GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!!

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!

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.

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.

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 !

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

We were on the water with only the sail up - no motor running. It was so peaceful with the water hitting the sides of the boat, Captain Angelo softly playing the ukulele, and quiet conversation in Italian. We were watching the water for animal activity and relaxing in that setting. It was wonderful!

Our week at the animal rescue sanctuary in Costa Rica was truly unforgettable. My husband, 12-year-old daughter, and I had the opportunity to care for a wide variety of animals and learn so much through hands-on experience. The permanent staff were incredibly kind, patient, and supportive, making it easy for us to understand our daily responsibilities. Working alongside other passionate volunteers made the experience even more meaningful—we left feeling inspired and deeply connected to the mission.

The engagement and responsiveness of IOI was incredible. Sara , our on sire Director on Isla Isabela. Her passion to educate in many areas made her very interesting and provided inspiration to want to truly be of value. <br>While I stayed with a host family, i appreciated having access to the IOI center for down time outside or to use the facilities. From a volunteering perspective, it was very hands on and i really liked contributing to the upkeep and feeding/ cleaning of the tortoise breeding center. I loved finding eggs on the grounds to label and incubate. So satisfying! And feeding was a gift i felt very privileged to do.

My most memorable experience from my program was getting to do some research on two groups of Howler Monkeys, and truly getting to understand the impact of human intervention in nature but also how to restore it.

The most memorable experience from my program was that I had the privilege of working with Costa Rican wildlife for two weeks, and every day I was within a foot of beautiful animals, primarily sloths, but also birds, raccoons, monkeys, and baby animals like a baby raccoon in an incubator. Also memorable was that almost every afternoon, there would be a rainstorm and I would be able to lie on a couch outdoors, under an awning, reading and watching the rain. The whole thing was incredible from beginning to end, I loved it.

Traveling half way around the world to volunteer effort, time and energy on marine conservation takes trust. GoEco delivered, far exceeding any preconceived expectations and hopes we had before arriving on Naifaru. The entire team provided thorough support, training and guidance so that we could participate, contribute and perform to our utmost potential. We left with a tremendous sense of achievement, accomplishment and countless unforgettable memories.

The most memorable experience was when I was helping build a jungle gym resembling real life nature for the howler monkeys. A few of them were left in the cage with us because they were deemed safe. That’s when the baby howler introduced herself and climbed on me multiple times. It was an amazing experience

I loved getting to spend time with the other volunteers and rangers. We all had a lot of fun together while we were working. I also loved getting to walk Gundy the wombat on a leash. He was my favorite animal at the sanctuary

Learning how to scuba dive in such a surreal paradise was magical. The island itself is unbelievable and the surrounding waters are perfect to learn and to snorkel in spare time. The corals are so alive, and seeing sea turtles and sharks on regular dives was amazing. Spear fishing the lionfish as part of managing their invasion was surprisingly fun and they were so tasty as well. I had hoped to be doing some more hands-on activities like marine life surveys and other things listed on the program info but hunting the lionfish is now the sole focus of the dive centre.

My volunteer program was Child Care. I and other 2 volunteers helped Yavulo village kindergarten in Sigatoka Fiji. I told the kids about Canada maple tree and leaves. I showed them some animals such as Polar Bear, Moose etc. The children were very interested and excited to learn more about Canada.

Cango Wildlife Ranch was a great experience and I there are many things that come to mind. It brought me great joy in feeling their appreciation of my hard work. I used my skills to help on numerous enrichment projects for the animals. They entrusted me with upgrading and refurbishing the lemur night houses, after witnessing my wide range of skills as an architect and builder.

The most memorable experience from my program was participating in the clean up dives in Alonissos. In addition to helping to reduce waste from the seafloor, I learned how to properly fill out all the forms online to submit to PADI. <br><br>It would be silly of me to leave out that the most fun part was my first dive! I had never done it before and seeing marine flora and fauna up close is magical. I am hooked on diving for life!

My most memorable experience at Pre-Vet Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center was having the opportunity to assist with moving sloths when they needed to be weighed. It was a honor to be able to help with food and care of the animals.

The best part of the trip have been the past 2 days! Working with passions of paradise, helping with reef surveys and with coral planting, has been a truly gratifying experience. I would absolutely love to do it again, and to continue my education so that I can actually plant coral myself one day.

The most memorable experience has to be watching the turtles be born and then continuing to take care of them each day. The Green Lion coordinators were also a big part of the amazing experience that I’ve had. At the Ubud centre and at the Nusa Penida centre, everyone is so professional and warm and welcoming. I would recommend the experience to everyone.

For sure it would be getting to witness a hunt in the wild, not once but twice by the same Cheetah in the span of 3 days. It brought me face to face with the well known “circle of life”. I dare to say the second hunt was easier to watch, I was more content with the events unfolding. I still struggle to find the words that can capture the magic behind witnessing that. It honestly felt like I went hunting together with that cheetah, like we were partners. Definitely goes in the bucket of once in a lifetime chance and I am forever grateful for this experience.

I appreciated working along side many other volunteers as well as being near the monk and his wife on Sado island. A very authentic experience additionally influenced by the good and supportive staff.

The school, the teachers, and the students have made a indelible impression on me. The eagerness of the children wanting to learn, the engagement from the teachers, and the founders of the school are all commendable. It was a very positive experience for me.

I wanted to give the biggest shout out to Carla & Zoe from GoEco and Cristina and Lorenzo who were on the ground in San Jose at CRLA. There were a few confusions in the beginning and apprehensions but after I raised that with them and was honest they went above and beyond to help me and I am forever grateful. My most memorable experience was working at night to collect data during an Aribada. I saw over 50 turtles nesting, which was both an exciting and serious process. I was truly grateful to be there, not only to witness but also to make an impact by helping. The team at Ostional was so hardworking and I was honoured that I was trusted to carry out such serious work. Learning that the work I was doing actually mattered and didn't feel like a tourist being entertained. To summarize, I was able to release turtles, go on daily night patrols, witness an arribada, and learn new skills in conservation which I am eager to further apply to studies/future work. I would gladly send over any pictures to GoEco (for example I was fortunate enough to help the volunteer coordinator there Jairo uncover newly hatched baby turtles!)

Hi guys here the feedback I sent to AOA:<br><br>Jule and Gércia are doing an outstanding job! The program was very well organized, and all questions were always addressed – whether directly related to the tasks or more general matters. I felt well supported at all times.<br><br>I especially want to highlight how valuable it is to have a local Mozambican staff member like Gércia on the team. She not only brings maritime knowledge but also shares important insights about local customs and culture – a huge asset!<br>When Jule was away for a few days with another group, Gércia took over the leadership of our group, smoothly managed any changes to the plan, and handled everything very professionally. You truly have a fantastic team, and that deserves to be appreciated!<br><br>Food & Meals<br>The food was consistently delicious – thank you, Brodie and the Tilak Lodge team!<br>However, after two weeks, I noticed that some meals repeated quite often. It would be great if AOA could give Brodie a bit more flexibility and resources to offer more variety in the menu. I'm sure with more freedom, Brodie could surprise us with even more creative and diverse meals!<br><br>Scuba Diving<br>The guides at Tofo Scuba were excellent – professional, experienced, and always supportive. Whether it was the Advanced Open Water course, ocean safaris, or fun dives, I always felt safe and in very good hands. They made every dive a great experience, and I appreciated their clear briefings, calm presence, and strong awareness of safety and the environment.<br><br>Suggestions for Improvement – Equipment<br>There is definitely room for improvement when it comes to technical equipment:<br>There are clearly not enough GoPros/underwater cameras for the volunteers.<br>The printer is currently unusable due to empty ink cartridges – and no replacements were available.<br>Coming from a technical/IT background myself, I was honestly surprised at how outdated and overused some of the devices are. One or two new laptops or computers would make a real difference and improve the workflow on site.<br><br>Final Words of Appreciation<br>I usually don’t give such detailed feedback – but Jule, Gércia, Brodie and the Tilak Lodge team, as well as Ross and the Tofo Scuba crew, all deserve a big compliment. Thank you for this valuable and enriching experience!

An amazing opportunity to take part in this program, all activities and daily duties were all memorable and will stay with me. Outstanding help and support from Agus & Daisy of whom were both amazing

I can’t. Any individual component of the trip would have fully exceeded my expectations. If I had to pick one it would be the team and Africanimpact and the care and real difference they make. It’s intoxicating.

Working in the baby hospital and being a part of the vet team. I got to use the skills I have and also learned from the vets and coordinators. Most memorable was caring for the baby howler monkey from feedings to outdoor time. Also playground time with the sloths.

The most memorable experience from my program was feeding and taking care of the sloths. There was one sloth in particular, named Cappuccino, who we took to the sloth playground everyday and just watched for 30 minutes which was nice.

I think the most memorable experience from my trip to Cape Verde was the island tour with the fellow volunteers. I chose this because it was cool to have the opportunity to explore more than just the location of my work, but see the life and culture throughout the island alongside my new, international friends.

Having the opportunity to spend every day with amazing animals and people. Everyday was different, but an opportunity to do something to have a positive impact on the life of the animals at the sanctuary. One of my highlights were preparing the food for the animals and then the sunset drives to see the lions

This was the first volunteer experience for my daughter and me — and we absolutely loved it!<br>The World Unite! team took care of everything with great attention and kindness. Each activity was thoughtfully explained, so we understood its purpose and impact. Safety was always a priority, the camp was clean and well-organized, and we were treated to delicious meals throughout the week.<br><br>The meaningful engagement with the local community added so much depth to the experience — something we never would have had on a regular trip. Visiting Sado Island on our own wouldn’t have given us nearly as much insight or connection.<br><br>This has truly been our best holiday so far. Volunteering is, in our opinion, the most rewarding way to learn about a country and its people.

By living at the College in Kenya, I was able to interact with the Massai students and staff. I felt I was part of the Community. I also learned a lot as a member of the Big Five Research Team. It was a great experience.

The people in Livingstone Healthcare made the whole experience so worth while! The staff was amazing!! As well as the interactions with all the people in the community. It couldn’t have been any better!!

I was able to complete a scuba diving program which I continue to do regularly. we explored uninhabited islands, learnt about turtles and did lots of fishing. overall I plan to return to the Maldives next year and will definitely use GoECO for future volunteering experiences.

Learning about the animals in Costa Rica, the conservation efforts and the amazing group of dedicated volunteers was impressive. As a senior, seeing so many young people with such passion was heartwarming!

I saw lots of animals and cared for many of them. I learned new things not just from the work itself but from the entire experience overall. I made new connections and memories that will stay with me forever.

Very good program. Friendly stuff and the local support team. Feels like I saw Maldives otherwise I would not see. Great experience with impact and environmental focus. Would recommend to others who would be interested. Thank you !

The most memorable experiences were with the Japanese monk of the temple. We did some meditation as well as karaoke with him. This is something so unique and hard to find when being a foreigner to a certain country, vs so I am really grateful to had the experience.

There’s no one experience. I feel that my stay had some positive impact on the care of the animals and on absolutely on myself-personal satisfaction as well as personal growth. Meeting all of the staff and volunteers was amazing! A wonderful staff and the volunteers just blew my mind! So many young people from all over the world. Meeting them and working together was phenomenal. My heart is full. Thank you.

The whole trip was amazing, but last day was especially magical; we saw so many sperm whales and dolphins and the sunset was beautiful. The atmosphere was so joyful and thrilling. The crew was amazing, knowledgeable, and very good cooks! I would 100% recommend to any marine enthusiast out there.

I did so much! From helping create a cafe to teaching English daily, there was never a dull moment. I loved the atmosphere, food, and most of all learning about the deep Japanese traditions in Otaki village.

Other than the two half days we spent with the Turtles, the work we did with the children at the community center was the highlight of my trip. Both of those programs are so well run and we learned a lot during our time.

seeing the dolphins out in the wild has only been a childhood dream for me. The first week we once saw devil rays, which was pretty shocking to me as I didn't think they would be present in this area/Mediterranean. After a week of seeing no dolphins we started off the second week with a group of dolphins catching fish behind a fishing boat. the sighting continued for about 1 hours and 30 mins. We saw them jumping and swimming all around us, it was my childhood dream coming true followed by a really intresting lesson on identification and sorting the pictures. On the last day out we saw a devil ray jumping out of the water 2 times!! which also was incredible!! <br>3 sightings in 2 weeks was not much however, animals stay unpredictable which makes these sightings so extremely special!! some people might be dissapointed ass they expect to see many dolphins and whales however, the crew is so extremely welcoming and kind. they make you feel like you are part of their team, after two weeks of beeing together almost 24/7 you create a special bond and saying goodbye will be the last thing you want to do. when weather doesn't let us go out in the field you get really interesting classes on cetaceans, acoustic sounds ect. my experience was beyond great and I will definitely come back ;)

The most memorable moment was the amazing cetacean sightings we experienced. We saw a record number of fin whales - the second largest animal in the world. They came right up close to the boat. Making eye contact with a wild animal, especially an animal so huge, is a moment ljke no other, and one I will remember for the rest of my life.

I was a little uncertain about booking a volunteer trip with an organization I didn't have personal experience with, but wow! I'm thrilled I took a chance on GoEco. Their staff were incredibly communicative, helpful and supportive throughout the process - they patiently answered all my questions, guided me to a location that suited me and made sure I had all information I needed to ensure a wonderful trip. The Giant Tortoise Breeding Center volunteer experience in the Galapagos Islands was more than I could ever have imagined... filled with ideal balance of hard work, interesting learning, plenty of free time for diving/snorkeling/relaxation, connection with the local community and endless opportunities for Spanish practice. I felt supported by both GoEco and the IOI program. I'm already looking forward to my next GoEco travel opportunity.

Such a meaningful way to travel. I loved learning about the culture and everyday life directly from locals, all while supporting their communities. I had an amazing time and wouldn’t change how I spent my first trip to Bali.

Living in the Maldives with so many amazing people, contributing to the conservation efforts of Atoll Marine Center and spending so much time in the ocean on the reef was truly a dream come true. My biggest highlight was going on an excursion to snorkel with nurse sharks and a manta ray!

We had so many wonderful moments, so. it is hard to choose. Working with the staff, talking to the international inters and local ones, being so close with animals, all were great snd precious moments

Rajesh made us feel like family. The guides were excellent .. and helped us in the classroom. We enjoyed working with thd children and teachers and were given lots of responsibility Our stay was more than volunteering. We learned much about Nepal, we made Momos, did yoga, went into town .. all made us feel like we were helping and we were learning. Thankyou Nepal.

It was a great experience! I spent 3 weeks on the tiny island with ReefCI and I would love to have spent 3 more! It was educational and a very “hands on” experience. The accommodations are rustic but clean. The people, both employees and fellow volunteers, are all welcoming, supportive, and fun to hang around with. I was not a certified scuba diver when I arrived at ReefCI, but after being there 3 weeks, I am now certified as an Advanced Open Water scuba diver. <br>The other volunteers ranged in age from a single18 year old girl to a single woman in her 70’s. It’s very safe and inclusive to all. <br>Go and have a great time!

The staff at the Marine Centre were excellent. We learnt so much every day and were treated to some other amazing experiences like Swimming with sharks and Manta Rays and even night fishing with the locals. Being able to collect Sea Grass for Hope made my heart sing.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied, especially with the support and guidance provided by the owner and rangers of Walkabout Sanctuary. What impressed me the most was their remarkable care and dedication to the injured animals, Gundi and Gonkey. Truly admirable!

It was all incredible, an experience of a lifetime. One of my most memorable experiences while being at the camp was when Cindy, the samango monkey, kindly groomed my hair before I had to go home. Another memorable experience was seeing the kids face light up when I handed out stickers, at the local primary school. Spending time with Apollo, the spotted hyena, is something I will never forget. The animals are absolutely beautiful and the people are equally as lovely to spend time with. I’m hoping to go back in the next couple of years.

I had so much fun with staff at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre and the animals like the honey badgers, Wild dogs, owls, cheetahs, servals and the Vultures, whom i got to spend a lot time with and got a memorable and wonderful experience and exposure to the community and the animals i never got to see/work with in the wild

These three weeks in Chipangali have been one experience that i will stay with me forever. The morals, the ethic with the animals cannot be better. I felt welcome from the first minute. People are so lovely and kind that it will make your departure very hard

Working with the children and teachers from the local school was extremely inspiring, and I felt so grateful to be a part of it. As a teacher at home, I was able not only to learn new ways of doing things but also to share my teaching skills through active participation in the kindergarten program.

My favorite part was cleaning the turtles. We were allowed to hold them and brush them with toothbrushes and it was very cute. I also really enjoyed just carrying the turtles or holding them in my hand.

Being able to meet other volunteers from around the world with similar values. Being able to stay at the temple in Sado was such a unique experience and I’m glad I got to see a side of Japan that is not commonly seen by tourists.

Participating in archaeology was very informative and amazing. I had no idea how involved Incan and pre-Incan infrastructure was still a part of modern Peruvian life. Being a part of something that predates even America was amazing!

I spent most of my twenties traveling and working abroad, but life hit pause for a bit when I had twins. In April 2025, I finally dusted off my passport for a journey to Bali and Nusa Penida with my nine-year-old twins—and it turned out to be the most fulfilling trip of my life.<br><br>Booking through GoEco with the Green Lion was the best decision I could’ve made. From the moment I reached out, the GoEco team was incredibly kind, personable, and genuinely excited to help. They answered all my many (many!) questions with patience and detail, making sure everything was taken care of—both before and during the trip.<br><br>I’m so grateful GoEco connects travelers to inspiring organizations like Green Lion. Their commitment to ecotourism means you’re not just seeing the world—you’re experiencing it in a way that’s respectful to local communities and (hopefully) leaves a positive impact.<br><br>This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a reminder of everything I love about travel. Thanks to GoEco, I returned home with a full heart, a sun-kissed nose, and a deep appreciation for the beautiful people and places that made this experience unforgettable.

I had many memorable experiences. But what was most memorable to me was the time spent with local people, and having the opportunity to experience their friendliness and hospitality. As well as the connection they have to the toki bird, which gave me more perspective on the importance of recovery efforts we were contributing to.

I loved working in most of the activities especially the ones that I had to do the most work in. rice paddy and ocean clean up where the best. But biking and exploring by myself was one of the best things i’ve ever done in my life. i felt so free and was in heaven.

I absolutely loved my time volunteering here. It was way more than learning about sea turtle conservation or marine life. The trip was a full immersion in the Indonesian culture where I got to meet locals, other volunteers from all over the world and make friendships to cherish for many years. Beyond grateful for the experience. I recommend this to anyone who wishes to travel in a lively place and get to see the real Indonesia, not just the IG hotspots. I have also done the introduction week which is a great way to get onboarded and learn more about this land’s customs and traditions.

I was excited when I read that I could expect to do 4-6 hours of archaeology Monday- Friday. And all the different tasks it would entail, such as excavation, artefact classification, etc. There was a warning about weeding, but I didn't expect to do it 10 days out of 12. Furthermore, the 'archaeology' was only for 2 hours a day. On one occasion it was only one hour. The people I stayed with were lovely and it's not their fault, it's the bureaucracy in Peru which you aren't warned about until you're already there! Basically because you're not qualified, you can only weed. There was no consistency, nearly everyday was somewhere different so there was no measure of progress. The only benefit was getting to see archaeological sites off the beaten track that tours don't cover. But every afternoon I was having to be creative to find something to do because I had 5 hours free time. There is only so much you can do in the middle of nowhere. This project was wildly missold and needs to be reevaluated.

I absolutely loved my time on this project. You get to be so close to wild animals, in their natural environment. the ecosystem is thriving in the Maasai Mara so you can expect to see lots of them, all the time. My favourite wildlife encounters, ranked: Cheetah successful hunt, 2 male giraffes fighting over a female, lion pride taking a morning walk and cubs playing. Of course there are many more but these were the most special. On top, the local team staff was amazing, I really bonded with the project coordinator and can proudly say we are now friends. :)

This fully funded volunteer trip was one of the best experiences of my life. At 16, I never imagined working with people from different cultures and learning so much about responsibility and teamwork. Everything was well-organized, and I felt supported every step of the way. This experience truly opened my eyes and changed me in a positive way. I highly recommend it to any young person – it's more than just travel, it's the start of something amazing.

Teaching proper healthcare and hygiene techniques and interacting with the school children in the community was so much fun and a very fulfilling experience. Also, getting the chance to observe how healthcare is practiced in another country was incredible, and being able to witness live surgery up close was absolutely amazing. Lastly, getting a chance to meet open and spontaneous people from all over the world was truly incredible and I made many friends with whom I will keep in touch with now that I'm back home again!

Volunteering in Ischia, Italy, on dolphin and cetacean conservation was nothing short of life-changing. From tying knots and learning to echolocate sea animals to sipping espresso, indulging in homemade Italian meals under the sun, and soaking in natural thermal springs, every moment was unforgettable. The friendships I made, morning yoga, Angelo’s cooking, and the beauty of Italian life and embracing my roots will forever have a place in my heart. I’ll miss it all— except the mosquitoes. Until next time, Ischia!

Meeting lots of wonderful people from different countries and backgrounds and being immersed in local life. Living with a host family was also amazing to really make one feel at home and to eat the local cuisine. The volunteer program was so special as all the children were so loving, energetic and cared for by the school and teachers. I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.

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. Nous sommes hébergés en général dans des chambres de 4 avec des lits superposés. 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. 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. Si vous voulez manger différemment, il y a à quelques minutes de marche une épicerie à grande surface. Tout le monde est très gentil, l’entraide et le respect sont très important. Apporter de bonnes chaussures de marche ou bottines, et vous serez très à l’aise comme ça. Le centre offre aussi des excursions payantes une fois dans la semaine. Pour les périodes de repos, il y’a une grande piscine très propre. Les chambres sont nettoyées et la literie est lavé une fois semaine. J’ai trouvé l’endroit très propre et les animaux sont vraiment respectés et bien traités . Il ne faut pas oublier, que pour plusieurs, ils seront remis en liberté après leur séjour au centre. 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. 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. Bon séjour là bas !

The experience was amazing. In my opinion it is important to contribute and on the way to enrich your knowledge about the world, not just to be a tourist in the country. I saw the differences between the hospital in Sri Lanka versus home and it was very meaningful!

Seeing the care for the cats and being given the opportunity to get really stuck in It has been great to be part of the Panthera team and work with the volunteers and feel like a team that is working to make a difference It is great to be given animal time , within a safe distance but being able to form a bond with them

Very hard yet rewarding work! At first, it was okay, but by the time I left, I was so in love. The program is very organized and the volunteer coordinators are very personable. It was a joy to meet new friends!

It was so amazing, I loved being part of the team! My favourite experiences were hanging out with the Bilbies, giving a blue lizard a bath, and seeing so many wild possums on a night tour of the park.

I volunteered at an HIV-positive facility, where I met a variety of patients, and even though I did not speak Spanish well, they tried to communicate with me using gestures. I also had the opportunity to communicate with the medical staff in a mixture of English and Spanish, which was a very interesting experience.

The most memorable experience for me would be visiting a local residency and spending time with some of the elderly men and women in the centre. It felt as if we were really having an impact on the community and brightening people’s days, which is exactly what I hoped to achieve by undergoing this volunteering experience.

Volunteering as a family was always on my bucket list and it was as amazing as I had hoped. It was great to see the kids rise to the challenges and hard work with ease. There is a lot of autonomy and I think they felt proud of what they did. That they got to spend so much time with some amazing animals was a wonderful bonus. Our program was a good match for our family.

The most memorable experience for me was going to the Kruger Park and seeing all the animals. I did it my last Saturday there and it really tied the whole trip together. Also just spending time with the other volunteers was amazing!

My partner and I signed up for a dive on our last day with the associated dive instructor and had a fantastic time! We saw so many wild sea turtles, and it made us appreciate the sea turtles at the center even more. I'll never forget Hope, Umee, Kanbili, Hadhiya, Olga, Tom and Cora, and look forward to hearing updates from the friends I made who are staying a bit longer!

The most memorable experience was to see us as a family working together with the team under the same purpose and therefore be able to give back to the world and Nature. We have experience an amazing time. Our girls have shown us different sides of themselves and have shown up constructively. We have had lot of fun with crabbing, tender moments with turtle feeding and cleaning, hard sweating work with tank scrubbing and memorable conversations with the team.

I just loved being out in the field collecting data and being able to learn how the data is being used. It feels great to be a part of active conservation of these beautiful animals that aren't found anywhere else in the world. Seeing these animals in person helps foster a greater appreciation for them and the desire to conserve their land and their way of life. It was also great getting out into the community and helping people with projects or visiting schools to further educate the local community on the benefits of co-existing with their wild neighbors. I truly enjoyed this project and appreciate the organization and communication from GoEco throughout the experience.

After a week there, about 300 people came for a tour from cruise boats. My 13 and 15 year old sons were knowledgeable enough to lead tours. It was amazing to watch. They knew a lot about the animals and their stories, why/how they were being cared for at the reserve, and what tourists could do to help better the experience of local wildlife. We had an amazing week bonding with the animals and the staff!

The local connections the volunteer house provides for us is amazing. I can basically go to buy clothes, having surfing class, and getting a massage with discount from those connections. It feels like we’re embraced by the local community, and it feels absolutely wonderful!

Manuel Antonio trip w/ GoEco. We visited the national park and saw different wild animals, including a monkey family and then spent the rest of the time left at the beach, which was perfect in every aspect.

The most memorable experience for me was to have a beautiful encounter with an enormous manta ray. It circled us for more than 20 minutes on our dive and it was absolutely incredible! But that was only one out of so many amazing, memorable experiences with animals as well as people!

I signed up for this program thinking that I would be swimming with dolphins every day. Out of 12 excursions to monitor the dolphins, we were able to swim after the tourist boats left only 4 times, but it was amazing!

My most memorable experience from my program in Barcelona, Spain was definitely organising the food bank. I felt like I was really impacting the community in a positive way and I learnt a lot throughout the day.

1. Feeling that I was contributing to saving beautiful orphaned animals that would hopefully be released back into their own environment was incredibly uplifting, moving and meaningful. 2. Being able to experience the above and marvel at the effort and dedication everyone puts in with very limited financial resource. 3. Interacting with and Seeing, experiencing the endless joy, laughter, smiling faces of the children at the education centre, the positivity and curiosity of a people who have very little materially, but are really very rich in their souls and unselfishness.

One of my favorites moments must definitely be the elaphants walks and showers we got to do almost everyday. It was just amazing to be so close to these wonderful animals and we always had so much fun doing it.

Being able to directly interact with the turtles, collect their eggs and release hatchlings was a wonderful experience. It was great to be able to contribute and have an impact on their survival. Thanks GoEco!

Volunteering in Moholoholo will be my most satisfying experience of my entire life ! As I didn't expected to be as close as the animals ! I got attached to a serval 'Aurora' which my groupe was responsible to take care of ! Feeding babies at the clinic and assisting vet operations such as post mortem were also a big step for me as I usually avoid watching those but it is so interesting and we learn a lot from the animal nurses and the vet !

Living with the monks, I was able to integrate with them properly and it felt like one big family ranging from playing hang man with the children to eating dinner with the elder monks. This was a memorable experience and I would completely recommend to anyone else interested in this and I would love to come back and do this again

The Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center in Turrucares is the most magical place!! You are absolutely feel the impact that they have on the local flora and fauna, and I feel so honoured to be able to be a part of it.

The best part of the trip was that I got to experience a truly wonderful trip to Costa Rica with a group of people who all love animals, spending time outside and putting the cellphone aside to just talk and laugh and play games.

The most memorable experience during my time in Zimbabwe, was prepare food for lion and fed the lion. I love them seem so happy and I learned about circle of life. It was good experience to think about life.

Releasing Dumpling the pangolin was my most memorable experience at Chipangali, Zimbabwe with GoEco. Pangolins are such rare and special creatures, I just felt really lucky to be able to see one in real life.

The Zanzibar Dolphin & Marine Conservation Project exceeded my expectations. We interacted with the Community at the Fish Market, teaching at the Conservation Club, working at Zala Park Community Garden, going to the local Football Finals and having a weekly dinner in the Village.

We recently had the pleasure of spending two incredible weeks at the Atoll Marine Conservation Center, and we can’t recommend this experience enough to other families. Contributing to turtle rescue, ocean clean-up, and connecting with the wonderful local community was both rewarding and inspiring. The island's relaxed and friendly atmosphere provided a refreshing change from our busy lives. We came away with new friends and unforgettable memories. If you're looking for a meaningful and enriching family adventure, this is it!

Someone had brought a young monkey that was in need of assistance. The Lady couldn’t make it up the hill so she just handed me the animal wrapped in a towel. I was worried i would be in trouble for handling the primate but I couldn’t help but smile down at his little helpless face. I have no official qualifications when it comes to animals but in that moment I pictured myself being able helping him like the amazing vets he was about to see. That was a very fulfilling feeling.

I went with a group of monks to gather potatoes before winter. 3 houses, about 100 sacks, most of them handpacked and all of them carried uphill to load a vehicle. Some of the boys could carry 4 x 25kg sacks. Sherpa homes had us in for tea breaks. Very unique day. Impressed by the strength and work ethic of these young men Lha Bab Duchen - ' A Festival of the Descent from Heaven' - a celebration of Buddha's mother Maya. November 22 a day in Junbesi, celebrating with pujas , Serlo's monks playing their instruments, and a parade circling multiple stupas. Flowers and rice offered by the town's guests. Junbesi Monestary very gracious hosts. Served us 3 meals, tea, coffee and a gift plate to me....Also a day walking to and from the town with Rinnchen, who shared many valuable pieces of knowledge with me. The best day spiritually of my trip.

I have to say swimming with the whale sharks was one of the most amazing things I’ve done in my entire life! Everyone in the boat with the same enthusiastic energy celebrating every time we would find a whale shark and jump with them, it was a trip I’ll remember forever!

The most memorable experience during my stay in Australia was probably just being able to immerse myself in the care of the native wildlife in Australia that I wouldn't have gotten to experience being in the states.

It was a privilege to volunteer beside a dedicated group of volunteers and the permanent staff in Thailand. The week spent with the wildlife team was diverse and incredible to be so close to so many exotic animals daily. The week spent with the elephant team was an amazing experience; to walk, feed and wash the elephants. Getting a close up look at all of the animals was fantastic. The days are long, but rewarding and the other volunteers interesting and enthusiastic. The programme is really well organised and the daily support given by the local employees is exceptional. I had a wonderful time, learnt an enormous amount about animals I was unfamiliar with, and look forward to either returning to Thailand or volunteering at another place.

Was just amazing - the staff ! All volunteers- plus all the critters big and small ! Wonderful experience will be back . And bring more people! Well done to all the team . Appreciate all . Cheers ⛄️ Paul

We had to build a new enclosure for the spider monkeys to be relocated into as they get further along in their process towards release. It was very rewarding to see the way they swung from branch to branch and enjoyed their complex enclosure.

The best part of my trip in Spain was being able to wake up and know you have three dives to look forward too and making a goal for how many lionfish you want to hunt that day. Actually getting or surpassing the goal feels amazing.

The best memories I had were taking care of a baby hiena for 3 weeks and definitely the friends I made because of volunteering. These friendships are for life. The trip to Zimbabwe was the most amazing thing ever and chipangali is amazing, the connection with the animals and how close we are with them

During my time at the Ranch in South Africa my most memorable experience would have to of been doing the internship for one week and assistin in the behind the sinces tasks like some of the animal training.

My experience as an English volunteer in Thailand was incredible. Even though I was a minor, I felt completely safe because the team picked me up at the airport. Everyone on the team was extremely kind, and I had the chance to immerse myself in the local culture and learn from the people there. The highlight was definitely teaching English. I also made friends from all over the world—USA, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. I highly recommend GoEco; this is my second year volunteering with them, and I hope to continue next year!

All of the divemasters and instructors were great. My husband and I hadn’t been diving in 40 years but we always felt safe and supported by the crew. I’m 70 so it was difficult for me to carry the 80 pound tanks. I would try but it was a bit of a game to see whether or not I could actually make it all the way to the dock before a crew member would intercept me and carry the tank for me. I never did make it all the way to the dock and their support was much appreciated. It was also a struggle to get back on the boat after a dive. It took every bit of strength I had to haul myself up onto that first rung of the ladder. Then Vincent could reach me, haul me up the rest of the way, then follow me to my seat to make sure I didn’t fall. Much appreciated support! At my age this activity pushes my limits so the support is necessary and much appreciated for a successful trip.

The opportunity to really make an impact in the Maldives with GoEco has been very rewarding. Our family has loved feeding and caring for the turtles. Excursion day out to an uninhabited island was magical.

The kindness of the locals and hospital staff in Sri Lanka made it a memorable experience during my stay. I also made friends and explored the beautiful country in a short time, taking many memories with me.

Very difficult to narrow it down to one most memorable experience, seriously was a once in a lifetime experience! But feeding and preparing food for all the animals was really cool, I have never done anything like it

My most memorable experience was for sure the days in Naboisho. This conservancy is just so special and I have never seen so many animals before. The landscape and the animals there are so special. And you get to see them in a relaxed way without many other vehicles.

Have a fantastic time at Chipnagali for 2 weeks, the families love and dedication to the animals is amazing! An experience I will never forget hope to do again soon!! Your communication throughout the 2 weeks was great. Thank you .

Working to give abused and traumatized elephants the best love, care, nourishment I could offer and working alongside a dedicated team of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds was a truly wonderful, life enhancing experience, which will be in my heart and head forever. What a way to celebrate my 80th birthday! Thank you, GoEco!

Getting to know the animals at the orphanage was a special treat. Having 3 weeks to observe and interact with them was something that will always remember. All of the other volunteers were fantastic and made our stay better than I could have imagined❤️

Difficult to choose just one because there were 3 distinct experiences: 1-the other volunteers, especially from the first two weeks I was there. That group made everything so much more memorable and enjoyable. Those who came later were also fun, but there were distinct little groups which created a divide. 2-Bonding with the animals, especially a baboon named Kassie for me. I could just speak to her, read, listen to music. She became a friend who was excited to see me and had no judgement. 3-the staff was so welcoming and inspiring, they do so much with so little, especially those who work directly with the animals. that is why I decided I needed to do more for them and for Chipangali and I organized two fundraisers to get them new uniforms, safety equipment, tools, personal hygiene items, and school supplies for their kids. I hope Chipangali continues with that. Once a month or a quarter put together a "wish list" of all of these items, and take the volunteers interested shopping. Spending that time with Kevin, the owner, shopping around was so fun and I got to know more about the community and the work they do. It was rewarding in more ways than one and I know the volunteers who came with me during the first fundraiser loved going shopping and giving the supplies out. It was special for everyone involved and 100% voluntary but when I was able to involve everyone, 100% participated vs when it was just me, participation was significantly lower. Either way, I really appreciate everything the whole team did and does for the volunteers and animals. I'm glad I was able to do something more for them and Chipangali that had long lasting impact.

My family and I had a great time and loved where we stayed off site. I definitely recommend your guests staying off site as it’s a lot more comfortable. Helping out the animals was awesome and my kids loved that part. The tour was beautiful and the waterfalls and jungle were amazing.

The most memorable experience I had during my trip was being able top work hands on with the penguins! As much as I have loved them my entire life, I had no real idea how physically strong and resilient they are!!

Everything else was good except the food which wasn't very tasty. Since this is a family volunteer activity with children participating, I suggest that the meals should include vegetables and fruits to maintain balanced nutrition. Thank you!

I really enjoyed working with the local teachers and learning about their different educational programs. The students were very passionate and very accepting of foreigner teaching them for a short time.

Our most memorable experience was the interaction with the students, and seeing their enthusiasm for learning. It made us want to teach them more lessons for more days so that they could gain something from this teaching experience. It was also a great opportunity to meet other like-minded volunteers and learn from each other’s experience not only in teaching but other projects.

I’d say the most memorable experience of the trip was just meeting all the new people and getting to know them and learn about where they’re from. Not only did I enjoy the people in my own group but I also enjoyed meeting locals and other people in the program.

There were so many great experiences it’s hard to choose! The one thing I became super lucky to see was multiple releases of multiple different species of animals! First a leopard, then a jackal, two baboons as well as hedgehogs and chameleons. This just begins to scratch the surface of all the amazing experiences. The Wilson’s were wonderful, the trips were wonderful, the whole staff was wonderful. I definitely plan on coming back in the future!

I really loved reconnected with the locals in the area after being part of the program a year prior. Being able to monitor wildlife and get up close and personal during my stay in Kenya has been incredible.

I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of my time with the sloth team and I fell in love with the animals. I've been trying to climb out of a pit of depression for quite a few years... and being given the opportunity to work with these animals has helped me climb out of that and I feel extremely blessed.

I was able to assist with "babysitting" the young sloths being cared for in the months leading up to their release into the wild. At the beginning of my volunteer time, one sloth named Capuchino seemed anxious and overly attached to his toy on the sloth playground. By the end of my stay, I was able to see him climbing more happily in a real tree without clinging to his toy. It was great to see him making what seemed like progress.

I think one of the most memorable experiences in South Africa with GoEco was the Christmas party at Sunshine. The kids were so happy to receive their gifts and I loved taking part in setting it up for them.

My most memorable experience would have to be the sea turtle release. When we went to the beach and got to release the turtles and seeing them crawl to the ocean and swim away was a lot of fun, as well as the hike down.

While diving, we found a metal safety barrier that had fallen into the marina. The next day we returned with a lift bag to get it out, and found a second. We successfully removed both, but the second was encrusted with a bit of life. As it sat on the pier, a baby eel came out of a hollow section and started flopping around on the deck of the pier! It was quite shocking, but we put it back into the water and it was all fine.

I really enjoyed seeing the impact I was making on the animals first hand in Zimbabwe with GoEco. It was also wonderful to working with the other volunteers and getting to know about the workers lives.

Every aspect of this experience was memorable and to share everything would fill a book. I did not want to leave and am planning to return. If you’re looking for something life changing that shifts you out from your comfort zone this experience is highly recommended.

My name is Laurie I signed up thru GoEcho As I wanted to experience Solo travel thru volunteer It was a wonderful experience I arrived in Nusa Penida not really knowing what to expect By the end of the first day I was already feeling welcome by the staff and everyone was so friendly The meals were excellent and I bunked with four other young Ladies we all became friends And spent a lot of our free time Together I so appreciated the staff and they went out of their way to Get to know everyone and took the time to chat on a personal Level as well This was my first trip out of the country and it was so fulfilling In every way. New friends and volunteering my time for a good cause saving the turtles I was truly sad when it was time to leave I especially enjoyed the bonfire and staff playing music everyone sang along We were like one big happy family I am going back to spend two more weeks at the same location I know what to expect and I can’t wait

We have had a marvellous time - on one our our game drives we stopped and were surrounded by lots of giraffes - such elegant and gentle creatures. We were very close to a rhino mum and her baby - superb. Lots of wonderful experiences. Chipangali is an excellent place who really care for their animals.

Being with the Wilson family and the staff at the orphanage living and working and on day and over night trips has been a great privilege.<br><br>The orphanage animals and their stories has greatly increased my understanding and love of the wilderness and fuelled my want to support wildlife further.<br><br>The experiences beyond the orphanage have been dreams come true and stories I will tell for a long time to come.

My most memorable experience was the night patrol watching for nesting turtles. We happened upon a turtle as she was making the nest and laying her eggs. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen! Just to be a part of an amazing team and to be able to take part in such an important mission. The whole experience was life changing. Seeing the garbage on the beaches that the tide brought in has made me want to change my way of living. After my experience in Romelia I intent on living a more intentional and purposeful lifestyle. I want to educate all my students that their choices impact the world, even thousands of miles away.

My most memorable experience during the Big Cat Refuge program at Panthera Africa was being able to watch the big feed. The big feed allows to watch animal in their natural behaviour and requires a lot of trust in the volunteers.

We were driving through naibosho when our volunteer leader & driver said we had to get somewhere quick which was unusual. We arrived to a place & saw a beautiful elephant in the distance and then were told that it had a spear in its leg and a vet was going to come to get it out. We saw the helicopter come in and tranquilize it and it ran til it fell down unconscious. Then we drove over and watched the manager of naibosho remove the spearhead & fix the wound and we were even able to touch the elephant. It was a very impactful and beautiful experience that I’ll never forget.

Living on a vintage sailboat is absolutely incredible, the views I wake up to every morning, the traditional Italian food the captain prepares, going out to sea and seeing biodiversity at its finest. It is definitely an experience I will never forget!

For me it was several things that will forever be with me even after my participation with program. It was the guidance and teaching of kids from another school abroad while doing a survey underwater that really stuck with me. I am beyond confident and reliable on my skills in the water and guiding others too and even though I was the youngest volunteer in the marine program, I felt like I was truly recognised not only as an authority figure but also as someone who has good talent in their passion even though the kids I taught were only 1-2 yrs younger than me from the UK. Besides that experience, being able to be with the dolphins, swim with them, study them and see them for who they truly are in their natural habitat is something I will never forget. I have always been a huge admirer and lover for animals and being able to help and study the dolphins to their benefit while still being able to interact with them is something that was precious and amazing to me. Thank you so much for this experience.

Working at the Rescue Center Sanctuary has been one of the best experiences of my life. Costa Rica is a beautiful country only exceeded by the beautiful of the people. Working on the sloth team with Jessie was full of education and hands on experience. Helping the sloths become closer to being released into the wild has been so rewarding.

my favourite part of the program was having the chance of doing both teaching and construction because it meant that I could get a taste of both programmes. I enjoyed teaching because the children really showed me that they wanted to learn and were so happy to be in my class. The construction was also amazing because you can really se the impact the work you’re doing has for the local community and education for the children.

It’s really difficult to choose between memorable experiences because I’ve had so many good ones. I really liked one of the first nights that I first got to shadow, it was the first group that arrived to the temple and we were all getting to know each other through a card tournament. It was a lot of fun because we got to know each other and came out seeing as many of us are very competitive and wanted to win. I thought that it was a great way to get to know everybody and a time that I think about fondly.

Amazing crew and living in the boat was definitely a nice experience. After a couple of days not seeing anything, we finally got a chance to see many Sperm Whales, which made up for the other days. Kudos for the team, it was a great family for a week!

I got to meet many different people from different parts of the world. I learned the Japanese culture that is a big part of my own heritage. I also taught english and where I am from to the villagers.

I had one of the most beautiful experiences that i had in my life. You gave me an amazing month.<br>I felt that the tim trust end appreciation me.I could be in anywhere that I wanted. The tim was amazing. I've to go every morning to working.

So hard to pick... memories relating to the bond found between members of the group in the first week is something I'll remember dearly forever. <br>My highest memory is playing dodgeball and tag in the gym with the elementary school kids and community, connecting with each other through laughter and sweat dripping from everywhere, as we chased the children and got to free our inner child.

While my trip was full of memorable moments, I particularly enjoyed learning about the efforts the Galapagos has made to help repopulate the tortoises. I was able to witness two different nests and learn about how these nests are made as well as how the park rangers help take of these nests to ensure hatching success.

The best experience being emersed with the Italian culture, for example one night we bought the local fish from the fishing boat stationed next to us. Angelo was an excellent cook !!!! The entire trip was an incredible experience!

I really enjoyed monitoring / going on game drives to see and record the indigenous fauna, specifically the big cats. Interacting with the locals was also another highlight as they were nice to talk to and easy to get along with.

The people day in and day out caring for animals and their coworkers. They respected our help and time. My favorite part was learning the place and understanding the animals and their needs over my stay. I loved learning about animals care and all the unique animals in Australia.

During my volunteering with the GOECO and IMPACT in the marine conservation program, one of the most memorable experiences was participating in cleaning up plastic and wet wipes from the ocean. To work with volunteers and the local dive team that care about the ocean was so important for me, and to see the amount of waste that we collected from the water was both shocking and motivating. Seeing the immediate impact of our efforts reinforced the importance of marine conservation work and left a lasting impression on me. Thank you for everything.

I really loved all the coordinators I met in Nusa Penida! Although they are under another company (Green Lion) I love how passionate they are in teaching everyone. The daily turtle activities was by far the best experience I’ve had.

My most memorable experience must have been working with the vets while I was in the shelter. I had the incredible opportunity to watch a bullet being taken out of a howler monkey, and I learned so much while I was there.

I think what I will remember the most is the last day I had at the school I was working at because I bought lunch for the kids and it was very fulfilling to see something I did make them so happy. I also felt like that the connection between me and the kids was at it's peak on that day and I just had a lot of fun with the kids that day in general.

The most memorable experience I had was getting to meet a bunch of people from different cultures. I also loved to meet all the locals and learn about their day to day lives. It was also super amazing to be able to work up close with different species of sea turtles.

Seeing the kids from the village chase after our van to meet us as we arrived in the village every morning was my favourite memory. The smile on their faces when they saw us was so heartwarming. They are the most loving appreciative children I’ve ever met. I miss them so much!

While diving, I got to witness a massive Eagle Ray come out of nowhere while 60ft deep. It was breathtaking, and so much more beautiful than I can put into words. The island itself provided a chance to disconnect from the world which was very much needed. In addition, the food and staff were friendly, supportive, and VERY GOOD cooks!

The opportunity to dive 3 or more times a day was wonderful, from a comfortable dive boat. Very tasty food and a great situation to meet people from all over the globe. A real fun crew of staff and a safe area to spend the weekends.

Local organisation Green Lion did everything possible to make this experience worthwhile for our family. I also loved the fact they let us pick our own accommodation, seen that their own accommodation is not for a family with children. This way our children could calm down in the afternoons, away from all the "work talks".

I really did not know what to expect when applying for this experience, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the people I met to the animals I got to work with. After just a few days of being there I get to give tours of the sanctuary to other travelers and it really made me feel like part of a community.

3-day diving trip then the 2x 1-day diving trips on the great barrier reef were the most amazing and interesting things during the program, even if I've also really appreciate the turtle rehab and beach cleaning.<br>Actually everything was very interesting and I wish I could do more.

Working at the turtle rescue in the Great Barrier Reef Conservation program was amazing. I was able to interact directly with the turtles in their tank. Having Rain and Sheldon engage with us directly was an unbelievable experience.

I was placed with a wonderful "mom" in San Jose. Meals at her house were great, her place was clean and comfortable and she was just super sweet! The language school was fun too. My teacher was so patient and supportive. <br>Fantastic experience at the animal rescue center. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Other volunteers were fun and helpful, the work was rewarding. Can only recommend it and would do it again!

The most memorable experience is that I was allowed to feed and to hang out with the dingos with a ranger/level 5 volunteer a few times. Another memorable experience was there were a few staff members that took their time to go over and beyond and educate me about the animals , to be able to hold and to touch certain animals, and to get to know me. That personal touch goes a long way because it shows they care and that I am not just another volunteer. I realize they see so many but to show interest, empathy, positivity, energy, and concern goes a long way. To add I appreciated the fact that volunteers were allowed to walkabout the park after hours to check out the animals especially the nocturnal but also to go for a walk on their bush trail.

Friendly hosts and staff of the Wildlife Animal Sanctuary program. The team is so dedicated and knowledgeable which is very impressive. Unforgettable experience in working for all these lovely animals.

This place is amazing in every way! The people the community, the elephants:) it was a little laid back in the volunteering work but I was fine with that! This company can use all the help as it has such amazing atmosphere. I am walking away with my soul full of love from what they do and the experience in general. I will be doing fund raising for the project as they need a positive voice to tell the elephants stories and the help to fund what they do , so they can do it for many years to come . They are not just elephant sanctuary they are so much more. I loved my experience here more than the other places I went and contributed to! I donated tools to help with the project but I wish I could have done more. This is the most ethical elephant sanctuary I’ve seen:)

African Wildlife Ranch; Going in with crocodiles to help to get one sick crocodile out; making lure and playing with it with caracal and cheetah cubs; brushing cheetah; watching sheep surgery even if I'm not an intern,...

All of the family had an unforgettable experience.<br>Nadine enjoyed working with the medical team in the Animal Hospital and the rest of the family had a wonderful time working in the Sanctuary. <br>We can not thank GoEco and the Animal Rescue Centre, Costa Rica for this unforgettable experience. ❤️❤️

Everything is memorable for me starting from handling babies to chopping cow and sheep for carnivores. I have not done these things before. My two weeks ended very fast, so i have to come back again next year. Stay was very comfortable I felt like home.

Working with the crew at Chipangali was like being adopted into a giant family who were all united in their love for animals and travel. From the very first night, conversation flowed, inside jokes were established and bonds began to form. By the time my placement was up, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. <br><br>I especially loved how much hands on time we got with the African animals. There were so many memorable experiences, from hand feeding monkeys to petting a lion to darting and performing vet work on a wild hyena. There’s even time built into every work day to spend bonding with the animals. Working at the Wildlife Orphanage was such a unique and incredible experience, I am so glad I decided to volunteer here!

It was incredible to partake in the daily routine with the staff - I felt like part of the team and not 'just another volunteer'. The staff was so welcome.<br>Being so close with rhinos is truly an experience of a lifetime - and I cannot recommend it enough.

I very much enjoyed burying the turtle eggs into new pits, protecting them from predators and promoting the growth of male turtles through keeping them within a cool temperature and as part of a monitoring process. I also loved feeding the turtles, it's was a very pleasurable experience.

While undertaking biodiversity monitoring research volunteering, I had the chance to participate multiple times in lion capture and collaring and release. I was involved with the team where we darted particular lions, performed brief health checks, documented important lion identification information and put on collars. I was mostly there to help and take notes but on one of the days, I got to do the eye drops by myself which was really cool.

Animals, animals, animals :-) The staff (guides, chef, cleaning) were amazing. Really appreciated that we were a small group of volunteers. Learned many new things from our guides , Sem and Patrick. All in all , a most awesome experience.

The greatest part was the volunteering itself and being able to interact and closely take care of the sea turtles. The team and staff were amazing and together with other volunteers we made every work fun and super enjoyable. :)

I was very anxious to do any voluntary work, but as I had a short break from work to recover from life I thought this is the moment to embrace some hands on experience outside of the UK. Everyone essentially is travelling alone or with an academic institution. The age range can be from 16 to 60 years, it all depends on who attends what projects and when. I was so nervous and GoEco were the only programme out of a couple that I had contacted globally who provided consistent communication and spoke to me at my time UK time within reasonable hours, irrespective for the time on their side. Elinor was great she really helped me select the right programme to reflect my objectives at this time and the duration I was available for. I honestly could not decide. However, that said I decided to go on the Turtle Rehabilitation Programme in Sri Lanka. It was the best decision of my life. Zoe then jumped in to ensure my documents were all up to date and I was happy with what was going to happen next, just a phone call away. Don't get me wrong it is hard work and the night patrol was hard, but looking back after completing the experience is was an absolute blessing to be part of such a project. GoEco team are contactable from beginning to the end. They message on WhatsApp and are there if you need them. The project you select also add you to a group chat and are always there to answer questions. You will get picked up and from that point are taken care of, security is excellent at the volunteer house (Aasha House). I stayed in a separate room near the house in a guest house as I needed AC to keep the mosquitos off me during the night, there are plenty of ceiling fans at the house. My guest house was very spacious and cool, only issue I had loud walkers upstairs so I didn't really sleep well so hopefully this aspect will improve moving forward. That said, I was always at the house with then other volunteers. Citronella pure oil is just amazing and works fabulously as a repellent, which can be bought across the road outside of the house. My location was in Unawatuna Beach. We were literally walking distance to the beach restaurants and the main road where you can make purchases and also go to the infamous coffee house 'Wild & Sage'. Here you can grab a latte, read a book or crack on, on your laptop. Some you time. There are also plenty of Spa places to go to, my recommendation would be Kahuna Spa on Beach Road. Time really does fly and the programme is very structured as soon as you arrive. This helps to integrate volunteers quickly. You will feel nervous at first but I promise you after a day or so you will settle in and get to know other people. Not everyone clicks but this is normal, just give people time as you have to remember this is a global programme everyone is from different backgrounds and cultures. I have actually made contacts who I plan to meet up later this year. I love the group I have made friends with and they are so much younger than me, but here age is no concern as the objective and mindset are the same. You need to embrace and be open minded. I had warm water for my shower after 2 days and I was so grateful. The Team Leaders fitted this in for me and ensured I was happy with my facilities. Do not expect 5 star luxury, you are staying in the heart of a residential village and this is real Sri Lanka. We can all have holidays but sometimes you need to kick back and appreciate where everything comes from and what people do for us outside of the UK. The turtles are just beautiful creatures, but watch your hands because they are ratty when they are hungry We cleaned their tanks, filled the tanks with clean water with labour intensive water bucket filling from the sea and carrying it back to the tanks. Clean water from the ocean is a must, you have to wash your hands all the time. We gutted sardines with our fingers, fed the turtles one at a time, washed them off with clean water after removing them from the feeding tank, cared for their eggs and eventually released a baby into the ocean if you are lucky to do this when you are there. This was just a beautiful moment, we hope they survive but at least this egg was saved from poachers and has a chance to be free in the ocean. Food wise there is plenty to eat at the house, the cooks work so hard to prepare the food. Breakfast is toast and jam with salad/ coconut rice sometimes eggs. I am gluten free so brought my own bread from the UK and I was more than happy to do this. There are plenty of restaurants outside of the house if you want to top up on food and it really is inexpensive. Great seafood and veg options. I just want to say thank you so much to Aasha House for taking care of me and keeping me going in the 33 degrees heat. We had fresh juice and water is filtered. There is also a pool at the house but you will just go to the beach every day, not to mention the beach club parties, amazing ! Beware of the Tuk Tuk drivers they can be aggressive. You have to haggle as they seriously overcharge and think you are millionaires when actually you are working for free to help their country, you just need to be savvy. Also do not travel alone if you are female and new to the area, certainly not at night. Just not safe in the sense of female security. Aasha house is cleaned regularly. Falik, Amjad, Rishad and Viduni (other staff in the house) are all there for you at the site. All your questions can be answered and they can also exchange money for you with no issues. They are a fabulous management team and seriously have to manage so many programmes and volunteers it is not easy. I really do miss the Turtles, especially George. She can never go back into the ocean as she has gas in her shell. She also has one less flipper. We all really bonded with George, and I think she did too! She loved us stroking her shell. Thank you very much for helping me through this project and I look forward to my next adventure, I had better start saving

I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be able to work so closely with sloths at the Animal Recue Centre Costa Rica. I enjoyed discovering the differences between the two types of sloths when I started volunteering there. My most memorable experiences at the rescue center were babysitting the baby sloths, helping my coordinator capture an adult sloth who escaped from its enclosure and being able to hold two little baby sloths gently and carefully on my last day to say goodbye.

The most memorable experience for me during the program was having the opportunity release baby turtles back into the ocean. This truly made me so happy. I’ve never felt more joy in my life. I’m so sad it is over.

I loved taking the disabled shelter dogs out onto the grass area at the shelter. They always get so incredibly happy and enjoy the space. It was beautiful watching the dogs go from tentative to running around like crazy with utter joy. I tear up just thinking about it.

Syringe feeding milk to the baby sloths was the most amazing experience. I was privileged to be able to help the vet when inspecting an injury to a wild sloth’s leg. It was fantastic to be surrounded by so much nature, seeing up close animals we don’t see at home in the UK and knowing that we were helping them, and learning more about the animals and birds. A great overall experience, only marred slightly by the inevitable cliques which form among some volunteers of similar ages to each other and the same nationality, making others of us feel excluded.

My most memorable experience was looking forward to feeding the beautiful elephants each day and seeing their excitement when we would arrive. In even those little interactions, you got to know a little more about the elephant’s personality each time.

being with the kids was definitely the best part of the experience. I will forever be grateful for every affectionate look, for every genuine smile, for every hug that made me feel at home, for every kind word, for all the generosity and love I have received in the last few weeks.

The trip was amazing!! Especially the scuba diving, the best part of the entire trip was when a adult manta ray swam near us. It was very eyeopening to see the different types of trash and especially with cars and car tires how they have become into a full ecosystem

I have met incredible people, and I loved the Rhino walk ! Taking care of the animals was so much fun especially with animal time. I learned so much about each and every one of them, I d love to come back as soon as I can.

Getting to work with the kids every day. Spending time with them and getting to know them was really amazing. I'm glad I brought some activities and books from home to share with them because it was really fun to share some of my favorite things from home with them and they really enjoyed it too.

It was amazing. I just can't find more words. I was at the Sloth and wildlife rescue center Costa Rica and was part of the vet team. I learned so much from the doctors, the other volunteers were really nice and friendly and we always had an inside joke of the day. I was only there for two weeks but that's an experience I won't forget. As a goodbye, they allow me to do a necropsy of a baby racoon, and all I can say is that everything I've learnt, is because of the amazing doctors that welcome me with open arms and were happy to teach me evrything they knew and more!! I'm glad I got the chance to experience this opportunity and meet so many people and made friends from around the globe!

Most memorable part was definitely helping the orphanage dart and re locate and wild Kudu that had gone into the town. It was great to see this work being done and to be part of it was incredible special

I got to meet great People. Got in contact witv animals I never seen before. Loved working with the sloths. Loved cuddling with a peccary and a coati climbed on me. Learned about the laws for protecting wildlife. Staff was amazing.

Our first day out on the water was incredible! We saw dozens of dolphins - 2 different species - and that is a sight I will never forget!! It was amazing to see them frolicking in their natural habitat. That one day was worth the entire trip and the long journey to get to Casamicciola and the Jean Gab.

I was basically living in a Zoo for 3 weeks and I loved every second of it. I got up close and personal with the animals, and there were lots of cool volunteers my age there, so it felt easy to get started.

It is a whole new world underwater. I was able to learn so much about the ocean, sea life, and how we impact the delicate and beautiful system of underwater creatures on this trip. I knew I was interested in Marine Biology which is a big reason why I chose to come on this trip, but this may have been a career changing experience for me to study marine ecology and biology.

Walking with elephants has definitely got to be one of the highlights for me. Additionally, I have met the most incredible group of people that includes other volunteers and all staff affiliated with the project. Every person that has assisted me, from the moment I got off at OR Tambo international, has been amazing. Thank you for the experience.

The whole trip was a great experience and provided amazing opportunities to connect with the locals and people around the world. I absolutely loved it and would love to go back even just for the people.

The rice puddy maintenance event is the most attractive for me. As a city grow up boy, it is not easy to have farming experience. Each step in the mud is not easy :D. Also, we can taste the herb and vegetables as well which quite different with the restaurant.

The Wilson family are amazing, the work they do is so important and I was glad I could be a part of that. I learned a lot from the volunteering and got to experience some of Zimbabwe also through the trips we had organized for us. I am already dreaming of when I'll be back

My favorite part of the entire experience was the close contact with the animals. It was very special getting to spend time with them in their enclosures, learning about their needs, and getting to walk around the rescue center to hang with the sloths. Watching the baby sloths during tree time was also so much fun and such a cool thing to get to see them up close.

My most memorable experience was going to help with the rescue and relocation of a Nyala. Riding in the pack of a pickup truck through the African Bush with the rest of the volunteers, allowed me to say to myself, “I made it, I am actually here doing this.”

Wonderful experience to work/learn with local people variety of workshops to let me know more about Japan Nozmi is well prepaing to arrange many different activities and working experience to lead us have a depth knowing about Japan. Besides, she is kind and very helpful. She take care of us everything we need.I definitely will recommend this program to Hongkongers

Micala and Ryan were so caring and great people. Always there to offer support when needed. Overall the experience was amazing, the people who I met was all so lovely and welcoming I felt like I was part of the family. Would not change anything! Just an unreal experience that I will never forget

Of course, the most memorable was visiting the schools in the near by villages. I loved the bus ride to the schools because I was able to get a glimpse of the daily lives of the people of Zanzibar. I enjoyed staying in the home with the other volunteers. I got to meet people from Portugal, Spain, Belgium, France, Finland, and the Netherlands. I am not going to lie, when I first arrived I was nervous and was asking myself what had I gotten myself into especially because I had gone alone. But it was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I will remember this experience for many years. I enjoyed meeting the coordinators who were locals as well as the ladies who went to cook and clean each day. The children at the school were lovely and so welcoming. I got the chance to stay for 2 weeks and wish I could have stayed longer. If I did it again, I’d for sure go for at least 3-4 weeks and I would recommend others to that as well.

The most memorable experience was being able to prepare the food and feed the wolves. We got to make special watermelons filled with their favourite meats and that kind of enrichment was really fun to be a part of. It was a blast preparing all that with the wonderful people who were also volunteering at the reserve!

I’ll never forget the novelty and cuteness overload of seeing free ranging kangaroos with baby joeys in the pouch! The rangers were so knowledgeable about how each animal interacted with the natural environment, it’s clear that educating people about maintaining the integrity of the animals’ natural habitat is of utmost importance to this sanctuary.

One of the most remarkable aspects of my time at the orphanage was the up-close and personal approach to working with the animals. Whether it was feeding monkeys or cleaning out lion cages, I was constantly amazed by the level of trust and connection that the animals had with the staff. The experiences I had were nothing short of extraordinary. Getting to know the individual personalities of the resident animals, like the mischievous monkey named Jasper or the friendly lion named Dash, was a privilege I'll cherish forever.

During out stay, we released a Hyena and a Leopard from the African Wildlife Orphanage to a National Park.The Moment the Hyena realised it was free and run into the open plain was breathtakingly beautiful.

We loved working with the animals each day. We got to learn their story, learn about caring for them and what each animal needed, and got to work hands on in many different facets of their care. Being on the orphanage was such a memorable and enriching experience, the people we worked with were wonderful!

I can't possibly choose between all the memorable experiences! Feeding the lions, encountering elephants and rhinos, catching a glimpse of a wild bush baby at night, and seeing Victoria Falls all spring to mind!

One of the most remarkable aspects of my time at the orphanage was the up-close and personal approach to working with the animals. Whether it was feeding monkeys or cleaning out lion cages, I was constantly amazed by the level of trust and connection that the animals had with the staff. The experiences I had were nothing short of extraordinary. Getting to know the individual personalities of the resident animals, like the mischievous monkey named Jasper or the friendly lion named Dash, was a privilege I'll cherish forever.

The most memorable experience for me has been the placement. The English I have been able to teach in th short two weeks I've been in Hua Hin have made a real difference for the kids I've had the pleasure of working with. If I could extend my placement, I certainly would.

It's difficult to pick a specific moment, as the experience as a whole was very memorable to me. Being part of the day to day life at the farm, working with the animals, and just living differently than at home was very enriching.

It is an amazing experience! The family running the African Wildlife Orphanage are doing an amazing job. We learned a lot from them. We were very well looked after and enjoyed every minute! Thank you!!

I especially enjoyed the meals and just standing in line and then eating with the young monks. The food was very good and I had no stomach problems the whole time. The little kids are very sweet and full of energy!

We woke up and headed out for our early Monday morning game drive and within 10 minutes we encountered buffalo chasing lions! Yes, that way round! The lions had killed a baby buffalo near the camp during the night and the buffalo were chasing them away from it. The chased them for probably about 2 hours!

Looking after the baby sloths in the rescue hospital was one of the most memorable moments for me. Especially when we had to help them excise and get them strong enough so that they could be released into the wild when they are old enough

My most memorable experience at the African wildlife ranch would have to be the Croc cage diving animal encounter, as it was absolutely spectacular to see and admire the animal up close and in its prime.

Spent 24 hours out in the wild bush with 3 volunteers, 2 professional guides, and a well trained dog. Walking around discussing tracks, animals and vegetation. Then slept by a fire under the stars. Probably the best experience of my life so far!

My most memorable part of the program was not only the work with the turtles and the behind the scenes efforts that go into it,but the sense of community and friendship through the coordinators and group activities which made this trip so memorable. Ketut, Gde and Agus are some of the nicest people I have ever met, they are so welcoming and friendly and do such amazing work for the turtles and the environment which is truly aspirational. I'd recommend to anyone to do the bali turtle conservation trip!

The love and kindness of the community was heart warming! The knowledge of the area, culture and wildlife was thorough! The other volunteers I met will be life long friends. I will definitely be back. Thank you for such an amazing experience !!!! Thank you Gyme-Lynn Bennett

Yana Cocha has fulfilled every thing I ever wanted from my volunteer experience with wildlife. I wish them the very best and hope goeco continues to help their great rescue mission with help from volunteers the best possible way you can.

My most memorable experience was rice harvesting with locals. I really got a glimpse into life on Sado as a farmer and the locals were always super nice. We worked hard and they were always very appreciative and I will always remember that.

The staff and volunteers are extremely welcoming, kind, and compassionate. We learned so much about conservation and the caring for the animals. It was an extremely enrichment experience for our family, especially my 9 and 11 year old kids.

Interaction with the kids filled my heart and soul with joy. I am absolutely thrilled to had been given this opportunity to share my enthusiasm and love for people with the Balinese future. I'm looking forward to my next trip, hoping to make that trip soon.

It is impossible to pick just one! But I was able to attend a traditional African church service on Heritage weekend; the opportunity came from the principal at the township school I worked with. Several volunteers went and it was an incredible experience!

After removing two bags of fishing equipment that were stuck under the rocks and left, i looked up right in the eyes of the biggest crab that I’ve ever seen in my entire life, and it just stood there, watching us cleaning his home. That made an incredible impression on me and i don’t think I’ll ever forget that.

After dinner I would oftentimes sit with fluent Spanish speakers and we would exchange words in English/Spanish. Not only was this extremely helpful to improve my Spanish, but there were moments I laughed so hard that water came out of my nose. I will cherish every part of this experience, but I might remember the little, seemingly insignificant, moments more than others.

During my time at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue, I have been able to meet people from around the globe, interact with animals I had never even heard of, and become emerged in the culture of this country. My most memorable experience was when I first arrived at the rescue center. I have never been around so many people who care for animals as much as I do. It was a truly heartwarming situation.

I was very anxious to do any voluntary work, but as I had a short break from work to recover from life I thought this is the moment to embrace some hands on experience outside of the UK. Everyone essentially is travelling alone or with an academic institution. The age range can be from 16 to 60 years, it all depends on who attends what projects and when. I was so nervous and GoEco were the only programme out of a couple that I had contacted globally who provided consistent communication and spoke to me at my time UK time within reasonable hours, irrespective for the time on their side. Elinor was great she really helped me select the right programme to reflect my objectives at this time and the duration I was available for. I honestly could not decide. However, that said I decided to go on the Turtle Rehabilitation Programme in Sri Lanka. It was the best decision of my life. Zoe then jumped in to ensure my documents were all up to date and I was happy with what was going to happen next, just a phone call away. Don't get me wrong it is hard work and the night patrol was hard, but looking back after completing the experience is was an absolute blessing to be part of such a project. GoEco team are contactable from beginning to the end. They message on WhatsApp and are there if you need them. The project you select also add you to a group chat and are always there to answer questions. You will get picked up and from that point are taken care of, security is excellent at the volunteer house (Aasha House). I stayed in a separate room near the house in a guest house as I needed AC to keep the mosquitos off me during the night, there are plenty of ceiling fans at the house. My guest house was very spacious and cool, only issue I had loud walkers upstairs so I didn't really sleep well so hopefully this aspect will improve moving forward. That said, I was always at the house with then other volunteers. Citronella pure oil is just amazing and works fabulously as a repellent, which can be bought across the road outside of the house. My location was in Unawatuna Beach. We were literally walking distance to the beach restaurants and the main road where you can make purchases and also go to the infamous coffee house 'Wild & Sage'. Here you can grab a latte, read a book or crack on, on your laptop. Some you time. There are also plenty of Spa places to go to, my recommendation would be Kahuna Spa on Beach Road. Time really does fly and the programme is very structured as soon as you arrive. This helps to integrate volunteers quickly. You will feel nervous at first but I promise you after a day or so you will settle in and get to know other people. Not everyone clicks but this is normal, just give people time as you have to remember this is a global programme everyone is from different backgrounds and cultures. I have actually made contacts who I plan to meet up later this year. I love the group I have made friends with and they are so much younger than me, but here age is no concern as the objective and mindset are the same. You need to embrace and be open minded. I had warm water for my shower after 2 days and I was so grateful. The Team Leaders fitted this in for me and ensured I was happy with my facilities. Do not expect 5 star luxury, you are staying in the heart of a residential village and this is real Sri Lanka. We can all have holidays but sometimes you need to kick back and appreciate where everything comes from and what people do for us outside of the UK. The turtles are just beautiful creatures, but watch your hands because they are ratty when they are hungry We cleaned their tanks, filled the tanks with clean water with labour intensive water bucket filling from the sea and carrying it back to the tanks. Clean water from the ocean is a must, you have to wash your hands all the time. We gutted sardines with our fingers, fed the turtles one at a time, washed them off with clean water after removing them from the feeding tank, cared for their eggs and eventually released a baby into the ocean if you are lucky to do this when you are there. This was just a beautiful moment, we hope they survive but at least this egg was saved from poachers and has a chance to be free in the ocean. Food wise there is plenty to eat at the house, the cooks work so hard to prepare the food. Breakfast is toast and jam with salad/ coconut rice sometimes eggs. I am gluten free so brought my own bread from the UK and I was more than happy to do this. There are plenty of restaurants outside of the house if you want to top up on food and it really is inexpensive. Great seafood and veg options. I just want to say thank you so much to Aasha House for taking care of me and keeping me going in the 33 degrees heat. We had fresh juice and water is filtered. There is also a pool at the house but you will just go to the beach every day, not to mention the beach club parties, amazing ! Beware of the Tuk Tuk drivers they can be aggressive. You have to haggle as they seriously overcharge and think you are millionaires when actually you are working for free to help their country, you just need to be savvy. Also do not travel alone if you are female and new to the area, certainly not at night. Just not safe in the sense of female security. Aasha house is cleaned regularly. Falik, Amjad, Rishad and Viduni (other staff in the house) are all there for you at the site. All your questions can be answered and they can also exchange money for you with no issues. They are a fabulous management team and seriously have to manage so many programmes and volunteers it is not easy. I really do miss the Turtles, especially George. She can never go back into the ocean as she has gas in her shell. She also has one less flipper. We all really bonded with George, and I think she did too! She loved us stroking her shell. Thank you very much for helping me through this project and I look forward to my next adventure, I had better start saving

The staff at the dog rescue center are incredible people with huge hearts. It is a unique facility unlike anything I have been able to find elsewhere. I’m so glad I was able to be a part of their mission.

Individual experiences are not what make a trip of this sorts memorable. It’s all the people you meet. From this trip, so many individuals of varying backgrounds have touched my heart and greatly impacted my life.

On our final dive, a hawksbill turtle swam up to our group and nestled with us shortly, before swimming off towards the surface. To have that experience with such an endangered animal was like something out of a dream, and a great privilege.

Working with the elephants was amazing hand and experience of a lifetime but it's not for the faint hearted it is hard work especially in the heat and humidity but so worthwhile. The Thai people are lovely and the staff that worked there are two it is a very well run organisation

Met amazing people from all over the world. Experienced culture much different to what I'm use to. Got to try out so many new things, like horse riding, going on safari, eating amazing food, and having great interactions with people of all kinds. I know this is not the answer this question wanted, but to pick the favorite experience from everything, is pretty much impossible. But if I really had to pick one, I'd start with day one. Due to my arrival off usual schedule, I did participate in the cleaning of crocodile enclosure my very first day. It was hard and messy work, but I enjoyed every secound of it, since I rarely get the chance to do anything like it. It was solid 4 hours of carrying buckets filled with "mud" left and right and after we finished we were exhausted. Me and one other volunteer could not get the smell out of our clothes for three days and we tried washing it many, many times. And I love it. Sure, to whoever is reading this; it may sound a bit weird that I loved this so much (along with basically everything) but not everything is about glamorous moments. Sometimes is just about experiencing something you don't get to do normaly, and in SA, that was definetly the case. Wouldn't trade it for anything. Honestly, just typing about the trip, right now, in the middle of the night, is bringing a smile on my face and that, I think, makes everything worth it far more than I ever thought it would. Thank you for everything. All of you!

The love and kindness of the community was heart warming! The knowledge of the area, culture and wildlife was thorough! The other volunteers I met will be life long friends. I will definitely be back. Thank you for such an amazing experience !!!! Thank you Gyme-Lynn Bennett

The staff was so nice and welcoming. I went alone and because of the great staff felt a part of the group and had a great time. The food was amazing. In the morning I would go sit and watch the waves come in because I don't drink coffee. It was so relaxing and peaceful. Although we killed a good number of Lionfish, I'm not sure we made a big impact. I do have to say it was very disheartening how much plastic we collected only to collect the same amount the next time we went. The tree weeks were well worth the money, and I would recommend it to anyone I know that wants to learn to scuba or is scuba certified. Thanks for the greatest experience of my life. I hope to be able to do it again soon.

Participating in a turtle release. Taking one if the older turtles down to the beach where the coordinators performed a blessing ceremony. Then watching the turtle slowly crawl to the water and disappear.

Hi one day I went to Israel for my internship but I really enjoyed within my friends because the program was international where I met new people like Philippines, srilanka,indians,Cameroon and many more. I experienced in agriculture fields like planting, harvesting, weeding etc I experienced in tours we went to holy places like river Jordan, Nazareth Jerusalem and much more thanks

As a volunteer at Chipangali over Christmas and New Years was one of the best experiences I’ve had so far. We booked this trip over two years ago but due to COVID we only got to go in December 22. The whole experience was great and everyone from the staff to the Wilson family are second to none. Other volunteers are helpful and everyone works together to achieve one common goal. As an older couple we took on the role as parents to other volunteers lol. We had options everyday after work to do what we wanted. We could rest in our room or socialize with the others. The rhino encounter was educational and also a once in a lifetime experience. The excursions were all optional and nothing was forced upon you. The Wilson family are super friendly and they are willing to do anything for you and the animals.

Nothing compares to these types of volunteering projects. Nothing. Traveling is fun but immersing yourself in a culture is another story in itself. With Maximo Nivel I was able to learn the local language, cultural rules and have the opportunity of eating the food. Super good food by the way. Living with a family can be scary but I am happy that I was not alone. I super duper recommend learning the local lingo before heading out. It will be essential to say the least. Just have fun. Appreciate what you have and how you got here. Be ready to learn from every person and experience. Literally, ride the wave. Good luck my duudes

Volunteered at a care home for dementia patients in San Jose for three weeks. I had done very little volunteering of this type before, but I absolutely loved it! All of the staff and patients were wonderful and I learned a lot about compassion.

Volunteering at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center was the most fun I’ve ever had. I got to spend everyday feeding animals I’ve never heard of until I had arrived. And the other people I worked with we’re so kind and fun. And almost all of the volunteers were 18-25 years old. The center helped organize trips for us to go out every week (waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches). So grateful!!!

The whole stay was very unique. the young group of volunteers with us and the staff were truely amazing, and exteremly proffassional. gave me and the griend that was traveling with me a chance to really get to know the culture, the vibe, and of-course the animals of Costa Rica up close. i wouldnt recommend more than a week's satey, if you dont have much time to travle in Costa Rica. would probably do it again, if I ever come back (and I do hope I will...) all in all, great experience! PURA VIDA

I had an amazing time volunteering with wildlife in Israel. It's a completely unique environment and the staff running the project were very friendly and welcoming. The work was never boring and the animals are very well cared for (as are the volunteers). It was a very comfortable, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the staff made sure we got to experience life outside of the project as well. I'd recommend it to anyone, not only for the volunteer work but also as an opportunity to see Israel and have a very unique experience.

The live-aboard dolphin project in Ischia, Italy truly changed my life. Each day we set sail and interacted with pods of dolphins and whales, as well as encountered mobula rays, sunfish, and a few species of sea birds. The generosity of spirit and openness to volunteers and participants from all cultures made the experience even more enjoyable and important to me. When not on the water, we spent time in Ischia, getting gelato, pizza, and exploring the hot springs and beaches. I would highly recommend this project to people from all walks of life, students, families, travelers, photographers - anyone will have a great time here!

I really enjoyed the turtle project! I felt like my work really had an impact and I was grateful that I could work with the turtles. I also loved the other volunteers and got to interact with the locals who were also super friendly.

It's difficult to decide what's most memorable! The diving here is unreal! Everything. Is so beautiful. The food they provide is absolutely delicious, and the instructors and other volunteers are so great!

The most memorable experience i am taking home from the sanctuary is the release of the scooter monkeys & turtles. It's such an overwhelming experience.. To know that the teams work along w the monkeys will, to return to a place they once called home.

Having the opportunity to work at program has been a pleasure and something to learn lots from, and I only found them because of you. The people are so nice, welcoming and the lodge is also fun to live in. Overall a great experience so far.

The wildlife Sanctuary was an amazing experience and not only did I get to connect with amazing volunteers from around the world, I also got to connect with amazing animals. everything was so hands on and personal, and the experience has definitely changed me.

My most memorable moments at the African Wildlife Orphanage have been in the daily free time given to volunteers. Walking around the property, experiencing the animals myself, and taking time to write, draw, and reflect on my surroundings and volunteer work let me appreciate the work we do even more.

The most memorable experience was definitely when our whole group watched the sunset together and went swimming after our afternoon beach clean up. It really connected us all and made us appreciate everything we are able to experience so much. All in all, it was great that our camp was right at the beach.

It's pretty cool to see young adults actually pay money to come out here and work hard for a place they have no connection to. The wildlife shouldn't have to be impacted by the human species, and these volunteers make sure of that.

My favorite part by far was the people. I really enjoyed getting to know them and trying to learn their language and learn about their way of life. I cant really pick my most memerable moment as there was so many good interactions. From yelling iNdeble phrases to each other to sitting after dinner with tea and talking with one of the senior staff members about our different cultures. I did really enjoy the experience. The staff, other volunteers, family, animals. It was really nice to see that little part of the world and even go to Victoria Falls! Also Zoe was wonderful in helping me through everything.

Getting to see everything from nurse sharks to turtles to dolphins while scuba diving has been an incredible experience. Living on the island and getting to disconnect from technology also helps create meaningful relationships with both the staff and the other volunteers. And the food on the island is AMAZING!

The best part of this particular program is the isolated community environment. You're stuck on an island with a handful of other volunteers, no internet or cell reception, and that facilitates a great sense of community.

Working on the island has been an experience of a lifetime. I'm so grateful to travel the world while also making an impact. I absolutely love working with GoEco, without it, I wouldn't be so rich in life experiences. I just want to thank GoEco for reaching out and for the discounted rate! I would never have gotten to do this had I not received information they were in need of volunteers.

The most memorable experience i am taking home from Yanacocha is the release of the scooter monkeys & turtles. It’s such an overwhelming experience..To know that the teams work along w the monkeys will, to return to a place they once called home. Make volunteers more aware of the living situations. That way they can bring more stuff they would need. Also, making them aware if they are vegan/ vegetarian.. to bring protein supplements/powder because they won’t get the nutritional value they would normally get

Absolutely fantastic program. The animals are so well looked after by the most amazing, friendly people you could ever meet. Considering this was my first volunteering experience and being a slightly apprehensive 54years old, I would go back to the ranch tomorrow.

The entire experience was relevant, important, and directly addressed the needs of the schools, families, and community of the settlements in Cape Town. The work at the schools with children, staff, and families was rewarding. Through this wonderful work, hope and possibilities for the future are fostered. The pre-planning experience from my initial inquiry through pre-placement organization, and mid program check-in from the Go Eco Team was efficient, and reassured me that I was dealing with a legitimate organization that had my best interest in mind. I felt supported, safe, important, and valued. Thank you for your ongoing support.

There was such a good vibe and drive in the group, so fixing the fence one of the days went fast as everyone was working hard and cheering each other on and we all felt we were making a difference. Feeding all the animals was more than amazing! Tassin made us feel very welcome in her home and was very helpful.

I absolutely loved my time at the ranch. The team at the ranch are so welcoming and make you feel right at home. They really want you to have an amazing experience and the way the program is set up you get such a wide variety of experiences. Living situation was amazing! Beautiful house, very comfortable, plenty of space and great amenities.The program is well run and you get to work in so many different areas that it really helps to understand all the different animals and their needs.

Working with the rangers and getting to care for the animals was an incredible experience. I also loved being able to go walk around the park at my leisure after the work was done and hang out with kangaroos and Happy Feet the emu.

Everyone on the GoEco team was very responsive and easy to communicate with. From start to finish, this group was very helpful, as well as the other workers within the shelter. I would definitely do another program if the opportunity presents itself.

Everything was amazing! Right from the start with customer service at GoEco to the team at the park. Everyone was fantastic. I knew exactly what to expect with all the information given to me beforehand. I loved every minute of it.

It was an incredible experience, the staff is very serious and competent. They really need our support to allow animals to live in the best conditions. Every day we learn how to take care of them with dedication and self-sacrifice. Loving animals does not mean stroking and kissing them all day or feeding them, it means making them live in healthy conditions and protecting them from environmental aggressions. I recommend it to all animal lovers.

I really enjoyed my project with sea birds and especially penguins. I am glad I had the chance to take part in this experience because everyday it made me feel useful and necessary. I spent most of the time with penguins: feeding, preparing the meds. I helped them feeding the penguins, preparing the medications, cleaning. We spent a lot of time also in the kitchen and do the laundry, but everybody was helping each other, making the days more enjoyable.

Working with the sea turtles in Indonesia, I not only got to be hands on in their conservation, but I also got to see a turtle released back into the wild as well as a new nest of babies hatch. It was an experience I will never forget. The coordinators at the sea turtle conservation center are doing an amazing job to make sure that the volunteers are learning about the animals as well as having a good time and I couldn’t have asked for four better people than Agus, Ketut, Gede and Yoan!

I loved my experience working at the school. It was incredibly rewarding and I really felt like I was a part of the community. I enjoyed working with the older ladies in the community as well. It was a great experience!

I loved my experience working at the school. It was incredibly rewarding and I really felt like I was a part of the community. I enjoyed working with the older ladies in the community as well. It was a great experience!

Although the quad biking adventure and the volunteering at Aldea Yanapay were also particularly brilliant, the highlight would have to be the second day of the Inca Quarry Trek. Despite originally opting for the Classic Inca Trail, this was prohibited due to recent landslides so Bamba Experience was flexible by offering us this alternative with free hiking poles and a free sleeping bag to compensate. The friendly, gentle nature of our guide, Vidal, was absolute exceptional. He watched over us constantly, and always ensured we were safe and happy, as well as extremely well informed about the Inca sites we passed. He - as well as the sense of achievement of reaching the 4500m summit on the second day - was the definite highlight of the 2 week program.

I couldn’t have imagined how amazing this trip was. I was first of all I wasn’t so keen on doing time in Quito before the animal centre but I am so glad I did. What an incredible city witch amazing activities organised by Go Eco. It was all memorable.

The team were amazing and great to work with! Learnt so much from the experience, would recommend this to anyone who lives marine animals and is willing to work hard and get dirty! The meal options should really be improved, the food is fine for short term volunteers.

Everyone on the GoEco team was very responsive and easy to communicate with. From start to finish, this group was very helpful, as well as the other workers within the shelter. I would definitely do another program if the opportunity presents itself.

I think that the entire trip itself was the most memorable experience I’ve ever had in my life so far, I’m already planning to go back again this year! But Victoria falls was by far my favorite place that I got to visit in Zimbabwe while I was there.This was the best trip of my life I’d recommend doing it to anybody.

It was great to see all the Australian animals in the sanctuary and work with the amazing people working in the wildlife park! We got a good training on how to behave in the bush and how to react towards snakes and spiders. Was a great experience

Working with the sea turtles in Indonesia, I not only got to be hands on in their conservation, but I also got to see a turtle released back into the wild as well as a new nest of babies hatch. It was an experience I will never forget. The coordinators at the sea turtle conservation center are doing an amazing job to make sure that the volunteers are learning about the animals as well as having a good time and I couldn’t have asked for four better people.

Actually every single moment in the sanctuary are memorable. Watching them living happily in the park make me feel so good because it shows that our work such as food preparation and cleaning are helpful. Thanks for providing this opportunity to work in the park as well as taking care of our accommodation, food and transport like the back supports that make us just enjoy the volunteer in the park.

Rangers and the programme coordinator Sam has share some of the history and development of the wildlife park, and the most unforgettable one is that the park was influenced by the bushfire and have to evacuate around 5 months ago. And that's so touchable. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to GoEco and the sanctuary. Thank you all of you to provide a chance for us to take care about those animals and help to maintain the daily operation that a shelter will face.