Are you looking for an unforgettable experience while giving back to the community and immersing yourself in a new culture? Look no further. In this article, we present 10 must-visit destinations for volunteering abroad with A Broader View Volunteers. We’ll guide you through each location, detailing the types of volunteer projects available, giving you insights into the local culture, and providing you with handy travel tips. So, let’s dive into this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth!
Table of Contents
1. Costa Rica
Location Highlights: Beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, and diverse wildlife
Costa Rica is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, making it a fantastic destination for volunteering in conservation and wildlife projects. Volunteers can help with sea turtle conservation, environmental education for local communities, or organic farming.
Local Culture: The country has a relaxed and friendly vibe, with people known as ‘Ticos’. Ticos are warm and welcoming, often eager to share their love for their homeland. The official language is Spanish, and most locals are bilingual.
Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a breathtakingly beautiful and biodiverse area.
2. Ghana
Location Highlights: Rich history, vibrant markets, and diverse landscapes
Ghana offers an array of volunteer opportunities, such as teaching English, working in orphanages, and supporting healthcare initiatives. By volunteering in Ghana, you can not only contribute to the local community but also gain meaningful cultural insights.
Local Culture: Known for their friendliness and hospitality, Ghanaians take pride in their traditional practices and rich history. English is the official language, but many people also speak various indigenous languages.
Travel Tip: Be sure to visit Cape Coast Castle, a 17th-century trading post that offers a fascinating insight into the history of the slave trade.
3. Nepal
Location Highlights: Stunning Himalayan views, ancient temples, and diverse cultures
With its breathtaking mountain ranges and captivating history, Nepal is a popular destination for volunteers seeking to make a difference. Volunteer projects include teaching, orphanage work, and healthcare support.
Local Culture: Nepal is home to a wealth of cultures and religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. The official language is Nepali, but many locals also speak English.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss out on visiting the ancient Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most important Buddhist sites in the country.
4. Peru
Location Highlights: Historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, and colorful textiles
Volunteering in Peru allows participants to work in a variety of projects, such as childcare, teaching, and healthcare initiatives. It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to the local community while being immersed in the country’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
Local Culture: Peruvian people are proud of their Inca heritage and traditional customs. Spanish is the official language, but many also speak indigenous languages, such as Quechua.
Travel Tip: Be sure to visit Machu Picchu, the stunning Inca citadel set amidst the Andean mountains.
5. Cambodia
Location Highlights: Angkor Wat, vibrant cities, and untouched beaches
Cambodia is a captivating destination for volunteering, offering projects in areas like education, community development, and healthcare. This unique opportunity will allow you to contribute to Cambodian society while experiencing its fascinating culture and history.
Local Culture: Cambodians are friendly, resilient, and proud of their cultural heritage. Khmer is the official language, but many locals also speak English, especially in urban areas.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the chance to explore the incredible Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
6. Ecuador
Location Highlights: Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands, and stunning Galápagos Islands
Volunteering in Ecuador provides an unforgettable experience, with diverse projects such as teaching, conservation, and community development. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in Ecuador’s unique culture and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Local Culture: Ecuadorians are known for their warmth, friendliness, and hospitality. The official language is Spanish, and many locals are bilingual.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss out on visiting the Galápagos Islands, a beautiful and unique location home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife.
7. Guatemala
Location Highlights: Colorful markets, ancient Mayan ruins, and volcanic landscapes
Volunteering in Guatemala offers a rich cultural experience and a chance to make a real difference, with projects in areas such as teaching, healthcare, and community development.
Local Culture: Guatemalans value their traditional practices, and many still speak indigenous languages such as K’iche’ and Kaqchikel alongside Spanish, the official language.
Travel Tip: Be sure to visit the historic city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture.
8. Tanzania
Location Highlights: Spectacular wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro, and idyllic Zanzibar
From wildlife conservation to teaching and healthcare initiatives, Tanzania offers a plethora of volunteering opportunities. It’s a chance to make a real difference while discovering the country’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Local Culture: Tanzanians are friendly, welcoming, and resilient. Swahili is the official language, but English is also widely spoken.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the chance to join a safari in the Serengeti to witness the incredible wildebeest migration.
9. Zambia
Location Highlights: Roaring Victoria Falls, unspoiled wilderness, and diverse wildlife
With volunteer projects such as teaching, healthcare, and wildlife conservation, Zambia offers an incredible opportunity to have a positive impact on local communities while exploring its beautiful landscapes and rich wildlife.
Local Culture: Zambians are known for their friendliness and warmth. English is the official language, but there are over 70 different indigenous languages spoken throughout the country.
Travel Tip: Be sure to witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls!
10. Argentina
Location Highlights: Stunning Patagonia, vibrant Buenos Aires, and the majestic Iguazu Falls
Volunteering in Argentina offers the chance to work in projects related to teaching, community development, and orphanage care. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Argentina’s diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Local Culture: Argentinians are known for their warmth and hospitality, often exemplified by their celebrated tradition of asados (barbecues). Spanish is the official language.
Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Tango bars in Buenos Aires to witness this passionate dance’s elegance and allure.
In conclusion, by volunteering abroad with A Broader View Volunteers, you can make a positive impact while discovering incredible destinations, immersing yourself in new cultures, and creating unforgettable experiences. So, pack your bags and embark on this life-changing journey!
