Best Places to Volunteer in February [2024]

After a busy Christmas season, followed by the dreary days in January, you will probably have been bitten by the travel bug and on search for the best places to volunteer in February. If so, we have some good news for you:

February is one of the best months to travel abroad due to its off-peak season. So there will be fewer crowds and more affordable flight tickets! To get the most out of your travel, consider combining your adventure abroad with meaningful volunteer work! Not only will you experience the incredible landscape and culture of a new country, but you will also be able to make a lasting difference in the local community.  

Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience as a teacher, work with unique wildlife, or empower underserved communities, our different volunteer programs have something for everyone. Scroll down for our list of the best places to volunteer abroad in February!

South Africa – Volunteer in the Rainbow Nation 🇿🇦  

What can South Africa offer our volunteers? Well, everything! For adventure seekers out there, the country is full of adrenaline-inducing activities! Bungee jumping, scuba diving, or safaris in Kruger National Park – you name it. If you are a more laid-back traveler, there are enough alternatives. Take a stroll through South Africa’s famous vineyards or soak up some much-needed vitamin D at one of Cape Town’s spectacular beaches. Lastly, as a popular hotspot for wildlife, the “Rainbow Nation” is truly a paradise for all animal lovers.  

See? There are plenty of free-time activities to try out while volunteering for the local community and wildlife!  

Baboon Conservation Volunteering  

Did you know that baboons can live up to 45 years? Unfortunately, many do not reach this age because of their primary predator: humans. Besides losing their habitat due to agricultural expansion, baboons are hunted for their skin or animal testing in laboratories.  

Travel to South Africa and volunteer in a baboon orphanage! Locals need your help to protect these intelligent primates. Prepare food for infants, clean enclosures, or educate the local community about the baboons. Once they are ready, you will be able to release them into the wild. A heartwarming experience, you do not want to miss!  

Big 5 Conservation Volunteering

Buffalos, elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos make up the famous Big Five of Africa. They received that title because these creatures were considered the most difficult animals to hunt on foot in the past. Still to this day, they are popular trophy animals. That’s why the Big Five’s population has been declining.

Fortunately, there are many wildlife conservation volunteer organizations in South Africa. They are passionate when it comes to protecting these endangered creatures. Experience these grand animals in their natural habitat while you tend to your volunteer tasks. Conduct research on the Big 5 and raise awareness about the importance of anti-poaching!  

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering

South Africa is not only home to the Big Five, but also to plenty of other wildlife. Giraffes, wildebeest, monkeys, cheetahs, sharks, dolphins, whales, penguins…the list is endless! Yet, most of them all share a sad common ground: due to habitat loss and hunting purposes, these animals have become endangered.

Contribute to the preservation of South Africa’s magnificent wildlife and join our volunteer programs! Your tasks will be as diverse as the African wildlife itself. Track animals, restore the landscape restoration, and rehabilitate injured animals!

Indonesia – the Land of Great Adventure 🇮🇩

Drenched in a variety of ecosystems, Indonesia creates a home for remarkable wildlife such as tigers, Komodo dragons, and elephants. Yet, there is one animal you can only find in Indonesian Borneo: the orangutan, “the human of the forest”! Sadly, due to deforestation for timber and palm oil, they have received a spot on the list of endangered species.

Volunteer abroad in our conservation program and help locals protect the natural habitat of the red-haired apes. Spread awareness, track and map the jungle while observing wild orangutans swing from one tree to another!

Indonesia’s diverse biodiversity cannot only be found on land, but also under the sea as well. Diving enthusiasts will find countless colorful fish, majestic manta rays, smart sea turtles, and more! Unfortunately, their shared home is being destroyed. Approximately 85% of the local coral reefs are killed. The common reasons are warming waters, destructive (over)fishing, pollution, and physical destruction.

As a volunteer abroad, you will get the opportunity to restore coral reefs. Survey reef health, rehabilitate coral reefs, and clean up the ocean or beaches. Your contribution will definitely have a positive impact on the marine ecosystem and its inhabitants!

There is another way you can volunteer abroad to protect the environment. Volunteer in an agricultural program where ecological farming is being practiced. Learn how local communities run a farm in a way that benefits nature as well as the consumers’ health! Are you a gardening expert or trying to develop a green thumb? It doesn’t matter! All volunteers, who are eager to learn more about sustainable farming, are welcome!

Uganda – Volunteer in the Pearl of Africa 🇺🇬  

Despite its small size, Uganda has a lot to offer. Jaw-dropping landscapes, wonderful wildlife (including gorillas), and cultural diversity. If that’s not enough reasons to get you to volunteer in the “Pearl of Africa” then maybe its people will. Many travelers consider Ugandans as one of the happiest and friendliest people you will encounter abroad. They welcome volunteers with their smiles as warm as the sun that shines all year round which makes it also one of our best places to volunteer in February. Are you convinced yet? If not, take a look at these volunteer opportunities:  

Volunteer in a Childcare Program  

Even though Uganda’s economy has been booming since the 21st century, one-third of its population still lives in poverty. To go to work, parents leave their children in daycare centers that are overcrowded and understaffed.

Volunteer in our childcare programs and give the children the attention they deserve. Play board games with them, prepare nutritious meals, and help them with their homework. These children cannot wait to greet you with their contagious smile!  

Teaching Volunteering  

Approximately one out of five children in Uganda does not have access to education. Especially those living in remote neighborhoods. Due to the poor financial situation, many children have to drop out of school to help out their parents, or they are not sent to school at all.  

Join our teaching program abroad and contribute to the children’s academic foundation! Whether in a remote neighborhood or the busy capital city Kampala, all students are eager to learn. With your help, they will get the necessary education to break the cycle of poverty.

Brazil – Experience Samba, Carnivals, and Volunteer Programs 🇧🇷

Because of Brazil’s tropical weather throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit this country. Yet, February is the month that draws in many globe trotters around the world. The reason: it’s festival month! Extravagant costumes, contagious street dancing, euphoric party-goers – a unique event you do not want to miss!

Besides this popular festival, Brazil has a lot more to offer. Natural wonders, one of the best cuisines, and of course plenty of volunteer opportunities!  

Volunteer in a Childcare Program

Luckily, Brazil’s economy has experienced growth in the past few years. Yet, there is approximately still a quarter of the population that lives in poor areas, also known as “favelas”. To provide for their family, many parents leave their kids in daycare centers. Since they are overcrowded, local caretakers are not able to spend quality time with all the children.  

Travel to Brazil and volunteer in a local daycare! With your help, parents will be able to go to work with an eased mind, knowing you will give their children the attention and care they deserve.  

Rainforest Conservation Volunteering  

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the annual carnival you don’t have to travel far. Experience the Amazon Rainforest with its astounding flora and wildlife that is as vibrant as the annual festival itself! Do you know why the Amazon Rainforest is referred to as the “Lungs of the Earth”? Because of its plenty vegetation, it can turn a lot of carbon dioxide in the air into oxygen. Thus, it plays a huge role when it comes to slowing down climate change. Even though its importance is globally recognized, over 20% of the Amazon Rainforest has been destroyed.  

Join one of our conservation programs abroad and help restore the Amazon Rainforest for future generations to come. Whether you like to get your hands dirty and plant trees or take care of orphaned wildlife, the lush jungle has a lot to offer!

Spain – Volunteer in the South of Europe 🇪🇸  

Saving the best for last: Spain. Most people associate Spain with sipping a refreshing glass of Sangria at a sandy beach under the scorching sunlight. As tempting as this summery vision sounds, traveling to Spain in winter is even more worthwhile.

After your volunteer work, you can enjoy Spain’s stunning scenery, its charming architecture, and its diverse culture. Plus, you will encounter less touristy crowds since it’s offseason. See? Spain is the perfect winter destination for volunteering abroad!

Marine Life Volunteering

Spain is spoilt with incredible natural wonders. From dramatic coasts, lush meadows to serene desserts, you will not be disappointed. As breathtaking as Spain’s landscape is its marine environment. Whales, dolphins, and sharks are among many other marine lives that inhabit the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, each population has declined in the past due to hunting, bycatch, and water pollution. 

Become a volunteer in our marine life program and protect these impressive creatures! As a volunteer abroad, you will work alongside enthusiastic locals. Educate tourists about the threats whales and dolphins are facing, conduct marine life research, or clean up the beach and sea.

Horse Conservation Volunteering

You love animals, but don’t like to get wet? No worries, our horse conservation programs have got you. Explore Spain’s beautiful countryside while volunteering with horses. Work up-close with these incredible animals, clean their stables, and shower them with love. Whether you are an equestrian or simply like horses, our volunteer programs will cater to your interest and skills. 

Volunteer in a Childcare Program  

If you are an aspiring kindergarten teacher or simply love to spend your free time with kids, our childcare programs will be the right fit for you. Your volunteer tasks include playing games with children or helping older kids with their homework.

Additionally, as a volunteer abroad, you can broaden their young minds by sharing your culture with them. In exchange, children might teach you some basic phrases, so you can improve your Spanish speaking skills. ¡Qué guay!

That’s the end of our list of best places to volunteer abroad in February 2024! Five dazzling travel destinations with purposeful volunteer programs. The perfect antidote for your travel bug bite! Where would you like to volunteer? Share your travel picks below! If you need help finalizing your volunteer adventure abroad, do not hesitate to contact us in our live chat. We’re happy to help!