How would you like to go on an exciting trip abroad while doing your part to save the planet? Conservation volunteering abroad gives you the opportunity to do both! Conservation volunteer work is one of the most popular areas for those looking to volunteer abroad.
Its popularity means that there are conservation programs and placements all over the world, for any length of time, and to suit any budget. Conservation volunteering abroad is an accessible way to travel, while leaving a positive impact on the planet!
Volunteer conservation projects give you the opportunity to see the world while giving back.
From saving sea turtles in the Bahamas, to helping with marine research in Bali, to tree planting in Ecuador, conservation volunteering abroad is both fulfilling and fun. Once you’ve found your calling, it’s time to get prepared for your time abroad!
This won’t be your average vacation—there are things to take into consideration when you emotionally and physically invest your time to a cause. Here are 9 of our top tips to prepare you for your volunteer conservation trip abroad!
Talk to our FREE online advisor and get matched with 5 conservation volunteer programs abroad
9 tips for getting involved in conservation volunteering
1. Choose a program or organization first
Let's start with the basics! How do you participate in conservation volunteer work abroad? Well, it takes a bit of planning. The best way to conservation volunteer abroad is through an organization or a program. These organizations and programs exist because there is a need within that community or ecosystem for conservation volunteers. They can help match you with volunteer work that actually helps the planet and leaves an impact; just make sure you participate in programs that are reputable and ethical!
Related: 9 Reasons to Become a Conservation Volunteer Abroad
2. Do the proper research
As volunteering abroad grows in popularity, there are more and more programs to choose from. With so many programs available, it can be difficult to identify which volunteer placements are truly ethical. Most programs have good intentions (of course!), but it is important to do your own research before embarking on your conservation volunteer journey.
The most important thing to look for is that your volunteer abroad experience leaves a meaningful, positive net impact in the community or ecosystem you are volunteering with. Sustainability is a difficult balance, and many volunteer programs have to go through trial and error to get things right! By doing your research beforehand, you can make sure the impact you leave is as positive as the one your experience will leave on you.
3. Choose the right experience for your goals
Find a program that you want to invest in and your impact will be so much greater!
You want your experience to be rewarding and positive—as well as fun! There are so many programs around the world, which means you have a good shot at finding the perfect fit for you. There’s no need to settle when there are so many options available. As much as volunteering is about helping others, you will become a better helper when you are also happy!
You can start by thinking about the goals you are trying to achieve by volunteering, and also thinking of the experience you hope to have. Do you want to work with animals or humans? Or maybe plants? Do you find sustainability research the most interesting, or are you happy to take caretaking or cleaning roles?
There are important things to consider when you conservation volunteer abroad. If you have an interest in marine research, you might have a better experience helping ocean researchers in the Bahamas rather than scooping elephant poop in Africa (although both sound fun to us!).
Related: 5 Popular Countries to Find Conservation Volunteer Opportunities Abroad
4. Location, location, location
Once you have your goals and interests in mind, choosing a location is the next step! For some volunteers, it’s an easy decision. For example, if you want to work with elephants in the wild, you only have a handful of locations to choose from. For others, the scope can be a lot more broad.
To start to narrow your locations down, start with your bucket-list countries—many of them probably have volunteer opportunities! Other things to consider when volunteering abroad is the length of time you plan to volunteer, the cost of traveling to that country, and the climate when you plan on visiting. If conservation volunteer is related to you field of work or study, choose locations and experiences that tie into your future career goals.
One thing to keep in mind with conservation volunteering is that some locations may be very off the beaten path...which just makes sense when you’re working in nature! Some environmental projects might feel like they are in the middle of nowhere. This is an awesome experience but also brings new challenges that you want to make sure you’re prepared for.
5. Consider how much time you want to spend abroad
Timing is crucial when choosing programs for conservation volunteering.
Conservation volunteer opportunities can range from a few days to even a few years. Short-term volunteer conservation projects are perfect for those on a budget, or for those who only have a short amount of time they can travel. There are volunteer programs for all ages, whether you’re a high school student looking for an exciting spring break, or a retiree looking to give back to the community.
Longer term conservation volunteer projects are equally, if not more, rewarding. When you volunteer long-term, you have a higher chance of seeing the results of your conservation volunteering, which is an awesome feeling! Many programs also offer discounts for longer-term volunteers.
6. Consider the costs of conservation volunteering abroad
Volunteering abroad ain’t free—and honestly, it shouldn’t be! Even if you are selflessly giving your time to a cause, there are always costs involved for those creating the volunteer experience, as well as your own personal costs (such as flights and travel insurance).
It’s important to consider your budget before going abroad. To cover some of the costs, some conservation volunteer programs offer bursaries. You can also fundraise on your own with websites like FundMyTravel, or look for sponsorships from businesses looking to support charitable causes! (Psst...Volunteering scholarships are a thing too.)
Luckily, since there are so many volunteer opportunities around the world, you can take advantage of conservation volunteering at any budget. You can start by looking at locations abroad that are cheap for you to fly to, and then search for volunteer conservation projects within that country. You’re bound to find something!
Related: Top Conservation Volunteer Opportunities Across the Globe
7. Take advantage of your time off
You know what they say: work hard, play hard! You will be abroad, after all, and you want to make sure you take advantage of all the exciting adventures that your time abroad has to offer. Most conservation volunteer programs give you time to go on your own excursions.
Some even offer group activities for you to participate in. It might be tempting to sit back and relax, but you should take every opportunity to soak in the local culture. A big part of volunteering abroad is taking advantage of the chance to travel, so do everything you can!
If you’re volunteering in a more remote location, it is important to plan ahead. When you’re out in nature, you might not have the amenities you are used to at home. This might mean planning transportation and/or using tours to see all the things you want to see!
It is worth your time to look into options beforehand and make sure you are able to squeeze in all of the experiences you want into your time abroad.
8. Make sure you’re prepared
Spend time researching what to bring, but also prepare to adjust to whatever situation you’re in!
This is good advice for any trip, but especially for conservation volunteering abroad. When you’re volunteering abroad, you often have to stick to a schedule. This means you don’t have the freedom to wander off to buy all the things you forgot to pack!
If you’re environmental volunteering, it is also likely that you will at least spend some time outside of major cities, which means some things will be less accessible. Some volunteer placements will give you a list of things to bring to make sure you are prepared. At the bare minimum, these lists usually include items like sunscreen, and clothes that you aren’t afraid to get a little messy!
Conservation volunteer often means getting your hands dirty (you are working with nature after all!). Make sure you have the right tools and medications to protect your health when you’re abroad. For example, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, and that you have first aid essentials, like bug spray, antihistamines, and ibuprofen. You want to come home with souvenirs of your choosing, not an array of bug bites or a surprise disease!
Related: 10 of the Best Conservation Volunteer Programs Abroad
9. Homesickness is normal
You’ve made it abroad and it’s the time of your life… so why are you feeling homesick? Well, just because you are selflessly volunteering your time, doesn’t mean you can’t miss home! Just like any adventure abroad, whether you’re a tourist, a student, or a volunteer, it can be a tough adjustment.
If you feel homesick, remember to go easy on yourself. Focus on the reasons that you are there volunteering. Acknowledge your homesickness, but don’t let it take away from the opportunity at hand! Volunteering abroad goes by in the blink of an eye, so even if you miss home, remember to enjoy those fleeting moments abroad.
Volunteer in conservation and make a real impact!
Through volunteer conservation projects, become closer to something bigger.
Conservation volunteering abroad is a memorable and rewarding experience. You will come back home with some new experiences under your belt, and with the knowledge that you left a positive impact on the planet.
Conservation volunteering abroad is a unique travel experience because it allows you to learn about the community in a new way: through nature and the locals’ relationship to the ecosystem. It’s a whole new way to see the world while you travel!
One of the best parts of conservation volunteering is that there are programs all around the world, for any type of experience. You could spend the rest of your life conservation volunteering abroad, and barely put a dent in the opportunities available!
Choosing the right program and making the best out of that opportunity is all in your hands. With these tips, you will be able to find the perfect experience for you!
Explore ALL Volunteer Conservation Projects Abroad on GoAbroad.com
Look for the Perfect Volunteer Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search
