Working, volunteering, learning, living and traveling abroad for extended periods of time becomes the adventure of a lifetime for many.
Many venture to unknown lands to fill a gap of time in their lives, improve their fluency in a foreign language, meet new and interesting people, build self-reliance, or to help people and communities truly in need. Whatever your case, by traveling and working in a new land, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and meet people on their own terms, rather than experiencing it as a tourist would.
Explore your short-term and longer-term options for working, volunteering, interning or teaching in unique locations all over the world.
Here are some organizations with these kind of programs:
1. WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
www.wwoof.org – Board and lodging is offered in exchange for a day’s work on the farm. Stays available from one week to many years, and with thousands of hosts available in 53 countries there’s an opportunity suitable for everyone.For more information, check out A First-Timer’s Guide to WWOOF-ing.
2. Turtle Teams, Worldwide
A generic name for the thousands of small groups that help threatened sea turtles. Most groups are based at one or two nesting beaches — which are typically at risk from over-exploitation — and appreciate help for even just one night.Search for groups at the local tourist office close to any tropical beach and help a species come off the endangered list. More information can be found at these larger organisations: www.seaturtles.org and www.cccturtle.org.
3. Conservation Volunteers, Australia and New Zealand
www.conservationvolunteers.com.au – Through various short-term projects in Australia, New Zealand, and a few international locations, you’ll work in teams to protect habitats and promote ecotourism.A small fee (usually around AUS$100 for a week) is usually required to participate, but covers all food and lodging. UK-based BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) has similar opportunities: www.btcv.org.uk.
4. Sudan Volunteer Programme, Sudan
www.svp-uk.com – Teach English in one of the world’s most impoverished countries. Placements are at schools or universities, but many volunteers help with community projects in additional to their teaching.Volunteers must pay for their airfare but all other costs are covered, and a small monthly stipend is provided.
5. Appalachian Trail Conference, USA
www.appalachiantrail.org – At over 2,000 miles long, the Appalachian Trail is the classic long trail in the Eastern US and home to almost 2,000 endangered or threatened species.Volunteers help with trail building and maintenance in return for food and (usually very basic) accommodation.
6. Trip Leader for HF Holidays, Europe
www.hfholidays.co.uk – One of Europe’s most popular walking holiday operators is searching for volunteers to guide their treks. Leaders are provided with accommodation, meals, and the chance to explore Europe in return for sharing their passion and knowledge with the groups they accompany.7. Help Exchange, Worldwide
www.helpx.net – A website that lists worldwide hosts who are looking for an extra pair of hands, whether it be in their farm or garden, working in schools or on religious projects, building houses or community centres, or simply helping a family take the kids to school.A small membership fee is required to access host details, but board and lodging is provided in exchange for your work.
8. Peace Corps, Worldwide
www.peacecorps.gov – A unique chance to live and work in another country. Participate in a variety of projects, from healthcare and the environment to business development.A commitment of 27 months to the placement is required, but for those who are willing, this is a life-changing position. Open only to US residents, but similar projects are available for other nationals with VSO.
9. United Nations Volunteers, Worldwide
www.unv.org – From healthcare and economic development to assisting after natural disasters, the UN offers positions for those that are dedicated to making a difference abroad.While many positions are open only to experienced professionals, the UN has links to hundreds of international NGOs and QANGOs that are looking for help in similar fields on a less formal basis.
10. Kibbutz Volunteer, Israel
www.kibbutzvolunteer.com – An area that is rarely out of the news, Israel is a land of tight communities but complicated politics.Being a volunteer here gives you the opportunity to experience this region firsthand while living as part of a socialist community where everything is provided. The region also serves as a good base from which to explore the Middle East and North Africa.
The above 10 volunteer opportunities for free travel. Be sure to check out all the information before you jump on that word, "free."
