Volunteer FAQs

Do I need any special skills? Do I need to speak the local language? How fit do I need to be? What should I bring? If you've got a question about Volunteering you'll find all the FAQs here!

Want more information? Call us on 134 STA (782).

Download our Travel with Purpose brochure >

What will I get out of volunteering?
As a volunteer you’ll have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people or wildlife around the world. You’ll contribute to fighting poverty, protecting the environment and improving the lives you touch. And with these unique experiences you will develop new skills, foster a greater confidence and have a fresh outlook on situations to draw on in the future.

Why pay to volunteer?
Handing over your hard-earned cash in return for life changing volunteer work might not make much sense to you, so here’s some points to help make it a little clearer: Your accommodation while at your project is included At many projects your meals are included as well Our volunteer projects desperately need materials, equipment, personnel and training A significant donation is included in the price which becomes vital to the local community Unfortunately keeping you safe in some pretty challenging environments doesn't come cheap In-country project coordinators will welcome you to the project and give you all the need to know information on arrival

Why pay to volunteer?

Handing over your hard-earned cash in return for life changing volunteer work might not make much sense to you, so here’s some points to help make it a little clearer:

Your accommodation while at your project is included
At many projects your meals are included as well
Our volunteer projects desperately need materials, equipment, personnel and training
A significant donation is included in the price which becomes vital to the local community
Unfortunately keeping you safe in some pretty challenging environments doesn't come cheap
In-country project coordinators will welcome you to the project and give you all the need to know information on arrival

Do I need to speak the local language?
No – although it is an advantage in some locations. In most cases English will be your main language. Each project page will tell you if more in-depth experience is required.

Can my partner and I share a room while on a project?
In some locations double rooms are available – your STA Travel Expert will be able to help you.

What is an NGO?
NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. They are usually set up with the aim of assisting social and/or environmental development in the areas in which they operate.

How fit do I need to be?
A good level of physical fitness is required across most of the projects as the work you’ll be doing day-to-day can vary and you’ll need to be able to keep up to speed. At most projects you’ll be required to work as part of a team.

What should I bring?
Each project is different. Your STA Travel Expert will be able to provide you with a list of what you need to bring.

Will I be able to touch or hold the animals I work with?
Some of our projects, such as the orangutan projects in Borneo, advocate absolutely no touching of the animals. They strongly believe that is contrary to efforts to rehabilitate them back to the wild; as well as carrying significant risks for injury or disease to both animals and humans. This doesn’t mean you won’t get close to the animals, it’s just better for you and them not to handle them directly.

Will I be able to touch or hold the animals I work with?

Some of our projects, such as the orangutan projects in Borneo, advocate absolutely no touching of the animals. They strongly believe that is contrary to efforts to rehabilitate them back to the wild; as well as carrying significant risks for injury or disease to both animals and humans. This doesn’t mean you won’t get close to the animals, it’s just better for you and them not to handle them directly.

Book your Volunteer Abroad Program today! Call 134 STA (782) or find a branch.

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