There are people to help, schools to build, and animals to save all over the world. How does one even begin to pick a location for summer volunteering abroad? It’s recommended to examine which type of environment most floats your boat and decide on what kinds of project placements you’d like to lend a hand in.

Southeast Asia. Soak up the sun on white beaches, book a couple of massages, and live the high life in this part of the world (when not busy saving lives, of course). Befriend (komodo) dragons in Indonesia or gawk at the world’s largest religious monument in Cambodia. Sing along with the happy locals that invented karaoke in The Philippines, or chill with Buddha and crocodiles in the “Land of the Free,” Thailand. Most of these countries focus on community service, animal conservation, and English-teaching volunteer placements and offer plenty of relaxation options when off the clock.

South America. Keep in mind that seasons are going to be flipped here, so pack a jacket in addition to the bikini. Then, layer up and tackle a hike through Patagonia in Chile or drive through the salt flats in Bolivia. Brush up on your tango in Argentina (the bottles of cheap and delicious wine will help) or learn basic cumbia steps in Colombia (here, opt for the coffee to keep you going all night long). South American summer volunteer programs are vast, with many dedicated to environmental work and education. Feel small in big places and tickle your taste buds with South America’s expansive nature, flavorful cuisine, and sense of community.

Eastern Europe. There’s more to Europe than touristic monuments, tapas, and beer festivals. Eastern Europe is often overshadowed by its Western counterpart, which is when it comes to offering many summer volunteer placements in cheaper, more authentic, countries. Taste all of the borsch varieties in Ukraine, tip-toe around Dracula’s Transylvanian kingdom in Romania, and hit up the beaches in the budding Baltic countries: Lithuania and Estonia. Hospitality is top-notch and national cuisines are hearty as you get involved with construction projects and school positions.