Why do volunteer work abroad?
Have you ever wondered why others go overseas, travel around, and help others without receiving any payment? Have you ever considered volunteering abroad yourself to make a difference?
Volunteer work is not about earning money, but rather making a positive impact in the world. As a volunteer, you would work for non-profit organizations (NGOs), which often heavily rely on volunteers to help make the world a better place. Volunteer projects often focus on serving disadvantaged or disabled children, the elderly, sick people, endangered animals, and the environment.
Support is especially needed in areas where lack of money and education has created unfavorable circumstances. With the help of volunteers, there is hope that past mistakes and harsh situations can be made better. For example, working to protect almost distinct animals could result in them being able reproduce again, caring for abandoned and mistreated animals could nurse them back to health, or improving the maintenance of hiking trails in national parks could prevent further damage to nature. In addition, volunteers have the chance to impact the lives of others by helping poor and disabled children receive help and education so that they can enjoy a beautiful childhood despite their difficult living conditions.
The good thing is: everyone can help – Including YOU! Although you will not receive monetary compensation for your assistance, you will feel very rewarded knowing that you made a positive and lasting impact on a child, animal, or the natural environment. Some simply do not have the time to volunteer and decide to donate money to support a cause, while others want to take a “hands-on” approach and make a positive, tangible difference themselves.
No matter if you need a break from studying, your career, or just want to try something new, you will find that being a volunteer is a very rewarding experience. In addition to helping others, volunteering abroad allows you travel to a new country, learn about diverse cultures, make new international friends, and improve your language skills, all of which will have a positive lifelong impact. As a volunteer abroad, you will be faced with new challenging situations and pushed out of your comfort zone, which will allow you to grow as a person and learn new things. Some volunteer projects might even be compatible with your academic studies or work at home, allowing you to benefit from gaining valuable work experience. Such projects may include working with children, sick or disabled people, the poor, animals, nature, or education.
Although volunteering is not a vacation, you will still have some free time to travel around and pamper yourself for the good work you have done. Depending on the volunteer project, you can live in different countries with different surroundings: do you prefer well-organized city life, an adventurous life in the middle of the jungle with only the “bare necessities”, or the calmness of the countryside?
Please do not forget that if you commit to a volunteer project, you carry a big responsibility. The institutions greatly rely on your sincere efforts and hard work. Therefore, your volunteer work should not be confused with a vacation. Even though you will have some free time to explore the country, your volunteer project needs to be your biggest priority as it requires your full commitment and support.
We will help you with the organization of your trip by taking care of your accommodation, arranging on-site supervision, and doing our best to prepare an unforgettable adventure that will allow you to discover more of the world and make a positive impact at the same time.
Travel Destination: Volunteer Work Latin America
Now that you have decided to make the world a better place, it’s time to choose a suitable destination. Latin America is a region that needs all the support it can get. Both locals and people from all over the world have realized that there are many needs in these beautiful countries, and as a result, many grassroot outreach organizations have been founded.
Large social inequalities can be found all throughout Latin America across many different populations. This even includes countries such a Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Chile, all of which are quite developed. Poverty and insufficient education has led Latin American countries into a vicious circle, resulting in other problems, such as environmental pollution, deforestation, apathy towards the protection of endangered animals, and discrimination of certain cultural groups.
As sad as these problems are, Latin American countries are incredibly beautiful and multi-faceted. In Latin America, nature is amazing, the people are charming, there are a vast variety of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting traditions. You will be blown away by the beauty of the countries, openness and hospitality of the people, and lifestyle and customs. Whether you are deep in the Amazon rainforest, on a sandy beach, or surrounded by mystic mountains, you will feel like you are in paradise.
Those who have been to Latin America once always want to come back for more! The laid-back and joyful lifestyle, amazing music, parties and family celebrations, beautiful nature, and interesting culture are sure to pull you in and never let go!
To give you a better idea of where we offer volunteer opportunities abroad, check out some descriptions of different Latin American countries below:
Chile
The noodle shaped country of Chile unites almost all climate zones and landscapes. Within the same country, you can find the world’s driest desert, a thriving metropolis, elegant vineyards characterized by a Mediterranean climate, the Andes Mountain range, snow-capped volcanos, hot springs, fjords (like in Scandinavia), geysers, and glaciers. The country resembles Europe in many ways, and the big cities are developed and modern. Due to the diversity of Chile, you can discover something new with every mile that you travel. Aside from enjoying the modern amenities in Chile, if you are lucky, you can still spot authentic Chilean cowboys (huasos) wearing ponchos and riding horses through small villages in the lovely countryside. Most Chileans are very proud of their country and enjoy every compliment about their wonderful wine, Pisco liquor (still fighting with Peru about who invented it first), breathtaking nature, or famous Chilean authors like Pablo Neruda or Isabel Allende. Apart from one spider, there are no dangerous animals in Chile. However, you can find cute penguins, sealions, chinchillas, different llama species, alpacas, vicuñas, guemals, condors, and flamingos, all of which call Chile home. Although it is an excellent travel destination, it is important to mention that things are rather expensive in Chile compared to many other Latin American countries.
Peru
When you think of Peru, you might envision Incas, Machu Picchu, or the famous Nazca lines. The tribe of the Incas ruled over the country for many years, and up until today, the Peruvian population is still made up of mostly indigenous people. Like Chile, the landscape and climate in Peru vary greatly due to the combination of the Andes, tropical rainforest, and desert. Thanks to these extreme differences in climactic zones, rich biodiversity can be observed, including animal species such as, sloths, apes, jaguars, snakes, turtles, alpacas, and llamas. Peru is also an excellent country to learn and improve your Spanish, as the Peruvian Spanish accent is one of the easiest to comprehend in all South America. Discover the rich history and exciting culture of this beautiful country, and do not forget to treat yourself to delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Costa Rica
“Pura Vida” is the motto of “Ticos”, the name that Costa Ricans refer to themselves as. Costa Rica is one of the most developed countries in Latin America and is very focused on the protection of their animals and natural environment. Ticos are very warm people and have a relaxed, Caribbean influenced attitude. Despite its relatively small size, Costa Rica is a country that features extreme biodiversity, which will make you feel like you are in paradise. The country features a wide range of animal species such as, parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, butterflies, exotic frogs, snakes, sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, wild cats, and endangered sea turtles. Visitors are always fascinated by the beautiful natural environment that features a lush rainforest, dreamy beaches, and majestic mountains. Costa Rica is a rather expensive country and due to the growing tourism and the diversity of the population, you won’t be easily recognized as a foreigner. Live “la pura vida” and let the charm of Costa Rica enchant you!
Ecuador
Located directly on the equator, Ecuador is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, however, it is extremely rich when it comes to culture, nature, and wildlife. Its history is influenced by native tribes, such as the Incas, and the Ecuadorian population still has strong traces to its indigenous ancestors today. Thanks to its rainforests, Ecuador is also a Latin American country with especially rich biodiversity. Furthermore, the world-famous Galapagos Islands also belong to Ecuador. During your volunteer project, you can either work on the Ecuadorian mainland or on its islands. The wildlife of the country varies greatly across different regions and includes animals such as tapirs, snakes, ocelots, coati, bats, monkeys, piranhas, eels, sea turtles, hummingbirds, parrots, and butterflies. Ecuadorians have a completely different sense of time and are much more relaxed than Europeans and North Americans. They are also very friendly and patient. Ecuador is the perfect location for those who need to relax and take a break from stress.
Guatemala
Although this densely populated country is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, it is also one of the richest in culture. The Mayans resided in Guatemala many centuries ago, and their intense history continues to influence everyday life in the country today. The people of Guatemala live very simple and work very hard, but unfortunately poverty and starvation are still prevalent. Gender roles are still strictly established in some areas, and you can still find people who dress in colorful, traditional clothing. The majority of the Guatemalan population speaks Spanish as their native language, but many also speak one of the many indigenous languages. The country is strongly influenced by its tropical rainforests, which contribute to its wide variety of animal species. Volunteers in Guatemala have the opportunity to take care of injured and wild animals such as monkeys, parrots, deer, reptiles, or wildcats. Furthermore, they can help to protect endangered sea turtles and iguanas. For projects that involve working with children, volunteers have the opportunity to help contribute to the protection of minors and support social institutions.
Bolivia
Bolivia and its residents are even poorer than Guatemalans. Here, help and support are urgent as most Bolivians live in extreme poverty. Nevertheless, the people are very happy and friendly. Since the pace of life in Bolivia is slower, the people are more relaxed and patient. Here, you have the chance to experience a completely different way of life than you are used to in Europe or North America. The beautiful Lake Titicaca, is the biggest lake in the world and an important landmark of the country. The country is also well known for its vast salt desert, “Salar de Uyuni”, which is an amazing destination for travelers and an excellent photo motif. The largest portion of the country is located on the Altiplano Plateau, where daily life is carried out at an altitude of 3500 meters (11,483 feet). In the northern region of Bolivia lies the Amazon basin, where the climate, vegetation, and wildlife are quite different than the rest of the country. There, you can admire exotic birds like Aras, pink freshwater dolphins, jaguars, monkeys, and anteaters. While in the Andes, you can spot vicuñas, llamas, foxes, pumas, and condors.
Volunteer Work for 17-year-olds
So, you finished high school…now what?
Before going back to study, take advantage of your newly acquired freedom, and take some time off to go abroad. Although you are not yet 18 years old, not all doors are closed for you. We have selected several volunteer projects for you that accept volunteers who haven’t reached the age of 18. To participate, you must be 17 years old and provide proof of consent from your parents.
Volunteer Work Latin America has specifically evaluated volunteer projects in South and Central America to determine which are suitable for you. In each program description, you can find information about the required minimum age.
Volunteer Work for the Young at Heart
You are only as old as you feel, and you should never feel too old to participate in a volunteer project in Latin America! Your commitment and willingness to improve the situation of others is much more significant than how old you are. More important that your age is your ability to adapt and eagerness to learn about the new cultures that you will discover.
Most of the volunteer projects that you can find on this website only require a minimum stay of 2 weeks. This allows even those who are employed to travel to Latin America and get involved in a volunteer program abroad. Our volunteer projects abroad are perfect for those who are willing to give up a vacation at an all-inclusive resort for a valuable experience that involves making a positive impact in a faraway country. Volunteering abroad gives you the opportunity to get to know a country in a far for authentic way than you would as a mere tourist. You will have a completely new life experience and learn how to use your individual knowledge, skills, and gifts to make a difference.
Our volunteers, including those who are of an older age, always report back to us that their time abroad was an incredibly rewarding and ground-breaking experience.
Volunteer Work to Boost Your Career
Volunteering abroad not only provides personal gratification, but it can also aid you in your future job hunt. Employers greatly appreciate those who engage in volunteer work overseas to help those who need, without expecting anything in return, because it shows your compassion and commitment. Furthermore, through our variety of volunteer opportunities, you can participate in a project where you can learn relevant skills that will make you more marketable. Obviously, one of the greatest skills you will acquire during your stay in Latin America is increased knowledge of Spanish. The more languages you speak, the more people you can communicate with, and this makes you more flexible when working in a global environment. In addition, your native language, such as English or German, will make give you another opportunity to stand out as most people in Spanish speaking countries only speak Spanish. During your project, you will also be able to gain skills that are specific to your studies or career field. For example, doctors or psychologists can gain valuable international experience by volunteering in the heath sector or by working with children. Volunteer programs that involve working with children are also especially useful for educators. Projects that include working in nature or animal protection might be fitting for biologists, geographers, animal lovers and naturalists, environmental activists, and those who are engaged in politics. Those who are interested in a future international career will surely benefit from the intercultural exchange that occurs during projects, which allows volunteers to get to know another country and its diverse culture. Volunteers who are gifted with technical skills can design tools for projects, build, invent, or repair things and can pass on their valuable knowledge to the local adults and children. Your area of expertise is in demand! Everyone can benefit from the professional enrichment that can be found in our vast selection of programs.
Volunteer Work – Giving and Taking
What can I gain from volunteering abroad? This is a valid question that many volunteers ask themselves. Volunteering abroad is not free, as you have to pay for the flight and program participation fees in addition to giving up your time to help those in need. Although your experience will require you to make some personal sacrifices, you will receive many things in return including: a meaningful break from your everyday life, intercultural experiences, language skill enhancement, independence, personal growth, and personal gratification knowing you helped those in need and made the world a better place with your own hands. 
When volunteering abroad, it is the little things that will have the biggest impact. Your most rewarding moments might include witnessing the gratefulness of the small children you are helping, whose eyes sparkle and whose smiles warm your heart. They might show their appreciation by holding your hand and listening to you while you read to them. Sick adults will be thankful for your attention and empathy, as you might be one of the few who has taken the time to visit them. If your project involves working with animals or nature, you will feel moved knowing that you played a part in preventing animals from being injured, tortured, and abandoned or the natural environment from further pollution and destruction. Our listed programs give you the chance to make a positive impact, and you will immediately feel the effects of your deeds.
In addition to serving others, volunteering abroad allows you to leave your daily life at home behind and try something completely new. During your project, you will meet new people, make new friends, and engage in new daily tasks. You will also be working in close contact with other languages and cultures, and you will automatically improve your Spanish skills. You will dive into another culture as you eat, work, live, and enjoy your experiences with people from the other side of the world. You may even experience a cultural shock and reflect upon how different your life at home is, which you may have took for granted. At your volunteer destination, you will witness a completely different life than what you are used to in Europe or the US, filled with people who think differently than you and where things work in other ways. You will learn many new things and widen your personal horizon. Furthermore, you will be on your own – therefore, you should be proactive, talk to strangers, make friends, and master your new work responsibilities. We will be there for you in the background throughout the duration of your program, so you will always have a back-up. However, you have nothing to lose, so dare to dive into a new world as you make a positive, lasting impact on many lives.
Volunteer Work in Animal Protection
Do you love animals? Are you interested in saving endangered animals from extinction or caring for injured wild animals and abandoned pets? If so, a project in animal protection is exactly the right thing for you! Some of your tasks may including bathing the animals, collecting their information, cleaning their enclosures, and loving them until you can find them a new home. Whether you prefer to care for abandoned street dogs, work with endangered parrots and turtles, or rescue and care for injured animals like monkeys or sloths, we can help you find the volunteer project that’s perfect for you. Which project you choose also depends on where you want to live. In which Latin American country do you want to engage in volunteer work abroad? Do you prefer a big city, the countryside, the mountains, or the jungle? The choice is yours!
Volunteer Work in Environmental Protection
Sadly, there are still plenty of countries with little awareness regarding environmental protection. Many populations pollute their surrounding nature with garbage and other toxins that pose a direct threat to both animals and the environment. It doesn’t make sense for people on one side of the world people to fight against global warming and the destruction of nature while people on the other side continue to pollute the oceans with plastic, dump garbage in the jungles, and release toxic fumes into the atmosphere. To help secure a better future for everyone, it is necessary to plant new trees, clean up trash, and save animals. The lack of knowledge about the nature and environment that exists in some Latin American countries can be tackled through educating local people and giving them a healthy degree of environmental awareness. Ideally, this would improve the protection of nature and increase the chances of having a more sustainable earth. If you are passionate about protecting the environment, we have volunteer programs that allow you help preserve the nature in national parks, rescue animals, and assist in creating self-sustainable communities.
Volunteer Work with Children
Volunteer work that involves working with children is exhausting, but very rewarding. Through the different projects that we offer, you can work in kindergartens, elementary schools, orphanages, or specialty schools to assist children. As a volunteer, you will play with, bathe, teach, and entertain the children. If you enjoy children and horses, there is even an equine therapy project available, which involves supporting disabled children and caring for horses. Do you want to play with little ones, teach them languages, play sports with them, and supervise them? Then choose one of our amazing volunteer projects that specifically focuses on helping children. Your help would be greatly appreciated in any of them!
Volunteer Work on Farms
If you love horses and want to live on an authentic farm or in a self-sustainable community, then we have a couple of specific Farm Stay programs for you. Horse enthusiasts will be delighted to stay on a typical South American ranch where they can help take care of these beautiful and elegant animals all day long. In addition to a project involving horses, we also have a fitting project for those who simply want to experience life on a traditional farm. While volunteering on a farm, participants can help by milking cows, gathering animals, or supporting the farmers with the harvest. In addition, we also offer farm stays in exotic Central American countries where volunteers can work in a self-sustainable community and observe what it’s like to live a simple, natural lifestyle.
The Power Combo: Language Course and Volunteer Work
For all those who lack Spanish skills and struggle with having a simple conversation with someone in Spanish, we highly recommend taking a Spanish course in Latin America. Drawing from our own personal experiences, we understand how difficult and frustrating it can be when trying to communicate with others in a language that you haven’t yet mastered. You should not overlook this issue, as most people in Latin America only speak Spanish. Even in bigger cities, people are often reluctant to speak the little English that they may know. If you only have basic Spanish skills you will be fine, however, we can guarantee that you will have more fun during your stay abroad if you can understand the people around you, ask others about their lives, and receive advice from locals. The more Spanish you know, the more you can fully immerse yourself and feel like a local!