7 Overseas Volunteer Projects You Should Consider Joining

If you have a passion for helping others, and you would like to travel, there is no reason why you should not be able to combine these two! There are loads of volunteering efforts, charities and organisations scattered around the world. Here you will be able to gain valuable skills, learn about other cultures, and help local communities.

If this sounds like the ideal thing for you, you are in for a treat! In this post we’ll provide some ideas on locations where you can volunteer abroad.

1. Greece: Work with Turtles

You will stay in the secluded village of Giannitsochori where you will be helping with conservation efforts for the loggerhead turtle. The loggerhead turtle is an endangered species. As a volunteer, you will help protect hatchlings from predators and record valuable data on these magnificent creatures.

2. Fiji: Community Development

There are two volunteer bases in Fiji namely the Tailevu or Lomaiviti Province. Here you will help with the development of these communities regarding income generation, fresh water management, waste management, health awareness and much more. You’ll also be able to travel during free time.

3. Mexico: Marine Conservation

You’ll get your PADI diving certificate when joining this adventurous volunteer initiative. While you are here, you will assist in protecting the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. You’ll assist in multiple tasks, including the monitoring of the health of the reef.

4. South Africa: Wildlife Research

Travel to a private Big Five game reserve situated in South Africa where you will assist in sustainable conservation efforts. Among other tasks, you will be collecting behavioural data of predators who were reintroduced into the wild. During your time there, you will receive training on how to use research equipment.

5. Laos: Teach English

As a volunteer English teacher you will be staying in the ancient village of Luang Prabang where you’ll be teaching Buddhist monks and other locals English. This initiative is geared to empowering the community and providing them with the tools to pursue a brighter future.

6. Seychelles: Shark and Turtle Conservation

On the island of Curieuse you will be assisting with numerous activities including the capturing and release of lemon sharks to gather valuable data. You will also contribute to studies in the nature and nesting habits of Green and Hawksbill turtles as well as capturing specific information.

7. Thailand: Elephants

You’ll be stationed in the northern forests of Thailand where you will be assisting community efforts to reintroduce elephants into their natural habitats. During your time here you will learn more about elephants, their history, behaviour and biology.

Are you ready to travel the world and start making a difference? Which of these volunteer initiatives would you consider to join? They all sound pretty amazing and offer fantastic opportunities to give back to communities while learning about other cultures and countries.