Joining this volunteer program definitely was a unique experience and I could recommend it to anyone who likes to experience a holiday destination from another point of view.

I really grew and developed from this experience at the same time as having some of the most exciting times of my life!

Are you looking for an experience you will never ever forget in your life? Then you should definitely consider volunteering with GoEco. So far, this was the best decision in my life.

Now, back home, the best memories that I keep in my head are my new friends, unique places, and kind people from Thailand. But the highlight memory is definitely the legacy that I gave to the kids, and even bigger was the legacy that they gave to me.

It was an excellent location to learn about the +/- 1100 species present in the Red Sea. Together with Leras, a marine biologist, I received her help in analyzing the photographic material (pictures) from my UW camera. Initially I was only interested in fish species, though after a while I started to do some coral identification as well. In the Red Sea this is pretty much amazing!

There were so many great take -away experiences from my volunteer time at the Hai Bar that it is difficult to name just a few. It by far exceeded my expectations

I was able to help the nurses in their daily rounds; giving injections and medications and setting up IV's. All of these skills were learned right at the placement site. Our assistance was really beneficial to the nurses in their daily jobs.

I have nothing but positive things to say about this program- it was truly the adventure of a lifetime! I can’t wait to go back to the beautiful country, and meet up and do more traveling with the new friends I have made. A huge thank you to GoEco for helping me find this project, and to the wonderful people in Gansbaai who have given me bright and unique memories!

GoEco > Blog

Volunteer Abroad Blog - Experiences and Articles

Recent Volunteer Experiences

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Road Trip China: From Chengdu to Hainan

Posted By: Alissa L.

#Asia,#China,#Volunteer Vacations and Tours

I liked the bamboo raft, and the guy who runs it was very nice and he was very willing to help people take pictures...I really enjoy staying at the oyster farm. I got to go out at night and walk around by the ocean floor at low tide...

Inne's Experience Volunteering in Zanzibar

Posted By: Inne M.

Volunteer in Tanzania - Zanzibar Community Outreach

#Africa,#Tanzania,#Community Aid and Development,#Volunteer with Children

I’m halfway into my second volunteer abroad adventure, this time as a Community Outreach volunteer on the island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. So far it has been an amazing experience! Beautiful. Crazy. Exhausting. Heartwarming. Paradise.

Danielle's Experience Teaching in Fiji

Posted By: Danielle Y.

Volunteer in Fiji - Inspire Kindergartners

#Asia,#Fiji,#Volunteer with Children

Each and every day that I walked into the classrooms of the kindergarten or primary school, my heart was touched by the big brown eyes and smiling faces of the local children. At the first sight of our volunteers, the children shout in unison, “Bulaaaa”. Our participants respond to them in an instant, “Bulaaaa”.

Teaching in Laos

Posted By: Carolein D.

Volunteer in Laos - Educational Outreach

#Asia,#Laos,#Volunteer with Children,#Teach English Abroad

As of now, we’ve spent five days giving lectures at that particular kindergarten. Consider the fact that they never had a English lecture before. But, writing this, some of them can already scream out A-G, 1-15 and about seven colors. It’s pretty amazing, since most are SO young that they barely know how to talk in Laos, let alone a second language. Progress, WHOO! I’m so impressed with the speed in which these kids can pick up on any info you throw at them. They’re my cute little sponges.

Popular Volunteer Experiences

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Dave's Volunteer Experience in South Africa - Two Weeks in Africa

Posted By: Dave P.

#South Africa,#Wildlife,#Conservation,#Africa,#Wildlife and Animal Conservation

Every day was amazing and full of incredible experiences and new people. The days flew by as we were so busy working on the farm, hanging out and making new friends, and learning about the wildlife in a very hands on manner.

Volunteering in South Africa – Encounters with Great White Sharks

Posted By: Giselle M.

#South Africa,#Marine Conservation,#Africa,#Marine and Coral Reef Conservation

Hard work pays off, and this doesn’t go unnoticed by the amazing crew. I managed to go onto an exclusive boat trip which had less clients on board, giving me more opportunities to capture some great footage of the sharks who displayed incredible activity, breaching around six times in the space of two hours.

Volunteering in Zimbabwe – GoEco Experience

Posted By: Michele

Leopards Live In Large, Humane, Natural Environments

#Zimbabwe,#Wildlife,#Africa,#Wildlife and Animal Conservation

The African Wildlife Orphanage’s main goal is to care for orphaned or injured animals until they are able to be released back into the wild. If that’s not a viable option, they’re lovingly cared for the rest of their lives. These animals are also used for educating young local children about the creatures that share their environment. Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, so many of the children living there have never had the opportunity to see or touch wild animals.

Volunteering in South Africa – T.I.A. (This is Africa)

Posted By: Margaret-Amelia

#South Africa,#Wildlife,#Conservation,#Africa,#Wildlife and Animal Conservation

The biggest shock for me was when one volunteer mentioned that we had the opportunity to spend the night with a cheetah—Zena was rescued from a family who kept her as a pet and therefore she is unable to regulate her own body temperature. At night, she either sleeps with the project leaders or two volunteers. Sleeping with Zena was like sleeping with a dog-sized cat; she purred, cuddled, and gave kisses.

Articles

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Top 8 Volunteer Destinations For Spiritual Volunteers

Posted By: Alisa N.

Take your volunteer experience to the next level by living in spiritual places or within religious communities. By adding in the extra element of spirituality, you can elevate your volunteering as you learn about and participate in rituals and lifestyles that are often very different to your own or perhaps are in line with your beliefs:

Best Alternative Spring Breaks for Students

Posted By: Daniella T.

Volunteer in Mexico - Diving for Marine Conservation

#Volunteer Vacations and Tours,#Mexico,#Belize,#Israel

Alternative spring breaks are for students who are looking to do more than simply relax or party during their block of free time from their college and university studies. Students who seek alternative spring breaks are searching for a meaningful experience, usually abroad. This doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy the beaches of Mexico along with traditional spring breakers, it simply means that they can split their beach time with giving back to the local community.

Corporate Volunteering

Posted By: Alisa N.

Did you know that corporate volunteering can also contribute to your business by not only saving it money but also by increasing profits? Here’s a look at why a company getaway should be a part of every successful business model and why a trip to a cacao farm in Belize might just be what the mentor ordered to help your company reach its peak.

How to Volunteer Abroad and have all Expenses Paid

Posted By: Alisa N.

Volunteer in Peru - Amazon Conservation and Machu Picchu Expedition

So you want to be the change and offer your skills, time and comforts, but find that this can be a costly experience. Why? Google searches of ‘volunteer abroad for free’ turn up with thin results and you are left with a big heart and an even bigger decision to make: is your mere presence more beneficial than a monetary contribution?