Global Programs for Volunteer Vacations

Volunteer vacations are an excellent way to explore the world while also contributing to good causes. By participating in volunteer vacations, travellers can also step out of their comfort zones and experience travel in a way that will bring them closer to local culture. There are several organizations that offer volunteer vacations and have an assortment of opportunities that can appeal to every traveller’s preferences. The volunteer opportunities vary and can range from working with children at local orphanages to volunteer farm work, which is a very common option. To learn more about the benefits of volunteer travel click here.

Below are two organizations that offer volunteer travel opportunities around the world.

WWOOF

The WWOOF program provides worldwide volunteer opportunities for travellers to work on organic farms. With 50 years of experience, WWOOF is a movement that links visitors with organic farmers, promotes cultural and educational exchanges, and builds a global community conscious of ecological farming and sustainability practices. The program’s goal is to provide individuals from around the globe the chance to gain practical skills in organic farming and gardening, experience rural living, and further organic and sustainability movements. 

As a WWOOFer (those who participate in the program to volunteer), visitors will participate in the daily life of their host, help on the farm, learn about sustainability, experience a new culture, and meet new people, all while receiving free room and board during their stay. WWOOF is organized nationally and therefore those interested in joining the program can visit their website and select the country they are interested in visiting. Common destinations include working on fruit farms in New Zealand and with community gardens in Nigeria. 

Go Overseas

With over 3,000 programs to participate in, Go Overseas offers travellers no lack of variety when choosing volunteer vacations. Go Overseas is run by a group of seasoned travellers who understand how travelling abroad can sometimes be stressful and intimidating. Therefore, their mission is to give travellers the knowledge and confidence to choose the right program for their volunteer vacations and to empower human connection through perspective-changing travel. They also believe in putting communities first, acting with intention, and working passionately. 

The Go Overseas website provides reviews on programs from other travellers who have experienced them, making it easy for others to find the perfect volunteering program for themselves. The organization showcases volunteer travel programs that include helping disadvantaged children in Nepal and helping preserve the habitats of turtles in Costa Rica.  

There is no lack of organizations that offer programs for travellers to experience volunteer vacations. The volunteer travel programs not only allow the chance to see the world in a unique and authentic way, but also in a way that benefits local communities. With so many options to choose from including volunteer farm work and environment preservation, travellers will not have a problem finding a program that best suits their interests and needs.

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