When you think about volunteering in a foreign country, what comes to mind?
- Building a school or church?
- Helping with medical / dental / vision problems?
- Teaching locals how to build a well or irrigation projects?
Great projects - and we can certainly help with those, but for some, that just doesn't hit the nail on the head - or fit with their skill set - so is there something else to do?
In a word - YES
Is your skill set more tuned in to sports? Are you better working with animals?
Here are a few voluntourism opportunities that will not only help you change the lives of others, they will help change your life too- creating a memory that will last a lifetime-
Volunteering Opportunities that are Out of the Ordinary
....SURF
If you are looking for a beach break then these projects on the beautiful Pacific coast need you on board. You will be learning to surf and helping to conserve the local sea turtle population during two sun-kissed weeks. You’ll be living on the beach coupling surfing lessons and supervised surf practice with patrolling the beaches and preparing turtle hatcheries. Providing you can swim, love the outdoors and have a passion for working with animals you will make a big difference and a lot of friends!
....Play Soccer
Growing populations in the suburbs combined with a spluttering economy means many children experience social deprivation. This project in the lively city of Posadas gives the children something to look forward to as well as keeping them fit and healthy. It doesn’t matter if you’re not blessed with natural talent because just as valuable as the sport itself is the daily contact with native English speakers and the chance to experience an exchange of cultures. Besides, as they’re Argentinean they’ll probably be able to teach you all you need to know on the football field anyway! The project aims to promote recreational games and healthy competition between the children, giving them something positive to focus on, rather than alcohol and drugs.
....Work with Orangutans
Swing into action on this 14-day orangutan conservation tour on the magical island of Borneo. By taking a walk on the wild side, animal lovers can observe these gentle giants and learn about them in their natural habitat. They can also enjoy exclusive "back stage passes" to the orangutan rehabilitation centres of Sarawak helping to sustain the orangutan population. The jungle is massive and you will have the opportunity to monkey around by hiking along the trails, exploring the rainforest's flora and fauna, and swimming in the jungle waters. So if you fancy yourself as the next Tarzan or Jane, come meet the descendants of the infamous head-hunters of Borneo and explore the Bako, Kubah and Batang Ai national parks.
....Canadian Ranch Hand
Escape the noisy street corners, crowded bars and over-packed sandwich shops and come to beautiful Canada where you can spend some quality time on a ranch or farm getting in touch with your inner country-loving self. You will stay with a family on their farm and learn all about the farmer/rancher way of life. Spend the working week surrounded by tractors, horses, cattle and fresh air and then relax on the weekends at the local rodeo events, market fairs and country music festivals.
There are so many things you can do to help create a better world - and the time could not be better than now for many!
Search i-to-i for what fits well for you, and let EZTravelpad help with the arrangements - and save you even more money that the i-to-i website indicates!
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