How a volunteer holiday could result in a ‘forever summer’

Winter is the time when many of us dream of an escape. Grey skies, long nights, and a biting breeze can take their toll, eventually leaving you wanting nothing more than to sprawl on a sun-kissed, sandy beach.

Well, you absolutely can. Swap the morning frost for stunning sunrises and consider a volunteering trip to the southern hemisphere. And, guess what? It’s summer there! Better weather, a new culture to discover, and the chance to support global initiatives — what’s not to love?

Enjoy a second summer out of season

While it’s winter here, large parts of South America, southern Africa, and the South Pacific experience glorious summers. This is because the northern and southern hemispheres have reversed seasons.

That’s right, you might’ve always pictured a “White Christmas,” opening gifts around the fireplace and dark skies by dinner time. However, for millions of people, Christmas is a summer celebration, with late-night parties, beach barbecues, and outdoor activities.

It can be hard to wrap your head around, but it should also be an enticing prospect. While you’re glaring at grey skies and relentless rain, why not soak up some sun while visiting and volunteering abroad?

Plus, the southern hemisphere holds some of the most underrated, diverse, and naturally beautiful countries in the world, which are often overlooked as tourist destinations.

Your holiday, our destinations

We operate international volunteer and internship programmes all around the world, including Latin America, Africa, and Fiji. There are plenty of opportunities to get some sun this winter while trying something new and being fully supported by our staff.

The highlights

Our most popular projects in these destinations are conservation-focused, providing unique access to endangered animals and supporting their protection. For example, you could:

• protect the magnificent Galapagos Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos Islands
• support ongoing conservation efforts of Africa’s Big 5 in Botswana
• contribute to the monitoring and protection of sharks off the coast of Fiji

But that’s not all. Here, we give you a taste of all the incredible countries you could visit and sustainable projects you could get involved in. Most of our destinations offer childcare, building, and medical internships, so here are some of the most unique options!

Remember, we’re only discussing those south of the equator or very near it, giving you the sun you seek all year round.

Africa

We work in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa, where you will experience some of the most welcoming people and warmest hospitality you could ask for.

Our Big 5 Conservation in Botswana project is a favourite among our participants. Living deep in the African bush, you’ll experience a (probably much-needed) digital detox, with limited access to the internet and technology.

You can do something similar in Kenya, which is on the equator rather than below it, but this project focuses more on lions and giraffes.

Alternatively, live and work in the shadow of Table Mountain in Cape Town, support community efforts in Nanyuki, or work with Maasai communities in Arusha.

Latin America

We operate out of the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Peru, and Argentina, three Spanish-speaking nations steeped in history and culture.

Get your hands dirty conducting key conservation work in the Amazon Rainforest. Or, contribute towards the monitoring efforts of whales and pumas in the incredible La Esperanza reserve on the Patagonian coast.

Not interested in conservation? Live and work in the fascinating city of Cusco, Peru, and undertake the formidable climb to see the ancient Inca capital of Machu Picchu. Wander the beaches and spot sea lions in the wild as you collaborate with communities on the Galapagos Islands.

Fiji

In Fiji, if shark dives aren’t your thing, our other operations are community-focused. Many villages in Fiji still follow centuries-old traditions, and travelling with us allows you to experience that firsthand.

Consider our Community Volunteer Work in Fiji project, where you’ll experience total cultural immersion. Live alongside local villagers, assist them with crucial daily tasks like maintenance, and learn from their life experiences.

The rewards of a volunteer holiday, beyond the beach

There are so many more reasons than just the warm weather to head south for a volunteering holiday abroad in the winter. For one, you’ll be able to explore a totally new culture and incredible part of the world with the full support of our staff from start to finish.

You also get the chance to learn new skills, both professionally and personally. This could be from the work experience you get while volunteering or building your confidence, independence, and adaptability by travelling the world.

You’ll also get a truly unforgettable cultural experience, meeting new people, trying new food, and experiencing a new way of life. You’ll share your knowledge, experiences, and stories with members of the local community and truly develop a global perspective.

Finally, as with any booking, you’ll benefit from a dedicated Destination Expert who will support you to prepare for your trip. This includes advice about flights, vaccinations, and visas — but also what to wear and the weather. We take care of the little things so that you can focus on having fun.