If you live in the northern hemisphere of the world, there’s a fair chance May is when the weather is better and the promise of summer is just around the corner. If you’re looking for some travel abroad inspiration, this is it! For those looking to travel abroad but also want to contribute to something meaningful, we’ve listed our best places to volunteer abroad in May.
This selection of inspiring volunteer destinations with exciting volunteer programs will have you dreaming away in no time! On top of that, volunteer opportunities around the world need your help and support. Find the best volunteer project for you and get ready for your adventure abroad!
Whether you’re into conservation volunteering or prefer working on a program to help people, you’ll find it here!
South Africa – the Best Place to Travel and Volunteer 🇿🇦
South Africa is a top volunteer abroad destination almost year-round. And for good reason too. With its unique combination of impressive landscapes, exclusive wildlife, and bustling cities, it’s a country with so much to offer besides plenty of volunteer projects.
Whether you’re exploring Kruger National Park, Tabletop mountain, or strolling the colorful streets of Cape Town, volunteers will be amazed by South Africa’s natural beauty and lively cultural scene.
Wildlife Conservation
Volunteers in South Africa have an abundance of volunteer programs to choose from. Whether you’re an animal, nature or a people lover, we’ve got you covered! If you’ve always dreamt of volunteering with African wildlife, you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Work for a wildlife reserve program to make sure spectacular creatures like the Big 5, wild cats, great white sharks, and monkeys increase their chances of survival. This is the time to observe them and collect useful data on their behavior.
Animal Sanctuaries
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, animal sanctuary programs in South Africa care for injured or abandoned animals from leopards, cheetahs, monkeys to penguins. Help with feedings, cleaning, daily chores supporting the organization.
Community work
Volunteers keen on connecting with the local community have plenty of opportunities to do so in South Africa. Teach the youth English or other subjects which will advance their future opportunities or keep them busy with stimulating afterschool activities.
Whether you’re good at tennis, basketball, or surfing, you’ll find an inspiring project with many optimistic participants! Support the people of South Africa, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Volunteer in Versatile Vietnam 🇻🇳
Vietnam is a country that has spent to past decades putting the war behind them. With a very young population, the Vietnamese have a spirited approach to life. Vietnam will overload your senses and overwhelm you with its combination of chaos, natural beauty, and energy.
Experience the adrenaline rush while crossing the street between a swarm of motorbikes. Observe their brilliance when transporting just about anything on a motorbike. Taste some of the best Asian cuisine you’ll ever have and lose yourself in the dreamy green landscapes of rice paddies.
Teaching in Vietnam
A lack of good English skills is a big issue in Vietnam. This is why there’s a great demand from various programs for English teaching volunteers. You can make a big impact by teaching the youth English and increasing their future opportunities.
Childcare in Vietnam
If you’re more interested in connecting with small children, there are plenty of childcare programs. They require help from volunteers who are excited to give these children the attention they need. Your work will have a positive impact on the local community.
Medical Volunteering
Medical students can gain valuable work experience by joining a medical volunteer program and assisting local medical staff. Learn what it’s like to work in less than ideal circumstances. This is the time to really put what you learned to the test.
Whatever program you choose to volunteer for in Vietnam, you’ll be making a valuable contribution while enjoying the spectacular sites and the interesting people this breathtaking country has to offer.
Discover the Nature in Namibia 🇳🇦
It won’t surprise you why Namibia is one of the best places to volunteer abroad in May. It’s the perfect opportunity for volunteers to discover an African country suitable for first-time Africa travelers. Namibia is a great place to start if you’re excited about Africa’s pristine wildlife, seeing the oldest desert in the world (the Namib), and strolling around picturesque cities that have maintained their colonial flair.
African Wildlife Conservation
Nature-loving volunteers, spend your days on the African savannah observing and protecting Namibia’s precious wildlife. Big cats, Elephants, Black Rhinos, are likely encounters during your wildlife conservation efforts.
Collect data on these endangered animals or rescue those that are threatened by habitat loss or poaching. Help with feeding, rehabilitation, and care for those that have been rescued. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of many endangered species.
Community Service in Namibia
Most volunteer programs in Namibia focus on animal or nature lovers and require a fair amount of manual work. If you’re more excited about helping the local youth, volunteer for an afterschool activity project and give them something to look forward to. The local community will be grateful for your volunteering efforts.
Experience some Peace and Quiet in Canada 🇨🇦
Canada won’t just wow volunteer nature lovers with its awe-inspiring terrains. With its rugged mountains to glaciers, emerald lakes, and remote beaches. Canada will impress volunteers seeking a little culture too. Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, to the Yukon. You’ll find a unique culture that is seamlessly entwined with this massive country’s monumental natural beauty.
What can you do in Canada? Why is it one of the best places to volunteer abroad in May? Volunteering in Canada is all about its wildlife. All types of species are covered in Canada. With May promising better weather but sparing you the suffocating heat of the summer, it’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and get to some volunteer work.
Volunteer with Huskies
Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with huskies. Learn the ins and outs of sledding and what it takes to train the dogs. You’ll work closely with the dogs and take care of them. This will include grooming, cleaning, and keeping the center tidy.
Volunteer programs for Canadian Wildlife Conservation
Other projects focus on Canada’s rural wildlife. Volunteer to care for rescued animals so they can be released back into nature. For those in need of an adrenaline kick, volunteer for bear, deer, or wolf conservation programs. Spend your time on a 400-acre sanctuary and protect Canada’s unique wildlife.
Volunteering in Canada is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer abroad for those who seek peace and quiet. If you’re ready to live in remote circumstances and a little bit off the grid, this is for you.
Volunteer Abroad in Colorful Colombia 🇨🇴
If you’re looking for everything Latin America has to offer, Colombia will give you just that. From Andean mountains to Caribbean beaches, the Amazon jungle, and even archeological ruins. Colombia has it all. Colombia is for culture seekers looking for cities hinting at a rich historical past. It’s also for those in pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee.
Community Work
Besides its rich culture, Colombia also has lovely people. Volunteer and support Colombia’s local community as you explore the lush jungles or lively cities of Bogota and Medellin. There are a variety of ways to contribute with volunteer projects spanning a wide range of topics from eco-farming projects, waste management, English teaching to women empowerment initiatives or work at one of the youth centers.
On the other hand, volunteers who are drawn to nature can volunteer and support a farming program. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to learn all about sustainable farming. Help with daily chores as you take in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Furthermore, you can boost future opportunities for youth and women. Teach them useful skills that will empower their future endeavors. Make a meaningful difference by dedicating your precious time to less fortunate communities and join one of the many programs. Your time abroad will be well spent in the company of these warm, fun-loving people.
We hope this list of best places to volunteer abroad in May will inspire you to volunteer and travel abroad this spring! If you’re interested in more inspiration, be sure to check out this post on the top 10 places to volunteer in the world!
We’d love to hear where you’d like to spend your time in May in the comments below. They are all equally enchanting destinations with many meaningful volunteer opportunities that will allow you to do some good in the world! We would love to help you find the best volunteer program abroad for you!