Vacations do not necessarily have to be indulgent, pricey getaways. Your vacation can be for a cause.
An increasing number of volunteer vacations have been created for different causes such as conservation of elephants and teaching English language to the unfortunate ones who are denied of education. As Robert G. Ingersoll once said, “we rise by lifting others.”
What interests you, and what do you feel strongly for? From conducting marine research in Thailand to working on Cambodia’s ongoing human rights projects, the types of volunteering vacations are actually abundant and here are 11 Volunteering Vacations in Asia that everyone should know about.
#1 DIVING AND MARINE CONSERVATION, THAILAND
Thailand’s Diving and Marine Conservation project is located near Ao Nang, with the main objective of this program being to conserve its marine environment. Volunteers will receive training, where you would be taught to scuba dive via PADI Open Water standards. You would also be involved in a series of activities such as reforestation work and reef check surveys etc.
Interested participants can register to volunteer with either Pod Volunteer or Projects Abroad.
#2 ELEPHANT CONSERVATION, THAILAND
Thailand’s national animal has unfortunately been overexploited for logging and whatnot over the past decades. Several organisations across Thailand have stepped up to take this matters into their hands, and are slowly (but surely) rescuing these abused gigantic creatures.
Volunteers can help out at these rehabilitation centres such as Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) by providing assistance in bathing and feeding these elephants.
#3 ENGLISH TEACHING, CHINA
Always wanted to be a teacher? You can do so in China, where countless of students are ever eager to pick up English. There are many teaching positions across China; some jobs are paid, some aren’t. Do your research intensively before settling for one!
You can look up for such opportunities online via Teach Away and Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).
#4 ENGLISH TEACHING, LAOS
If you are looking for a path off the beaten track, then perhaps teaching English in Laos is something you can consider. Interested participants can volunteer as English teachers to young Laotians or work at international schools. Bordered by Cambodia, China, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam, Laos makes a great gateway to other Asian countries.
Look up the available listings for english teaching in Laos on Go Overseas.
#5 ENGLISH TEACHING, SOUTH KOREA
Teaching English in South Korea could be either a short-term project or a long-term commitment. You could be either a paid english teacher at a public school or volunteer on a smaller scale with a host family or at a cafe instead. In return, your hosts will provide you complimentary food and housing.
Cultural Homestay International or Lzone Language Cafe are currently providing english teaching opportunities.
#6 HELPING OUT AT THE FARMS, JAPAN
Upon paying an annual WWOOF membership fee, travellers are allowed to stay with a Japanese host and partake in a variety of farm life activities such as building houses, feeding animals and shovelling snow etc. This intimate experience enable volunteers to enjoy free lodging and meals.
If you would like to live in Japan for a short period for free by helping out at the farms, visit WWOOF Japan’s site for more details.
#7 JOURNALISM, MONGOLIA
Aspiring journalists, experienced reporters and all enthusiastic media industry people – listen up! If you have a penchant for Asian topics and are looking for an out-of-the-world experience in print, radio or TV – why not consider an internship at the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar? Your work will be recognised by the industry and will definitely make your resume stand out.
Check out Projects Abroad for more information regarding a journalism stint in Mongolia.
#8 JOURNALISM, SRI LANKA
How does an internship at Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka sound? You will be tasked to work on either a national daily or weekly English print publication. Topics to cover include arts, business, current affairs and even sports. Your job scope will also encompass feature writing, interviewing, researching and reporting. A minimum of 8 weeks is required.
For more specific details regarding a journalism internship at Sri Lanka, visit Projects Abroad.
#9 MOTHER TERESA, INDIA
If you have been inspired by Mother Teresa’s unconditional love for others, you too can experience it firsthand by volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity at Kolkata, India. Of course, the decision to join is more of a commitment, and is in fact far, far away from a “vacation”. While even a few days there would be life changing, it is important to note that it isn’t for everyone because hardships are to be endured, and the more emotional ones would be affected greatly by the heartbreaking poverty and living conditions.
Visit Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity official website for more details.
#10 ORGANIC FARMING, TAIWAN
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is an organisation that allows travellers to volunteer at farms across numerous countries. In Taiwan itself, organic farms are recruiting volunteers all year round and in exchange, these helpers receive complimentary accommodation and food.
Sounds like something you are keen on? Visit WWOOF Taiwan’s official website.
#11 PANDA CONSERVATION, CHINA
Love pandas and want to interact with these adorable creatures? Here is your opportunity to care for them and even receive a panda volunteer certificate! Dujiangyan Base – located within a 95-minute drive away from Chengdu – is currently the only place that offers such a panda volunteer program. People aged between 12 to 65 years old can apply.
Look up Pandas International organisation if you are interested to join.
About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.