Best Places to Volunteer in October [2023]

Out with the scorching weather and in with the sweater weather, colorful foliage, and delicious seasonal food. At least in the Northern hemisphere. With fall reaching its peak in October, it’s the perfect time to squeeze in a fall vacation abroad before the colder days arrive.

Fall is probably one of the best seasons to travel since it’s technically shoulder season. Therefore, airfare is more affordable and the popular tourist attractions are less crowded. Make your travel abroad even more memorable by volunteering abroad! Not only will you be able to travel to a new country, but you will also make a long-lasting impact on the local community or wildlife!

If you’re looking for a meaningful, fun fall getaway, just scroll through our list of the best places to volunteer in October.

Indonesia – Explore the Emerald of the Equator 🇮🇩

orangutan baby in indonesia

Indonesia is truly a sight to behold. The archipelago consists of over 17,000 islands that span across Asia and Australia and cover both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. As a result, Indonesia has a rich variety of people, cultures, and biodiversity. In addition, Indonesia is known as the “Equatorial Emerald” referring to its green rainforest and its location along the equator.

Become a volunteer abroad and discover Indonesia’s diverse culture and natural beauty! Our volunteer programs are just as varied as the archipelago itself!

Wildlife Conservation Projects

Although Indonesia only covers 1% of the Earth’s surface area, it is home to 17% of the world’s wildlife. Some of them are endemic species meaning they only exist in Indonesia. Those species include macaques of Sulawesi, the dragons of Komodo, or the orangutans of Sumatra. Sadly, many of these incredible animals are endangered due to habitat loss, degradation, or illegal wildlife trade.

Volunteer abroad in Indonesia and conserve the Earth’s biodiversity! Locals need your volunteer work to rehabilitate and reintroduce animals into their natural habitat.

Reef Conservation Projects

The Indonesian archipelago is also known as the “heaven for divers“. It’s no surprise since it has 75% of all coral species and more than 1500 coral fish species!

Volunteer abroad and keep the beauty of Raja Ampat’s, Bali’s, or Gili’s underwater world alive! As a volunteer, you will help the local community protect coral reefs from pollution, physical damage, and overfishing.

Sustainability Volunteer Programs

The economy of many countries (including Indonesia) depends on agriculture. Agriculture, in turn, depends on the environment. To protect our environment, local farmers have replaced unsustainable farming techniques with more ecological ones. As a result, there will be less carbon dioxide and the greenhouse effect will be decreased.

⁠Become a volunteer abroad and help locals maintain their sustainable farms. As a volunteer, you will learn more about ecological farming and raise awareness for sustainable agriculture in the local community.

Volunteer in Picture-Perfect Peru 🇵🇪

childcare volunteer in peru in october

While fall reaches its height in the Northern hemisphere, the Southern hemisphere experiences spring at its peak! Bonus: it’s still shoulder season in Peru! After completing your volunteer duties, go wildlife watching in the Amazon rainforest, take a stroll through the historic streets of Cusco, or visit the now less crowded Machu Picchu. With the rainy season just about to start, being on top of the Inca trail is definitely one of the best places to be in October!

Teaching Volunteer Programs

If you’re an aspiring teacher or simply like to share your knowledge, our teaching program got you covered.

Volunteer in bustling cities or in rural areas and support local teachers in their classrooms. Teach eager students English, math, or any subjects you know the most about. We also offer sports teaching programs for volunteers that are more active. With your coaching, children will not only excel in different sports, but they will also learn important soft skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship.

Childcare Volunteer Projects

Same lively children, but a different setting. If you prefer taking care of kids rather than teaching them about different subjects, then volunteer in a daycare center in Peru!

Become a volunteer abroad and contribute to the children’s daily dose of happiness. Your volunteer duties include spending time with them, playing with them, and encouraging their intellectual and social development.

Rainforest Conservation Program

The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest on earth and the most diverse ecosystem of its size on land. In an area of 5.5 million km², the rainforest contains several million flora and fauna species. In addition, the Amazon rainforest also significantly contributes to the regulation of the world’s oxygen and carbon cycles. That’s why it is also known as the “Lungs of the Earth”! Even though the Amazon rainforest is a crucial ecosystem, over 20% of the rainforest has been destroyed.

Volunteer in our conservation projects in Peru 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!

Portugal – Travel to Europe’s Oldest Country 🇵🇹

diving volunteer programs in portugal in october

Long gone are the days when Portugal was overshadowed by its neighbor Spain and other European countries. Home to historic cities, gorgeous landscapes, and mouth-watering food, Portugal definitely has it all. In addition, Europe’s oldest country offers a variety of volunteer projects that make your travel abroad even more meaningful.

Community Volunteer Programs

Whether you’d like to volunteer in rural areas or in buzzing cities like Porto or Lisbon, we have plenty of programs that focus on the local communities.

Do you have green thumbs? Then volunteer in our agriculture program and help local farmers plant, weed, harvest, and water their crops. Are you into physical work? Then join our construction program and contribute to Portugal’s incredible architecture. Finally, if you’re a people person, help locals distribute food to less fortunate communities.

Wildlife Conservation Programs

Portugal is rich in landscapes and wildlife. If you’re an animal lover, you will love our wildlife conservation programs.

Become a volunteer in Portugal and work closely with wolves! As a volunteer, you will help locals conserve the wolf’s natural habitat to prevent them from becoming extinct. If you prefer working with a smaller version of a wolf then volunteer in an animal shelter and take care of abandoned dogs!

Italy – truly a “Bel Paese” 🇮🇹

dolphin conservation volunteer in italy

Drenched in ancient ruins, stunning natural sceneries, and beautiful beaches, it’s not surprising that Italy is dubbed “Bel Paese” (= beautiful country). Travel to Italy and explore its beauty for yourself while doing something good. Volunteering in Italy is a great way to make new experiences and meet nice fellow volunteers and local people.

Teaching Volunteer Programs

Even though Italy is a developed country, volunteers are still needed in some areas.

If you want to volunteer abroad with children, we have some great opportunities for you. Join our special needs, education, or sports teaching projects to help students get a formal education. We also offer teaching programs with adults in which you will have the opportunity to teach English to refugees.

Dolphin Conservation Projects

Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures. Unfortunately, the population of various dolphin species has dropped continuously due to habitat degradation, hunting, and by-catch.

Join our marine life program and protect dolphins and whales! Educate tourists about the threats they are facing, conduct marine life research, or clean up the beach and sea!

Become a Volunteer in Beautiful Bolivia 🇧🇴

bolivian woman on volunteer project in october

Last but not least: Bolivia! Also known as a country of extremes, Bolivia offers an extensive geographical scope ranging from snow-capped mountains, hot valleys to humid Amazon jungles. Therefore, Bolivia is one of the best destinations to volunteer all year round since the weather depends on the altitude and topography of the region you’re staying in.

Furthermore, with over 60% of the population being of indigenous descent, Bolivia is the most indigenous country in South America! Learn more about the rich indigenous culture and traditions while volunteering in Bolivia!

Childcare Volunteering

Sadly, Bolivia is one of the poorest but also one of the safest countries to volunteer in Latin America. As a result, many daycare centers (especially in rural areas) lack staff. Work alongside caregivers and provide the extra care, attention, and love to Bolivian children that they deserve. Also, you will gain practical childcare experience while improving the lives of young children!

Rainforest Conservation Programs

Did you know that the Amazon rainforest spans nine countries? These include Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and finally Bolivia.

In fact, the Amazon rainforest covers over half of Bolivia’s territory. Despite its importance for our planet and well-being, chunks of the Amazon rainforest are destroyed for agricultural expansion, wood extraction, and infrastructure expansion. The sad consequences of deforestation include the acceleration of climate change and loss of habitat both for wildlife and indigenous people.

Help reduce the forest damage by becoming a volunteer abroad! Get your hands dirty and plant plenty of trees for our future!

This concludes our list of the best places to volunteer in October! Which country convinced you to pack your bags for a meaningful fall getaway? Leave your top picks in the comments down below! If you need help choosing a travel destination or a volunteer project, do not hesitate to contact us via our live chat!

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7 Comments

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    Become a volunteer abroad and contribute to the children’s daily dose of happiness. Your volunteer duties include spending time with them, playing with them, and encouraging their intellectual and social development.

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