Voluntourism: a blend of volunteering and tourism, it’s a concept that’s grown immensely in popularity over the last decade. The idea is simple: travel to another country or community, contribute your time and skills, and leave a lasting positive impact. But as someone who’s done this a few times, I can tell you it’s so much more than just ticking something off your bucket list. Voluntourism can be life-changing—not just for the community you’re helping, but for you too.
But let’s be real for a minute—if you’re thinking of jumping into voluntourism, you might feel a little overwhelmed. There are a ton of projects out there, and the whole idea of combining travel and charity can feel like a lot to navigate. In this post, I want to take the guesswork out of it by sharing five voluntourism projects you can join, along with some of my personal experiences (the highs and the lows) to help you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
The Ultimate Guide to Voluntourism: 5 Projects You Can Join
1. Teach English in Rural Communities (Asia and South America)
One of the first voluntourism projects I got involved with was teaching English in a rural community in Thailand. It was one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I’ve had, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
I was placed in a small village where English was almost nonexistent, and teaching resources were super limited. I had to get creative with lesson plans—think flashcards, games, and a lot of body language. At first, I struggled to connect with the students, many of whom were shy and hesitant to speak, but over time, they warmed up. By the end of the trip, seeing their progress was absolutely worth all the effort.
If you’re passionate about education and have a decent grasp of the English language, this is a fantastic way to give back while experiencing a different culture. Organizations like Volunteers for Peace or GoAbroad offer opportunities to teach in rural schools, whether in Southeast Asia or parts of South America, where your help can make a real difference.
Pro Tip: Get ready for some culture shock. Not all students have the same access to technology or even books, so flexibility and patience will go a long way. I remember feeling frustrated when things didn’t go according to plan, but in the end, it taught me to go with the flow.
2. Conservation Projects (Africa and Oceania)
If you’re a nature lover and want to contribute to protecting the environment, there are some incredible conservation projects you can join. For instance, I volunteered with an organization in Kenya that was focused on wildlife protection, particularly rhinos and elephants. I was involved in monitoring wildlife, setting up camera traps, and helping local communities understand the importance of wildlife conservation.
What I didn’t expect was how hard this work would be. We were out in the field, sometimes for days, and the conditions weren’t exactly luxurious. But the connection I made with the people who were fighting to protect endangered species was inspiring. If you’re willing to put in the physical work, conservation projects offer hands-on opportunities that can have a real impact on both the environment and local communities.
Organizations like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) or African Conservation Experience offer volunteering opportunities to help preserve biodiversity, whether you’re in the savannas of Africa or the rainforests of Australia. If you’re into outdoor work and want to give back to nature, this is a powerful way to do so.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for the physical demands of conservation work. The conditions can be tough, but seeing wildlife up close and knowing that you’re part of a global effort to preserve it makes it all worth it.
3. Building Homes and Infrastructure (Central America and the Caribbean)
Sometimes, the most tangible way to make a difference is to get your hands dirty and help build homes or schools for communities in need. A few years back, I joined a building project in Nicaragua with an organization that partnered with local families to construct safe, sustainable homes. The sense of accomplishment when we completed a house was unreal—and it wasn’t just about the work we did, but the connections we made with the families who would be living there.
These projects typically require manual labor, so if you’re someone who enjoys hands-on work, this is perfect. I learned a lot about construction and sustainable building methods while also learning about the challenges these communities face in terms of affordable housing.
Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Global Volunteers offer these types of projects all over the world. You don’t need to be an expert in construction; the organization usually provides training and guidance, so whether you’re an experienced builder or just someone looking to help, you can make a meaningful contribution.
Pro Tip: Expect to be physically tired by the end of each day. You’ll get to see the tangible results of your work, though, which makes it all worth it. Plus, the bonds you’ll form with the locals are priceless.
4. Healthcare Assistance in Developing Regions (Asia and Africa)
If you’ve got a background in healthcare, whether it’s nursing, medicine, or public health, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in clinics and hospitals in developing regions. I volunteered in a rural clinic in Cambodia, where I helped out with basic medical care and hygiene education. It was eye-opening to witness the healthcare challenges these communities face, from limited resources to lack of access to essential medications.
Not only did I get to put my skills to use, but I learned a ton from the local healthcare professionals, who often work with very limited resources. Volunteering in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding but also emotionally draining, as you’ll likely encounter heartbreaking situations. But every small improvement in health and education made a huge difference.
Organizations like Doctors Without Borders or International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) have medical and health-focused volunteer programs in a variety of countries, and they often need volunteers to help in clinics, educate on hygiene, or assist in emergency healthcare situations.
Pro Tip: Prepare yourself for the emotional side of healthcare volunteering. It can be tough to see people in dire situations, but every bit of help you provide is a step forward.
5. Supporting Refugees (Europe and the Middle East)
In recent years, the global refugee crisis has taken center stage, and many organizations are looking for volunteers to help refugees adapt to new lives in foreign countries. I volunteered with an organization in Greece that helped refugees from Syria and Afghanistan settle in. My role was to teach English and assist with integration programs, which involved helping refugees navigate life in their new communities.
The work was often emotionally challenging, as the refugees had gone through unimaginable hardships. But I also met some incredible people who were determined to build a new life for themselves and their families. Volunteering in this capacity will give you a deep understanding of the challenges that refugees face, and you’ll be helping them rebuild.
If you’re interested in this area, look into organizations like Refugee Action or UNHCR for opportunities to help refugees in Europe, the Middle East, or even in the U.S.
Pro Tip: The work is emotionally heavy, but the bonds you’ll form with the refugees will be incredibly rewarding. It’s a humbling experience, but one that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Voluntourism has the potential to change the way we travel and how we impact the world around us. It’s not just about visiting a place as a tourist—it’s about being part of something bigger and using your time and energy to make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re building homes in Central America, teaching English in Southeast Asia, or supporting refugees in Europe, each project offers a unique opportunity to give back.
If you’re ready to make a real impact while exploring the world, voluntourism might just be the adventure of a lifetime. It’s an experience that can shape your perspective, open your heart, and connect you with people you never would’ve met otherwise. So, which project will you join?
