What is Available on a Volunteer Vacation
From Art to Zoology, There is a Job for Every Interest
Jul 1, 2009
For travelers new to the idea, it is quickly evident that a web search on the general words “volunteer vacations” can lead to hours of research. Without a clear idea of what to do, the traveler can become completely overwhelmed. The ability to weed out at least some of the possible projects allows a volunteer to begin the real work of finding the right first project for a volunteer vacation.
Potential volunteers can start winnowing the options by evaluating their interest in these four broad categories; people, nature, objects or data.
Working with People
When attempting to narrow down the myriad of options for volunteering with people, consider the age group of people to be served. There are projects that work with people ranging from infants to seniors.
Evaluation of these criteria may also help to whittle down the possibilities to a specific project. Consider these options:
- Education — language skills, disabled, orphans, sports camps, arts & crafts, dance, music
- Healthcare — medical or dental care, nutrition programs, eldercare, HIV/Aids
- Business development - empowerment, job skills
- Culture — anthropology, heritage, music, art
- Social justice
Some of the topics may require special skills (medical projects or legal issues) or a specific language. Generally English is the preferred language. Usually if a special skill or a language other than English is required, the criteria will be clearly stated by the agency.
After the age range and general area of interest is selected, the traveler can then look at the continent, country and time of year to continue the search.
Working in Nature
This category is also very extensive. Some agencies specifically focus on outdoor projects such as Earthwatch, the U.S. National Parks and Enkosini in South Africa. Options here include:
- Domestic animals or wildlife — conservation, rehabilitation, welfare
- Conservation — wetlands, habitat, trails, resources, reclamation
- Gardening or agriculture
- Scientific research
- Climate change
Working with Inanimate Objects
If people or animals are not of interest, consider these options for ideas for volunteer projects.
- Archaeology — digs and artifacts
- Art
- Geology
- Libraries
- Museums
Working with Data
Non-profits around the world are in constant need of people who are willing to assist them with the necessary daily tasks for the success of the programs. Some options include:
- Computers — education, infrastructure, systems, data entry, data retrieval
- Marketing and fund raising
- Microfinance
- Business development - system, procedures
Depending on the selection, some special skills may be required, but even basic knowledge can be invaluable to developing communities.
When a volunteer knows the definite type of work desired, a specific Google search may be able to pin point exact projects or agencies quickly. If a project or agency has not been located, Idealist allows a traveler to select multiple criteria during a single search (i.e., date, location, price, type of project).
There are so many options. One consolation is that most of the options that are not selected for the first trip may be available at a future date. Keep a running list of projects close at hand, because most travelers return home from one volunteer vacation and immediately begin planning the next adventure.
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