Volunteer in Marine Conservation in Lisbon

According to a 2020 National Oceanography Center study, there is at least ten times more plastic in the Atlantic Ocean than previously believed. Such astronomical numbers are indicative of the rapidly worsening pollution issues afflicting the world’s marine environments and testify to the increasing need for marine conservation. During this experience, volunteers will be directly involved in such conservation efforts, with a specific focus on the marine ecosystem in the south coast of Portugal. Based in Lisbon, the program begins with a certified scuba diving course in which participants receive comprehensive training on diving techniques and the marine ecosystem from an experienced diver. Once volunteers have received their certifications, they will begin their open ocean dives near the coast where most of the rubbish discarded by local fishermen can be found. Besides the dives, volunteers will also assist with beach and marine clean-ups and take part in small-group tutorials on the local ecosystem, which are provided by local instructors. Volunteering for 3 to 4  hours per day, Monday through Friday, participants will have plenty of time to explore the culture and history of Lisbon as well.

This minimum 1-week and maximum 4-week experience starts at $1,279 per person for 1 week and $3,789 per person for 4 weeks. Accommodation, meals and scuba diving lessons are all included.

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Volunteer in Environmental Restoration in New Zealand

Punakaiki, a small island on the South Island of New Zealand, is home to the famous Pancake Rocks – layered rock formations that resemble stacks of pancakes – and a wealth of other topographical wonders. However, rising pollution levels and increased tourism over these past decades have caused significant damage to the natural terrain, necessitating dedicated conservation efforts. During this experience, volunteer travelers will work on projects in a number of locations in the Punakaiki area that aim to maintain and restore the diverse native flora and fauna ecosystem. Building on a decade’s worth of work in the area, volunteers will work in groups of  four to ten people under the guidance of a trained and experienced Team Leader. Tasks for volunteers include planting trees, eradicating pests, constructing walking trails, conducting wildlife rescue and surveys, collecting seeds and cleaning up beaches and rivers. Volunteers will work 4 to 6 hours per day, 4 to 5 days per week. On the weekends, they will have the opportunity to learn more about the people, land and culture of New Zealand while exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of the Punakaiki area. 

This minimum 1-week and maximum 6-week experience starts at $459 per person for 1 week and $2,729 per person for 6 weeks. Accommodation and meals are all included.

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Preserve Agricultural Communities in Turkey

Many families that live in rural areas of Turkey that they have been farming for decades are being forced to move into the cities for new opportunities to make a living. These families live well under the poverty line and moving to cities to make more money often tears them apart. By staying in these communities in the rural outskirts of Istanbul and working the land on the farms, volunteers can help keep farms sustainable and keep families together. Providing free labor can help farmers increase production and make more money. Working in the fields will give volunteers valuable knowledge about raising organic livestock and growing organic crops. Those volunteers who have previous agricultural experience can also share methods and techniques with the community’s local project managers and people. 

Volunteers will live amongst local villagers and experience the culture of these remote towns. One week on this trip will cost $599. Stay up to three weeks working to keep families together and their rich culture alive. 

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Create Community Programs in Moldova

Volunteers interested in working closely with youth and empowering them to be successful can utilize their passion and creativity for this community project in Causeni, Moldova. On this trip, volunteers will stay with a local host family, work closely with regional project directors and the youth of Causeni. Volunteers will work together to organize and facilitate events and workshops that promote positive change for the community—from a social action seminar to a sporting event or a children’s festival. This opportunity gives those who participate the chance to create and share a vision for a community in need and bring it to life. In addition, volunteers will work with a youth club in Causeni with over 200 members. 

This trip is offered year-round, starting every Sunday. Volunteers can stay anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks. All host families are trusted local community members who have experience hosting international volunteers. Their homes are all equipped with western amenities, and  a private room is available for all guests. Breakfast and dinner are provided every day. The workday can be expected to last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, leaving volunteers with time to explore in the evenings! A two-week stay on this trip costs just $519. 

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Join an Animal Rescue in Croatia

Travelers looking to have a hands-on experience with animals can travel to the Mediterranean city of Split, Croatia where a unique volunteering opportunity awaits them. On the outskirts of the city, volunteers partner with a local animal shelter where they will work with animals who have been abandoned, mistreated and lack homes. Perfect for those who love animals, this experience involves caring for the animals in the shelter, including providing them with rehabilitation and exercise. Throughout the trip, volunteers will help to find the animals safe and loving homes with local families. A typical day may include walking, feeding, grooming, cleaning and playing with animals, all while helping with the adoption process. Finally, volunteers work to educate the public on proper care for pets to prevent more animals from being abandoned. 

This travel volunteer experience is offered by Love Volunteers. Trips cost $779 for 1 week of volunteering, and can be extended up to 3 months. Love Volunteers is a company based in New Zealand that partners with local charities around the world to provide affordable volunteering experiences abroad.

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Lend a Hand at a Women’s Co-op in Rwanda

Rwanda may be one of Africa’s smallest nations, but there’s much to discover in this diverse East African country. Its lush and hilly landscape makes prime territory for the cultivation of tea and coffee. Those looking to create positive outcomes for local communities can volunteer with the Abagore Farming Cooperative in Rwamagana, a collective that provides women the opportunity to earn money while working in agriculture. Volunteers will help the cooperative grow crops like corn and carrots, as well as raise pigs to sell at local markets. Working with community members not only helps raise money for local women, but also combats food insecurity and helps women become more independent. On the trip, volunteers can also teach their fellow workers English, visit the Nyungwe Forest National Park, and learn about the Rwanda genocide at the Genocide Memorial in Kigali, the country’s capital.

This opportunity comes through Love Volunteers and costs $379 for a two-week experience. Volunteer opportunities last a minimum of two weeks and can be extended for up to 12. Love Volunteers is a New Zealand-based company that partners with local charities around the world to provide affordable volunteering experiences abroad.

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Support Women’s Empowerment in Tanzania

Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wildernesses such as the Serengeti. This park is famous for housing Africa’s “big five”: lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos and rhinos. The “Women’s Empowerment Volunteering” trip takes travelers to Arusha to support women in the area who have faced abuse. Arusha is located at the base of Mount Meru and is a gateway to the Serengeti and to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa. The women’s empowerment program aims to assist abused women by offering them a refuge to escape the violence and plan for a better life. The project’s goals are to provide essential care to vulnerable women and children, to improve their prospects through education and skills training, and to enable intercultural exchange. A volunteer will typically work between four and six hours per day. The minimum duration is two weeks and participants must be at least 18 years old. For two weeks the trip costs $529, while the maximum of 12 weeks costs $1,899. This program truly allows enrollees to help empower women so that they can attain a better future.

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