You’ve never been this close to a conservation volunteer program abroad! Conservation volunteer projects abroad are available all over the world because the natural environment is being threatened by the modern state of human life and civilization more and more every single day. Some of the most popular locations for volunteering with conservation are South and Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. These regions share an immense biodiversity and also an unfortunate depletion of that biodiversity by human activity. Because of this, there are a vast amount of organizations located in these regions that offer volunteering positions to those who want to get involved.
Save the turtles, save the trees, save the toucans, save whatever you can—conservation volunteer projects abroad need your help!
While conservation volunteering abroad, you will not only give back to this wonderful planet, but become connected with nature and learn about how you and others can minimize your carbon footprints. All the while you will be located in a new and exciting place where you can learn about a culture, make new friends, and explore parts of the world you have never experienced before. Conservation volunteering abroad is a grand learning experience and a move to help the world become a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable place. With so many programs available, we are here to help you to decide which opportunities for conservation volunteering abroad are right for you!
Here’s a sneak preview of the best conservation volunteer programs abroad according to alumni and meaningful travelers (like YOU!).
The best conservation volunteer programs abroad this year
Editor’s note: This information on conservation volunteering abroad was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda with The Real Uganda—9.89
“If you are considering volunteering with The Real Uganda, go for it! One few words of advice, say yes to everything, join in, sing, dance, speak the language, ask questions, tell your story, listen and get stuck in, and you won’t regret it!! You will return having learnt way more than you ever thought possible and with a heart bursting with love for your new family and second home, Uganda!”—Read more reviews of The Real Uganda here.
- Where? Mukono, Uganda
- When? 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 3-6 Months, Year Round
- Why? Immerse yourself in the African culture in Uganda while you volunteer in public health and clinical work, teaching and childcare, or organic farming. The Real Uganda focuses on what Uganda has to offer its people, and looks for ways to improve access to it. Whether you prefer working with the public, children, or vegetables, you will be helping to make a relevant difference in people's lives.
- More program info
2. Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs and Internships Abroad with GoEco—9.74
“This was a once in a lifetime experience that I am so glad to have been a part of! I was very nervous being a first time traveller but the administration team made everything so easy and worry free! The island was amazing and the program was absolutely wonderful! I am so glad to have made a difference in these turtles lives. I definitely would visit again!”—Read more reviews of GoEco here.
- Where? Multiple Countries
- When? 1-2 Weeks, 1-2 Years, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 7-12 Months, 9-12 Weeks, Year Round
- Why? Want to make a contribution to the welfare and conservation of a variety of wildlife and domestic animals? Then check out ways to volunteer abroad in conservation with GoEco! At GeoEco, you can choose between over 60 different programs and internships worldwide and participate in wildlife conservation, marine conservation, education and medical projects and internships, and rest assured you're taking part in ethical volunteering and only ethical animal interactions.
- More program info
3. Rhino and Elephant Conservation with Conservation Travel Africa—9.68
“Words cannot express how brilliant and inspirational this volunteer program has been for me. Working close with these miraculous animals has been outstanding. The house staff, park staff, and animal handlers are all awesome people who treat you like family and have a great laugh with you. Knowing you are truly making a difference by volunteering and helping run and protect the game park is a brilliant feeling—although can be hard work but well worth it! The volunteer house is a paradise! Well worth the trip...I was there for 4 months + an extra week!”—Read more reviews of Conservation Travel Africa here.
- Where? Wedza, Zimbabwe
- When? 1-2 Weeks, 1-2 Years, 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, Alternative Spring Break, Summer, Year Round
- Why? Get up close and personal with the Big Five in Zimbabwe—lion, elephants, white and black rhinos, and several herds of buffalo, with emphasis on supporting the black rhino breeding programme and maintaining excellence in elephant conservation. Conservation Travel Africa works closely with project partners to ensure that volunteer programmes are sustainable and meaningful, firstly for the communities and wildlife, and secondly to ensure volunteers like YOU achieve your own personal goals.
- More program info
4. Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference with Love Volunteers—9.59
“My general impression is that I loved the volunteer program. South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is rich in culture, food, and wildlife. I am very content with my project and staff. Everyone was generous and willing to teach. The staff really made my volunteering experience enjoyable. My tips for the other volunteers is to come with an open mind and to be open to new experiences.”—Read more reviews of Love Volunteers here.
- Where? Multiple Locations
- When? 1-2 Weeks, 1-2 Years, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 7-12 Months, 9-12 Weeks, Multiple Year, Year Round
- Why? Want to make a REAL difference in a local community in a developing country? Love Volunteers will allow you to choose from 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries. Every program has been personally visited and is regularly audited to ensure it meets the highest standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact. What’s not to Love?!
- More program info
5. Volunteer Affordably with IVHQ—9.53
“From the minute I arrived, IVHQ staff treated me very, very well! I was given all the necessary information and had a very organized trip. The days passed as I was given many opportunities to experience the culture. From being able to experience a summer program with young students, to visiting a fishery, I have to admit I can't wait to return. Thank you IVHQ for all your support!!!!!”—Read more reviews of International Volunteer HQ here.
- Where? Multiple Locations
- When? 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, Year Round
- Why? Become a conservation volunteer abroad affordably across a wide variety of projects, including Turtle Conservation and Wildlife Conservation. International Volunteer HQ is the world's most trusted and affordable volunteer abroad organization with the largest range of top-rated programs, available in 40+ destinations year-round!
- More program info
6. Marine Conservation Expedition in the Seychelles with GVI—9.49
“Really enjoyed my time with GVI - made amazing friends and great memories. Having been employed in conservation before I did feel like my impact was minimal, however I can understand the value of small scale data collection to the general work done to protect the reefs in Seychelles. I would choose GVI again as an ecotourism holiday.”—Read more reviews of GVI here.
- Where? Seychelles: Curieuse Island, Mahe
- When? 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks
- Why? Travel to the Indian Ocean where you will spend your time scuba diving around the coral reef, collecting research data on coral and fish species, helping with whale shark migration surveys, turtle nesting research, and conducting octopus and lobster surveys! You really have it all as a conservation volunteer abroad on this program. With GVI and their partner organizations, you will be a part of the leading marine data collection organization in the country!
- More program info
7. Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America with Maximo Nivel—9.09
“Volunteer teaching in Quepos has been an incredibly rewarding experience! I have had the opportunity to get to know many members of the community and help them learn English. English is incredibly important for the people to learn in this community because it is a tourist based economy. Students come motivated and ready to learn! I would highly recommend this program if you are looking to make a real difference in this community and get to know many locals.”—Read more reviews of Maximo Nivel here.
- Where? Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru
- When? 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 7-12 Months, 9-12 Weeks, Alternative Spring Break, Summer
- Why? Travel to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru and volunteer abroad in conservation! Maximo Nivel makes it possible to pick and choose amongst programs in conservation, animal care, and eco-agriculture to help scratch the do-good itch.
- More program info
8. African Big 5 & Wildlife Conservation Project with African Impact—9.18
“Best experience ever. It was an incredible experience, where I met beautiful people (volunteers and staff (Nici)). I feel more involved in volunteering. I really understand the real meaning of volunteering. It's not just helping people who have nothing, it's more than that. This short but intense trip in South Africa is the trigger for a lot of other travels. It means a lot to me because I feel ready to travel more. Big thank you to all of you!”—Read more reviews of African Impact here.
- Where? Limpopo, South Africa
- When? 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, Year Round
- Why? Volunteer on a research team for the ultimate African safari, enjoying daily drives through South African wildlife reserves to monitor and study the African Big Five—the elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo! African Impact is the largest provider of volunteer projects on the continent of Africa and by volunteering with them you will be a part of authentic and sustainable practices that have earned many awards throughout the years.
- More program info
9. Conserve Wildlife & Rewild a Game Reserve in South Africa with Mapesu—9.0
“At Mapesu Private Game Reserve there is always something to do! Everyone has the same mind set! Protecting animals and rewinding the ecosystem. This beautiful and amazing place will never let you go! After every activity you will get the feeling that you have achieved something. You will never forget this wonderful place in Africa.”—Read more reviews of Mapesu here.
- Where? South Africa
- When? 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 7-12 Months, 9-12 Weeks, Alternative Spring Break, Multiple Year, Summer
- Why? Dreaming of an African safari but really want to get your hands dirty and experience more than just sightseeing? As a volunteer in South Africa with Mapesu, you will have adventures in all aspects of conservation, from researching leopard populations, to cheetah and elephant monitoring, to bird and ecological surveys, to analysing game transects, possibly translocations and releases, to hands-on work projects of restoring fauna, to recording and evaluating data, to sustaining habitats, and so much more!
- More program info
[Browse All Conservation Volunteer Programs Abroad]
You’re ready to volunteer abroad in conservation!
Make your (sustainable) mark on the world with conservation volunteering. Who knows the difference you can make?
Conservation volunteering abroad is a safe, affordable, and sustainable way to learn more about conservation in unique locations around the world. You will be tossed out of your comfort zone and really getting your hands dirty doing your part to help protect some of the most vulnerable habitats in the world. With conservation volunteer projects abroad, you’ll without doubt have a life-changing experience working in beautiful habitats with interesting people from different backgrounds and cultures around the world that need and depend on your help.
Volunteering with conservation will transform you into a more compassionate, well rounded, and knowledgeable person, which could lead you to other amazing opportunities in the future. Make new friends. Eat new foods. Learn more about yourself. And save the elephants and rhinos too! Go ahead—do a conservation volunteer program abroad. Need more information? GoAbroad is your go-to resource for finding the volunteering for conservation program that is right for you!
Use MyGoAbroad to Find Conservation Volunteer Programs Abroad With Confidence
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