Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines
Volunteer in the Philippines
How to Find a Program
Top 5 Volunteer Abroad Providers in the Philippines
Why Volunteer in the Philippines
Best Places to Volunteer in the Philippines
Top Tips for Volunteering in the Philippines
Understanding and Surviving Filipino culture
Things to do before you leave home
Health, Safety & Travel Smarts
Top 10 Filipino Sights
Top 10 Filipino Cuisines
Basic Language
Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines and help put smiles back on the faces of disadvantaged communities.
By volunteering in the Philippines, you will gain the opportunity to come face-to-face with one of Asia’s most diverse and ecologically vibrant nations whilst at the same time contributing to sustainable change in a country that has over twenty-three million people living on less than a dollar a day.
Hundreds of years of Spanish, American and Asian influence have successfully intermingled to form common day-to-day Filipino life, making the country both aesthetically and culturally unique in comparison to its other South-East Asian neighbors. Aside from its colorful and friendly people, the Philippines boasts breath-taking beaches, awe-inspiring mountain ranges and dense tropical jungles – not to mention some of the world’s top diving spots!
Years of economic decline, political instability and corruption have hit the Philippines hard over the last three decades and whilst the current government is making positive strides to made amends there are still major concerns regarding issues such as child welfare, education, public health and the environment.
By deciding to volunteer in the Philippines, you can help aid development in a country riddled with problems such as overpopulation, an at-threat ecosystem and underfunded education, health and social services whilst at the same time soaking up the one of a kind Pinoy culture!
With so many different volunteer programs available in the Philippines, finding the right program for you can be a stressful and time consuming task; not only do you want to find a program that meets your desires as a volunteer, but you also want to find out answers to questions such as how your program fee is used and what are the long term sustainable plans of the organization you decide to volunteer with.
From our more than ten years of experience in assisting individuals to participate on rewarding and life-changing volunteer abroad programs, Goabroad.com has developed this article to help you make the most educated decision when it comes to selecting a professional and responsible program whilst at the same time offering advice on how to survive and make the most of your volunteer abroad in the Philippines experience.
Making the decision to volunteer abroad in the Philippines could very well be the most eye-opening and memorable experience of your life. Nevertheless, there is a lot to take into consideration when browsing and selecting an appropriate volunteer abroad program.
You can view a wide range of volunteer programs in the Philippines by viewing Goabroad.com’s detailed listings of Volunteer Abroad Projects in the Philippines.
However, before you finally settle on a program, you need to ask yourself a few questions:-
Is volunteering abroad for you? Can you live in basic living conditions, tropical heat and eat local traditional food? Finding out what each program offers in means of accommodation will enable you to see as to whether or not a volunteer abroad experience matches what you are comfortable with.
How long can I commit for? Some programs do have minimum and maximum project durations. Reflecting on your time and resources will enable you to make the most appropriate conclusion about how long you will be able to volunteer for and if this duration meets the requirements of the program.
Where does your money go? Whilst it may seem strange to pay to volunteer, it is in almost all cases a necessity to pay a program fee prior to your arrival in the Philippines. This fee is implemented to provide organizations with the means to accommodate volunteers (organize meals, accommodation, excursions etc) so that volunteers do not become a financial burden to local communities. Asking for a breakdown of your program fee will put your mind at ease and assure you that your money is being used to contribute towards sustainable change.
Is the organization reputable? When selecting your program, make sure you are using a reputable organization. Always insist in asking to read previous volunteer testimonials or to be put in contact with people who have previously volunteered with their organization, this will enable you to be assured as to the quality of the program provided. You can use volunteer abroad program review sites to evaluate which programs are more reputable or read blogs and connect with like-minded travels on the Goabroad Network. If you’re looking for a full comprehensive list of all programs then check out Goabroad.com’s listings for volunteer programs in the Philippines.
Does the Project Appear to Meet Your Expectations? Does the volunteer project that you’re looking at match your expectations? Will you get the hands on experience you’re looking for? Does the project have significant local staff support? What is the long term goal of the volunteer project? What will my daily duties be? How long will I have to work for a day? Will there be other volunteers there at the same time as me? – All of these questions are extremely important to ask when you’re in communications with your volunteer abroad program provider.
Do I get any support and extras? Does the organization provide on-ground training and orientation? These are extremely useful ways to get you familiar with the local culture and to orientate you on your role as a volunteer, finding out if these items are included in your program is incredibly important as to judge the quality of a program. Aside from this, you may want to ask if there are any extras such as language lessons or weekend excursions that you will be able to participate on. All of this will offer you a much more rounded volunteer experience.
Top 5 Volunteer Programs in the Philippines.
Kaya Responsible Travel: Kaya currently provides 12 volunteer projects in the Visayas region of the Philippines, providing opportunities for volunteers to work in areas such as child welfare, education, community development and public health. Kaya is extremely connected with it’s on-the ground projects in the Philippines and as a result is amongst one of the leading providers of volunteer projects in the country. Kaya’s Building Homes in the Philippines Project is ideal for anyone who is looking to get their hands dirty and to make an immediate lasting impact on local communities.
A Broader View Volunteers: A Broader View Volunteers currently organizes 4 quality volunteer projects focusing mainly in child welfare and public health.
World Endeavors: World Endeavors currently market 9 volunteer projects on the historic of island of Leyte working in areas such as social welfare, education and public health. World Endeavors Deaf Education Project is currently one of the most sought after projects due to the severe lack of local experts who can translate into International Sign Language (ISL).
Experiential Learning International: ELI abroad is amongst one of the leading providers of volunteer abroad projects in the Philippines, providing volunteers to augment close support to a number of worthwhile sustainable projects.
Global Volunteer Network: Global Volunteer Network provides some of the best projects for anyone wanting to volunteer in Manila or the Romblon Province, including projects working in marine conservation and school building.
Why Volunteer in the Philippines?
Change of Perspective: For some, making the decision to volunteer abroad allows them to experience a country from a completely different view-point than that of a traditional tourist. Most volunteer programs in the Philippines provide a unique sense of cultural immersion, allow volunteers to experience the local efforts being made in sustainable development and offer the opportunity to witness firsthand a country that is stricken by poverty, yet still optimistic about their existence. By volunteering in the Philippines an individual can experience a country in a manner which respects and benefits local people, communities, culture and the environment.
Apply Skills: Volunteering in the Philippines offers the opportunity for individuals to apply their specialist skills in a setting where local specialists are few and far between. Whether you’re a qualified ESL teacher, a Nutritionist, a doctor or a nurse you can gain the opportunity to use your professional skills in grateful local communities.
Service Learning: By engaging in an experiential trip abroad such as volunteering, you are given a unique manner in which to learn and reflect on important issues whilst at the same time providing an important service for local communities. Not only could this benefit your personal life, but could also help enhance your academics and professional life.
Discover a new culture: No matter how well you prepare yourself, you will get culture shock when you arrive in the Philippines. However this well soon ware off, offering you the opportunity to discover a culture rich in tradition and completely diverse from its foreign neighbors. Whether you’re sat down enjoying the countries national pastime of karaoke, chowing down on some fine Filipino cuisine or enjoying the vibrant and exciting sites of a local fiesta, you will never cease to be amazed by the cultural differences you will experience during your trip to the Philippines.
Build Resume: Employers and colleges highly value applicants with international experience. As a result your decision to volunteer abroad in the Philippines may help you become more attractive to potential employers and also to high level academic institutes.
Experience of a Lifetime: Most importantly, you will never forget the fantastic friends you make and the great experiences you share when you decide to volunteer in the Philippines.
Best Places to Volunteer in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, offering an abundance of sub-cultures and diverse environments to explore. There is absolutely no substitute for researching the location of your volunteer abroad program prior to your departure. Whether you’re volunteering on the hectic streets of Manila, a quiet rural town in the Visayas or on a beach in Mindanao, the location of your program will significantly contribute to defining your experience.
There are three major geographical locations in the Philippines, each of which have a number of various different projects for volunteers to participate on.
Visayas – The Visayas is the central geographic region in the Philippines which consists of the major islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. In most cases, the majority of volunteer abroad programs take place on the historic island of Leyte, made famous by the 1944 Leyte Gulf Landings and the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines.
The Visayas boasts a number of the Philippines best beaches, tropical islands and locations of extreme bio-diversity, not to mention easy access to electrifying cities such as Cebu City and iconic tourist attractions such as the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
There are a number of highly rewarding sustainable volunteer projects focusing in areas such as child welfare, education, public health and nutrition surrounding Leyte’s capital Tacloban City as well as some world renowned environmental and ecological conservation projects located in Southern Leyte and in the Romblon Province.
The Visayas offers volunteers the opportunity to explore a region of rich ecological diversity whilst at the same time being presented with the chance to live in safe close knit Filipino communities and truly experience the unique people and culture of the Philippines.
Organizations such as Kaya Responsible Travel, Experiential Learning International and World Endeavors offer some truly remarkable programs in the Visayas.
Luzon – The region of Luzon is the northern most geographic region in the Philippines, commonly referred to as the most economically and politically important region in the whole country.
The area includes Manila, the capital of the Philippines and as a result hosts a number of volunteer projects working in areas such as child welfare, education and community development. By volunteering in Manila volunteers gain the opportunity to conduct their volunteer work in a unique urban environment whilst helping to make sustainable change to at-risk and disadvantaged communities.
At the same time, Luzon offers simple and easy access to historical, cultural and ecological landmarks such as the ruins of the city of Intramuros, the rice terraces of Banaue and the Taal Volcano in Tagaytay.
Mindanao – The southern region of Mindanao is locally referred to as the poorest region in the Philippines with the majority of its revenue being generated by agricultural. Due to the socioeconomic stress experienced in the region, social welfare services are significantly underfunded meaning that there are a number of volunteer projects available in child welfare.
Mindanao offers the opportunity to gaze on some of the Philippines most breath-taking sights, such as the grandeur of Mt. Matutum near General Santos City and the mountainous fields of Pagadian.
Goabroad.com’s Top Tips for Volunteering in the Philippines
Goabroad.com has accumulated a few tips over more than ten years connecting individuals with worthwhile projects in the Philippines; we’d love to pass on these pearls of knowledge to you.
Pick appropriate times of the year Volunteer: It is best to arrive for medical related projects such as Kaya Responsible Travels Volunteer in Rural Health Clinics Projects during the month of May. Not only will there be more activity in the clinics due to it being summer break for school students, but you will also have the opportunity to participate on annual medical missions that typically take place during this month. For education based projects such as teaching English in schools, then it is best to arrive in January or February as children will be preparing for their end of the year examinations (School term runs between June to December and January to March).
Tie your volunteer abroad program in with one of the Philippines unique festivals: Festivals or ‘fiestas’ as they’re known locally are a big part of Filipino culture, why not tie in your volunteer abroad experience with the chance to witness fiestas such as Cebu’s Sinulog Fiesta in January or Tacloban City’s Sangyaw Festival in June.
Research some of the Philippines unique Projects: The Philippines is home to a few unique programs that cannot be found in many other destinations around the world. Such projects may include Volunteering on a Nutrition Project; which allows volunteers to contribute to efforts that combat public health concerns such as chronic heart disease, diabetes and malnutrition in disadvantaged rural communities or the Deaf Education Project which attempts to assign volunteers with expertise in International Sign Language (ISL) to translate regular high school lessons for deaf students.
Volunteer in the Philippines and Immerse yourself in the unique 'Pinoy' culture!
Understanding and Surviving Filipino Culture
The Philippines is home to an extremely unique culture that has been influenced over the years by Spanish and American colonization. Traditionally Filipino’s are incredibly conservative people; however over the last decade western influence has begun to alter typical Filipino mentalities in cities such as Cebu and Manila. Researching Filipino culture and tradition ahead of your arrival will help you to make a more comfortable transition and will limit the severity of your culture shock.
Food: The bottom line about Filipino’s is that they like nothing more than to eat. Did you think that you were going to lose weight when you volunteer in a developing country like the Philippines? Think Again, Filipino’s are completely obsessed with food and it is part of traditional Filipino hospitality to offer food to guests.
In particular, Filipino’s love rice which is the common staple in the country. Aside from this, local favorites often involve salty or sugary flavored dishes and an abundance of meat or fish.
Being a vegetarian may be slightly difficult in the Philippines, especially when eating out in local restaurants, however in most cases volunteer abroad program homestays can accommodate volunteers with special dietary restrictions.
Filipino Time: Filipino’s are not typically the most time conscious people; this is something that can often lead to frustration amongst volunteers. Whilst in most cases events on your volunteer program will run on time, there will be cases where local shows or events scheduled to begin at a certain time will not begin until an hour or so later.
Titles and Respect: Filipino’s are incredibly respectful to the elders. It is not uncommon to see younger Filipino’s placing the back of an elders hand on their forehead as a sign of respect. Aside from this, Filipino’s use titles such as ‘Mano’ or ‘Mana’ as a prefix in front of older siblings, cousins or friends names. These titles can also vary depending on your location in the Philippines. (For example, in the Visayas Mano and Mano is replaced with Kuya and Ate).
Filipino Frankness: Filipino’s by nature are typically direct. It is not uncommon for a Filipino to inform you that ‘you are looking very fat today’. Being referred to as fat in the Philippines is a complement as it refers to wellness; volunteers should avoid taking offence and remember to embrace cultural differences rather than criticizing them.
Things to do before you Leave Home
Get a Passport: You’re not going anywhere without one! For U.S. citizens check out the Department of States webpage for advice on how to acquire or renew a passport.
Get a Visa: Most international guests entering the Philippines are entitled to twenty one (21) free days upon arrival. For longer stays, guests can either extend their visa at a Republic of the Philippines Bureau of Immigration Office in major towns or seek to acquire a longer visa at their closest Philippine Embassy or Consulate prior to their departure. For more information on Visa requirements visit the Republic of the Philippines Bureau of Immigration Webpage.
Read Your Pre-Departure Information: Most organizations will provide you with pre-departure information about your living conditions, your volunteer projects and their local on the ground representatives. It is important that you read this material prior to your arrival so that you are well prepared for what to expect.
Get Insured: Anyone who is participating on a volunteer abroad program should acquire comprehensive travel insurance prior to their arrival in country. For more information on insurance companies that specialize in volunteer abroad trips, check out Goabroad.com’s Travel Insurance listings.
Consultation with your Doctor: It is advisable to have a travel consultation with your doctor prior to your departure so that you can get up-to-date with any required vaccinations that you may need. Most visitors in the Philippines are advised to get a Hepatitis A and B shot, a Typhoid shot and a Tetanus booster. For some programs, anti-malarial tablets may also be recommended.
Health, Safety and Travel Smarts in the Philippines
Register with your Embassy: U.S. citizens can register themselves with the US Embassy in the Philippines as part of the Department of States Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Getting Around: Travelling by road can be uncomfortable and chaotic in the Philippines. Fortunately, the country has an extensive and affordable domestic airline network with both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.
Healthcare: The main cause for illness amongst foreigners in the Philippines is due to dehydration. Individuals should avoid drinking local water and consume a bare minimum of eight glasses of mineral water a day. Aside from this individuals should avoid drinking too many diuretics like coke or coffee and use as much available sun protection as possible.
There are a number of private hospitals in major Filipino cities should an individual need to seek medical attention; however healthcare in these institutes may not be to the standard as to what Americans or Europeans are accustomed to. In almost all cases, any treatment will come at a cost, so make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
Safety: The majority of all foreign visits to the Philippines transpire without incident. However, it is still important that volunteers take necessary precautions to prevent them being a victim of crime. In particular volunteers should avoid walking home at night by themselves, avoid wearing flash jewelry and limit the amount of cash they have on them at any one time.
You can read more information about safety advice in the Philippines on the US Department of States webpage.
Public Transport: Public Transport is extremely chaotic in the Philippines. Volunteers usually marvel at the site of local Filipino’s hanging on the back and sitting on the roof of public transport vehicles. Volunteers should avoid travelling in such a manner as any injury that could be sustained may not be covered by your travel insurance.
Issues of Respect: At all times, volunteers should be respectful to Filipino culture. If you’re accommodation arrangements are with a local host family then be respectful of your noise levels at late hours of the evening, be considerate with your electricity consumption and remember to tell your homestay parents if you will be home late or will miss a meal. It is also widely scrutinized against for a male and female to enter a bedroom together (unless married or identified as being in a serious relationship).
Obey Local Law: Local laws in the Philippines may differ to the laws of your home country. Your status as a U.S. citizen will not prevent you from being subject to local law.
Top 10 Filipino Cuisine
- Lechon Baboy – A whole roasted pig on a spit, definitely not for those with high cholesterol!
- Kinilaw – Tasty raw fish marinated in vinegar, coconut milk and spices.
- Adobo – Chicken or Pork marinated slowly in soy sauce and vinegar.
- Kare-Kare – Stewed Oxtail stewed in a peanut sauce with a variety of vegetables.
- Kaldereta – Traditionally goats meat served in a tomato sauce, with liver spread, potatos and spicy peppers.
- Menudo – Sliced pork cooked with garlic, onions, tomato, carrots and raisins.
- Humba – Braised Pork Belly and Sugar.
- Pancit – Traditional Filipino noodles.
- Halo-Halo – Definitely for those with a sweet tooth, a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk with boiled sweet beans and fruits.
- Sisig – Chopped parts of a pig’s head served on a sizzling hot plate.
Top 10 Sights to See
- Chocolate Hills, Bohol
- Boracay
- San Juanico Bridge, Leyte
- Mt. Taal, Tagaytay
- Sorsogon, Bicol
- Camiguin, Mindanao
- Pagsanjan Rapids,
- Intramuros, Manila
- Banaue, Luzon
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Basic Language
The Philippines is a nation with over 8 major dialects and 171 native living languages! Nevertheless we’ve provided a few of the basics in Tagalog, Waray-Waray and Cebuano! Don’t worry too much if you can’t get your head around them right now, most volunteer abroad programs usually include a crash course in the local lingo to help you on your way.
(Tagalog | Waray | Cebuano)
Good Morning: Magandang Umaga Maupay na Aga Maayong Buntag
Good Afternoon: Magandang Tanghali Maupay na Kulop Maayong Udto
Good Evening: Magandang gabi Maupay na Gab-I Maayong gabii
How are you?: Kumusta ka? Kumusta ka? Kumusta ka?
How much? Magkano? Pira? Pila?
Thank you Salamat Salamat Salamat
Should you choose to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines, you will obtain the chance to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you’re looking to blog about your Volunteer Abroad Program or want to connect with other like-minded travelers, then sign up to the Goabroad Network!
Be sure to pack your patience and flexibility alongside the sunscreen and camera. Have the time of your life…see the world!