Planet Saving Ideas
Does a wider world view, an unbeatable feeling of accomplishment and new friends – sound ideal to you? Then volunteering abroad is something you should definitely look into!
- Valuable Time
- Inspiration
- Ecoteer
- HelpX
- Ecuador Volunteer
- Volunteer South America
- Need More Convincing?
Valuable Time
Travelling is the perfect opportunity to dive head-first into a wide range of exciting volunteer projects abroad. Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give, and with so many exciting experiences and adventures to be had, what are you waiting for?
Volunteering your time is an experience you will hold in your heart forever and you will make more of a difference than you could ever have thought possible. However much or however little time you can give - it all helps.
Low-cost and free ethical volunteer projects are running worldwide and there are some great websites which can help you find the right one for you.
From children in orphanages to orang-utans and turtles, you can help out and make a difference.
Inspiration
Don't let money worries stop you from making a difference. Many international volunteer organisations pay you a small salary or give you free board for helping their cause, so you can rack up your experiences one trip at a time.
Travel with friends or family, or indulge in your own dream experiences alone. For the most enriching adventure of your life, it is time to choose your challenge!
Ecoteer
(www.ecoteer.com/index.php)
Ecoteer has a great website which offers some great low cost options. Also on the site are some truly inspiring accounts of volunteers which you can use to help decide on the right project for you. With cheap, safe placements and responsible, ethical projects, this website will also help you with your travel, accommodation and insurance plans. Here is a selection of the adventures you can embark on.
Conservation: Endangered species need your help around the world, and with volunteer projects in Africa, Asia, Europe and America, you can take your pick from a wide range of animals.
Ecotourism: Explore the depths of the jungle and make friends with the local staff, learn their culture and language and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Share your newfound knowledge with tourists as you show them around.
Teaching: From primary school children to tour guides in communities, they all need help learning English. In some places it is preferred for volunteers to have taken a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreigh Language) course.
Farm and Humanitarian Aid: Make a difference to a child suffering with aids, or help with a community project.
HelpX
(www.helpx.net)
Visit this website for a list of host organic and non-organic farms, ranches, lodges, inns, backpacker hostels and even sailing boats which allow volunteer helpers to stay with them, on a short-term basis in exchange for food and accommodation.
It's a great opportunity to stay with local people and gain practical experience. With a typical working day of 4 hours and free board and lodging in return, this is about as free as it gets! Each host operates differently. Some provide extra benefits such as the use of the internet or weekends off. Others like you to work eight hours one day and have the next day off and some ask for 2 hours work a day and offer accommodation only. Mutual co-operation between the host and volunteer is a must.
If you're interested you have to sign up to the service. Free membership is available, but premier membership allows you to take full advantage of the HelpX services.
Ecuador Volunteer
(www.ecuadorvolunteer.org)
Each host operates differently and offer volunteer opportunities in social, environment, education and community areas, around the world. Ecuador Volunteer is a non-profit organisation offering a cultural exchange experience to each volunteer. Most of these involve working with and helping local people.
This is your chance to help the poorest communities and improve, and help maximise job opportunities for people who are otherwise destined for a life of poverty. Ecological conservation is also high on the list and you can help local people to preserve their environment.
All volunteers will receive the following - free of charge.
• A workplace focusing on your needs and personal goals.
• Transfer from the airport to the organization or accommodation in Quito.
• Professional, local staff to help you.
• Information to prepare you for your volunteer work and lodging system.
• A contact who will be in touch with you at all times to give support, information and an evaluation of your progress.
• Local phone calls within the organisation.
• Reception of personal faxes.
All you need to fork out for are the flights, travel insurance and costs involved with getting your visa.
Volunteer South America www.volunteersouthamerica.net/
If you're looking for free and low-cost volunteer work in South America, this is for you. It links the companies offering these opportunities to backpackers, but cuts out the agency fees.
Need More Convincing?
Volunteers are always learning, whether it's the culture of the community they're living in or the emotional and personal discoveries they make. With so many feel-good factors, take a look at how you can make a difference to the welfare of animals and the living conditions of people, in third world countries.
- Jen Page
