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Volunteer Stories

These stories from current and past volunteers share everything about their experiences volunteering internationally. That means volunteer stories that cover both the the highs and the lows of volunteering, including any advice they have for volunteers who may be thinking of also volunteering abroad in the near future. Every story also shares what the international volunteer learned and loved from their time overseas.

An Open Letter: How to Find Compassion and Kindness Through Travel

One reason that I love traveling is because of the new perspectives that I gain on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing—being in a different culture and out …

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Categories Volunteer Stories

Volunteer Story: Navigating India’s Complicated NGO Landscape

working in India

When I decided to move to India and live there, I went simply because the country had always intrigued me. Plus, the idea of moving there excited me. My friends are accustomed to me packing up and …

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Categories Volunteer Stories

Thoughtful is the New Smart: How to Maximize Your Volunteer Impact

I would like to consider myself a thoughtful person. I like to weigh options, analyze everything and know all possible outcomes before making a choice. It sometimes drives my friends a little crazy … but …

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Categories Volunteer Stories

Cambodia’s Elephant Valley Project: Roam With the Ellies

Animals and tourism don’t often play well together—at least not responsibly. Even Ringling Bros. Circus retired its elephants after nearly 150 years due to public concerns about treatment. People are becoming more aware, but sometimes …

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Categories Inspiration and Ideas, Volunteer Stories

A Creative, DIY Approach to Volunteering in Nepal

The idea of volunteering in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal came to me as a surprise. I had spent the better part of two years traveling the world, after becoming disenchanted with a career as an …

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Categories Volunteer Stories

Volunteering in McLeod Ganj and Finding Peace in Dharamsala

how to volunteer in McleodGanj, Dharamsala

I did not go to India for religious reasons. I did not go to do volunteer work. I did not go expecting to find anything other than historic architecture and scenic views to capture with …

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Categories Volunteer Stories

Volunteering in a Culturally Sensitive Village in Malaysia

Volunteering in Malaysia

This week’s volunteer story is from Jason; he shares his experience volunteering in Malaysia and navigating the early days on the ground with a new placement.  He shared his travel journey in more depth on …

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Categories Volunteer Stories

A Look at Conservation Volunteering with Frontier

ghana africa volunteering

Working within the volunteering industry, I am often overwhelmed by the sheer number of organizations and choices out there for people interested in doing good somewhere in the world. And so, when we at Grassroots …

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Categories Volunteer Stories

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Grassroots Volunteering is a resource empowering travelers to connect to causes and communities in the places they travel. Volunteers should directly contact the organizations listed in the database.

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