12 Feb 2020

Taking some time off for yourself is a great idea. Whether you need a break after finishing high school, a few months off work, or you just wanna get out there and see what this great big world has to offer – you’ll never regret hitting the road.

However, some people can find it hard to justify spending so much time and money making their already-pretty-good life even better, when there are so many people (and animals) in need out there.

Fortunately, voluntourism is a thing.

Yep, you can see the world whilst simultaneously making it a better place – by volunteering at the places you go.

Volunteering is a great way to spend your time off. Firstly because it allows you to see places in a whole new light. When you volunteer, you often get to live like (or even with) a local and gain a deeper understanding of a place than you ever would have if you hadn’t volunteered. Local knowledge will often lead you to have totally unique experiences, too.

Not only do you get welcomed into a new community, but you get to give back to them through the work you do and make a positive, sustainable impact. If you’re passionate about the volunteer work you do, it could even be an opportunity to grow personally and professionally – and in some cases, even gain a qualification along the way!

 

Our mates at GVI help set up legends like you to travel around the world and make a positive impact as they go. Some of our favourite programs of theirs are:

Marine conservations expedition in Fiji

If you’ve always wanted to get into diving, then this is the ultimate way to get all ya diving qualifications whilst contributing to a good cause at the same time.

In this program, you’ll contribute to national efforts to conserve Fiji’s delicate coral reefs and marine ecosystems, whilst learning a bunch about coral reef ecology and the challenges it faces. Participants typically spend time every day in waters shared by endangered species such as sharks, rays and whales.

Oh yeah, and you’ll also earn your PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Qualification in the process.

Volunteer with elephants in Thailand

Okay, okay, okay - If there aren’t any elephant lovers reading this, we’ll be very surprised. Who doesn’t love elephants?

People are so fascinated by elephants that they’ll often pay to see them, touch them, or even ride them. The elephants that spend large chunks of their lives meeting and greeting tourists sometimes need a bit of a hand getting adjusted back to life in the wild.

That’s where you come in. You’ll be working with local expert mahouts to observe, assist and learn about the elephants as they integrate back into a semi-wild herd. There are also some amazing mountain forests to explore in your time off as well (if you can drag yourself away from the elephants, that is).

Women’s empowerment short term internship in Nepal

If you want to make a huge social difference in the world, then this internship in Nepal is the perfect way to help make strides towards achieving global gender equality.

Some of the highlights include running literacy, numeracy and life skills workshops for local schoolgirls, as well as helping local women build their professional development and English skills. With knowledge, the women in these communities are empowered to create a life for themselves without limitations.

You’ll also earn your GVI ILM Leadership Development certificate with all the work you do. On top of that, you’re in Nepal! You can spend your downtime trekking, paragliding, and soaking in beautiful landscapes.

Volunteer with Buddhist novice monks in Laos

If you want a travel experience that is completely unique, then this one is for you. You’ll do work for an amazing cause and immerse yourself in the inimitable culture of Luang Prabang – the ancient capital of Laos.

You’ll be teaching English to young boys from rural villages who are encouraged to become novice monks at the Buddhist monasteries in Luang Prabang. Other Lao children and young adults will also be present and your teachings will enable them to increase their future and academic opportunities.

And in terms of sightseeing? Well, there’s caves, waterfalls with crystal clear pools, and some super-diverse culture. It’s the type of place you can get lost in and still have an out-of-this-world day.

If you’re interested in GVI, wanna sign up to be a volunteer, or wanna see what other opportunities they have on offer, then head over here and check them out! Got any questions? You can ask them here.