There has never been a more sprucing and invigorating way to get to see the world and help other people and nations than volunteering. If you are a keen traveler anyhow, and if you strive to help people in need, going abroad to some exciting destination is the best way to fulfil your goal. Volunteering abroad is one of the best ways to explore the country, meet new people, try delicious meals, and assist the people and communities where help is utterly needed. No matter if you seek a deeper meaning on your travels, or you simply want to make a change in your life, here are some of the best volunteer destinations abroad that you should place on your bucket list.
-
1. Save Seychelles’s marvelous coral reef
Nobody could say no to visiting a glorious, sunny island and at the same time being part of the unique program of rescuing its protected seas. The Indian Ocean is home to giant roaming tortoises, one-of-a-kind fish species, multicolored corals, and on land with towering green palm trees and golden sands. So, if you were to apply for this amazing volunteering expedition, you could assist the various Marine National Park organizations and help assess the health of the surrounding waters’ coral reef and insect the coastal ecosystem. You would be measuring the coral’s growth and identifying the biodiversity hotspots using digital photography and underwater video. The only requirement is to have a scuba certificate and a minimum of 30 logged dives.
-
2. Rehabilitate elephants in amazing Thailand
Thailand is, without doubt, a must-visit country and it’s no wonder that most travelers want to volunteer there. Before you start packing your suitcase to Thailand you must first choose an experienced organisation to volunteer abroad that would help you find affordable and meaningful projects. One of the most significant projects (and adventures) you could dwell on is certainly helping elephants rehabilitate. You would be spending time in the deep jungle-clad mountains in West Thailand surrounded by the exquisite natural landscape and assisting the care of elephants in their natural habitat. You would be working with experienced trainers to take care of these animals, feed, and bathe them, even swim and trek along with them.
-
3. Utilize your healthcare knowledge in India
People who want to utilize their medicinal knowledge and who have a desire to share their healthcare skill set should definitely volunteer in India. India has experienced enormous economic growth, however many communities still don’t have access to clean water, proper hygiene amenities, etc. Various negative and sanitation problems have contributed to the growth and spread of deadly illnesses and infections, hence there is a huge need for volunteers in healthcare. Working in health is one of the best ways you could give your contribution as a volunteer in India. Help is needed in clinics, hospitals, but also you could participate in various projects that focus on promoting the basics of health, dental care, childcare, women empowerment projects, and so on.
-
4. Make a change in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a bustling cutting-edge city, but there are still people who live on the edge of poverty. In Rio’s Barreira do Vasco favela live families who have more than 10 family members, and they all live together in a one-room canvas structure without any running water. You could really make a change by going to Brazil and volunteering in Rio to help build homes in this Shanty Town. The best thing about this volunteer destination is that you would be working alongside professional builders and helping build solid brick structures where people would finally get adequate kitchens and bathrooms where they could live peacefully. In your free time, you could visit Rio de Janeiro’s mesmerizing beaches, drink Sex on the Beach in some of their famous bars, and even learn some Portuguese.
-
5. Embrace women empowerment in Ghana
There isn’t a traveler who wouldn’t like to visit Africa at some point in life. As there are many things you could see and experience like nowhere else on the planet, going to Ghana might be the perfect way to start the expedition of this giant continent. Ghana is situated in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s been opening its gates for volunteers for many years. With the vast volunteer opportunities, the main thing you could do here is help women in Ghana gain the necessary skills and knowledge they need to join the workforce. Volunteers would assist and hold various education and leadership programs to help empower women. In this way, you won’t even help women gain excellent communication skills, but you would ultimately teach them how to improve their independence.
-
6. Enable sustainable farming practice in Peru
Peru is a truly captivating South American country, rich in majestic forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. This “Land of the Inca” has been ruled by the Spaniards for far too long, and for that matter, it has kept much of those colonials’ habits. Nevertheless, Peru has a lot to offer for responsible and sustainable travelers, and one of the greatest footprints you could leave here is boosting their environmental conservation. Participants who wish to volunteer in Peru can choose to be part of the growing sustainable farming process where you would help families re-construct water sanitation and similar. Another advantage of volunteering in Peru is the lucrative accommodation and cost of living.
-
7. Broaden the little minds in Sri Lanka
If you want to take a gap year, or if you simply want to make a difference in your life and help reshape little minds, you should go to Sri Lanka and teach English in kindergarten. The need for a smart, gregarious, and energetic English language speaker is vast in Ambalangoda, the Southern province of Sri Lanka. You don’t need to be highly skilled or own a certificate to volunteer here, you only need to have at least a B2 level, and be open-minded as an individual. You would have plenty of opportunities for exploration, adventure, and fun. In your free time, you could visit the beach or some of the island’s holy monuments.
-
8. Participate in climate change program in Canada
Canada may not be the first choice for some travelers as it’s not as exotic as Sri Lanka, but it’s undoubtedly a place where responsible travelers can make a bombastic impact. Canada is a fantastic place where you can effectively pursue your volunteer endeavors and truly make a difference. The country has numerous volunteering programs, but if you are interested in protecting the environment, you should head out to the Arctic to research climate change. Embarking on this impactful expedition is not only going to be a huge life experience, but you would have the unique opportunity to help Canada’s wildlife and at the same time do a knowledgeable investigation and broaden your mind. Prepare warm clothes, pack wintry shoes, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime
Embarking on a volunteering adventure is an utterly remarkable thing to do in life, and there isn’t a single traveler who wouldn’t be grateful for this opportunity. Choose a destination that fits you best, do thorough research before you set off, explore all opportunities and stay open-minded.