Volunteering abroad: a life-changing travel experience?

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 12:03 pm

As an international volunteer, not only will you make a positive difference in communities or ecosystems in another part of the world, but you can also use the time in between to explore.

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In this article you’ll learn:

• Why volunteering is good for you.
• What types of international volunteer opportunities exist.

Ann Young, a South African-born licensed medical social worker living in the US, says some of the most satisfying work she’s done is volunteering. “I volunteered at a Thai orphanage in Nakhon Si Thammarat for about six months. I also volunteered for six weeks at a fledgling international school in Malacca, Malaysia, where I created and launched their tech programme. This grew my connections within the community and gave me a lot of personal satisfaction.”

Volunteering is good for your health

Unlike traditional travel with poolside cocktails and restaurant hopping, volunteer-abroad programmes can involve hands-on work. Activities such as building infrastructure, planting coral gardens, scuba diving, or teaching sports offer increased physical activity, which benefits cardiovascular health, weight management and overall fitness.

According to The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research, studies show a significant link between volunteering and improved health, including “greater longevity, higher functional ability, and lower rates of depression”.

Volunteering abroad has added benefits like:

• Obtaining first-hand experience of the traditions and values of the country you’re visiting.
• Making new friends with people of another culture.
• Getting the opportunity to travel, see new cities and enjoy new adventures.
• Fostering empathy and a sense of solidarity with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Being able to build connections with other people even if you don’t speak the same language.

Types of international volunteer opportunities available

There are numerous programmes for individuals, schools or university groups and families. Conservation opportunities vary from ocean-based projects to dog shelters, planting trees, bear conservation in Croatia and lemur studies in Madagascar. Medical, nursing, and dentistry students have diverse options, such as dentistry internships in Peru or medical internships in Nepal.

Habitat for Humanity runs home-building projects all over the world and you can volunteer to help through its Global Village programme. Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms provides opportunities to volunteer on organic farms and learn about sustainability in a new culture, in exchange for accommodation on the farm.

Various volunteering placement organisations can help you find the perfect country and programme for your interests and goals.