Volunteering Abroad 2012: Top 5 Destinations

Wanting to volunteer abroad but undecided on the destination? The world is a huge place, and rest assured there are thousands of different volunteer programmes you can get involved in, so let’s help you narrow down your search by talking about the five most popular destinations for volunteers so far this year. Volunteering abroad is a great way to help others, improve your skills and become a more confident, independent person. Improve your personal development tenfold and think about volunteering abroad in one of the following top five places.

Australia

If you seek a life on the beach, in a great climate with chilled out people, Australia might be your best bet. With thousands of volunteers already signed up to leave for Australia in summer 2012, it is proving to be a very popular option. The work in Australia mostly includes teaching, sports programmes, surfing programmes, or childcare and child development. If you like spending time with kids in a wetsuit, better get to Australia!

Brazil

For those who are interested in becoming a volunteer in Brazil, this vast country has some great opportunities on offer and is especially popular this year. As you would expect, a lot of the volunteer overseas work available in Brazil centres on conservation and ecological projects. With the world’s largest rainforest taking up a huge part of Brazil’s land mass, of which huge parts are in severe danger, there are lots of different placements you can get involved in. Feel like waking up in a jungle and fight some deforestation? Brazil is the place to be.

Nepal

For those seeking something more spiritual or cultural, becoming a volunteer in Nepal could be right up your alley. Nepal is a fascinating country, with interesting traditions and cultures that you can get a firsthand experience of as a volunteer in Nepal. Volunteer agencies working with volunteers in Nepal general focus their work on teaching English, working in orphanages or in medicine. It is a unique opportunity to experience life in this reclusive yet beautiful country. Also, its position at the centre of Asia allows great opportunity for travel once you have finished your volunteer placement abroad.

Kenya

Kenya is the ultimate destination for those seeking an African experience. It has everything you could want out of a temporary home and the volunteer placement opportunities to match. Generally volunteers in Kenya work in healthcare, in orphanages or with local children who often live in slums. There is a great demand for volunteers in Africa because of the amount of people who live under the poverty line, so if you want to truly feel like you are making a difference to a community, then Kenya should be top of your list.

Costa Rica

Looking for paradise on Earth? We don’t get much closer to that than in Costa Rica. Golden sandy beaches, crystal clear coastlines and happening cities, this is what Costa Rica is all about. Because of its small size, you can see a lot of the country in just a short time, so you can really make the most of your time as a volunteer. A lot of work is needed with wildlife and ecological work, so if you like the idea of looking after turtles on the beach, Costa Rica could be just the place for you!

Wherever you choose to go, volunteering abroad is a hugely rewarding thing to do, and you can do a great deal of good at the same time. Take a look online to find out more about exactly what opportunities are currently available or comment below to get involved in the discussion.