Author: Nick Wharton / Source: Wise Bread
Volunteering can be challenging, eye opening, and even life altering, but ultimately it’s rewarding in so many ways for those who undertake it. And volunteering abroad is a fantastic way to not only enrich your travels, but also to help others in the process.
There are great volunteer programs in virtually every country, so you’re sure to find something that suits your skills, experiences, and interests.Whether you’re an animal lover, a healthcare professional, a teacher, a conservationist, or just an enthusiastic traveler with a desire to lend a hand, there’s a volunteering position that’s right for you. And while most of these programs do have costs attached to enrolling, there are usually scholarships available to lessen the costs, and many often include food and housing. Here are six amazing places you can give back while traveling. (See also: Make the World Better With These 17 Free Ways to Give Back)
1. Help marine conservation efforts in Mexico
With nearly 5,800 miles of coastline that includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, Mexico has a huge amount of ocean surrounding it. Those waters are home to part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world, the Great Mayan Reef, as well as numerous endangered species of sea creatures.
As a result, there are lots of opportunities within Mexico to help out with marine conservation efforts. Global Vision International (GVI) offers a highly rated program in the Yucatan region that requires volunteers to earn their scuba diving qualifications before joining the team to help secure the future of the local coral reefs.
Other projects focus on turtle and crocodile conservation, like this one by Projects Abroad based on the Pacific Coast.2. Work at Thailand’s elephant sanctuaries
Elephants hold a special place in Thai culture and you’ll find them represented everywhere from patterned prints on clothing to works of art. Despite this, it’s now widely known that many of the captive elephants in Thailand are poorly treated from birth, and activities like elephant riding are cruel and unethical.
Thankfully, there are several sanctuaries and parks where previously captive and working animals come for rehabilitation. The Wildlife Friends Foundation runs volunteer programs helping abused elephants at the Elephant Refuge and Education Center near Bangkok, which…
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