Conservation Volunteer Programs Abroad
Are you passionate about nature and want to support environmental projects? Are you interested in using your passion to travel abroad? Do you want to contribute to something meaningful?
Joining this program is a great opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures while supporting important conservation efforts. When you devote your time and energy to an international program, you will create tremendous learning opportunities for yourself. When you step outside of your comfort zone you will sharpen skills that make you a stronger job candidate such as adaptability, open mindedness, and communication skills.
IFRE offers some of the highest quality, safest, and most reputable volunteer abroad conservation projects that allow you to connect with communities and utilize your skills to make a big impact. We collaborate with hundreds of organizations across the globe, and have been successfully connecting individuals with conservation efforts around the world since 2006. We are committed to working with you to ensure you find the perfect program fit for your needs and interest.
Team up with IFRE’s volunteering opportunities to change lives. Get started today by reading through some of our most popular conservation and environmental project details and then emailing us for more information.
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Benefits of joining IFRE’s Conservation Volunteer Programs Abroad
The impact of volunteering even one hour can make an impression that will last a lifetime. No matter what your reason for joining our programs are, we know you will benefit from donating your time to people and animals in need. Here are just a few ways how:
Volunteering increases a project’s impact
One of the best things about volunteering abroad in developing countries is that even if you don’t have many related skills to your project, just being present and providing extra human resources can help the project immensely. When these programs have extra people to cover basic responsibilities, locals can focus their time and energy into growing the project. This improves both the life of the giver and receiver.
Volunteering allows you to gain new skills
There are many abroad conservation volunteer opportunities that don’t require specific skills to contribute. Volunteering in a field that is not familiar will allow you to develop new skills or discover hidden talents you may have never even considered.
Volunteering sets a good example for the world
Too often we hear people say that just one person can’t make a difference, but when you contribute through an international volunteer program, you will join a community effort with individuals who share your desire to make a change. You may even inspire others to join or start volunteering abroad programs themselves.
Volunteering encourages emotional health
Donating time to connect with people and work toward a common goal is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and lower stress, which will improve your overall well-being and enhance your quality of life. Even if you are an emotionally stable person, volunteering overseas encourages other individuals’ emotional well-being by alleviating symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Remember, other countries may not have access to the same quality of resources or education about mental health that you do.
Volunteering allows you to explore career paths
Whether you are a young person just beginning their studies or a college student looking for the best conservation volunteer abroad program, volunteer work abroad will give you practical experience and the opportunity to “try out” work in a given field without making a long-term commitment.
Popular Conservation Volunteer Programs Abroad
IFRE has various affordable and well-organized volunteer projects that cater to different interests, budgets, time constraints and travel goals. At IFRE we have a program or project for everyone.
Costa Rica
Conservation Project in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is well known for its lush green flourishing tropical rainforests, rushing rivers, and sandy white beaches. Although Costa Rica is home to an enormous amount of plants and animals, the environment is still recovering from decades of previous deforestation, poachers, and human encroachment.
This unique wildlife conservation program will allow you to explore several types of projects. The reserve works in sea turtle conservation, crocodile monitoring, bird monitoring, butterfly gardens, mammal inventory, tree boa population studies, environmental outreach, and beach cleanups. You responsibilities will depend on the organizations’ needs and will vary greatly day to day, giving you a lot of practical experience.
Not only will your hard work will have a big impact as you contribute to important scientific research and conservation efforts, but you will also feel rewarded knowing that you are contributing to major conservation and environmental education efforts. You will also work closely with experienced conservation professionals, allowing you to gain experience while you doing scientific research and implement different techniques.
If you share you passion for endangered species, environmental science, and conservation, then contact IFRE today and learn more about wildlife volunteering opportunities abroad in Costa Rica!
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica
IFRE offers several other conservation programs in Costa Rica, including sea turtle conservation projects in multiple locations and wildlife sanctuary work. Please follow the link for more information on these other programs.
Ecuador
Conservation project in Ecuador
Ecuador is a country with spectacular rainforests. However, these ecosystems are threatened due to illegal forest activities that stem from a lack of education and awareness regarding the environment and its conservation.
This unique project is located in the Los Cedros Biological Preserve in the Andean cloud forest of Ecuador, and when you volunteer here you will have a unique opportunity to explore this incredible natural setting while helping conserve and protect important flora and fauna. Your responsibilities may include trail maintenance and development, participating in active scientific research projects, feeding chickens, cultivating the vegetable patch, picking oranges, cutting down bananas, and helping transport supplies to the remote project location.
The time you spend at the reserve will help support a recovering ecosystem from human encroachment. You will have a tremendous impact on the fragile and unique ecosystems of the Los Cedros Biological Preserve, as well as the community that surrounds it. If you want to stay amidst natural splendor while contributing to the survival of several endangered species, this may be the best student conservation volunteer abroad program for you.
To learn more about this unique program, please reach out to us for more information or continue reading about program details when you follow the link:
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador
Other opportunities for volunteer work in Ecuador include teaching English, caring for street children, working in the Galapagos, and more! To learn about these other projects, please follow the link.
Kenya
Cultural conservation in Kenya
The Maasai are one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya and are also a part of the last remaining indigenous tribal communities in East Africa. The primary reason for their diminishing influence is poverty, disease, migration and influences from the outside world. Left with few options in this rapidly changing world, they are forced to change their traditional way of life and to migrate to urban areas for survival.
When you join this cultural conservation volunteer programs abroad in Kenya, you will experience a true intercultural exchange. Daily activities will vary depending on individual skills and interest, but examples of daily activities may include: teaching the Massai people about any specific skill you may have that would benefit their opportunities with tourism, working with locals to preserve and document their traditions, empowering women’s groups, and more.
This program is unique. It is the only project focused on cultural conservation. Your volunteering efforts will provide you with a sense of accomplishment as you help instill pride and inspiration into the Maasai people. You will also help the Maasai people live productive and healthy lives in their own local community.
If the thought of preserving a unique and fascinating culture interest you, please reach out to IFRE today to start your volunteer adventure in Kenya.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya
Other volunteer programs in Kenya include working with orphans, teaching English in rural schools, participating in HIV/AIDS outreach, and more. To learn about other opportunities in Kenya, please follow this link:
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Sri Lanka
Elephant conservation project in Sri Lanka
The elephants of Sri Lanka face constant abuse and are forced into logging activities, making them victims of poor tourism practices and unwanted domestication. These elephants need help from compassionate and caring volunteers like you to live better lives and keep the species healthy.
When you join this volunteer conservation abroad program, you will be assigned various responsibilities ranging from caring for the elephants to providing medical treatment. You may help feed, bathe and play with the elephants or provide your help on the organic farm each day, growing fresh vegetables and herbs. There is an after-school program that is also the part of this project, where you will be teaching English to the community to give them a better understanding for a sustainable future.
This wildlife experience will allow you to give back to animals in need. You will show a kinder version of humanity to some amazing elephants by ensuring their health, well-being and survival. You will also contribute to the project’s future goal of providing elephant dung fertilizer to poor farmers, giving them an environmentally friendly way to grow their crops and offering the villagers a new perspective on human-elephant relations.
Join this animal movement and bring peaceful co-existence to Sri Lankan elephants. Learn more by following the link.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka
There are a number of wildlife conservation volunteer abroad programs in Sri Lanka that work with elephants. There are also other volunteer opportunities such as teaching English to Buddhist monks, assisting in healthcare efforts, and more. Follow the link below for more information.
Thailand
Elephant conservation project in Thailand
The province of Surin in Thailand is known for its huge elephant population. Home to over 400 elephants; and rightly christened as the “Elephant province”. These elephants were once used for farming and logging activities. Now that these activities have been banned, the elephants have become a burden for the owners, as keeping them is extremely expensive. Unable to feed them, the Mahouts (elephant owners) have sold their elephants or taken them to the streets of big cities to beg for money from tourists, which is illegal and harmful for the elephants.
When you volunteer in Thailand, you will team up with local community members to promote elephant care and conservation and teach locals about the importance of protecting elephants and other animals in Thailand. You will get to feed, groom, care for, play with and give medical attention to the elephants as well.
When you volunteer in this elephant conservation volunteer programs abroad for college students, you will show elephants a side of humanity that is kind and caring. This critical work helps ensure the longevity of the elephant species. You will also help Thailand create a more sustainable future by assisting with planting and harvesting crops and planning vegetable gardens.
If you are passionate about animals and want to embrace a unique experience in Thailand, contact IFRE today to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Thailand
Other teaching, social work, and conservation volunteer programs abroad opportunities in Thailand include teaching English to monks, assisting medical staff in healthcare projects, working with orphans, and more. To see other opportunities, please visit the following link for more information.
Nepal
Conservation project in Nepal
Nepal is known to the world as a trekker’s paradise, however it now finds its natural resources slowly deteriorating due to deforestation and land fragmentation to support its growing population. The lack of awareness amongst the local population regarding the negative effects of deforestation makes this situation even worse.
When you work in one of our best conservation volunteer programs in Nepal, you will help raise indigenous tree seedlings in a nursery by sowing seeds, weeding, watering, and whatever else is needed to help these trees grow big and strong. You will then help distribute these native trees to villagers throughout Nepal. You may also help grow nutritious vegetables that will go to feed hungry orphans who otherwise would not have access to fresh, healthy produce.
When you donate time to nature conservation in Nepal, your impact will be enormous! You will contribute to reforesting land where tress had previously been cut. You will also teach Nepali people how to turn back the damage that has been done to their beautiful country. Every seed you plant in the ground will become a seed of hope for a brighter future. Being a part of this conservation effort will not only save nature from destruction but also give you a whole new perspective on life.
Contact us to volunteer through this unique volunteer abroad conservation project or continue reading more program details on the page link:
Other Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal
Other volunteer programs for people wanting to work in Nepal include teaching Buddhist monks, working in orphanages, photojournalism projects, and more. To learn more about these alternative projects, please visit:
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Skill and Qualifications
The only requirement for cultural and wildlife conservation volunteering programs is that you have an open-mind and passion for the project you are supporting.
To learn more about specific program and project requirements, please follow this link:
The Start Date(s)
All programs start on Mondays, although we will work with you if there’s a travel conflict.
The Fee
IFRE is a non-profit organization trying to change the world. We promote global humanitarian efforts and volunteer experiences at the most affordable rate.
In general, IFRE asks for a $299 registration fee which goes toward paying for local support, airport transfers, program donations, etc. You will also be asked to pay a weekly program fee which is goes directly to your host family and service project.
Even with low program prices, IFRE maintains outstandingly high-quality volunteer programs. We do everything we can to ensure safe, fun, and meaningful volunteer abroad experience.
Housing and Food
The housing and food accommodations you receive depend on your project and country. Most volunteers stay with at least one other same-gendered student with one of our wonderful host families. However, you may also be asked to stay in a shared volunteer house, hostel, or cabin.
Whichever program you decide to join, our outstanding field staff will ensure that you are happy and comfortable in whatever type of accommodations you receive.
How can you apply?
Volunteer applications for abroad volunteer conservation projects are straightforward. Apply online and submit your application to us. Once we receive your completed application, we will reach out to you within 24 hours.
To learn more about our application process, please read more here:
Why go with IFRE Volunteers?
IFRE Volunteers is a well-respected global non-profit whose goal is to make a real and lasting impact on the world through our volunteer programs. We are an experienced and honest organization established in 2006 and trusted by more than 22,000 volunteers. Our conservation volunteering opportunity abroad encourage community growth and change individuals’ lives daily.
What’s more, when you volunteer with IFRE you know where your money goes because you pay your program fees directly to the locals involved in your project.
Despite being the most affordable program in the world, we still deliver impeccably high-quality and outstandingly safe programs. When you volunteer with IFRE, you’ll form strong bonds with our unparalleled field staff and heart-warming host families, who will enrich your experience and make your time abroad worth so much more than you expected.
Learn more about why you should volunteer with IFRE here:
How can you go as a group?
You can volunteer abroad with a group on some of the best student conservation volunteer abroad programs by contacting IFRE directly. We work with our groups and partnering organizations to select and customize a project that suits your groups’ interests, needs, schedule, and budget. Learn more here:
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You can also check out our amazing volunteer opportunities in Bali, India, Cambodia, Brazil, , Guatemala, Peru, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco.
Check out ‘A Complete Volunteer Abroad Guide: Everything You Need To Know’ to learn more about what is volunteering abroad. If you want to know how to volunteer abroad for free, go through our Volunteer Abroad for Free article. If you are a college student and searching for meaningful summer volunteering programs, check out our popular articles Community Service Trips For College Students and Summer Volunteer Programs For College Students.
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