The wheels of travel ideas and inspiration are turning in your mind. You know you aspire to travel, to see a new place in the world, and you also know you want help out while you’re there. Volunteering abroad affords you the one-of-a-kind opportunity to do both!
Where do you want to volunteer abroad in 2021?
Consider your values and passions, think about your strengths and all that you have to offer, and also take into consideration how you hope to grow through your experience. If you don’t quite have a clear picture of what you hope to learn just yet, one guarantee of volunteering abroad is the invaluable experience and memories you will leave with, though you can’t begin to imagine them now.
Considering the way 2020 has gone, you may be wondering what volunteer abroad may even look like moving forward. Where are volunteers needed in the world? Where are the safest places to volunteer abroad? These are both great questions to consider when you start planning.
But first let’s tackle the elephant in the room: the globe is in the midst of a pandemic and this has to be the first consideration before setting off on your volunteer abroad trip of a lifetime!
Will it be safe to volunteer abroad in 2021?
The world has changed a lot in recent months and the future still holds a whole lot of uncertainty. While the future may remain unknown, take advantage of this time to explore virtually and research where to volunteer abroad (or maybe even volunteer online!).
What hasn’t (and won’t) change is the need for helping hands like yours in the world. No one can say for sure when and where it will be safe and smart to travel. What you can do now is educate yourself and remain informed of COVID-19 news and each country’s COVID-19 travel restrictions in order to help you plan accordingly.
Before you decide where to volunteer abroad next year, make sure it’s safe to do so.
With all of the uncertainty that accompanies travel planning right now, don’t forget to also practice patience and keep an optimistic attitude—two skills that will also serve you well on your volunteer project!
Where will volunteers be needed? 5 countries to consider
1. Kenya
So, where are volunteers needed? Let’s start with Kenya. If you’re East Africa dreamin’, why not arrive in a magical land and brace yourself for a big experience—one that will humble you, force you outside of your comfort zone, and embrace you as you grow?
You’ll find your footing alongside new friends and new opportunities for exploration. Spot Africa’s Big 5, visit the stunning, sun-drenched beaches, climb Mt. Kenya, and be a spectator to one of Earth’s greatest migrations.
Most importantly, leave a long-lasting and positive impact on the local people and communities during your time as a volunteer. Your time in Kenya could mean working alongside women on self-sustaining projects or supporting the next generation through a teaching assignment at a local school.
Recommended Programs:
- Women’s Empowerment Program in Mombasa, Kenya
- Volunteer Teaching in Kenya
- Browse more volunteers programs in Kenya
2. Costa Rica
A happy, little country that sits in the middle of Central America, Costa Rica will greet you with abundant Pura Vida, boundless coffee and chocolate (and other delicioso food!), and its stunning natural landscapes.
For a country its size, it sure packs a natural punch—which is why it’s an excellent choice for environmental volunteer projects. From the sandy beaches that are home to sea turtles to the lush, leafy vegetation of the country’s cloud forests and rainforests, latch on to the opportunity to be one with nature and help ensure that those who come after you are able to do the same.
If you want to provide NGO support to organizations helping the environment, head to Costa Rica!
If conservation work isn’t the Costa Rica experience you’re searching for, there are plenty of other opportunities for NGO support and community development.
Recommended Programs:
- Environmental Conservation in Playa Bandera and Sarapiquí, Costa Rica
- Volunteer with Turtles in Costa Rica
- Browse more volunteer programs in Costa Rica
3. Nepal
Nestled among the mighty Himalayan Mountains, with India to one side and China to the other, sits Nepal, a destination and experience that will take your breath away (and not just due to the high altitudes!). Nepal offers up picturesque views of snow-capped mountains of the highest variety, many times with colorful prayer flags whipping in the wind, and warm, welcoming locals.
Volunteering in Nepal could mean caring for impoverished children by providing a safe space for education and friendship. Alternatively, you could work in other areas where volunteers are needed, such as public health, women’s empowerment, and renovation.
Travel and volunteering is not always the picture-perfect experience you paint ahead of time, and it’s important to remember this when planning your volunteer trip to Nepal. You’ll want to be as realistic as possible, and consider how you’ll handle the potentially challenging volunteer work you’ll be doing.
Recommended Programs:
- Childcare & Development in Pokhara, Nepal
- Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 125,000
- Browse more volunteer programs in Nepal
4. Ecuador
Where are volunteers needed? Well, for volunteer opportunities as varied and unique as the landscapes, look no further than Ecuador. Ecuador is a charming Latin American country that invites you to enjoy its biodiversity across rainforests, mountains, the coastal lands, and, of course, the Galapagos Islands.
You won’t believe what kind of wildlife you’ll encounter.
All of these terrains are ready for exploring before, after, or during your time spent volunteering. If you’re still not sure where to volunteer abroad, Ecuador’s opportunities range from lending a caring hand to those with disabilities and special needs, all the way to environmental conservation efforts that would make Lonesome George proud. (Who is Lonesome George? A Pinta tortoise of the Galapagos Islands and the last of his kind. He is now a symbol of the Galapagos Islands and the importance of conservation.)
No matter your interests, there is a fun and rewarding volunteer project waiting for you in Ecuador.
Recommended Programs:
- Disabilities & Special Needs in Quito, Ecuador
- Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in the Galapagos
- Browse more volunteer programs in Ecuador
5. Australia
Head to the land down under for a volunteer experience that could include many of the cute critters that are so uniquely identifiable as Australian—kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils, oh my!
For a truly Australian experience, go to work helping to rehabilitate Australian wildlife. Projects may be ongoing or they may be in response to wildfires that commonly sweep the Australian landscape and habitats.
Other options for your Aussie experience include Great Barrier Reef conservation efforts in Queensland or more urban experiences working on economic development or human rights projects in one of Australia’s thriving metropolises.
No matter what project you settle on, Australia is a spectacular destination you won’t soon forget (plus, it’s one of the safest places to volunteer abroad).
Recommended Programs:
- Wildlife Rescue in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia
- Global Internships & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!
- Browse more volunteer programs in Australia
Ready to take the next step? Get matched with 5 volunteer abroad programs for FREE
Safety first—and then go support volunteer abroad organizations!
Until it’s safe to volunteer abroad again, the world will be waiting for you!
Speaking of safety first, remember to follow the latest COVID-19 news and stay up to date with your destination’s latest travel regulations to ensure a smooth transition to your volunteer adventure. Don’t allow a lack of research and information to upend your once-in-a-lifetime volunteer experience.
Before you commit, make sure to learn more about the safest places to volunteer abroad, question whether you’re endangering yourself or others by traveling, and play it smart when it comes to risks of local transmission. We want you to go on a meaningful journey—but we also want you to stay safe and healthy.
If you take all the proper precautions, then wherever you’re headed (whether this year or beyond!), you’ll be able to engage in NGO support, have fun, and make incredible friends and memories. Sounds like a win-win!
Browse ALL online volunteer opportunities on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from Love Volunteers. Love Volunteers offers affordable and safe volunteer placements all over the world, with special attention given to local organizations. Passionate and altruistic travelers are sure to find an ideal volunteer program with Love Volunteers. Reach out today to inquire about 2021 arrival dates.
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