Park Volunteer Programs Abroad

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

This reserve is home to Africa's infamous Big 5 including the lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and many other key animals as well as over 400 species of birds. Staying on the reserve gives volunteers opportunities to be involved in a variety of research initiatives on endangered and other wildlife species. You will contribute to research and conservation work during your stay and play a part in vital conservation activities. A majority of the volunteer work includes going on jeep safaris to observe the animals and collect data.

If you can’t decide on a travel itinerary when visiting Africa, join our African Marine and Wildlife Volunteer Adventure Tour! This five or six-week program is a combination of adventure activities and volunteering opportunities in various locations: Kruger National Park, Swaziland (now called Eswatini), and Mozambique. Spend weeks 1 to 4 in Mozambique where you gain an international diving qualification and learn techniques in marine monitoring and data collection. The work you do contributes directly to larger research initiatives. In the final week, dive into the culture of Eswatini and explore the outdoors on foot or on a bike. Then, see the Big 5 and other wildlife in Kruger and even experience camping in the wild for four nights! This volunteer and adventure tour is perfect if you’re studying or interested in marine biology, zoology, conservation, or wildlife management or if you’re fond of the outdoors and wildlife. The trip is definitely the adventure of a lifetime!

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rules and regulations, and other necessary tasks at the center, depending on individual skillset. Requirements for this program are: - Basic to intermediate level of Spanish - A genuine passion for animal conservation - An ability to openly communicate rules and regulations to tourists and follow instructions - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Physical ability to work outdoors with potentially high allergens, sun, and temperature exposure IOI encourages all volunteers to stay as long as possible to maximize local and personal benefits. We encourage longer commitments by heavily discounting each additional week. The minimum stay is two weeks, with a maximum stay of three months. All volunteers must arrive in Isabela on Mondays.

Grab this exciting opportunity to gain practical work experience in Africa’s wildlife conservation. You'll join a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of the ground hornbill, an iconic African bird in danger of extinction. The organization, run by a team of biologists and expert conservationists, has a multifaceted and collaborative approach to its mission. They provide an excellent learning opportunity for anyone interested in wildlife sciences, conservation, or related areas. As a wildlife research and conservation intern, you'll take on a varied portfolio of tasks. These can include data collection in the field, data analysis, monitoring rescued chicks, and impact reporting. There's also an opportunity to join conservation education projects in nearby communities. You can expect to have an immersive, in-depth, and rewarding experience. And you'll be lucky enough to be based in a game reserve, surrounded by a wealth of wildlife. We look forward to receiving your application!

The Sibuya Wilderness Experience welcomes participants from all walks of life. Volunteers, adventure-seeking travelers, gap year students, adults taking work sabbaticals... Anyone with a passion for nature conservation. This is the perfect Eco Volunteer Program if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that puts your passion for nature, environment, and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. Our unique itinerary runs on a two-week program, wherein the content is only covered twice in a month, making a four-week stay the perfect getaway to experience everything at least twice. Nowhere else in South Africa is a volunteer itinerary this diverse.

Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist in the nursery and hatchery, join night patrols, participate in beach cleanups, and more. Cap off your experience with an unforgettable week in the lush Monteverde Rainforest, where adventure and adrenaline await!

This amazing project was created to preserve the beautiful natural environment of Cape Town and its surrounding areas. Activities include hands-on conservation work in parks and reserves or initiatives revolving around educating future generations on the environment. This aspect is run through educational camps and activities established to promote sustainability for the future. Most projects are highly structured and well-managed, with most funded by the government or subsidized through donations. Volunteers should love the outdoors. They must be prepared to get their hands dirty and work in unpleasant weather conditions. Those who love working with children and would like to work as part of a team can join awareness camps and activities.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Journey through Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand on a 10-week adventure that blends exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Surf volcanic coastlines, hike through lush rainforests, and volunteer on conservation projects that protect Polynesian ecosystems and honor Indigenous traditions. Engage in meaningful cultural exchange—learn traditional crafts, connect with local elders, and experience daily life through a lens of respect and curiosity. This isn’t just travel; it’s hands-on learning with real impact. Whether you're supporting reforestation efforts or participating in community-based initiatives, your contributions are grounded in ethical partnerships. With leadership development, guided reflection, and a close-knit group of peers, you'll build confidence, skills, and a clearer sense of purpose. Whether you’re on a gap year, seeking academic credit, building your resume, or craving deeper connection, this journey offers challenge, insight, and transformation. Explore with intention. Return with purpose. Reach out to Learn More!

Pulling the best of all our programming, Latitudes is a sequential, growth-oriented experience for students looking to see the landscape before diving deeper. It is an immersive gap year experience combining a group travel semester and an individual volunteer placement. As a Latitudes student, you’ll spend your first semester traveling on one of our group semesters. During your second semester, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your educational experience with an independent Focused Volunteer Placement (FVP). For your second semester, you'll work with our team to identify a specific organization and community that reflects your unique interests and develop meaningful relationships with your host community. Along the way, you’ll develop confidence and independence, and enrich your worldview. Previous placements have included SCUBA certification and protecting coral reefs in Southern Thailand, working with wildlife in Belize, participating in conservation efforts in Guatemala, or doing farm work in Italy. College credit is included, as well as international health and evacuation insurance, and a virtual pre-departure orientation.

Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, and open opportunities for children and adults across Peru, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a certified teacher, or simply a fluent English speaker looking to make a difference, teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to global education while immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. In many developing regions, English proficiency opens the door to education, employment, and better economic opportunities. However, limited resources and teacher shortages often leave students without access to quality English education. By joining Volunteering Journeys’ teaching programs, you’ll help bridge this gap. You’ll work in local schools, community centers, or after-school programs — improving English literacy, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness.

Experience hands-on field research related to the conservation of savannah ecosystems in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly called Swaziland). Although savannahs are well-represented in African conservation areas, they are subjected to increasing degradation as a result of human influences, including land use and climate change. Well known for large charismatic game such as elephants, rhinos, and lions, there are a variety of smaller species that are threatened and are arguably more critical to the functioning of savannahs. Depending on priorities and active studies at the time of participation, volunteers may study vegetation, bats, hyenas, small predators (like mongoose, genets, and jackal), rodents, ungulates (such as giraffe and antelope), reptiles, birds, and other plant and animal life in Eswatini’s Lubombo Conservancy. They will examine the interface among commercial agriculture, rural communities, and protected areas in this Southern African region and learn from our experienced conservationists. They will be based at our Savannah Research Centre and camp in the private Mbuluzi Game Reserve, working at the Mlawula Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park located nearby.

Contribute to a wildlife project in Laos. Volunteers will be based at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary, a rehabilitation and release center committed to the protection of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Working with Laos' first and only rescue center, the program is at the forefront of providing support to wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia. Laos is a major gateway for wildlife illegally traded out of Southeast Asia. The sale and capture of wild animals in the country is one of the key factors that threaten species into extinction. Protected animals are illegally traded through Laos by the thousands every day, mostly for their meat and skin as well as for pets, decorations, and traditional medicines. Volunteers may carry out the following tasks: - Help clean enclosures for animals - Provide enrichments that will stimulate the animals - Prepare food - Plant crops - Feed the animals - Harvest grasses and bamboo for food - Help maintain the enclosures - Assist in the setup of an education center - Assist with special projects - Help clean and repair the center

Build your portfolio with international internship experience in the fun and dynamic field of Event Management. With seasonal, cultural, and international events that occur throughout the year, interns in this program from World Internships are sure to keep busy through the duration of the program and may get to plan multiple events over the course of several months. Interns may get placed in both creative and corporate sectors and will be involved with event conception, promotion, and coordination. Apart from earning international experience in the field, interns may also gain experience immersing in the country's culture as they explore everything that Australia has to offer — from the many beaches that outline the continent to the extreme conditions of the Australian Outback. Interns may also enjoy exploring the country's many harbors, learn how to surf, walk through the rainforests in the Blue Mountains, or dive in the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. This program is also open to volunteers.

Located in northwest Spain, the beautiful city of Salamanca is known for its charming plazas, stunning churches, and diverse student population. We work in diverse service fields, and throughout your program, you will participate in various reflection-based assignments to add depth to your experiences. Our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of the local language, culture, and community. Each placement is unique, so visit our website to learn more about the specific placements and program options available. We especially recommend our Salamanca program for those interested in Community Enrichment through the Arts, Community Health Education and Support, and Environment and Conservation.

In Northern Thailand, support local community members and elephant mahouts to reintegrate these intelligent land animals into expansive forest grounds. You’ll live in the rolling hillside province of Chiang Mai among local Karen communities, where you can learn about the diversity of Karen culture and gain cross-cultural skills. Guided by local mahouts, you’ll go on hiking expeditions to record elephant behavioral data and take note of their sensory reactions to their environment and food sources. You’ll also learn how to identify the biodiversity in the area, conduct insect and stream surveys, and gain camera trapping skills. GVI collaborates with local partners to ensure ethical best practices are measured against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This is an opportunity to expand your skill-set for animal conservation and knowledge of one of the world’s most cognitively advanced land animals. In your free time, trek through jungle landscapes, hike up nearby mountains, view contoured rice terraces, and meet like-minded people from all around the world.

Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organisation, working alongside university and college academics to build long-term datasets to put towards various conservation management goals. We recruit volunteers to help out with the data collection and train them in the skills and background that are needed to help effectively. There's also the option to complete dissertations or senior theses at our sites. The Honduras project has both a terrestrial component, based in Cusuco National Park, and a marine component, based on the islands of Utila and Tela. One of Operation Wallacea's oldest sites, there are a large number of ongoing projects, all centred around monitoring the biodiversity change in a highly endangered environment. Volunteers can get involved with everything from herpetofauna surveys to invertebrate surveys, bats, small mammals, coral, and fish, among many other things. There's also the option of doing a canopy access experience.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.