Hike the Portuguese Way on the Camino

On this trip, explore and hike the less-traveled Portuguese Spiritual Way on the famous Camino de Santiago from Portugal to Spain. The ancient path includes amazing views of the ocean and allows you to experience the European countryside. Activities include traditional cooking classes, Albarino white wine tasting and an opportunity to earn a certificate from the Pilgrim Office after completing the walk and reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You will see sights such as Foz de Douro Lighthouse, Galician church of Santa Eulalia del Monte, 16th-century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira and Apostle Saint James’s remains. The activity level recommended for this trip is high energy and it costs $3,990. This trip is run by women for women.

adventurewomen

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Take a Social Justice Tour in New York City

Social Justice Tours offer a variety of day trip tours mostly concentrated around New York City and surrounding areas that allow people to engage in critical discourse regarding relevant issues around the city. Examples of these tours are the Queer History of the Village tour, where you explore the LGBTQ history of West Village, New York. Another example tour is the Gentrification of Downtown Brooklyn, which highlights the development of downtown Brooklyn. Other example tours are Women’s History of the Village, Environmental Justice in Gowanus, Trump Tour, Vegan Food of the Lower East Side, People's History of Lower Manhattan and Gentrification in Williamsburg. All tours cost $10 per person.

Social Justice Tours

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Volunteer in Peru with Indigenous Communities

Peru is known for Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city in the Andes Mountains, and the nearby colonial city of Cusco. Maximo Nivel’s “Volunteer with Indigenous Communities” trip gives enrollees the opportunity to experience local culture and traditions as they serve. Participants are placed in small communities, where they live with an Indigenous Andean family. Volunteer work includes caring for animals and livestock, helping with agricultural work, weaving, creating textiles, learning to prepare traditional dishes, assisting with local construction projects and working with children at the local school. The program’s duration has a one-week minimum and participants must be at least 18 years old. One week of volunteering costs $665. 

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Volunteer as a Teacher in South Africa

This trip allows you to to work at a school in South Africa, a country of dramatic change and optimism. The teaching projects are located in schools in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town. The schools are overcrowded, understaffed, and under-funded; however, there is enthusiasm for the future and volunteers help to cultivate this. English is used as the main language of teaching schools in Cape Town; although, it is not the first language of most of the students, so having an English native speaker is particularly helpful. This trip does not require you to have a TEFL qualification and there is no need for previous teaching experience. You can stay for up to six months with a price varying up to $2,500.

Projects Abroad

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Assist Cuzco Health and Medical Care

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.

GoEco

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Surf and Volunteer in Peru

The idea for WAVES originated in 2004 on the beaches of northern Peru, when a group of international surfers shared a desire to help local youth with little resources enjoy surfing. Today it is an established nonprofit and international network offering volunteer learning opportunities for surfers beginning the first and third weekend of every month in Lobitos. Based on your skills, you will contribute in one of the program areas: English and Arts, Environmental Responsibility, Life Skills, Swimming or Surfing and Social Entrepreneurship. If you stay three weeks or more, you will do an additional community service project. Costs are $495 volunteer contribution, plus $295/week.

WAVES FOR DEVELOPMENT

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Help Rehabilitate Sea Turtles in Kenya

Join the efforts of this non-profit working to protect and rehabilitate sea turtles. As an Eco-Visitor at Watamu Turtle Watch, you’ll have the chance to go on night patrols, care for sick and injured turtles, perform in turtle x-rays, clean the turtles and their tanks and/or release turtles caught in fishing nets. You may also get involved with other marine conservation projects like restoring nearby mangrove trees and educating the local community about plant propagation. You’ll live at the organization’s beautiful housing compound, which includes en suite bathrooms, a kitchen, a courtyard, mosquito nets, etc. This is a great way to experience Kenya while also giving back to the local environment and assisting in important conservation efforts. You can volunteer for up to 2 weeks or up to 6 months with the price ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.

Local Ocean Trust: WATAMU TURTLE WATCH

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Bring a Better Education to Peruvian Students

During the 1980s, political terrorism was rife through Peru’s countryside, causing the rural people to flock to urban areas for protection. Though the terrorism has since ended, Peru is suffering from the damage done to both its people and infrastructure, leaving the cities’ resources strained by the influx of people. As a volunteer on this trip, you can help bring better education to Peruvians living on the outskirts of the urban centers by encouraging school attendance, helping in the classroom and teaching the students. Based in Lima, Peru, this trip includes opportunities to become immersed in Peruvian culture, take Spanish classes, sample the food and enjoy living like a local. During free time, volunteers can shop the historic streets of Cuzco, hike the Colca Canyon and explore the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The minimum length for this trip is 1 week for $2,654, with a maximum stay of 3 months for $9,574.   

CROSS-CULTURAL SOLUTIONS

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Bring Fresh Water to Fijians

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). 

GLOBAL VISIONS INTERNATIONAL

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Explore an Undiscovered Paradise in Belize

Have the experience of a lifetime relaxing on the island of Caye Caulker. Without any cars, this tranquil land forces you to take it slowly and embrace a more simple way of life. But don’t worry, you’re not going to get bored with all the adventures waiting for you. You can swim with sharks and snorkel at the Hoi Chan Marine Reserve, and kayak among the island’s impressive mangrove trees, keeping your eyes peeled for crocodiles. You’ll also have a blast dining and dancing with the locals when you attend an authentic Caye Caulker event. When you leave Belize, you’ll have a deep appreciation for this beautiful and friendly culture. Under30Experiences offers itineraries that are more than tours, they’re life-changing experiences. You’ll be meeting 12-20 like-minded young people who want to get to know locals and their communities by skipping the tour bus and diving directly into a foreign culture. The cost of this trip is around $1,000-$2,500.

Work with Disabled Citizens in Denmark

Travel to Denmark and become immersed in the country’s unique culture while assisting those with physical and mental disabilities. Volunteers on this trip will work in local centers with individuals who require support and assistance during the day. Volunteers may help with school work, assist with daily tasks or simply be a good friend and companion. The tasks vary and the job can be quite demanding, but there's a guarantee travelers depart having made new friends. Volunteers will stay either with local host families or at on-site lodging. In free time, travelers can explore Denmark’s historic Viking culture, explore the countryside, and even visit The Little Mermaid. The minimum length for this trip is six months for $9,865, with a maximum stay of 12 months for $13,115. Upcoming Departures: flexible.

United Planet

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Help Break the Cycle of Poverty in Romania

After the collapse of an oppressive government, Romania worked to reclaim its rich heritage and to develop its economy. Despite efforts to improve the country, there are still many people living in poverty, a high illiteracy rate and open discrimination against the Roma (or “Gypsies”) population. Volunteers of this trip will partner with local organizations to work on one of a number of projects, from building a “Social and Educational Centers,” which will eventually become a home for nearly a dozen families, to implementing “green” initiatives. Volunteers on this trip will be located just outside Brasov, a medieval-esque town with cobblestone streets, old castles and farm villages. During free time, explore Brasov’s historic town center, its cultural sites and even the infamous Bran Castle, also referred to as Dracula’s Castle, located just outside town. This eight day trip is $1,390.  

GLOBE AWARE

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Volunteer to Keep NYC’s Central Park Clean

At 843 acres, Central Park is one of the largest parks in New York City. There's a lot of work performed daily by the Central Park Conservancy’s dedicated staff to maintain “New York City's backyard." However, due to the vast size of the park, workers appreciate the help of volunteers to help maintain the park’s spotless state. The “Pitch In, Pick Up” program makes volunteering at Central Park easier than ever. Just stop by one of the Conservancy's visitor centers, sign out a volunteer name tag, choose either a trash-grabber or a sweeper and then pitch in by picking up litter. To help, stop off at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the Chess and Checkers House or the North Meadow Recreation Center. This program is free and lasts however long volunteers can stay.

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Central Park Conservancy

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Help the Unhoused Get Back on their Feet in the US

Back on My Feet is a nonprofit that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness increase their self-esteem. The group’s goal is to ensure that the homeless can make life changes that result in employment and independent living. To volunteer with Back on My Feet, find the nearest chapter and register to run with a local team. Most teams run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30 a.m. Walkers, joggers and runners are all welcome at the organization’s clubs in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington. Volunteers can participate for up to two weeks on this free opportunity.

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Back on My Feet

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Teach English to an Italian Family

Volunteer for 15 hours each week teaching English, in exchange for room and board, with a host family in Italy. Volunteers will be provided approved training materials to teach a family, who they will “meet” in advance through emails and phone calls. This program also allows volunteers to experience the country’s language, culture, and cuisine. This is a total-immersion trip that allows one to quickly learn, or brush up, on Italian skills. Weekends are often open for day trips and jaunts around the countryside or one of the 44 Unesco World Heritage Sites, allowing you to see and do more on your trip.  The min length for this trip is 1 month, with a max stay of 3 months, for a flat fee of $1,389 regardless of trip length. Arrival date will be arranged between you and your host family.

GeoVisions

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Teach English to a French Family

Volunteer for 15 hours a week teaching English, in exchange for room and board, with a host family in France.  Volunteers will be provided approved training materials to teach a family, who they will “meet” in advance through emails and phone calls. This program also allows volunteers to experience the country’s language, culture, and cuisine.  This is a total-immersion trip that allows one to quickly learn, or brush up, on French skills. Weekends are often open for day trips and jaunts around the countryside or neighboring cities. The min length for this trip is 2 month for $2,039, with a max stay of 3 months for $2,259.  Upcoming Departures: Anytime Oct-May.

GEOVISIONS

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Teach English to a Host Family in Spain

Volunteer for up to 15 hours per week teaching English to a host family on this Spanish homestay program. Participants will receive appropriate training materials for their selected family, which they will “meet” in advance through emails and phone calls. The homestay allows volunteers to fully experience Spain’s dynamic culture and rich cuisine. It also offers travelers a chance to quickly learn, or polish, their Spanish skills. Enrollees must stay for at least one month and can continue for up to three. The trip costs $799 for the first month with an additional $100 fee for the following ones.

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GeoVisions

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Provide for Lion Cubs in South Africa

Since the 1970s, Africa’s lion population has dramatically decreased due to poaching, loss of natural habitat and disease. South Africa’s Wild Cat Sanctuary was founded to foster a healthy lion population and works to reintroduce the animals into the wild. Today, the park cares for many of the large African cats, allowing conservationists and volunteers to work together for their protection. This trip’s participants will provide one-on-one care of lion cubs by preparing food and feeding them, helping them exercise, maintaining their enclosures, collecting data and preserving the park. The workload at the sanctuary is tough but volunteers often find the work rewarding. The park is located just outside of Kimberley and sits a short drive away from the arid savannas of Mokala National Park. This trip lasts for a minimum of nine days and starts at $1,050.

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GoEco

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Surf with Kids in Capetown, South Africa

Work in an adventure club for 12-14 year old children who come from disadvantaged areas of Cape Town. The club is primarily focused on surfing and swim lessons and volunteers will receive free surf lessons (no surfing exp. necessary but must be able to swim!). Local kids will be taught sports, hikes, life lessons (HIV, drugs, etc.). Volunteers will work with children 2-5 days a week and can spend their mornings relaxing on the beach, learning to surf, or helping out in a school. Afternoons are spent doing activities through the adventure club with 5-20 different children! On the trip, volunteers will be have plenty of free time to explore the beautiful city, Cape Town, and explore Table Mountain National Park, see African Penguins and explore beautiful hiking trails throughout the area!  The min length for this trip is 14 days for $990 and the max length is 8 weeks for $2,730.  Upcoming Departures: Every Friday.

GO ECO

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Help Educate the Village of Hoi An in Vietnam

Vietnam has a longstanding history of being a major port for silk, porcelain and spices, bringing traders from as far away as Europe to trade wares and goods with the people. When the river filled up, however, it stopped the trade route and left the town of Hoi An amidst a beautiful mix of French, Japanese and Chinese, but also in economic troubles. While Vietnam’s government is working on reforming the economic situation, the clash of new reform and old revolution is leaving many of the rural people behind. Volunteers on this trip will head into the rural communities around Hao An with a goal of improving educational facilities, teaching methods and providing supplies and lessons for students. They will also teach basic English to students, provide materials to teachers, help them to learn how to be better educators, evaluate schools to provide feedback on how to better conditions and most importantly, work with the Portable Libraries Project. This project, called “Books to Live,” is a simple library that can be packed up and moved when needed. Specific projects will change depending on how many volunteers are available or needed. During down time, volunteers can explore Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, take a trip to the beach, sit in a language lesson to learn some Vietnamese or play games with the children. This trip costs $1000 to $2500.