Biological Research Volunteer Programs in Asia

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

As a volunteer on this dynamic project you will help with conservation efforts of these two endangered animals. You will also be engaging with and providing aid to the indigenous Batek tribe through community projects. The inclusion of the local people is vital to the conservation of the wildlife corridors as essentially, the local people are the eyes and ears of the forest. You will join the local Batek tribe on foraging walks and camping in the rainforest as well as teach the children of their village English. Your adventure slows down a pace and as you head to the Perhentian Islands where you will be involved in essential photo identification research, as well as guarding turtle nesting beaches at night. You will join volunteer efforts developing a population consensus of sea turtles on the islands and training local snorkel guides and tourists on tourist conservation. At night, you will visit turtle nesting beaches and help inform the fisheries staff when a turtle is nesting on the beach, preventing poachers from stealing the eggs.

Lying in the crystal-clear tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao’s abundant and diverse coral reefs offer some of the finest scuba diving found anywhere on the planet! The perfect location to maximize your diving and reef ecology experience, this exciting and in-depth program has been specifically designed for volunteers wishing to engage in marine conservation activities that protect, restore, and conserve Koh Tao’s coral reefs. With both 4 and 8-week programs available, get ready for a comprehensive marine conservation experience! If you're looking for a little more, join us for a full 12 weeks and complete an award-winning Divemaster training course, which is perfect if you wish to achieve a professional diving qualification that allows you to transform your passion into a paid job!

Lead your own research projects and get work published as you live, work, and dive in one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. Here’s an incredible opportunity for marine science students and early-career researchers. Come work alongside experts as you study coral bleaching, corallivorous invertebrates, and ocean pollution, with a focus towards developing community-based, grassroots conservation strategies. You’ll be responsible for leading, maintaining, and developing their ongoing research projects, whilst also having the chance to devise your own. Part of your work here will be to communicate your findings on two levels: in high-quality reports & journals directed at the scientific community; and in info packs & educational resources for community outreach. As a Research Fellow you’ll also be in charge of training the research assistants. So, not only will you develop expert knowledge on ecology and marine science, not only will you gain in-field experience conducting underwater research dives, you’ll be teaching others too. You'll experience lecturing on topics of marine conservation, instructing SCUBA dives, and managing teams on projects.

We have a program open to participants who want to help our Medical Mobile Van Team. Under this project, our prime focus is to provide for and support the population living in rural areas and slums in Jaipur. The clinic reassures them that they are not alone in this world, strengthens their self-confidence and shows that somebody is there to care for, love and support them Our mobile van, a well-equipped clinic, operates daily and caters directly to our target population to offer them counseling, health, and medical services. The clinic reassures them that they are not alone in the world. As a medical volunteer, your role will be mainly observational. If you have no experience, doctors will show you all they can as well as introduce you to many different cases. You will be given more responsibilities, including the possibility of more hands-on work if you possess a medical background. This service is generally for the children or people which are not able to afford medicine, doctor fees, not aware by the diseases and come from BPL (below poverty line).

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

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

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

Discover the wonders of marine life in the Philippines while helping to save its oceans with Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP). As a volunteer, you'll get hands-on experience in protecting coral reefs, from building artificial reefs to surveying underwater ecosystems. These surveys help scientists understand the health of coral reefs and guide conservation efforts. But it's not just about diving. You'll also join MCP's efforts on land, teaching local schools and communities about ocean conservation. By spreading awareness and empowering others to take action, you'll be making a real difference in protecting marine life. From teaching first aid to organizing fun activities for kids, MCP volunteers are ambassadors for change, working together to preserve our oceans for the future.

Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Thailand This is a 4 week field course that offers university students the opportunity to join an ongoing research project studying the behavior and ecology of re-wilded Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Students will gain hands-on experience in animal behavior sampling methods, research design, and behavioral data analysis. Students will learn critical thinking and problem solving skills for implementing successful field research protocols, learn the fundamentals of recording and interpreting animal behavior, all while collaborating with indigenous mahouts (elephant keepers) and their community as they work to conserve the forest. By promoting a multispecies approach to conservation, this course not only improves outcomes for animals and the environment, but also recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and well-being. In addition to participating in this vital research, students will have the chance to learn from expert staff, mahouts, and community leaders, and gain cultural immersion. Perfect for students with a passion for biology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior and welfare.

Experience the best of village life in Nepal while working to protect wildlife and the environment. Nepal may be known for its spectacular mountains, but some of its most important wildlife lives in the forests. If you join this project, you’ll be based in the lush and beautiful Community Forests of Chitwan National Park. Here, you’ll spot the powerful one-horned rhino. This area was created to protect the rhino population, along with the elusive Bengal tigers who roam these forests. Your job as a conservation volunteer will be to collect data, conduct surveys, set camera traps, and maintain the reserve. You’ll be helping to keep animals safe while creating a welcoming space for visitors.

Participate in this amazing program from World Unite! Immerse yourself in rural Japanese culture on scenic Sado Island while helping protect the endangered Crested Ibis—Japan's iconic bird—and conserve the agricultural heritage of terraced rice fields set up during the Edo Period. You'll join other international volunteers at the Mother Nature Conservation Camp on Sado Island, Japan, and live in the middle of traditional terraced rice fields overlooking the ocean. You'll encounter various conservation activities, guided by a professional biologist, an experienced community guide, and a rice farmer. If you enjoy nature and are interested in the traditions of Japan, this is your program! The traditional rice paddies are feeding and breeding grounds of the Crested Ibis, which became completely extinct in Japan but was later reintroduced. You will optimize rice fields and biotopes as feeding and breeding grounds for the Crested Ibis while being part of a traditional rice farming community. You'll learn how to cultivate organic rice traditionally, how to grow Shiitake mushrooms, and learn many traditional skills of the Iwakuni community members.

Volunteer in this conservation program and contribute to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of orphaned, injured, and endangered birds in Jaipur. We aim to protect the health and well-being of various species through immediate rescue operations and care. We also conduct public education to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and birds. Work alongside avian experts on a range of activities, from responding to distress calls to ensuring the safe return of rehabilitated birds to their natural habitats. This program strives to raise awareness and educate communities on bird conservation through training, workshops, and campaigns. We advocate for bird-friendly practices and policies, joining forces with educational institutions, wildlife organizations, and local authorities, extending our impact beyond Jaipur. Join us in this unique initiative and make a difference, one bird at a time.

Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organisation, working alongside university and college academics to build long-term datasets to put towards various conservation management goals. We recruit volunteers to help out with the data collection and train them in the skills and background that are needed to help effectively. There's also the option to complete dissertations or senior theses at our sites. The Indonesia projects are based on Buton Island and the nearby Wakatobi island group, and are Opwall's longest-running projects. The marine site alone has published over 90 scientific papers, and the forest site has described 21 new vertebrate species to science. The marine site also feeds data gathered from the reef monitoring programs directly back to the Indonesian government. There are a large number of ongoing projects students can get involved with, with surveys on everything from the endemic Buton macaque down to herpetofauna and invertebrate species.

South Korea has a unique culture and history that has already reached far beyond Asia, impacting many parts of the Western world. In just a few decades, the Land of the Morning Calm rose to one of the globe’s richest economies and hosts many world-renowned brands from various industries - a dynamic backdrop from which to get a taste of the working world! From the hustle and bustle of Seoul to seaside Busan, there is something for everyone: ・Travel back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village ・Bibimbap, Kimchi, Patbingsu: Dive into the world of Korean delicacies ・Grasp the enormousness of Seoul at N Seoul Tower ・Go party-hopping in Hongik ・Hike Mudeungsan National Park As your gateway to Asia, Meiji Internships will accompany you throughout your journey. Kick-start your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice. We work with an extended network of 750+ partner companies in 8 countries to help pave the way for your future! You create your journey! Broaden not just your horizon, but also your professional network in the Far East!

Indo Ocean Project was founded in 2017 by marine biologists, dive instructors, and ocean enthusiasts from around the globe to create a standardized data collection and research diver training program in Indonesia. We collaborate with NGO’s, governments agencies, and institutions to carry out our scientific, conservation, and research goals with the help of our dive master and research diver training program. We are constantly seeking hard working ocean warriors to join our team at one of our three project locations: 1. Nusa Penida (Bali) 2. Tanjung Bira (South Sulawesi) 3. Raja Ampat (West Papua) Join our award winning program and complete internationally recognized certifications while taking an active role as a research assistant. Work alongside a team of ocean professionals and gain hands on experience in underwater research methods. Become a dive master in the heart of the coral triangle and meet like minded people from around the world. Applications are accepted year-round on rolling start dates. However, with limited spaces available we ask you to be as flexible as possible. Spots tend to fill up 4-6 months in advanced. Start your online application today.

Kindred Spirit is looking for volunteers to come out and help its new elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand. The sanctuary has just rescued four elephants from the tourism industry, and it has brought them home to live out their lives in the forest, in semi-wild conditions. The sanctuary needs volunteers to help keep these elephants happy and healthy in their natural habitat. Volunteers will carry out health checks, perform research on their natural behaviors and the surrounding forest, and take part in community projects, such as teaching English at a school and to other locals, cutting grass for the elephants during the dry season, helping out in the fields, planting and harvesting crops, and educating both locals and tourists on the captive elephant situation in Thailand to help combat illegal trade. Days begin with early morning hikes through the forest to find the elephants, staying with them while observing and taking data on their natural behaviors until lunch. Some days, lunch is eaten with the elephants in the forest. Upon returning to the village, community projects are carried out.

Ever wondered how turtle conservation and coral rehabilitation work? Interested in learning about them? Want to feel what it's like living off-grid on a tropical island surrounded by stunning blue ocean? Well, this volunteering program is precisely for you! Join our team as a volunteer on Lang Tengah Island in Malaysia, where we work to protect, monitor and study marine turtles, save their nests from poachers and monitor lizards, and help rehabilitate the coral reef fringing the island. Join us on nightly patrols looking for nesting turtles, relocating their eggs for safe incubation, and collecting scientific data to further our understanding of these majestic creatures. Witness the beautiful moment of baby sea turtles scampering towards the ocean. Dive into the bright blue waters to enjoy our marine ecosystem and understand the threats they face. Experience life off-grid at our research station on Lang Tengah Island and learn more about the surrounding ecosystem that makes our world beautiful. Join us today and be a part of our wonderful team!

WWF-Vietnam offers a unique volunteer program for individuals passionate about environmental conservation. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam boasts rich biodiversity, including rare species and diverse ecosystems. Volunteers engage in hands-on projects that protect wildlife, restore habitats, and promote sustainable practices. This program provides practical experience in conservation efforts within a dynamic and culturally rich environment. The program is open to individuals aged 18 and above with a strong interest in environmental issues. Program durations vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, allowing flexibility to accommodate different schedules. Participants gain valuable skills, contribute to meaningful conservation work, and immerse themselves in Vietnam's vibrant culture.