Want to Volunteer? Here Are the Best Places in the World to Consider

Have you found yourself with some free time that you want to put to good use? Are you considering volunteering? Fortunately, volunteering options abound. No matter if you’re thinking about helping people, rescuing animals, building homes, or preserving the environment, you will surely find something that suits your interests. With that in mind, here are the top locations in the world to take into account if you want to lend a helping hand.

India

Due to its gorgeous landscape and interesting cultures, India is a very popular destination among tourists. However, it is also a perfect place to consider visiting for volunteering. Given the country’s size and population, there are plenty of opportunities for a willing volunteer. For example, you can work with children with special needs in Delhi. Then, combating social inequalities and working on women’s empowerment is something you can help with in Kerala. In case you have medical knowledge, you can also work in a healthcare center.

Cambodia

Another interesting destination in Asia is Cambodia. Besides visiting cities such as the capital Phnom Penh and sites like Angkor Wat, you can also take part in some of the local volunteering programs. For instance, you can work on providing villages around Siem Reap with clean, safe water. Many people that live outside of Cambodian urban centers are at risk of different illnesses and diseases as they don’t have access to clean water. Your duties will typically include building, installing, and maintaining filters as well as wells.

Vietnam

Vietnam – Cambodia’s eastern neighbor – is yet another location to think about visiting if you’re willing to help the residents. Most programs are available in Hanoi, the country’s historical capital, but maybe you can find some in more rural areas too. They are typically available all year long. Vietnam is a great option if you want to work with people, as you can assist with childcare, work in an orphanage, teach kids and adults, and help with medical tasks.

Thailand

MasterCard research shows that Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in the Asia-Pacific region. As a matter of fact, the country sees over 10 million travelers on a yearly basis. With a bustling capital and quaint villages, gorgeous beaches, and delicious food, none of this should come as a surprise. However, Thailand also offers a great opportunity to volunteer abroad. For example, even though the local economy is on the rise, the gap between the rich and poor is still rather wide, with poor people living in rural areas, without access to education. This is something you can contribute to. Moreover, you can work on biodiversity and combat deforestation. Lastly, if you’re an animal lover, you’ll be glad to hear that there are various ways how you can help all sorts of creatures and fight their exploitation.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica should also make your bucket list. Animal lovers will like the fact that there is a chance to work on turtle conservation on the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts. This work typically takes place on four breathtaking beaches. Your duties will include tagging turtles, building hatcheries, cleaning the beach, and patrolling it during the night. On the other hand, you can also lend a hand on organic farms where you will weed, pick, roast, and package coffee. Plus, you can assist with reforestation efforts. While there, don’t forget to enjoy the beaches, explore rainforests, beautiful waterfalls of Costa Rica and volcanic peaks, and see the capital of San Jose.

Peru

Peru might already be on your itinerary if you’re looking to explore Machu Picchu. When in the country, you can also volunteer with indigenous communities. They can use your help with creating textiles, community construction, and agricultural work, among other things. This is typically an off-the-grid program, so be sure you can handle all it entails. What is more, you can also offer your healthcare expertise while you can teach kids and teens English too if this option suits you more.

South Africa

In case you’re thinking about visiting Africa, why not see which countries can benefit most from your visit and help? One of them is South Africa. For one, you have a chance to work with animals and ensure their conservation in the Marakele National Park. You can help with park management, monitoring animals, and anti-poaching. Many animals like elephants, hyenas, rhinos, lions, leopards, and cheetahs are at risk, so you will surely see many new things. Furthermore, you can also volunteer in schools.

Kenya

Kenya should also not get overlooked when you’re in Africa. It is home to modern cities, stunning landscapes, ancient cultures, and various wildlife. But, it faces some challenges as well. For example, they can use some help when it comes to improving access to healthcare and education. That means that you can assist with the prevention of HIV or teach kids all sorts of skills. Moreover, you can also help protect wildlife like rhinos and work on alleviating poverty.

Not only will volunteering help you see more of the planet and meet new people, but it will also give you a new perspective of the world. You will get a chance to give back to the people in need and become a better person in the process.