Have you been thinking about visiting another country and making memories that you will always remember? If so, volunteering abroad is the best way to achieve this goal.
You will see different places, work with locals, see many places that tourists never visit and have an incredible experience. By approaching it with a learning mindset, you will have a life-changing experience.
Thanks to COVID-19, there are many challenges at the moment when it comes to volunteering abroad. Travel was one of the first things most nations restricted. Therefore, in the coming months, you will have to be looking for new opportunities.
While writing this article, we took into consideration locations around the world that have flexible travel restrictions and offer a wide range of work, study and volunteering opportunities in 2022. Let’s get started!
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the best nations when it comes to studying, working and volunteering. The country is sustainable and offers many volunteering opportunities in different sectors.
It worked very well during the pandemic and is inviting visitors from different parts of the world. If you are a nature lover, you will love it here.
You can rehabilitate wild animals in their natural habitats, help researchers collect information about different ecosystems, and save sea turtles. You will learn the culture of the people who live here and you can also teach in schools or offer your support virtually.
2. Kenya
Kenya is an East African nation that is quite popular around the world. Most African countries have performed very well in dealing with COVID-19.
The nation has been attracting young volunteers from different nations for several years thanks to its community projects and natural beauty.
Kenya has dedicated a large portion of its territory to wildlife and is popular for the wildebeest migration, which happens once a year. It has many national parks where you can find buffaloes, lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards.
By volunteering on conservation projects, you will have many incredible experiences you never had.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand is gradually emerging as one of the best places to volunteer this year. The country is strict when it comes to travel. However, it will be opening its borders to foreigners. The nation has attracted thousands of travelers thanks to its beauty and diversity.
Most projects here are focused on conservation, as it is necessary to protect the wildlife on these islands. Some of the popular projects in this area include beach cleaning, planting endemic trees, and working with endemic birds.
Most programs here offer agricultural work. Therefore, you will have many learning experiences as you discover the beauty of this nation.
4. Australia
Australia is one of the best places to study and volunteer in 2021. Although it is quite developed, there are many opportunities to volunteer thanks to wildlife.
Because it is geographically separated from other nations, wildlife has developed rapidly and there are many different species here.
Many animals are threatened with extinction in the country, as humans are entering their territory. You can work to support wildlife rehabilitation, carry out extensive research on biomarine projects and care for koalas.
Volunteers are greatly needed in Australia due to the mass destruction caused by bushfires.
5. Mexico
If you have always volunteered abroad, Mexico must be among your favorite countries. The country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches.
It also has a rich cultural background and vast forests. Most projects here require volunteer support, especially in education and community development, as the country is struggling with poverty.
You can spend most of your days at the beach volunteering for turtle conservation projects. You can also teach English and support schools in rural villages. The local farms are also huge. Take the opportunity to see this exchange experience in Mexico!
By working here, you will learn more about Spanish and Mexican culture. Mexico depends on tourism as an integral part of the economy. Therefore, by visiting the country and studying from here, you will be supporting this.
6. South Africa
South Africa is one of the leading countries when it comes to studies and volunteering. Although it was greatly affected by the pandemic, the country is open to tourists again. There are many volunteer opportunities available in this beautiful nation.
If you enjoy working in education, youth development, rural development or conservation, this is the nation for you. There are national parks of all sizes with wildlife ranging from marine animals to big cats. There are many opportunities in rural areas for education and development.
7. Thailand
Thailand has a lot to offer when it comes to volunteering, work and study opportunities. When they hear about Thailand, most people think of the small islands and beaches.
However, the rich cultural context and mountainous forests are simply fascinating. Thailand imposed a strict lockdown very early and was not much affected by the pandemic.
Because it depends on tourists, there are plans to open its borders. There are many projects you can get involved in in Thailand.
You can help children work with elephants in the forests or with the marine along the coast. Most project managers are eager to host volunteers in this beautiful nation.
8. Indonesia
Indonesia is home to Bali, a popular island in the Indian Ocean. It has attracted many tourists from different parts of the world thanks to its beaches, temples and natural beauty.
Support is needed in most projects that work on the protection and development of wildlife. Bali will be one of the best places to volunteer this year as the island will be less crowded and you will help the economy.
What are the 8 main advantages of studying abroad?
1. Learn a new language
Learning a new language can be an enriching experience from all points of view.
Mastering a foreign language can make you a more attractive candidate for an interesting job. In addition to the professional and economic rewards, knowing a foreign language brings a lot of personal satisfaction and expands your sources of information and cultural experience.
2. Learn to adapt to a new culture and environment
One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad for many international students is the chance to immerse themselves in an entirely different environment.
Living in a foreign culture will train your adaptability. For example, while living abroad, you can try new foods, listen to traditional music, participate in local activities, and explore everything else your host culture has to offer.
3. Make new friends
No matter where you go, you’re sure to meet lots of new people and make new friends who are in the same position as you.
When you study abroad, you have the unique opportunity to make friends with people from all kinds of different cultures and learn about other countries and customs.
Many lasting friendships begin this way and you will be able to live, learn and travel together during your studies. It can also be extremely beneficial to meet people in different countries around the world – especially after you graduate!
4. International travel
Studying abroad is therefore a unique opportunity to see more of the world, which in itself is an extremely rewarding educational experience.
There is no doubt that seeing other parts of the world will greatly affect your character and worldview, and help you prepare for life in a global world.
5. Personal development
Going abroad to study can also boost your personal development in several ways. There’s no substitute for first-hand experience, and immersing yourself in a new environment is a great way to gain new insights into yourself and grow on a personal level.
The “soft skills” and self-confidence you will develop this way are highly sought after by international recruiters as well as graduate school admissions boards, and are one of the keys to success in your future career.
6. Develop your soft skills
Soft skills are very important in business, but schools don’t always focus on emotional intelligence as part of their curriculum.
Travelers can develop their personal skills through exposure to other cultures and through the process of trying to navigate an unfamiliar land and culture with less than perfect language skills.
7. Enhance your education
Studying in a different part of the world can be exciting. It exposes you to different learning styles, customs, and opportunities.
You gain a new perspective on how the rest of the world operates. This educational experience will definitely give you an edge in the hospitality industry.
8. Get new ideas
A side effect of spending time in a new culture, where everything is outside your daily routine, is increased creativity. When everything is different from what you expected, you gain a new perspective on your habits, routines, beliefs, and ideas.
In short
The top 8 destinations for opportunities to study, work or volunteer abroad are:
- Costa Rica
- Kenya
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Mexico
- South Africa
- Thailand
- Indonesia
Conclusion
There is a wide range of opportunities to study, volunteer and work in other countries around the world. Which country do you plan to visit this year?
Author’s biography:
Emily Harrinson is one of the most influential editors at the writing website, Paper Writing Pro and Topbritishessays. She has worked at this company since 2006. Her hobby is reading books. But besides that, Emily likes sports and music. She is a very positive person.
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