Top Opps to Volunteer Abroad

For many people the well-trodden path of a gap year pre or post university has become somewhat of a rite of passage. You’re only young once and the opportunity to explore the world and “find yourself” at your own pace probably won’t come along again until you’re retired, making that early 20s itch to get away entirely understandable. But whilst you could just spend your money on making your way around as much of a continent as your funds will allow, on the other side of the fence lie the opportunities to make a difference in the world with your spare time. So here are some of the top overseas volunteering experiences I've identified as ways in which you can see the world whilst giving something back!

For the Conservationist

If you’d like to do your bit to help out our fragile planet then one of the best ways to get your hands dirty and dig in to make a better future is by planting trees to help replenish the millions lost to deforestation each year. Some of the worst affected regions include south east Asia, subtropical Africa and South America and there are numerous conservation projects ongoing in these parts of the world where new volunteers are always welcomed.

Many of these programmes set up for conservation volunteers are about so much more than simply planting new trees however, and you can also play a vital role in educating the locals about the importance of the environment around us and preserving the planet.

For the Animal Lover

If you’re more keen on the conservation of fauna rather than flora then you've plenty of choices in this regard also. For example fans of sea life can take part in marine conservation, performing vital work in cataloguing the many various species of aquatic life in the beautiful waters off the coast of Mexico or the Seychelles (to give just two popular examples).

Or if land beasts are more your thing what could be more thrilling than working alongside the true kings of the jungle, rehabilitating lions in Africa? Lion cubs born in captivity need to be prepared before being released into the wild where they’ll have to fend for themselves and that’s where voluntary workers come in, getting the young cubs used to the natural habitat they’ll be living in. 

This is a fantastic way to get hands on with some of the world’s most majestic creatures and opportunities to work with lions, as well as other safari park mammals, are numerous in parts of Africa such as Zambia and Zimbabwe.

For Those Who Love Working With Children

There are always teaching opportunities available to native English speakers across the world in as many exotic foreign climes as you can dream of. Taking a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course can set you on your way to teaching classes as far and wide as China or Vietnam, for a true cultural exchange. Or alternatively you may wish to stick a little closer to home with a more familiar European destination to do your teaching.

But teaching is not the only vocation for those who want to help children and there are plenty of meaningful opportunities to volunteer abroad helping the deprived and underprivileged in orphanages in developing African countries which can be a truly eye opening and life-changing experience.

Whatever You Do, Take Pride

When you go abroad to volunteer your time and your skills remember that for all the fun you’re likely to have and the unbeatable life experiences you will come away with, ultimately you've still got a job to do, and it won’t always be pleasant. You’re going to have to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. You’re also going to see things that may very well be quite gruelling and even upsetting, so don’t go thinking you’re off on a jolly.

If you’d like to know more about voluntary work opportunities abroad check out VSO.

Do you have any great overseas volunteering experiences? Let me know by commenting. Don't forget to check out the rest of my work on The Spoon Drawer and follow me on twitter for all the latest - @EdwardPhelan1