9 Great Reasons to Do Wildlife Conservation Volunteering

The world is an amazing place, filled with vast oceans, dry deserts, colorful coral reefs, and lush rainforests. These ecosystems, however, are vulnerable and in need of preservation. Conservation volunteers are the volunteers who work hands-on to preserve these delicate, and amazing, parts of the natural world—which is exactly why you should consider conservation volunteer abroad!

How cool is it to be a conservation volunteer abroad? For starters: Welcome to your new office!

Natural ecosystems aren’t the only way you can be a conservation volunteer. Lend a hand at animal rescue centers and sanctuaries whose goal is to conserve endangered wildlife species! There are a wide array of options for volunteers seeking to conserve wildlife species, from research and data collection programs, to the more hands-on programs, including pre-veterinary and veterinary placements.

Discover below the top reasons to become a conservation volunteer abroad!

9 reasons to do wildlife conservation volunteering

1. Conservation is key

Conservation volunteering is one of the most sought-after volunteer types. Without volunteers contributing to the conservation efforts of our ecosystems and wildlife species, we could face accelerated extinction rates of flora and fauna.

As a conservation volunteer, you can directly contribute to conservation efforts, and in the more hands-on animal and ecosystem programs, you get to see how your contribution has left a positive impact!

There is something to be said for being able to volunteer for a short-term program, yet getting the opportunity to see how you have made an impact in this short window of time.

2. You can go anywhere!

For those seeking to weigh their volunteer options abroad, one of the best things about a conservation opportunity is that they can be found in every single country! Your search won’t be limited by location. Whether you want to volunteer for marine, land, or animal conservation, however, may affect your location options.

Since every country is home to land and animals, these volunteers won’t be limited at all. Certain locations, like Australia for example, are perfect for conservation volunteers, as it is home to diverse landscapes, the Great Barrier Reef, and beloved wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos!

Fighting for the life of the Great Barrier Reef is just one of dozens of ways to spend your time as a conservation volunteer abroad.

3. You can go anytime!

Conservation volunteers are lucky in that there is always year-round work to be done. Only have one week free, in the middle of December or April? Not a problem! Volunteers can make a positive impact in as little as a week, and conservation efforts are always in season.

If you want to escape a wintry climate, the coral reefs in Belize, dry landscape of Israel, and other warm climates are in need of preserving. If you’re looking to participate in sustainable farming, you can do so from as far south as Chile to as far north as Ireland. There are absolutely no limitations on season or location.

4. You can volunteer on a beautiful coast

For most of us, summer is when we have the most time to head abroad and lend a helping hand. Just because you’re joining a volunteer opportunity, however, does not mean you have to give up on the idea of a summer vacation. 

Conservation volunteers can find volunteer opportunities in amazing coastal areas, from Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, all the way to Denia, Spain.

As a coastal conservation volunteer, you can spend your days soaking up the sun and conducting biodiversity surveys in wetlands and along these beautiful beach areas.

5. From the sea to a safari

For those seeking a more in-water experience than a coastal conservation program can provide, not to worry! There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities in which participants will snorkel, or dive, each and every day to help conserve marine species, from coral reefs to whale sharks. These programs also provide an excellent opportunity to become PADI certified at a generally reduced rate. 

For those seeking an authentic African safari experience while volunteering abroad in conservation, many wildlife conservation programs are research-based, meaning daily safaris to collect data and view various species up-close! A recommended experience is to volunteer to collect data on Africa’s Big Five species—the African lion, buffalo, African elephant, rhinoceros, and leopard.

Volunteering abroad in conservation can look a lot of different ways: scaly, furry, hairy, and beyond!

6. Enhance your artistic skills

There is a relatively new trend for conservation volunteer programs. Projects that use natural and sustainable building materials are gaining popularity worldwide, and it is easy to see why. With plastic pollution becoming a more serious threat to the environment every day, people are becoming more aware and searching for sustainable solutions

 Popular opportunities include using “Eco-bricks” (plastic bottles filled with other non-recyclable materials) or natural mud as community building materials instead of cement. Volunteers on these programs will be directly involved in designing and building structures, enhancing artistic skills. 

7. Enjoy environmentally-friendly food

Farms are also searching for sustainable practices to replace harmful agricultural practices. From Japan to Costa Rica, sustainable and organic farming programs are seeking the assistance of volunteers to implement these environmentally-friendly solutions.

In addition to farming programs, volunteers can join a vegan baking program in Israel to support a small business that works to reduce pollution caused from the dairy industry. Let’s not forget that these programs also provide the opportunity to eat delicious, sustainable food!

8. Work closely with endangered animals

Animals are just as important to keeping the ecosystems of the world in balance, in addition to being mesmerizing to spot. Thousands of programs exist to conserve endangered wildlife species, both those on land and those who dwell in the sea.

These programs provide the opportunity to get up-close with amazing wildlife species that you otherwise would not be able to see (without going to a zoo or aquarium.) Some examples of popular wildlife species that are the focus of conservation volunteering include sea turtles, orangutans, elephants, Africa’s Big Five species, dolphins, and great white sharks!

Working with endangered species is one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering abroad in conservation.

9 . Enhance your resume/CV

Any volunteer abroad experience is an amazing addition to a resume! Potential employers are searching for individuals who have experience working in a team setting to solve a large issue, which is a skill that can be acquired from a volunteer abroad experience, particularly one that is fighting a global issue.

Volunteering in a foreign country for conservation of an unfamiliar ecosystem or wildlife species shows that you are a caring, considerate individual—another plus when searching for an excellent career opportunity.

In addition, conservation volunteer opportunities abroad allow for volunteers to immerse themselves into the local culture, as many of these programs are run by local organizations or community members.

You can easily network with your fellow volunteers and program coordinators too. Having connections in your field or career outside of just your home country is a very rare and useful asset.

Next steps to volunteering in conservation abroad

Now that you have the inside scoop on volunteering abroad in conservation, know where many international conservation volunteers choose to spend their time, and know common causes that volunteers are working to eradicate, it's time to choose who you want to volunteer abroad with! Choosing a program isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU should volunteer in conservation abroad is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals and skills (i.e. if you don't have experience working with big cats, you might reconsider volunteering in Kruger National Park). Don't let anything hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Pick your timeline. Do you want to stay for a few weeks, a few days, a few months? We always recommend staying as long as possible to maximize your impact. Determine when your schedule will open up for this incredible opportunity!
• Choose from the best volunteer abroad programs. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and how the project's needs match your skills. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right volunteer program for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. Learning how to fund your volunteer abroad adventure is essential prior to your travels!
• Get prepared! Preparing to volunteer abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.

Pack your green thumb and head abroad!

What are you waiting for? Go save the Earth!

Those of you who are itching to make the world a greener and more sustainable place will have an amazing experience as a conservation volunteer abroad. Whether you wish to restore and replant coral for a barrier reef, plant bee-attracting flora, implement sustainable farming practices, or assist in the conservation of wildlife species, you will find your ideal program with ease. There is no shortage of conservation opportunities abroad.

Conservation programs allow for you, as a dedicated volunteer, to feel the difference you are making to the world. By physically planting a new coral piece or by helping to heal a wounded animal, you can see the impact that you and your fellow volunteers are having. Conservation is necessary in order to sustain this planet, and to be able to see yourself contributing is the most rewarding feeling.

Get Matched with 5 Conservation Volunteer Abroad Programs for FREE

GoEco is a volunteer abroad placement agency that was established in 2006. Goeco offers over 160 wildlife and marine conservation, community aid, medical and teaching volunteer programs and internships abroad. GoEco was named a Top Volunteer Organization by GoAbroad in 2015, 2017 and 2018.