Trail Building Volunteer Programs

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

Volunteer with animals and preserve nature in the bright lands of Valencia, Spain. The endless coast draws many, but the beautiful mountains, forests, islands, and cool rivers further in, offer just as much fun. The plethora of geography brings with it a wide diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are in need of human support. Volunteers can choose between the two different locations and types of work. The first places volunteers in Albufera Natural Park which is home to Spains largest lake and many rare species yet it is an easy bus ride from the city of Valencia. The second option will take volunteers further inland to work on different nature reserves. This placement is only available from October to June and focuses more on the environment and vegetation rather than animal populations.

The education system in Morocco faces significant challenges. Challenges include low daily attendance, teacher absenteeism and low literacy rates. Drop out rate is very high, and only 53% of students enrolled in primary schooling continue onto secondary schools. Access to education and under-resourced schools is at the core of the challenges. There are simply not enough teachers for the number of children. Volunteers strengthen the capacity of teachers and contribute to supporting and caring for vulnerable children in Morocco. It improves the children’s prospects for the future giving them a more solid education. It also gives impoverished children compassion and a sense of hope. Both the volunteers and the locals benefit from this inter-cultural exchange. This is a great project for anyone trying to discover a new culture while learning a new language and helping the local community’s children. You will be exposed to the educational system in Morocco, as well as contribute by assisting local teachers and being a role model for children.

The lively beach town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is world famous for surf breaks across pristine, uncrowded, and seemingly endless beaches. After surfing and sunbathing are over for the day, it's time for Spanish lessons and volunteering! – The town comes alive with funky surf shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightspots for every taste and budget. Your experience will be based at ‘Jakera Jungle Surf Camp’, where we have created a jungle paradise complete with a swimming pool overlooked by a rich tropical forest bursting with wildlife, including red squirrels, howler monkeys, and tiny magical hummingbirds. We are a 5-minute walk from the cool cafes, bars, and shops that line the 6km stretch of road and beach that make up Playa Santa Teresa/Playa El Carmen. Throughout the volunteer projects – approximately 20 percent of your time will be turtle conservation – you’ll assist in preserving precious ecosystems and help local people raise their quality of life. However, there is still free time to enjoy a great social life and participate in the many other activities to be enjoyed here.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

This exciting project was developed to save the majestic native animals of South Africa. The Wildlife Protection program is based in a spectacular game reserve outside Port Elizabeth. The 6000 hectares of land are filled with diverse species, including the ‘Big 5’. In addition to the combination of grasslands and sub-tropical vegetation, the reserve has naturally formed pockets of water, amazing rock formations, and splendid flora. The program plays a significant role in helping with the reserve's maintenance and animal protection, supplying willing volunteers to assist with various tasks. Like many conservation programs, funds are greatly lacking and volunteers are essential to project success. Duties vary daily and are dependent on factors such as the weather. The work is mostly outdoors and, sometimes, in unpleasant conditions, so volunteers have to be willing to lend a hand with all sorts of activities.

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

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.

Travel to Costa Rica for a program rich in community service and eco-adventure. Experience the traditional town of Atenas, surrounded by verdant mountains. Immerse fully in the Costa Rican culture by living with a local family and engaging in community service projects and afternoon cultural workshops. Travel for eco-adventure to the beautiful region of La Fortuna, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Trek through the rainforest to a breathtaking waterfall and go on a zipline canopy tour through the jungle. Perform trail work at a private reserve and see exotic wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans. Travel to Manuel Antonio beach on the Pacific coast for surf lessons, white water rafting, and hiking through the national park. Learn what sustainable tourism and eco-adventure are all about! A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

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.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

Take part in the development of a green tourism project in the South of France while experiencing the French lifestyle. You live in hamlets, farmhouses and sites in the heart of breathtaking landscapes. You share the daily life of a host family and in exchange for accommodation and meals, you give a hand for a minimum of 20 hours per week (maximum 30). Through your daily work and interactions with your host-family and the local community, you’ll have the opportunity to practise your French and meet new people. You’ll also learn a lot about yourself, as you take on the challenge of living and working in a completely new environment. Participative Tourism is based on the concepts of respect and authenticity; It enables the exchange and sharing between the guests and the local population. The local projects aim to provide a tourism that respects the environment. Tourists stay in the wilderness and enjoy the rich nature of this region through ecological activities such as hiking, trekking with donkeys, horse-riding.

An immersive gap year experience combining a group travel semester and an individual volunteer placement, Latitudes Year is the full-year option for students who want to go deeper in their independent travel journey. As a Latitudes Year student, you’ll spend your first semester traveling on one of our group semesters. During your second semester, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your educational experience with an independent volunteer placement. You’ll work with a specific organization and community that reflects your unique interests and develop meaningful relationships with your host community. Along the way, you’ll develop confidence and independence, and enrich your worldview. Previous placements have included scuba certification while protecting coral reefs in Southern Thailand, working with wildlife in Belize, or participating in conservation efforts in Central America. Carpe Diem’s experienced coordinator works with you to develop a unique program to match your goals.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back while immersing yourself in one of Latin America’s most vibrant cities? Connect-123’s volunteer program in Buenos Aires offers opportunities to support local communities while gaining hands-on experience in areas you’re passionate about. Through our extensive network of schools, hospitals, NGOs, and community organizations, we’ll match you with a project that aligns with your skills and interests. Volunteers have contributed to initiatives in education, healthcare, conservation, human rights, microfinance, and community development—and new opportunities are always emerging. Along the way, you’ll improve your Spanish, discover Argentina’s rich culture, and experience the warmth of Buenos Aires firsthand. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, assisting in a clinic, or supporting grassroots organizations, you’ll be making a tangible difference while growing personally and professionally. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing volunteer experience in Buenos Aires begins on your schedule.

In addition to our Spanish programs, we offer volunteer projects throughout Costa Rica for anyone 18 or over. Volunteer in the areas of social work, education (most popular: teaching English to local kids in public schools & kindergarten), nature and environment, and wildlife and animal protection. Our volunteer program is eligible for all students who have completed a Spanish course with Intercultura. You can take as many Spanish classes as you wish (minimum two weeks), before starting off with your project. Our locations: You can take our Spanish & Volunteer Program in Heredia at our city campus, at our beach campus in Playa Sámara, or you can combine both locations. At both campuses, we offer cultural activities every day, which you can attend for free during your Spanish and volunteer program. You can also rely on the school's infrastructure (full-time, multilingual support staff, and our volunteer coordinators on-site). Please inquire for more details!

Embark on a French adventure that takes you through the Alps, the streets of Paris, and more! Make local friends, experience homestays with French families, and earn community service hours while working with locals and through environmental projects in the Alps! Experience the famous Bastille Day the French way on this unforgettable teen travel program to France! All the activities we do allow you to put your French language skills to use in real-world contexts. This adventure allows you to experience all that France has to offer! Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join us on this student trip to France!

Join us for a transformative 21-day cultural immersion in Australia and Fiji. We start in Fiji with a warm welcome ceremony, engaging in hands-on cooking classes to explore the diverse flavors of Fijian cuisine. Our community service focuses on a meaningful meal program that empowers Fijian women and fosters connections through shared meals. Traveling to Viti Levu's scenic highlands, we immerse ourselves in traditional island life by participating in bamboo raft building and local farming activities. On Taveuni, we embrace “island time” with snorkeling, kayaking, and preparing traditional meals while learning local customs. Next, we head to Australia, beginning in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, we earn our SCUBA certification and experience breathtaking underwater biodiversity while staying on a liveaboard boat. Our adventure includes community service at a wildlife refuge, where we care for iconic Australian animals. We’ll also delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest, learning traditional practices and the connection between the land and its people.

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!

Green Life Volunteers is a registered non-profit organization or association in Costa Rica. We just earn enough to cover operational expenses, like payments for office space, employee services, and basic organizational costs. We work hard to provide volunteers with an amazing experience, with a lot of hours thrown into administration, logistics, phone calls, Skyping, emailing, and so forth. The minimal fee to cover the basic operational needs will be covered through the higher program fee required in the first week. We have excellent projects throughout Costa Rica, which are a result of many years of collaboration and research. The projects we collaborate with are in actual need of help and have experience working with volunteers. This guarantees that you will have a great time and an awesome experience. The projects are always run by local members of the community, non-profit, and with a benefit for people, nature, or animals. The guest families have been handpicked by local staff, and all of them have years of experience hosting foreigners and volunteers. They are always happy to welcome you, and they will be your family away from home.

Volunteer in Costa Rica and immerse in the nation’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle while exploring unspoiled rainforests and basking in the peaceful atmosphere (with the Costa Rican army abolished in 1948). Costa Rica is renowned around the world for its biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, eco-tourism, and warm culture. Local people are friendly and eager to lend a hand, even a home, in times of need. Slow down and appreciate a different pace of life; you’ll feel at home in this family-oriented culture. United Planet is the US and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange or ICYE. As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will be hosted by ACI, ICYE’s Costa Rican partner organization. As an international non-profit, ACI has promoted cross-cultural exchange between young people all over the world since 1967.