Though Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its natural beauty and seemingly endless outdoor activities, the city also faces many challenges. The “Volunteer in South Africa” trip lets enrollees tailor their abilities to help out, offering programs in sports development, kindergarten teaching, special needs care and surfing, skating and swimming. This program is available year-round, with accommodations in volunteer houses. Participants have weekends free to explore Cape Town, head inland for a safari, or see area attractions such as Table Mountain and the Garden Route. This trip is run by International Volunteer HQ, which has helped more than 110,000 people to volunteer abroad in more than 50 different destinations. The trip lasts at least one week with a cost of $325 and up to 24 weeks with a cost of $6,955.
Teach English Through Japanese Village Life
The “Japan - English Exchange” trip allows enrollees to volunteer in a Japanese village and immerse themselves in its traditions. Through daily interactions with local Japanese, participants will help improve their conversational English skills.
Read MoreHelp Children with Disabilities in Transylvania
Romania is a country in southeastern Europe known for its heavily forested region of Transylvania. Ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, it harbors well-preserved medieval towns with many fortified churches and castles—specifically the Bran Castle, which has long been associated with the legend of Dracula. Romania spent decades under the communist rule of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and continues to restore its rich heritage after his government’s collapse in 1989. The “Volunteering in Transylvania, Romania” trip is located in Brasov, a city in the heart of Romania’s Transylvania region. The volunteer work is locally organized and consists of helping children and adults who have special needs, such as autism or Down syndrome. The Romanian state generally fails to integrate these children into mainstream schooling. Therefore, this work is vital in developing their potential and in preparing them for the future. The volunteer work includes improving and refurbishing two of Brasov’s day therapy centers and also includes a variety of interactive opportunities with the recipients. This two-week trip costs $1,567.
Volunteer in Peru with Indigenous Communities
Participants are placed in small communities, where they live with an Indigenous Andean family.
Read MoreHelp Break the Cycle of Poverty in Romania
Known for its historic folklore, rich history, and beautiful countryside, Romania is still recovering from an oppressive government and adjusting to its recent admission to the European Union. There are still many in the population below the poverty line and high rates of illiteracy. This volunteer project focuses on support for adults on the autism spectrum. These individuals face disadvantages which can be mollified with proper resources, which volunteers on this trip will support. This support will involve renovation and additions to a Center for Autistic Young Persons, where those on the spectrum can get the support they need. Situated in Brasov in Transylvania, home of the legendary Dracula, this trip allows travelers to give back while experiencing this beautiful country. In their free time, travelers can visit the famous Black church, the old city in Brasov, and Bran’s castle, known as Dracula’s castle.
This trip is 8 days and costs $1,862. Globe Aware is a nonprofit organization that offers international volunteer programs that go beyond tourism. Globe Aware programs promote the immersion of participants in a unique way that also aligns with the United Nations sustainability goals. Volunteers get the chance to experience cultural awareness: acknowledging and celebrating the culture of a community, but not changing it. Participants will also work alongside the host community and help teach and learn skills with the concept of promoting sustainable practices.
Help Educate the Village of Hoi An in Vietnam
Volunteers on this trip will head into the rural communities around Hao An to improve educational facilities, teaching methods, and provide supplies and lessons for students.
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