WHERE TO VOLUNTEER IN THE POST-PANDEMIC TIMES?

As the world is slowly opening up and we are (kinda’) thinking to get back to the normal (Oops! NEW NORMAL is what they say!) – are you also contemplating about traveling overseas to volunteer for a meaningful program? Well, ‘coz if you are, then we’d love to host you for an experience of a lifetime, where you’d not just explore the place but also indulge in working with the locals, in order to support them for a better living.

If you’re wondering which countries would be safe to travel to, or which countries will be open for international travelers – then you can scroll down and check out the list. 

 

Peru

‘The Land of the Incas’ – Peru is a country that has something beautiful to be discovered at every nook and corner. There can be no better way to explore the place other than volunteering in Peru, which not only will give you a chance to serve the natives but also help you know about one of the ancient civilizations of the world, closely.

Volunteering Solutions has a wide range of affordable and exciting projects in Peru for high school and college students as well as for gap year travelers and backpackers, who are keen to set out for a life-changing journey in the post-Covid times. Those who are looking for a Summer Break Program can also travel to Peru for the 2 Week Special Project.

Participants can choose to volunteer for the Teaching Project, Kindergarten Program, Disabled Care Project, and others, depending on their area of interest. For dental students and medical as well as pre-med students, the Dental Elective Project and Health Care Project are also available, which would give them a first-hand learning opportunity. All projects in Peru are located in the city of Cusco. Peru has been loved by travelers for centuries because of several things that can be done and explored in the country. 

Note: International borders are open but there are certain quarantine rules imposed as of now. We are accepting volunteers from May 2021 and you can apply now. 

 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has maintained one of the lowest COVID-19 fatality rates in Latin America, and its government has been recognized for its successful management and containment of the virus due to the quick actions it took. Known for its verdant coffee plantation-covered hills and volcanic national parks, Costa Rica also has dense tropical forests, stunning waterfalls, and roaring rivers that make it the ideal destination for travelers who love to explore the diverse landscapes. 

Volunteering programs in Costa Rica are located in and around the capital city, San Jose. Vol Sol has volunteer work opportunities at the wildlife and rescue center for animals, at the childcare centers, and teaching English to the students as well as Turtle conservation at the beachside. The Childcare and Teaching projects are located in San Jose and the suburbs, while the Turtle Conservation project is located in the Pacific or Caribbean coastal areas. Most of our volunteers in this location are High School students, followed by gap year travelers, young adults, and families. 

For our summer volunteer travelers – Costa Rica attracts more than a million tourists every year with its beautiful beaches, wildlife, forests, and mainly for Eco-tourism. More than a quarter of the landmass has been set aside as protected reserves, the largest in the world. There are many famous National Parks and Forest Reserves throughout Costa Rica.

Note: International borders are open and travelers can volunteer in Costa Rica now, as our programs are fully operating here. There’s no quarantine rule, but we’d suggest you maintain the minimal measures of safety like wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, etc.

 

South Africa

Located in the southernmost region of the African continent, South Africa can be rightly called the land of thrill and adventure. Marked by the diversity in topography and ecosystems, South Africa has the forested areas in Kruger where the Big 5 can be spotted, as well as the golden beaches bordering Cape Town. 

Volunteering Solutions offers safe and highly affordable volunteering opportunities in the two most enthralling cities of South Africa – Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. 

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa and volunteers traveling there can get to enjoy a perfect blend of the rich historical past with the modern dynamics. There’s a wide variety of projects available, ranging from Teaching Project to Health Care Project, Sports Development Project, Township Development Project, and much more. Medical and pre-med students can also join the Health Care Project in Cape Town. Participants who are interested in working with animals can join the Wildlife Reservation Program in Port Elizabeth, and get an incredible opportunity to spend time with the Big 5 of Africa.

Note: The borders are open & Volunteering Solutions’ Team in South Africa has also been ensuring the best safety measures and abiding by the protocols, for the well-being of the volunteers. In case you wish to volunteer in South Africa and experience the beauty of the land in post-pandemic times, you can choose your program and apply now.

 

Kenya

Volunteering in Kenya would be a perfect way to immerse yourself into the culture of the Kenyan people and interact closely with the local community. It’ll also be an opportunity to see Africa’s BIG 5. Volunteering Solutions offers a wide variety of incredible programs in Kenya to choose from. You can volunteer with the abandoned children at a shelter home, teach the kids from underprivileged families in schools, volunteer at a hospital or clinic placement, or volunteer in rural Maasai lands with ethnic tribes.

Medical students have the option to join the medical and healthcare volunteer program in Kenya to acquire international hands-on experience. Gap year travelers looking for an authentic African adventure trip must join the volunteer programs in Kenya. If you’ve been procrastinating on your plans, then now is the time to ditch all those excuses and head towards Kenya to make a difference and experience the goodness. I had a chance to volunteer in Kenya and trust me when I say this, it’s gonna be an experience that you’d never regret.

Note: International borders are currently open and we are accepting volunteers for all our volunteering programs in Kenya.

 

Tanzania

Popular among wildlife enthusiasts all across the world, Tanzania has everything from lions and elephants to beaches, friendly tribal people, interesting cultures, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro as well as the archipelago of Zanzibar. No matter what you are looking for – you’ll surely find it here!

One of the most visited destinations in the world, Tanzania still has a huge underprivileged population seeking helping hands from volunteers, and if you are willing to make a difference in the lives of the people here, then what can be better than a volunteering trip to this magical African country. Whether it’s a Medical Project in Arusha or a Teaching Project in Zanzibar, your volunteering experience in Tanzania will undoubtedly change the way you look at life and make you a more humble person. You’ll learn the fact that people can be happy, even with the little things, and a sense of gratitude will dawn on you.

Note: Tanzania has been welcoming international travelers and you can choose to volunteer in Arusha or Zanzibar. We’ve already hosted a couple of volunteers last month and we’re looking forward to having more enthusiastic participants in Tanzania.

 

Morocco

Morocco is one of the most exciting, culturally rich, and diverse destinations to travel to in North Africa. It is a great destination for volunteers looking to help in different meaningful projects as well as get an opportunity to learn about Islamic/Arabic traditions which form an important part of Moroccan culture.

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, has its own distinct flavor. Its strategic placement on the world map makes it closer to Spain and Europe and hence a quick fly destination for westerners. Volunteering Solutions offers projects and programs related to orphans, child care, women empowerment, teaching, human rights, etc. It’ll be incredible to immerse yourself in the Moroccan culture while meaningfully doing something for society.

Most of the project placements are located in and around the famous Medina Region. In Moroccan cities, you can find magnificent maze-like alleys combined with districts having buildings of fascinating colonial architecture. For our volunteer travel enthusiasts, Rabat is around 2.5 hours away from Fez and around 5 hours away from Chefchaouen, the blue city.

Note: The borders are open and there are no quarantine rules imposed as of now. You can apply to volunteer in Morocco with Vol Sol and we shall take care of you while you get engaged in a meaningful journey.

 

Portugal

Located on the south-western tip of Europe, bordered by Spain, Portugal offers outstanding landscape diversity, due to its North-South disposition along the western shore of the Iberian peninsula. Whether you wish to go for a hike through the lush green hills or soak in the pristine scenery and historic villages of the little-explored Beiras, or just walk down the cobbled streets in Lisbon or maybe relax on the beaches of Algarve – Portugal has it all for you!

More than the great white sandy paradise-like beaches, superb cuisine, or fine wines, it is the hospitality of the Portuguese people, who make it the perfect destination for an active volunteering trip. You can choose to volunteer for the Food Waste Management Program in Porto or go for the Marine Conservation Program in Lisbon. Being a volunteer in Portugal, you’ll get the opportunity to dig deeper into the social and environmental problems of the country and make a meaningful impact through your active participation. 

Note: International borders are open, and if you belong to the EU countries, then there can be no better option for you, other than volunteering in Portugal. Our programs are open and you can apply now.

 

Sri Lanka

A tiny teardrop-shaped island on the Indian Ocean, situated just below the Indian subcontinent, is this beautiful country called Sri Lanka. It is one of those countries where Buddhism was spread in the earliest days. The diverse landscapes of the country range from rainforests and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches, making it one of the most gorgeous Southeast Asian Nations.

In the last few years, tourism has flourished immensely in the country and there have certain developmental moves as well – but in spite of everything, several communities in Sri Lanka still don’t have proper access to the basic necessities of life. Not just humans, but the lives of elephants and turtles are also endangered and they also need proper care. 

Volunteering Solutions provides amazing and affordable volunteering programs in Sri Lanka for all those who are looking forward to exploring this island nation and contribute meaningfully to society. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the Sinhalese lifestyle and culture, and make a difference in the post-pandemic times.

Note: The borders are open and our programs will be fully operational from May 2021, so you can apply now. We are also offering full flexibility to change your program dates.

 

Volunteering Solutions’ Operations Team as well as the Country Co-ordinators are super active – so in case you have any travel query or wish to discuss plans regarding volunteering abroad in the future, just drop us a mail at [email protected] and we shall get back to you ASAP.