Traditionally, volunteering abroad would require setting aside a couple of months (or even a year) to do the job. But in a world where time is often in short supply, this isn’t always the easiest thing to do. The solution? A shorter version of the trip that only takes weeks to complete.
Here are some of our favourite mini-volunteer breaks for those on a time budget.
Building Houses in Guatamala
Time Needed: Around 2 to 6 weeks.
Don’t worry, you won’t need any previous brick-laying experience here. Various programmes will pair you up with a local building expert for the 6 days it takes to complete one house. The houses will go to underprivileged families (who are often very eager to lend a hand), which means you can change many lives forever in just a couple of weeks.
You will also live with a local family for the duration of your stay, which is a great to way experience their culture and sample the food.
Surf Training in South Africa
Time Needed:1 to 4 weeks
No need to know how to surf, makes this perfect in our books. You’ll be based in Muizenberg, Cape Town where local surfers will teach you and underprivileged children from the surrounding areas the skills you need to surf. Your job? Just helping out with the kids and teaching them the life skills they’ll need out of the water.
Weekends are yours to with as you please,which means you can hit Cape Town or try your hand at a myriad of activities in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Caring for Elephants in Thailand
Time Needed: 1 to 3 weeks
You’ll head off deep into the forests of Thailand to care for rescued elephants. The job entails fetching them in the morning for their breakfast, along with bathing them, cleaning their enclosures, collecting their food and walking them back to the forest in the afternoon, amongst so much more. Most volunteers can expect a 6 day working week, with accommodation and food included, as well as the opportunity to learn more about Thai culture and elephants.
Teaching in China
Time Needed: Minimum 5 weeks
English teachers are in high demand in China, but you don’t need a degree to give it a go. You’ll assist teachers and even take over some classes teaching English and Western culture to eager students. Many of the students already have a working knowledge of the language, so there’s no prerequisite need to speak Mandarin. You will however, pick up some as you learn more about Chinese culture during your stay.
Tips and Advice:
Always have great travel cover before you head off. Most volunteer programmes take place in rural areas where bumps and scrapes can happen easily, and it will help knowing your looked after should something more serious happen.
Know which vaccinations you’ll need. We suggest getting your shots at least 5 weeks before you head off, as this will give your body more than enough time to develop adequate immunity. Also, if you sufferer from a chronic medical condition like diabetes, take along enough medication for the duration of your stay. You might find yourself in a remote area without a pharmacy or clinic, or with one that doesn’t stock your medication.
And finally, make sure you don’t forget your camera. Computers may not always be available to charge your digital camera, so we suggest taking along a few disposable ones to help document your life-changing experience.
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