Whether you want to travel the world for fun or to simply learn about other cultures than volunteering travel may be the best option for you. Volunteer travel could be the most inexpensive way to travel and get to know the world. Not only are you visiting exotic places but you are helping others out in the process. So which volunteer program is the best one for you? Up next we will list the top 10 volunteer travel programs which require very little funds to join or non at all.
1. United Nations Volunteers, Worldwide
www.unv.org From health care 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 professions, the UN has links to hundreds of international NGOs and QANGOS that are looking for help in similar fields on a less formal basis.
2. Peace Corps, Worldwide
www.peacecorps.gov A unique chance to live and work in another country; working on a variety of projects from healthcare and the environment to business development.
A real commitment to 27 months on placement is required, but for those that are willing, this is a life-changing position. Open only to US residents but similar projects are available for other nationals with VSO.
3. Help Exchange, Worldwide
www.helpx.net A website that lists worldwide hosts that 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 to simply helping a family take the kids to school.
A small memberships fee is required to access the details of hosts but board and lodging is provided in exchange for your work.
4. Trip Leader for HF Holidays, Europe
www.hfholidays.co.uk One of Europe’s most popular walking holiday operators is searching for volunteers to lead their walking holidays. Leaders are provided with accommodation, meals and the chance to explore Europe in return for sharing their passion and knowledge with groups they accompany.
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 an 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. Sudan Volunteer Program, 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, including a small monthly stipend.
7. Conservation Volunteers, Australia and New Zealand
www.conservationvolunteers.com.au Short-term project in Australia, New Zealand and a few international locations. Working in teams to protect habitats and promote eco tourism.
A small fee (usually around AUS$100 for a week) is usually required to participate, but covers all food and lodging. British based BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) also has similar opportunities. www.btcv.org.uk
8. Turtle Teams, Worldwide
A generic name for the thousands of small groups that help threatened sea turtles. Most groups are based on 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 organizations: www.seaturtles.org and www.cccturtle.org.
9. WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), Worldwide
Board and lodging is offered in exchange for a days’ work on the farm. Stays available from one week to many years, and with thousands of hosts available in 53 countries there is an opportunity suitable for everyone. Contact: WWOOF.
For more information, check out A First-Timer’s Guide to WWOOF-ing.
10. Kibbutz Volunteer, Israel
www.kibbutzvolunteer.com An area that is rarely out of the news, Israel offers superb community but complicated politics.
Being a volunteer gives you the opportunity to experience this region first hand 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
This is just a small sample of what’s on offer; be sure to thoroughly research any options before undertaking a project. And remember, while it’s always nice to get something for free, if a project is requesting money, it is usually going to a good cause.