“Every time I return home from a program, I feel like a new person. I learn so much, not only about the animals I work with, but also about different cultures and the people I meet from all around the world. Volunteering has become something I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life.”
Listen to Marcela’s full story here:
My name is Marcela, and I’m a wildlife vet student from Brazil. Over the past few years, I’ve volunteered with GoEco in South Africa, Malawi, and Mozambique — programs that have completely transformed the way I see myself, my future career, and the world around me.
Why Volunteering Abroad Changed Me
When people ask what it’s like to volunteer on wildlife programs as someone studying to be a vet, my answer is always the same:
It’s amazing. Truly the best experience ever.
At home, it’s hard for me to get real veterinary experience — especially anything related to wildlife. Many internships end up being mostly cleaning, with little hands-on work. But when I volunteer abroad, everything changes.
I get to actually learn.
I get real hands-on experience.
And I feel like the people on the ground genuinely want to teach us.
One of the moments that made the biggest difference for me happened in Malawi. I hadn’t done anything vet-related in a while, and I wasn’t sure I could handle it. But the vets there were so calm and reassuring:
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”
By the end of the program, I felt confident again — far more confident than when I arrived.
The Story I Always Tell
When I think about my favorite memory, one comes to mind immediately.
In Malawi, we were walking with the vet, checking on the monkeys. He would constantly ask us questions like:
“If you saw this, what would you do?”
It made me think and learn so much.
Then we came across a monkey with a large, open wound on its head. We ran back to the clinic to get the supplies — and then the vet asked me to suture the wound.
I remember thinking:
“What?! Me?”
But I did it.
And I was so proud of myself.
That moment changed my confidence as a future wildlife vet.
Why I Trust GoEco (and Why I Keep Coming Back)
So many people are scared when they look at volunteer programs online. They wonder:
“Is this real?”
“Can I trust this?”
I understand that feeling completely.
But GoEco always felt human to me. They call. They email. They text. They check in. Even joining this interview was part of that communication. I always feel close to them, and that trust is why I keep returning.
I’ve even had women reach out to me asking:
“How do you travel alone? Aren’t you scared?”
My answer is: of course you need to be aware, but traveling solo is one of the most empowering things you can do. You learn that you can handle situations on your own. You don’t have to wait for anyone else to go with you — and I tell women all the time:
“Just go. It will transform you.”
Advice for Anyone Thinking About Volunteering Abroad
If you’re unsure, my honest advice is to talk to people who have already done it. That’s why I love that GoEco is interviewing volunteers — it helps you know the programs are real, ethical, and worth experiencing.
Volunteering abroad helped me grow personally and professionally in ways I never expected. And it’s something I believe everyone should experience at least once.
A Thank You to the GoEco Team
There’s something I never told the team directly, so I’ll say it here:
During my South Africa trip, I was juggling paperwork, tests, and visa requirements for multiple upcoming programs. I was confused and overwhelmed — and GoEco helped me with everything. They even contacted the project I was staying at to coordinate things for me.
It made such a difference, and I’m really grateful for that support.
Looking Ahead
This most recent trip was my fourth program — and I know it won’t be my last. Each experience has changed me, taught me, and made me more certain of the path I’m on as a future wildlife vet.
I can’t wait for the next adventure.
