Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast and official travel report series for 2019. Do you ever sit and ponder the questions, “Why am I here?” or “What is my purpose in life?” Are you unsure what field of study you want to pursue or what career path you want to take? If so, consider volunteering abroad. Volunteer abroad programs can help you figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. By experiencing life and doing something meaningful with your time in another culture, you might just figure out your calling, while at the same time serving others.
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Places to Volunteer Abroad in 2019
Once you decide volunteering is for you, now it is time to figure out where to go and to pick a program that is right for you. The world is a big place! But we are here to help you research and give you valuable information on some of the best places to volunteer in the world by sharing GoAbroad’s Meaningful Travel Forecast for 2019. Let’s dive right into the best places to volunteer abroad in 2019 according to our community of travelers, program administrators, international educators, and volunteers like YOU.
The best countries to find volunteer abroad programs in 2019
Some of the best places to do volunteer work might not always be the first locations that come to mind, others are more obvious. Here is a list with everything you need to help you narrow your search to find the best places to volunteer abroad.
GoAbroad CCO Nikki Powers envisions a bright future for international volunteers and their beneficiaries. “Today's volunteers are more self-aware that they're not going to save the globe or an entire population on their one-week trip. Instead, they're interested in getting a better perspective about an area of interest and building on that in the future.”
1. Peru
From bustling cities to secluded villages in the Amazon, Peru offers some of the best places to volunteer in the world. Peru is is still in need of volunteer workers to help with the aftermath of flooding in 2017. Volunteer in Peru in environmental and conservation causes doing data collection and surveys while living and working on a boat on the Amazon! If you desire to work with kids, pick a program dedicated to mentoring to children and keeping them off the streets of Lima. Also consider teaching English to children or adults while immersing yourself into the Peruvian culture.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: IVHQ
- Traveler’s program pick: Operation Wallacea
2. Australia
East, south, anywhere along the coast, or in between, you will be sure to find volunteer opportunities in the land down under. Wildlife rescue and environmental conservation are certainly good options for volunteer abroad programs in Australia. There you can help to promote and protect the wildlife, flora, and fauna in parks or along the coastlines or care for native wildlife while at a nature park in a tropical forest. Do you desire to work directly with animals? Imagine being a part of projects that include working at a rehabilitation center where you can help care for injured and orphaned tree-kangaroos and later re-introduce them back into the wild! When you embark on a volunteer experience abroad in Australia, you will be transported to one of the most exotic and beautiful countries in the world that will fill your adventurous spirit and allow you to contribute to making a positive impact on the world.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: Volunteering Solutions
- Traveler’s program pick: Oceans 2 Earth
There's so much to be said for putting yourself outside your comfort zone and trying new things. It can be an amazing experience to do something new, unsure of how you're going to manage, and discovering that you can not only cope, but thrive. This is something I have experienced myself and now really enjoy seeing in our volunteers.—Nick Hill, SEED Madagascar
3. Puerto Rico
A continually developing territory of the United States, with a complicated political history, Puerto Rico is in desperate need of volunteers. Those interested in helping with protection of this nation’s fragile natural landscapes that have been degraded over time by natural disasters as well as human influences are most needed. More recently, there is a great need of help to repair and rebuild homes that were devastated in hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Get your hands dirty while you enjoy landscapes consisting of blue and green waters, mountains, and beautiful beaches.
Work closely with families in need to make a lasting impact on their lives, their communities, as well as yourself. GoAbroad SEM rockstar and long-time international volunteer Elsa Alingasa shares: “Puerto Rico has some amazing eco-tourism projects that not only help out the local economy, but also support the local effort to conserve their wild places.” Support this meaningful work this year!
- Traveler’s program pick: The Fuller Center for Housing
4. Japan
You might not think of it first, but the need for volunteers in more prominent countries such as Japan is still there. It is the perfect opportunity for volunteers to experience a beautiful country with unique customs and thousand year old traditions like no other place in the world. Experience urban Japanese culture in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, or experience a more laid back atmosphere and volunteer in “the easiest city to live in”—Fukuoka. In either setting, you can volunteer your talents with ordinary citizens, school children, disabled people, or the elderly. English teachers are also still in demand. You can also learn Japanese and immerse yourself more deeply into the culture by living with a host family while there and at the same time you can share your own culture with them.
- Traveler’s program pick: The World Campus International
5. Thailand
From temples, monasteries, and ruins, to the crazy capital of Bangkok, to mountains, or coastlines, Thailand has something for everyone. If you cannot find a volunteer opportunity in a location here with an atmosphere that you desire, you probably won’t find one anywhere. Here you can volunteer doing things such as caring for tiger cubs, reintroducing elephants into protected habitats, volunteering in local communities by teaching English or giving back to children in need. And while there, you can explore this culturally colorful country and gain life experiences to help you for years to come. By participating in volunteer abroad programs in Thailand, you will have an increased worldview and appreciation for where you fit in the world.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: GoEco
- Traveler’s program pick: Conservation Internship with Elephants via GVI
6. Cuba
Volunteering abroad in Cuba is possibly more for those who enjoy challenging, yet satisfying work. Cuba was off limits to the United States for over 50 years, however times are changing. Opportunities are more limited than most other places but humanitarian and educational organizations are making it possible to volunteer in this country that is rich in culture and has seemingly stood still in time. Volunteer opportunities like coral reef conservation, health and education programs, and sea turtle conservation could open your door to Cuba and a hidden culture that many have never experienced. Popular locations are the Capital, Havana, which is more people focused community development oriented or Varadero, which is more touristy and focused on nature and animal welfare and conservation projects.
- Traveler’s program pick: Global Volunteers
7. Indonesia
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia has tons of volunteer opportunties to offer. Many are located on the bigger islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, Sulawesi, and West Papua. Those interested in volunteering in Indonesia will find volunteer opportunities in agriculture, non-profits, healthcare, and education, with the majority of programs focusing on conservation and wildlife rescue due to the high levels of biodiversity. Be aware that Indonesia lies in a hazardous geographical region that it is naturally volcanic and prone to earthquakes. Volunteers should get familiar with safety procedures and tips and be prepared to recognize signs of danger.
8. Vietnam
As a volunteer in Vietnam, your adventures will be endless. Pack your hiking boots so you can hike the lush jungles, visit the limestone islands, explore one of the ten national parks, or float along the Mekong Delta. Work with people in need and provide humanitarian aid, education, and community assistance in bigger cities like Ho Chi Minh. Work with veterans and children suffering from the affects of Agent Orange.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: IVHQ
- Traveler’s program pick: ELI Abroad
9. Guatemala
With many unique ecosystems, Guatemala is Central America’s biodiversity hotspot. Volunteering in Guatemala will give you the chance to enjoy and help preserve the nation’s fragile environmental resources while making a lasting impact on the most populated country in Central America. You could have the opportunity to work closely with local Mayan coffee farmers and participate in the diversification and reforestation of coffee fields to create long-lasting and sustainable change. Give back to the people of local communities by volunteering on construction projects, providing a physical impact in a community that will last for years. Volunteer with disabled children in Guatemala or travel to the Mayan Highlands to help provide medical or dental care that is desperately needed right now.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: Maximo Nivel
- Traveler’s program pick: Build Abroad
“Don’t discount English-speaking countries as great places to help out. Sometimes, the shared language and lack of communication barriers can mean your impact can be greater.”—Noah Peden, RPCV
10. South Africa
Troy Peden, Founder of GoAbroad predicts a major upswing in interest in the African continent from international volunteers—particularly “in new destinations outside Ghana and Kenya.” Interested in volunteering in a far-off land that is smack dab in the middle of great change and transition? Look no more, South Africa is one of the best places to do volunteer work. Choose between vibrant big cities such as Cape Town or Jo’berg or go off the beaten path to rural villages where you will learn local traditions, languages, and customs during your volunteer experience. Consider fun projects such as teaching children to surf or teaching them English or music. Get your wild on and come work on the frontline of wildlife by helping prevent the extinction of endangered species and their habitat.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: Volunteering Solutions
- Traveler’s program pick: Love Volunteers
Next steps to find the best volunteer abroad programs
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own heart-led journey. 2019 could be YOUR year to travel and volunteer—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Volunteering Inspiration
- How to Volunteer in Another Country
- 7 Ways to Volunteer Abroad
- 5 Questions to Ask Before You Volunteer Anywhere
Program Selection Advice
- How to Choose a Volunteer Abroad Program
- 13 Best Volunteer Programs Abroad This Year
- Short & Sweet Summer Volunteer Programs Abroad
Paying for Your Volunteer Program
- Is Paying to Volunteer Whack?
- How to Fund Your Volunteer Adventure
- 11 Inexpensive Volunteer Programs Abroad
- Browse Volunteer Abroad Scholarships
[Get Matched with 5 Volunteering Programs Abroad for FREE]
Participate in programs in the best places to do volunteer work abroad this year!
Make a difference in one of the best places to do volunteer work.
We LOVE how diverse and badass this list of the best places to volunteer abroad in 2019 is—and can’t wait to see the hard, impactful work that you put into the causes and projects you work on while there. There’s never been a better time to volunteer abroad than now, and we think you have just heart (and the work ethic) to do it right.
Volunteering abroad in other countries will give you a new found sense of freedom, independence, self reliance, and a bigger picture of the world. No matter where you go, the people are mostly welcoming and will make you feel right at home! And from your experiences with international volunteering, you will be a top notch candidate for future college application and employment endeavors!
Let 2019 be the year you change your life in a way you have never imagined! Volunteer abroad programs are right at your fingertips to explore. What are you waiting for? Sign up and let your new life experiences and adventures begin!
View MORE of the 2019 Meaningful Travel Forecast Here
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