Around the world, December is filled with various kinds of holidays celebrating the respective cultures, religions, and traditions. In addition, it marks the end of the Gregorian calendar. Wouldn’t it be nice to end the year with a memorable trip abroad?
Make your travels even more significant by volunteering abroad! Not only will you get the opportunity to experience new cultures, sights, and nature, but you will also be able to give back to the local community. December is the month of giving after all, right?
Regardless if you want to escape the holiday hustle and bustle, the cold temperature in the Northern Hemisphere, or simply want to do something meaningful, we have compiled some of the best places to volunteer in December! Just keep reading!
🇹🇿Tanzania – Africa’s Visual Masterpiece
Drenched in grasslands, rock formations, and snowcapped mountains, Tanzania’s landscape will leave you stunned. Besides, not only is Tanzania one of the best safari destinations in Africa, but its people and culture will also make your trip worthwhile! Volunteer abroad in Tanzania while exploring this magnificent country!
Teaching Volunteering
Education is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to a community and one of the best ways to increase children’s future opportunities.
Volunteer in schools in buzzing cities like Arusha and Dar Es Salaam, or in rural areas. Depending on your skills and preference, you will teach eager students English, sports, math, and more! Local teachers and students cannot wait to welcome you into their classrooms!
Women Empowerment Projects
Even though Tanzania has made some progress in terms of gender equality in the past, there is still a considerable number of marginalized girls and women.
Join a women empowerment program as a volunteer abroad and help the female community secure a sustainable future for themselves. Your volunteer tasks may include raising awareness about women’s rights and teaching young women English or business skills.
Animal Conservation Programs
If you’re a cat or dog lover, volunteer in our animal shelter programs in Arusha. Give abandoned street animals the love they deserve and take care of them until they find their forever home.
If you are more into marine life, you’re in luck. Zanzibar’s underwater world is known for its gorgeous diving spots and outstanding marine life. Become a volunteer abroad and help local organizations protect dolphins, whale sharks, and sea turtles from unsustainable fishing methods and pollution.
🇵🇪 Peru – Volunteer in the Heart of the Inca Empire
Peru truly has it all: mysterious Machu Picchu, lively cities like Lima, and lush Amazon jungles. Moreover, located in the Southern Hemisphere, December marks the start of Peru’s summer months. Spending your winter holidays in a beautiful and warm country sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Once you’re finished with your volunteer duties, treat yourself to the best Peruvian cuisine, wander the historic streets of Cusco, or hit the beach along Peru’s coast! As a hiking enthusiast, you can even take a multi-day trek on the Inca Trail.
Teaching Volunteering
Even though Peru’s economy has improved significantly in the past years, some sectors still do not benefit from the economic growth. Many institutions, especially in rural areas, lack financial support. As a result, schools are underfunded and overcrowded.
This is where volunteers play a crucial role! Help local staff teach spirited students English, math, and sports. With your help, students will have a solid foundation to create a brighter and better adult life.
Childcare Volunteering
Another institution that needs volunteers is daycare centers! While parents go to work to support their families, they rely on daily childcare support. Help understaffed daycare centers look after kids and shower them with the genuine attention and love they deserve!
Rainforest Conservation Programs
If you want to escape buzzing cities like Lima and Cusco, volunteer in the Amazon rainforest instead! Did you know that Peru is the birthplace of this jungle and not Brazil? It is also the least populated region of Peru even though it covers about 2/3 of the country!
Volunteer in the Peruvian Amazon and help reforest the largest and most biodiverse ecosystem in the world!
🇺🇬 Uganda – Discover the Pearl of Africa
Compared to its fellow neighbors, Uganda is relatively small. Yet, it has a lot to offer: untouched nature, incredible wildlife, cultural diversity, and meaningful volunteer opportunities of course! Experience the Ugandans’ hospitality and warmth yourself and contribute to something meaningful in return!
Gorilla Conservation Projects
Have you ever seen gorillas in the wild? No? Then this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance! Luckily, Uganda is home to mountain gorillas. They can’t be found anywhere else except for Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo! Sadly, only about 1000 gorillas exist in the world, making them an endangered specie.
Become a volunteer abroad and protect these magical creatures from poaching and habitat loss! Depending on the organization, your task will vary. But one thing is for sure: you will most likely encounter a wild family of gorillas! An experience you will never forget!
Community Programs
The Ugandans are known to be one of the happiest people worldwide. Increase their level of happiness even more by supporting their local communities! Whether you’d like to join a healthcare program, build schools, or spend your time with children in a daycare center or in classrooms, there are a variety of ways to volunteer with the Ugandan communities.
🇬🇹 Guatemala – Explore the Land of Eternal Spring
Located between Mexico and Belize, Guatemala is often overshadowed by its neighboring countries. But Guatemala should definitely be on your travel bucket list! It is home to Mayan ruins, lush forests, and coastlines that will leave you speechless. Additionally, you will find a great diversity of plants and animals! Our volunteering opportunities in Guatemala are just as diverse as the country itself! Have a look!
Wildlife Conservation Programs
Guatemala’s rich forests and untouched mountains are home to diverse and exotic animals. Some of the native wildlife include monkeys, jaguars, sea turtles, and much more!
Wildlife sanctuaries are looking for passionate volunteers to care for the sick, injured, and orphaned animals! So make your way to the Land of Eternal Spring and contribute well-being of various creatures!
Community Projects
If you’re not into animals, there are various volunteer opportunities in Guatemala for you to consider. If you’re an aspiring teacher, then our education programs will be the right fit for you. Alternatively, inspire young girls and women to become strong, independent individuals. Regardless of the project focus, you will for sure leave an impact on the local community.
Healthcare Volunteering
Guatemala is considered a developing country. As such, there are still a striking amount of people that do not have access to proper medical attention. Join a healthcare program abroad to take care of sick patients. It doesn’t matter if you prefer volunteering in an established hospital or in a rural health clinic, caring for ill people is incredibly rewarding!
🇲🇽 Mexico – the Land of Enchantment
Last, but definitely not least on the list of best places to volunteer in December: Mexico! With its stunning underwater world, palm-fringed beaches, and mouthwatering food, Mexico will easily mesmerize you. No wonder the country is known as “the Land of Enchantment”! Discover this unique and spectacular country while joining our volunteer programs!
Teaching Volunteering
Speaking English is a crucial skill to have since it is commonly used to do business. Therefore, schools in Mexico are always looking for English teaching volunteers for their students!
As a volunteer abroad, you will get the chance to make a lasting change in the children’s lives. By assisting local teachers, the kids will learn to speak English which exposes them to better job opportunities in the future.
Sea Turtle Conservation Programs
Mexico is known for its heavenly beaches. Those beaches are also important nesting locations for sea turtles. Sadly, many baby turtles don’t make it to the ocean since predators dig up their nests to eat the eggs or beachfront lighting installed by humans lead hatchlings away from the ocean.
Take this opportunity to spend the entire day at an alluring beach while volunteering at a turtle sanctuary! Protect the nesting and hatching process and help guide baby turtles to the ocean!
Diving Projects
Not only are Mexico’s beaches marvelous, but its underwater world as well! If you’re a diving enthusiast, our scuba diving programs will be perfect for you. Put on your wetsuit and protect the ocean from overfishing and pollution! During your dives, you will surely encounter wonderful coral reef, fish, or sea turtles (the list is endless!)!
That’s a wrap on our list of best places to volunteer in December! Did your favorite destination make the cut? If you need help looking for the perfect country to end the year, don’t hesitate to contact us in our live chat! We’ll be more than happy to help you out!