatments. They will help prepare materials, sanitize tools and manage patient care. In addition, volunteers can educate low-income communities about dental hygiene.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are backed by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one to four weeks and costs $745 for one week, and $1565 for four weeks. Airport transfers, meals, three to four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Community Development Volunteer Program in Ecuador—Quito

Quito, the middle of the world, is the capital of Ecuador and the first World Cultural Heritage City to be named by UNESCO. There are plenty of national parks and churches to see in Ecuador’s main metropolis. This includes the Basilica of the National Vow, the Cotopaxi National Park, the Mindo Cloud Forest, the San Francisco Church, the Limpiopungo Lagoon, and much more! Quito newcomers can see unique architecture in the Old Town after shopping in the Otavalo Market. Unfortunately, not all of Ecuador’s capital is fun and mirth. In Quito, poverty affects nearly 30% of the population, with 7% of that facing extreme measures. Despite Ecuador’s reputation as a developing country, there are still a handful of children and adults suffering from malnutrition. Volunteers can make a difference in the local community by helping feed disadvantaged children and adults, supporting initiatives at a local shelter, helping with maintenance and renovations at schools, and assisting in community gardens. Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month, and everyone is given a chance to discover Ecuador’s biodiversity and natural environment. Volunteers can make a difference and develop professionally by practicing their Spanish, volunteering on a range of projects, and immersing themselves in Ecuadorian culture.

This is a minimum 1 week, and maximum 12 weeks trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $360 for one week and $2065 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Work on an Alpaca Farm in Peru

Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and has a stunning variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches to rainforests. The country is home to the source of the Amazon River, as well as the historical Machu Picchu and over seventy percent of the world’s alpaca population. In fact, Peru’s alpacas provide the country’s residents with food and clothing, and even have a religious significance to Peruvians. Cusco, an ancient city closely associated with the Incas, is famous for its grand main square with buildings that have terracotta-tile roofs and cobbled streets. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at a private farm thirty minutes from Cusco to care for alpacas and llamas. Additionally, volunteers will work with the cleaning and maintenance of the animals and will get to see the farm’s process of turning the alpaca and llama wool into traditional Peruvian textiles.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and costs $685 for one week and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, three-to-four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Help Educate Women in Kenya

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is considered the nation’s safari capital. This vibrant city is known for its cultural diversity and is home to beautiful scenery and Nairobi National Park. While in Nairobi, volunteers will work in women’s centers to promote women's education and empowerment through income-generating projects. Volunteers will also help women in under-resourced communities and centers affected by HIV/AIDS. This trip is perfect for those interested in arts and crafts, as volunteering can include sewing, candle-making, jewelry making, and finance and business management courses.

This is a minimum one-week trip and a maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $337 for one week and $4045 for 12 weeks.

Practice Sustainable Farming in Peru

Peru is a tropical country, with more than half of its territory covered by the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world. It is also home to the Andes, the planet’s second-highest mountain range. It was here that the Inca Empire was established 600 years ago, which thrived until its conquest by the Spanish in 1532. Today’s Peruvian economy has a strong reliance on agriculture. Several NGOs and farming cooperatives are currently trying to incorporate organic, sustainable and traditional practices into their farming operations. On this trip, volunteers are sent to the Sacred Valley and the Huyro Region in the highlands of the Amazonian rainforest. They will help local tea, coffee and cacao growers in a collective farming project. The famously fertile Sacred Valley is rich in Inca history and has been an agricultural site for hundreds of years. Volunteers can visit many Inca ruins including Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the New World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is thought to have been built around 1450 and remains an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power and architectural prowess. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks , and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day of practical work (Monday–Friday), letters of recommendation, an emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.

Volunteer to Help Animal Shelters in South Africa

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and a popular tourist destination. The city is home to Table Mountain, a famous plateau that resembles a tabletop, and gorgeous natural scenery heightened by its location between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In Cape Town, volunteers will work at a local animal shelter in the Grassy Park community. Volunteers will help run the shelter, care for abandoned animals, and help with the animals’ medications and injections. Additionally, volunteers will assist with animal cleaning and feeding to gain animal care experience.

This is a minimum one-week trip and a maximum 24-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $247 for two weeks and $5928 for 24 weeks.

Volunteer to Help Conserve Peru’s Rainforests

Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts and coastal plains, and its three prominent topographical bands are Costa, Sierra and Amazonia. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost two-thirds of Peru, about 60% of the nation's territory! The Peruvian Amazon is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 700 kinds of fish, 500 types of mammals, and over 300 reptile species. Ecotourism has become an essential industry in Peru; the nation has a higher percentage of protected land than any other country in South America. Specifically, there are fifty-three protected areas throughout the country. This includes national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and reserved zones. Volunteers can help with a wide range of conservation activities that add to preserving Peru’s climate and animals. Participants will be based in the heart of the jungle, where they will receive a different kind of insight into Peru’s rich biodiversity. Tasks include (but are not limited to) reforestation, home-based maintenance, research projects, trail conservation and animal inventories. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and gain conservation and research experience, all while making a difference in the nation's ecosystem.

This is a minimum two-week and maximum 24-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $805 for two weeks and $6,750 for 24 weeks.

Volunteer to Help Conserve Croatia’s Bears

Croatia, the land of a thousand islands, has within its borders eleven nature parks, eight national parks and two nature reserves. The country is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, remarkable considering its relatively small size. Approximately 900 brown bears, the largest European carnivores, live in Croatia, although the exact number is unknown. The bear population in the country has been growing since the 1950s and has a favorable conservation status. Volunteers have a chance to help protect bear populations and conserve nature. They can join a bear sanctuary and help preserve the environment and assist in a place for bears who have suffered maltreatment and abandonment. Volunteers will live in a traditional Croatian village amid nature, where they will become part of the local community. Tasks include (but are not limited to) maintaining the forest and surrounding environment, ensuring the well-being of all animals at the center, and supporting the visitor center’s needs. Volunteers can learn the Croatian language and immerse themselves in the culture while making a difference in the community.

This is a minimum four week and maximum 12 week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1,955 for four weeks and $5,075 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Assist Namibia’s Wildlife Program

Namibia, located in Southern Africa, is full of wildlife, ranging from desert elephants to the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs. The country is also known for its scenery, having the highest sand dunes in the world, made famous by the film “Mad Max: Fury Road.” While here, volunteers will help and support wildlife preservation efforts and care for injured and abandoned animals. This includes assisting with the animals’ food preparation and aiding with small animal feedings. Additionally, volunteers will have the chance to learn more about wildlife by watching cheetahs run and conducting focused research such as analyzing GPS data and monitoring animals.

This is a minimum two-week trip and a maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1,260 for two weeks and $6145 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Assist with the Galapagos Islands' Conservation, Marketing and Media

The Galapagos Islands was one of the first designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, gaining the title in 1978. The Islands are renowned for their diverse plant and animal life, which includes more than 400 species of fish, 800 species of mollusks and some of the most unique birds on the planet. The archipelago group comprises 7,880 kilometers of land spread over 17,000 miles of ocean. It’s worth noting that these islands are welcome to tourists all year round due to their two primary seasons: a hot season from December to May and a dry season from June to November. Volunteers have a chance to raise essential initiatives while volunteering in the archipelago. Participants can promote the conservation and sustainability of the Galapagos while gaining digital marketing and social media experience. They will have the opportunity to work with eco-tourism agencies, restaurants, farms and small family businesses. Participants will share their products and messages within Ecuador and beyond through content creation. Duties may include supporting the local team with social media content, taking photos and videos of activities, creating informative social media content, and implementing communication plans in social networks. Volunteers will need to bring their own gear to use on this project.

This is a minimum two-week and maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1,420 for two weeks and $6,620 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Assist Maasai Communities in Tanzania

Volunteers are based at a village in remote Maasailand of Tanzania. Here, they can live and learn from the Maasai people who have lived in areas of what are now Tanzania and Kenya for hundreds of years. The Maasai of Tanzania are pastoralists, with a lifestyle centered around cattle. Volunteers will support a rural Maasai community in various ways, including environmental conservation, poverty reduction, farming and welfare. Volunteers can also help local doctors, create social media content, and work on construction projects for school expansions.

This is a two-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $463 for two weeks.

Volunteer to Help in Cusco’s Healthcare

Peru is a country rich in cultural heritage and of great historical significance. This volunteer program is an on-site project in Cusco, Peru’s capital. Cusco was first established as the center of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though Peru’s government provides free healthcare, many areas have limited and unequal access to it. There are two different volunteer placements for this project. Licensed medical professionals and medical students in their third and fourth years can apply to be medical volunteers, while those who are unlicensed and/or are completing their medical training have access to Healthcare placements. Medical volunteers are typically placed at a national clinic, helping with primary and emergency care, or at assisted living facilities. They have the opportunity to shadow or work alongside local medical professionals. Healthcare volunteers are usually placed within assisted living facilities and help with the day-to-day care work while providing companionship to the patients. Volunteers in both programs can access in-country support, learn local therapy methods often unavailable in their home countries, and make a difference to people in underfunded facilities.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Help Construct Community Buildings in Guatemala

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant example of Guatemala's culture and history. The city’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Spanish and Mayan heritage, and humor and gracious hospitality characterize its people. However, Guatemala’s popularity as a tourist hot-spot has resulted in the growing pressure on infrastructure and resources. This volunteer construction project has a significant positive impact on local communities and helps residents gain better access to education and healthcare. The project is on-site and close to the city center. Volunteers help construct public buildings like healthcare clinics, community centers, and schools. While on-site, volunteers are assisted by local Spanish-speaking project managers, experienced in guiding and training international volunteers. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Help Rescue Dogs in Peru

Cusco is an ancient Inca city known for its hospitality. This city likes its fiestas and celebrates its exciting blend of Inca folklore, native influences and Hispanic colonial traditions through the architecture of its main square, cobbled streets, and terracotta tile roof houses. Unfortunately, an overwhelming number of stray dogs spend their lives on Peru’s streets. These animals live in unsanitary conditions, risking illness and starvation, and are considered a public health issue by the local government. Volunteers can help take these dogs off the street and provide them with much-needed love, attention and care. Volunteers help the project by cleaning the animals and cages, feeding the dogs, helping with basic obedience training, interacting with visitors, playing with the animals, taking photos, helping with administration and assisting with fundraising and educational programs. These projects are heavily reliant on the help of volunteers who are needed to work both within a team and independently as leaders. In-country coordinators support all volunteers.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.

Care for Wildlife at an Ecuadorian Animal Rescue Shelter

The Amazon rainforest, covering most of northwestern Brazil and extending into Colombia, Peru and various South American countries, represents more than half of Earth’s remaining rainforests, making up the largest concentration of rainforest biodiversity in the world. However, as wildlife in the Amazon face constant threats, an animal rescue center has been opened near the city of Puyo, which is located close to a tourist-friendly city and gateway to the Amazon basin known as Banos. As part of this project, volunteers will have the chance to assist in the care of rescued animals at the shelter, who have all been injured, mistreated, abandoned or orphaned. Volunteers will engage in tasks such as day-to-day care of animals, cutting fruit and preparing food for the animals, feeding the animals, helping visitors and assisting the veterinarian when needed. Not only this, but volunteers will participate in maintenance tasks around the shelter, which may include the building, repairing and cleaning of enclosures in addition to general cleaning.

This minimum 2-week and maximum 12-week experience starts at $1,080 per person for 2 weeks and $3,580 per person for 12 weeks. Accommodation, airport transfers, orientation, meals and 24/7 GoEco support are provided. Volunteers will work 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Additional volunteer work will take place on either Saturday or Sunday for a few hours, leaving the rest of the weekend free after tasks are completed.

Support a Community Garden in Romania

Food production currently accounts for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions released annually, and has become a focus for climate activists in past decades due to the industry’s destructive use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers and other unsustainable farming practices. Community gardens have emerged in recent years as a sustainable way to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and to grow food for disadvantaged communities. In this project, volunteers will help cultivate and maintain a community garden in the Romanian city of Miercurea Ciuc. Because the local citizens often live together in small apartment complexes, the community garden gives families space to grow their own vegetables and creates a public area for children to play. Volunteers will be crucial in maintaining these gardens and will undertake a variety of tasks in support of the local community, including planting, watering, harvesting, composting, maintaining drainage systems, and doing other general upkeep. On the weekends, volunteers can spend their time visiting local markets, participating in outdoor activities, and exploring Romanian cities. Volunteers will share a volunteer apartment or house while they are in Miercurea Ciuc, be provided with groceries by the accommodation manager and receive one cooked meal per day at either a restaurant or their work location.

This trip lasts between one and 24 weeks, and costs $504 for one week and $6,521 for 24 weeks. Due to winter temperatures, the project is closed between November and February. Included in the cost is all accommodations, meals, 24/7 support and airport pickup. Volunteers have the option to participate in Introduction Week for an additional $540, during which they will have an immersive experience visiting historical sites and local villages while they begin learning the Hungarian language, before beginning their volunteer work.

FIND OUT MORE

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER HQ