WORK ABROAD Our top five most interesting places to work or volunteer abroad
La Boca neighbourhood in Buenos Aires
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BUENOS AIRES
ARGENTINA
WHY GO? In the heart of Buenos Aires you will find the opportunity for young travellers to support underprivileged children by organizing after school activities in the most deprived areas of Argentina’s capital. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Build their confidence in their language skills through informal and creative English lessons or organize arts and crafts and outdoor games for all age ranges. You could even host birthday celebrations for kids who would otherwise miss out and still have plenty of time to enjoy the fusion of cultures and the feisty Latin American nightlife. WHILE YOU’RE THERE? By nightfall in Buenos Aires it will seem like everyone’s feet are moving to the same beat. See a tango show, take lessons, or drop by a milonga: you won’t want to be sitting on the sidelines when the music starts. GETTING THERE: Programs cost a £125 booking fee, £95/ week for your first fortnight and £65/week thereafter. Find out more and plan your program at: http://www.originalvolunteers.co.uk
Work Abroad
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BANGKOK
Thailand
WHY GO? For the animal lovers out there, I to I Volunteering has just the project for you. Based in the Surin Province of northern Bangkok, Thailand, you can work with the Mahouts (elephant keepers) to care for and conserve the habitat of the countries’ national symbol, the Asian elephant. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Usual daily tasks involve bathing, grooming, feeding and training the beautiful beasts as well as teaching your Thai hosts some basic English. WHILE YOU’RE THERE? Take a day trip to Damnoen Saduak and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the colourful floating markets. There you can buy almost anything from fake goods to fruit ad veg, but arrive early to get the best bargains before the heat of the day sets in.
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HOKKAIDO
Japan
WHY GO? Up for getting your hands dirty? WWOOF organisations connect people wanting to live and learn in small farming communities with those in need of volunteers. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Milk cows, work the rice paddies and teach some basic English in return for food and accommodations. Staying with small families gives you an insight into their culture and organic lifestyles. Not something you can learn from a guiWdebook. WHILE YOU’RE THERE? As one of the most undeveloped parts of Japan, Hokkaido is more for the outdoorlovers. What you can do will depend on the time of year of your trip: ski and snowboard in winter or bike and hike in the summer months.
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GREATER ACCRA
g hana
WHY GO? Immerse yourself in the beauty of this amazing region in East Africa. Learn about yourself whilst you learn more about others from the Ghanaian culture, cooking, economy and wildlife. Go with friends or meet new ones, between 20 and 50 people start programmes in Ghana each month. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Work in large teams to construct and restore orphanages, schools and clinics in rural villages across the region. Or, if laboring doesn’t take your fancy you could teach in the schools or undertake medical opportunities that are available. WHILE YOU’RE THERE? Visit the Osu Night Market in the city of Accra, where the streets and stalls glimmer in the light of thousands of lanterns and candles.
GETTING THERE:
GETTING THERE:
GETTING THERE:
Projects last between two to four weeks and start at £700 not including flights.
Trip costs vary but an annual membership with WWOOF is just £20.
Volunteer programs start at £190 and last 1-24 weeks.
Find out more and join a project at: www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects
Visit the WWOOF website to find out more: www.wwoofjapan.com
Sign up at: http://www.volunteerhq.org/ volunteer-in-ghana
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Wanderlust January 2015
Learn to scuba dive in Madagascar
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ANDAVADOAKA
MADAGASCAR
WHY GO? Madagascar has a vibrant coastal culture as well as an amazing diving community. Become a qualified diver whilst seeing the spectacular coral reefs and getting involved in the conservation of some of the world’s most exquisite ecosystems. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Work alongside peers and international marine research scientists by surveying the reefs to assist in identifying ways the coastal communities can live more sustainably. Training includes snorkeling and diving courses including the PADI for those who don’t already have it. WHILE YOU’RE THERE? Take an overland tour and get close and personal with the iconic ring-tailed lemurs of Madagascar.
GETTING THERE: Projects cost between £700 and £1700 for a three-week placement. Visit www.blueventures.org for more information.