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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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4.8 / 5Student rating
920Reviews
196Programs
2005Year established

About GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco is one of the world's top volunteer organizations, with award-winning programs that are carefully chosen by the company's founding sustainable travel experts. GoEco was established in 2006 and has since sent thousands of volunteers to participate in wildlife conservation, marine conservation, education and medical projects and internships worldwide. Volunteer projects and internships provided by GoEco are available in Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Belize, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

4.8
920 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
739
4
179
3
1
2
1
1
0

Top categories

Health & Safety
4.7
Program Administration
4.7
Volunteer Placement
4.7
Living Situation
4.5
Day to Day Life
4.4
Community Engagement
4.3

Participated in a GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization Program? Share your experience now.

Review this Provider
Elphas OnyangoKenya · August 2026
From: Japan - Working Holiday Support Program

I love Agriculture

I'm a professional in Agriculture and community Development. Able and knowledgeable enough to work in any field of Agriculture to sustain food security. Indeed Agriculture is the backbone in the world

Susan TibblesUnited States · July 2026
From: Costa Rica - Animal Rescue and Conservation

Once in a lifetime experience

GoEco did everything for us- transportation to and from the airport, host family to animal rescue after our week of language, transportation to our tour and back. We loved our experience with our host family and language immersion. The animal rescue was hard and rewarding work. I wish I had more time to spend doing both.

Mouhamed Ali SbouiTunisia · April 2026
From: GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

Computer Science Engineer & Volunteer

I am motivated, responsible, and eager to learn from every experience. I am open to feedback and always ready to improve my skills. I value teamwork, communication, and adaptability, and I aim to contribute positively to any project or organization I join while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Nolwazi ZikhaliSouth Africa · April 2026
4.0
From: Portugal – Food Rescue in Lisbon

Catering

I had a great experience with the catering service. The food was fresh, well-prepared, and full of flavor, with a good variety of options to suit different tastes. Presentation was neat and professional, which added to the overall impression. The staff were friendly, punctual, and organized, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Communication beforehand was clear and helpful, making the planning process stress-free. Overall, it was a reliable and enjoyable service that I would recommend to others looking for quality catering.

Petra AbbottFebruary 2026
From: South Africa - African Wildlife Ranch

My working experience with the Cheetahs in South Africa

Working with the cheetahs in South Africa, taking them on walks and having interactions with them was such a highlight. Watching the operation on the white bengal tiger during my first week was amazing too.

Edward WelshFebruary 2026
From: Portugal – Marine Conservation in Lisbon

My unforgettable experience trying scuba diving

The most memorable experiences of the trip was the scuba diving, unfortunately i was not there long enough to pick up much trash, but it was really cool to be down in the water anyway. I also loved touring the city and seeing all the historical parts of portugal.

Kathy AndersonFebruary 2026
From: South Africa - Big Five & Endangered Species Reserve

Being a member of the Research Team and going out on Game Drives to gather data

I enjoyed being a member of the Research Team and going out on Game Drives to gather data. We saw, identified and photographed numerous animals to determine if they were in our log or needed to be added. There were informative presentations related to animal species, behavior and habits.

Reese SaengerFebruary 2026
From: Thailand – Family-Friendly Child Care Volunteer Program

Sharing Kindness, Learning, and Unforgettable Connections

Meeting new people was so amazing and helping the kids at the same time as being able to share this program with so many kind amazing people was the best part. I loved this program very much and would do it again!

Donna PeevskaFebruary 2026
From: Sri Lanka - Women’s English Literacy Program

Connect with the girls from the Women empowerment program

It was amazing to connect with the girls from the Women empowerment program, to see their smiles and how they are gaining more confidence in speaking with foreigners. I was impressed by the high level of English teaching and other projects done by the local community. And also, I felt so warmly accepted by everyone.

Yat Ling WongFebruary 2026
From: Peru – Archaeology Volunteering in Sacred Valley of the Inca

Visiting and working on various archeological sites

The most satisfactory part was visiting and working on various archeological sites. Wonderful feeling to know that though small I did have an impact. Also staying and interacting with our host family gave me a glimpse of the culture and the people.

Rayna Lolla-SmithFebruary 2026
From: Sri Lanka - Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation

A Meaningful Volunteer Experience with Sea Turtles

Working with GoEco’s Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation program in Sri Lanka was absolutely amazing—every moment felt meaningful. From feeding, cleaning, and rehabilitating injured turtles, to the magical release of baby turtles into the Indian Ocean, the experience was hands‑on, heartwarming, and deeply rewarding. The local team was supportive, the accommodations were lovely, and it was a privilege to contribute to real turtle conservation in a beautiful community setting!!! Highly recommend!!

Roxanne PachecoFebruary 2026
From: Argentina – Puma Sanctuary & Wildlife Reserve

Taking care of the animals and seeing the newborn piglets

During my volunteer abroad experience in Argentina, I loved being able to care for all the animals and see the beautiful newborn piglets of two of the Horse Sanctuary's pigs. It was also so beautiful to be able to connect with new like minded, good hearted volunteers ❤️ Thanks GoEco!

Morgan MooseFebruary 2026
From: Zimbabwe - African Wildlife Orphanage

Hands-On Wildlife Conservation with the Wilson Family

Working with the Wilson was the most rewarding experience of my life. We worked with a leopard that had been trapped so that it was all healthy enough to be released back. After working on the leopard and putting a gps collar on him we released him back into the wild far away from human activity to keep him safe. The love for animals this family has was so amazing and they made everyone feel like family.

Manny KongFebruary 2026
From: Ecuador - Wild Animal Rescue Shelter

Meaningful Moments and Memorable Adventures Abroad

Planting trees in a local school, we get to do something meaningful. And we played ball games with students, even if we don't speak the same language, but we played well. Also participate in birthday party for a lady, played bingo with local senior citizens. It was very warm and nice.<br>Aside from these, we have seen so many special animals, spectacular scenery.

Linda GirouxFebruary 2026
From: Costa Rica – Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center

Amazing experience at the Sloth Rescue Center in Costa Rica.

Superbe expérience au Slot Rescue Center au Costa Rica. J’étais dans l’équipe des vétérinaires en autre , et j’ai participé à soigner, nourrir, nettoyer, des paresseux, des perroquets, ratons laveurs, petit singe hurleur… et autres. <br>Nous sommes hébergés en général dans des chambres de 4 avec des lits superposés. <br>Il y a des règles à observer puisque nous débutons en général assez tôt le matin quoique tout le monde n’a pas le même horaire. <br>Nous avons 3 repas par jour à des heures précises . Il ne faut pas s’attendre à manger comme dans un hôtel tout inclus, mais nous mangeons bien , à notre faim et diversifier. <br>Si vous voulez manger différemment, il y a à quelques minutes de marche une épicerie à grande surface. <br>Tout le monde est très gentil, l’entraide et le respect sont très important. <br>Apporter de bonnes chaussures de marche ou bottines, et vous serez très à l’aise comme ça. <br>Le centre offre aussi des excursions payantes une fois dans la semaine. <br>Pour les périodes de repos, il y’a une grande piscine très propre. <br>Les chambres sont nettoyées et la literie est lavé une fois semaine. <br>J’ai trouvé l’endroit très propre et les animaux sont vraiment respectés et bien traités . <br>Il ne faut pas oublier, que pour plusieurs, ils seront remis en liberté après leur séjour au centre. <br>Je vous le recommande, il n’y a pas que des jeunes personnes, on y retrouve des familles avec jeunes enfants, des jeunes adultes et des plus âgés aussi. <br>J’ai bien aimé le respect des gens pour l’horaire de travail, tout le monde est à l’heure et c’est du bénévolat. <br>Bon séjour là bas !

Kate BromaghimFebruary 2026
From: South Africa - African Wildlife Ranch

Many surreal experiences

There are way to many surreal experiences I’ve had here to go down to one but it would have to be swimming with the seals! It was just absolutely breathtaking also just being on the ranch and getting to hands on learn with the animals it’s something you can’t beat ! I’m so grateful for this experience!

Amanda GlitheroFebruary 2026
From: Sri Lanka - Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation

Tree plantig at the school

The best part of the experience was tree planting at the school. The students were so much fun, and it was great to be able to talk with them and do the different activities. I also liked the fact that we got to engage in meaningful work with the community and that it is something that will be there for years to come. The community engagement part is what I was most looking forward to on the project, and this was the best experience.

Tamar RegevFebruary 2026
From: Thailand – Asian Wildlife Rescue Center

Being promoted to learn leader

The most memorable experience from my program at the Asian Wildlife Rescue Center in Thailand was being promoted to a team leader. It was rewarding to share my knowledge with new volunteers and help guide them in their first steps.

Meimei ZhangFebruary 2026
From: Inspire Kindergartners in Suva, Fiji

Where Love Needed No Words

Volunteering in childcare in Fiji opened my heart in ways I never expected. The children’s laughter, resilience, and warmth taught me that love and kindness need no translation. In giving, I received so much more.

Brandon FernandesFebruary 2026
From: Costa Rica – Pre-Vet Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center

Working with the Vet is the best part

The best part about this trip was of course the animals but working on the Vet team was most definitely a bonus to me because I learned so much while under the supervision of the Veterinarians themselves. They’re very knowledgeable and eager to teach.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Sophia Erasmus

Sophia Erasmus

Participated in 2018

Alumni

Sophia is an 18 year old who decided to travel abroad for the first time after finishing high school. Before volunteering abroad with GoEco, she had o...

Travel that impacted your life. You walk away with your eyes opened and a clear mind. 

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Gina Standaert

Gina Standaert

Participated in 2018

Alumni

Gina is originally from the Netherlands but has moved around a lot. She has also lived in Spain and Australia. She has also spent time traveling with ...

I grew up traveling a lot with my family. When I turned 17 years old and had a school holiday where I had nothing to do, I thought it was about time that I traveled on my own.

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Carly Mellon

Carly Mellon

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Carly is a 21-year-old university student from Canada. Before traveling to Costa Rica with GoEco, she didn’t have much travel experience, which was on...

I was really craving adventure. I felt like I was so stuck in my city and needed to go away and experience something else. I wasn't quite sure if I could manage planning a trip all by myself, so I figured travelling with some sort of volunteer organization would give me the experience that I wanted and be organized. I have always had a passion for animals and wildlife, so I wanted to do something around that.

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Rachel Minkoff

Rachel Minkoff

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Rachel is from New York, where she is a social worker who works with people with developmental disabilities every day. She loves to travel, but does n...

I was looking to take a vacation (the first in a long time) and I hadn't been to Israel in a while. I had been itching to get back there since my first trip almost seven years ago, so I figured, let's do it!

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Suzette Holm

Suzette Holm

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Suzette is a teacher and librarian for most of the year, but she loves to have an adventure or two every year. She has always loved pandas, ever since...

I had always wanted to see the pandas up close and this was the perfect opportunity.

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Febe Schraepen - 2017 Participant

Febe Schraepen - 2017 Participant

Participated in 2017

Alumni

For 20-year-old Febe of Belgium, traveling and animals are her biggest passions in life. So, volunteering around the world was an excellent way for he...

Traveling has always been a passion for me. Since I was a little kid, I loved it! So now that I'm old enough to travel on my own, nobody can stop me. But while I travel, I want to experience these lives of the people I am meeting. When I volunteer, I get a glimpse of the culture, the lives, and the inside jokes, and that is just amazing!

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Deb Barilone

Deb Barilone

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Deb is a physical therapist assistant. Having raised two sons, who are now 36 and 38, she feels like she is now ready to live. At 63, Deb wants to get...

Wanting to experience the world, different cultures, and experience how people live abroad.

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Mélissa Luna Poutot

Mélissa Luna Poutot

Participated in 2016

Alumni

Mélissa Luna Poutot is from Ottawa, Canada. She is currently completing her final year of high school. Unfortunately (but fortunately, she says), she ...

I was inspired by my neighbors, who are originally from Cape Town, and they had told me about the amazing views and sweet children.

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Christopher Scalone

Christopher Scalone

Interviewed in 2016

Alumni

Chris Scalone, 19, is a Spanish education major from New York. He has been to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Australia, London, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and Sou...

My love for travel was inspired two years ago, when my Mom sent me on a month long trip to Australia and Hawaii with Westcoast Connection. I was only 17 at the time, however I knew I had caught the travel bug, and anyone who has ever traveled before knows, you'll never get rid of it. Upon my return home back to Long Island, I immediately got a job in hopes that I would be able to save my money and begin a new journey elsewhere. Since that trip back in 2014, I have also visited Canada, Mexico, London, Ireland, and South Africa. Traveling abroad is intoxicating because of the new cultures, people, and ways of life that you get to experience. You are faced with the thought of "Wow, there is life outside my bubble of a life back home." You begin to realize there are new people, new places, and new opportunities for anything, anywhere, and everywhere, all just waiting for you.

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Blair Warren

Blair Warren

Participated in 2016

Alumni

Blair is a 21 year old from Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently attending Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, where she is studying psyc...

Nikki van Noord

Nikki van Noord

Participated in 2016

Alumni

Nikki was born in Amstelveen, Netherlands. She is currently living in Montreal, Canada, and hopes to pursue studies in marine biology, architecture, o...

I've always had a deep passion for traveling; I've done quite a lot of it and I'm only 17. I aspire to spend a good amount of my life going abroad (whether it be for work, school, adventure, etc.), because I find it is the best way of educating yourself, getting out of your comfort zone, and finding out more about yourself and other cultures.

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Ashley Anzulewicz

Ashley Anzulewicz

Participated in 2016

Alumni

Ashley is a pre-veterinary student at the Florida State University. Before volunteering abroad, she had never traveled out of the country alone, but G...

Jonathan Tal

Jonathan Tal

Interviewed in 2016

Staff

In addition to being co-founder and co-director, Jonathan is also the GoEco marketing manager and systems manager. Every day he finds creative ways to...

You had a range of international experiences under your belt before starting GoEco with your pal Jonathan Gilben. What experience abroad put you over the tipping point and inspired you to establish GoEco?

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Jonathan Gilben

Jonathan Gilben

Interviewed in 2016

Staff

After completing his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, Jonathan began volunteering in different conservation projects around the world. His ...

Suzzy Hald

Suzzy Hald

Participated in 2015

Alumni

Suzzy loves to travel solo. She loves the freedom to move and change her trip according to whatever whim or opportunity comes her way. So far, Suzzy h...

I traveled and volunteered back in the 70's and 80's before becoming "trapped" in the corporate world. I wanted to go back out by myself, but the world had changed and I wanted to take my first foray back out with a recognized organization that could provide the sort of information and advice that I needed.

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Gavin Lau

Gavin Lau

Participated in 2014

Alumni

Gavin is from Hong Kong and is a third year student studying Environment, Economics, and Ecology at the University of York. Travelling is his passion;...

I was inspired to volunteer because I believe human beings are born to travel, experience all kind of things, embrace challenges, and of course enjoy the moments. On a more personal level, volunteering abroad could help me grow as a person and fulfill my wish to experience a different culture and broaden my own horizon. I also believe this is something you need to do at least once in a lifetime if you are given the chance; it will be inspiring, manifesting, and even life-changing.

Show Full Interview
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

4.8Verified

Ready to Learn More?

GoEco is one of the world's top volunteer organizations, with award-winning programs that are carefully chosen by the company's founding sustainable travel experts. GoEco was established in 2006 and has since sent thousands of volunteers to participate in wildlife conservation, marine conservation, education and medical projects and internships worldwide. Volunteer projects and internships provided by GoEco are available in Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Belize, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Cub...

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad Program
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Notable Mention
Innovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022
Innovation in Sustainability 2021 Finalist
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Volunteer Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organization 2017 (Notable Mention)
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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