Volunteer in Asia

Whether you're passionate about wildlife conservation, healthcare, education, or community development - there's a perfect volunteer project waiting for you in Asia

If you're planning to take a gap year and want to contribute positively to society, volunteering can be a hugely rewarding experience. It not only helps you enhance your CV but also enables you to acquire valuable skills that employers want.

There are numerous worthwhile projects that you can get involved with in Asia, and you're sure to find a programme with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that aligns with your interests and passions. Alongside your volunteering, you'll also have the option to explore beautiful backpacking destinations across the continent.

We've rounded up some examples of popular countries and projects you should consider when embarking on a volunteering trip to Asia.

Bali

Volunteering in Bali allows you to immerse yourself in the island's rich culture while contributing to projects that empower local communities and protect the environment. With its central location in Southeast Asia and easy access to neighbouring islands, Bali is a fantastic location to kickstart an unforgettable gap year.

Here are a few areas where you can volunteer on the island:

• Education - teach English to children in rural villages, assist with after-school clubs, or provide educational workshops on topics like health or environmental awareness.
• Childcare - volunteer at orphanages or daycare centres, helping to care for and play with children.
• Wildlife conservation - help with sea turtle conservation efforts by patrolling beaches or assisting with their release. You can also get involved in wildlife rehabilitation schemes for animals like orangutans or monkeys.
• Environment - contribute to Bali's stunning landscapes by working on reforestation projects, coral reef restoration, or beach cleanups.
• Community development - assist with construction projects to improve infrastructure in villages or participate in initiatives that empower women or promote sustainable living practices.

With a population of 739,198, the island packs a punch with stunning beaches, volcanic mountains, lush rice terraces, and vibrant coral reefs. This means you can be scaling Mount Batur at sunrise and soaking up the sun on a pristine beach by afternoon. You can also explore the island's rich Hindu culture by visiting temples like Tanah Lot or Besakih, the 'Mother Temple' of Bali.

Philippines

Filipinos are known for their warm and friendly nature, meaning volunteers find it easy to integrate into local communities and feel at home. The Philippines is a melting pot of cultures with influences from Malay, Spanish, American, and Chinese heritage. Volunteering here provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in this cultural mix while learning new languages, traditions, and customs.

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, and volunteers are crucial in disaster relief efforts, helping to provide immediate assistance and rebuild communities with organisations like All Hands and Hearts.

Other volunteer opportunities in the Philippines include:

• Community construction - build essential infrastructure for those in need.
• Marine conservation - support efforts to ensure a healthy future for the country's rich marine life.
• Plastic reduction - help reduce waste and protect the Philippines' islands.
• Rural medical placements - provide vital medical care in underserved communities.
• Women's welfare - empower women through skills development programmes or finance initiatives.

Sri Lanka

The island country of Sri Lanka has a population of 22 million people, with 31% of them living in poverty. Despite the civil war ending more than a decade ago, many communities still face  challenges, with some regions continuing to recover from the devastating 2004 tsunami. Thankfully, volunteers play a significant role in addressing the country's socio-economic problems, whether that be by contributing to environmental conservation, supporting education initiatives, or aiding healthcare programmes.

In particular, psychology students are in high demand for mental health volunteer work in regions affected by the tsunami. Organisations such as The Mighty Roar offer the opportunity to shadow mental health professionals in a variety of settings, including hospitals and halfway houses, allowing students to learn about mental health care in Sri Lanka through lectures, seminars, and workshops on topics such as traditional Ayurvedic medicine and Buddhist practices.

Other volunteer opportunities include:

• helping to care for rescued elephants at a sanctuary
• assisting with the preservation of historic temples through a restoration project
• becoming a hospital assistant and directly supporting medical staff in caring for patients
• empowering underprivileged children and monks by teaching them English language skills

Other opportunities to volunteer in Asia

Examples include:

• Borneo - Orangutan Sanctuary Project
• Cambodia - Sports Coaching Project
• China - Special Needs Care Volunteering in Xi'an
• Indonesia - Research Assistant Programme at Gili Shark Conservation
• India - Yoga Volunteering Journeys
• Nepal - Everest Base Camp Volunteering
• Thailand - Journalism Voluntary Internship

How to volunteer

Popular volunteer project providers include:

• BUNAC - offers volunteering options in Nepal, Thailand and Laos, with programmes lasting two to eight weeks and costs starting at £1,295 for meals, accommodation and training.
• Gap360 - add wildlife conservation, medical placements or teaching English to your gap year itinerary. Most courses last between two and 12 weeks.
• GoAbroad.Com - search for international travel programmes by opportunity and country. You'll also find useful information on each destination.
• Go Overseas - browse the volunteer listings for areas of interest. If you're looking specifically to teach, you can search TEFL courses in Asia.
• International Volunteer HQ - a New Zealand-based organisation with options across Asia for native English speakers. Programme fees are from as little as £225 for one week of volunteering and range from one to 24 weeks.
• Volunteering Solutions - if you're looking to test the water, you could do a one or two-week stint with options to teach disabled children or work in a healthcare clinic.

While the project fee may encompass local training, in-country assistance, and internal transport, it excludes flights, insurance, and visas unless otherwise specified.

See how to plan your gap year and gap year ideas for more details on volunteering.

Travel advice for Asia

Whether you're considering backpacking through Asia after volunteering or choosing a programme in a rural area, prioritising safety is key.

Varying hygiene standards across the continent mean Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Depending on your itinerary, you might also need vaccines for Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, or even Meningococcal Meningitis. Consulting a doctor is key to ensuring you're properly immunised for your chosen destinations.

While some regions may have higher crime rates, taking precautions like avoiding solo walks at night and using licensed taxis can significantly reduce risks. Researching specific destinations on GOV.UK's - foreign travel advice will provide further guidance, ensuring a smooth and worry-free adventure.

Find out more

• Discover what you need to know about teaching English abroad.
• Explore taking a gap year and working overseas.