Since the Maldives are a series of islands, most volunteer placements focus on marine conservation, but other popular placements include working with children and community development. No matter your interests and skill set, there is a perfect opportunity for you to volunteer abroad in the Maldives.

Marine Conservation. The Maldive islands have had an explosive geographic history. The islands were created from volcanic eruptions, giving them very distinct geographical features, including submarine mountains and atolls, which have led the way for impressive marine life across over 1,000 islands. Marine conservation volunteer work is very important in island communities, and there are many marine centers where volunteers can dedicate their time to research and rehabilitation of marine life.

Education. Volunteers can create lasting friendships with local Maldivians through teaching placements. While assisting teachers in their daily work, volunteers will be able to help local students improve their language skills and build confidence so they can be more successful in their educational endeavors. The age of students usually ranges from primary school (six to 10 years old) to high school (11 to 16 years old). Lessons will be more successful if they are more interactive, as more interaction will help improve students’ conversational skills more effectively.

Community Development. Creating a strong sense of community is always an important aspect of volunteering abroad. Not only do you want to feel like a member of the community during your volunteer program in the Maldives, but you are specifically there to help make the lives of locals better! Participating in community development volunteer programs in the Maldives, like beach clean-ups, reef clearing, and farm work, will provide you with numerous ways to lend a helping hand, no matter what your skill set.

Youth Development. The goal of youth-focused volunteer work in the Maldives is to encourage children and teens to interact with you and each other through games and sports, in order to create a stronger sense of community. Youth development volunteers may find themselves volunteering with local organizations, NGOs, and even in local schools, where they will have the opportunity to engage with kids through various activities, ranging from futbol to dancing to swimming.

Individuals can choose to volunteer abroad in the Maldives for anywhere from two weeks to a month, but it is equally possible to stay for even longer. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, so volunteers are not expected to know the language before arrival. However, as with most countries, knowing how to say keywords will be extremely helpful and show locals how interested you are in their culture.