Did you know that volunteering abroad not only gives you the chance to give back to communities in need, but also increases your employability, improves your university admission chances, and helps you figure out what to do with your life?

Volunteering and working abroad is a unique experience that can immerse you in another culture, help you develop long-lasting friendships, and make an overall difference in the world. Why leave yourself only a fading tan and beach sand at the bottom of your bag to remind you of your worldly adventures when you could lend a hand and create an experience to last a lifetime?

1. Stand For Tibet

After losing their independence in 1949 to China’s newly formed Communist government, the Tibetan people have suffered immensely. The ruthlessly crushed uprising in 1959 (which led to the flight of H.H. Dalai Lama into exile), the devastation of the decade-long Cultural Revolution, and the disastrous Chinese-enforced agricultural and environmental policies have resulted in the loss of over 1.2 million Tibetan lives since 1950.

Over 130,000 Tibetans live in exile in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other countries around the world. While they are now free to practice their religion and rebuild their cultural heritage, they face many challenges as newcomers in Tibet’s neighboring countries, especially in India.

Many exiles endured the treacherous conditions of the Himalayan mountains to escape the oppression of the Chinese Government and arrive in India and Nepal with little to support themselves and minimal education. This steady stream of newly arrived refugees depends upon existing projects and programs supported by government offices and NGOs in exile for education and basic sustenance.

Several non-profit organizations offer a chance for you to show your support, become more educated on the matter and spread the word. Volunteer Tibet started with the help of many volunteers and local Tibetans commemorating the Anniversary of the Nobel Peace award for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Since our inception we have received interest from literally thousands of people and enabled a diverse group of volunteers from all over the world to share their skills in the Tibetan community. http://www.volunteertibet.org.in/

Other ways to help support the Tibetan community: http://www.lhasocialwork.org/

2. Community Support, Cultural Exchange and Home Stays

By choosing a Culture & Community project, you will become an integral part of a local community abroad and see the heart of some of the most fascinating communities around the world. You will be contributing towards the preservation of some extraordinary ways of life and working with many local people to achieve a common goal.

3. Help Your Favourite Animal

Become a game ranger in Africa. Few jobs will give you a greater appreciation for the environment and deeper understanding of conservation issues than being a game ranger. Whether you’re passionate about conservation or simply wanting to get up close and personal with your favourite animal, volunteering at a wildlife reserve an experience that you’ll be sharing stories about forever after.

African Conservation Experience offers a two-week intensive game ranger course in Kruger National Park conservationafrica.net.

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and without urgent action could be the first Great Ape species to become extinct. SOS is dedicated to turning this situation around. We do this by: Raising awareness about the importance of protecting orangutans and their rainforest home. Supporting grassroots projects which empower local people to become guardians of the rainforests and restoring damaged orangutan habitat through tree planting programmes.  Campaigning on issues threatening the survival of orangutans in the wild. Help us protect orangutans, their forests and their future.

Many beach destinations around the world hold turtle sanctuaries and opportunities to help save many different turtle types. From leatherbacks to loggerheads, six of the seven species of sea turtles that swim the world’s oceans are threatened or endangered.  Help protect these inspiring creatures by bringing travelers and volunteer to key turtle hotspots. http://www.seeturtles.org/663/volunteer.html.

4. WWOOF

A world-wide organization linking volunteers with organic farmers, and help people share more sustainable ways of living since 1971. In return for volunteer help, WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles.WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), established in England, operates in more than 100 countries. Volunteers swap their services for meals, accommodation and a unique cultural experience.

Plant herbs in Central America, milk goats in Ireland or harvest seasonal fruits in Asia. Whatever the choice, you’ll make a positive contribution to a more thoughtful way of living and leave with new knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture. wwoof.org

WWOOF does not select a farm placement for you, that’s up to you, and part of the fun. Make sure you are thorough in your research and ask the right questions. For tips on finding the right farm for you, read the article “Volunteer Worldwide on Organic Farms.”

5. Cultivation and Reforestation

About 93 percent of the world’s forest cover is natural forest and ...

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now” – Chinese Proverb

The act of planting the seeds of new life into soil is a special moment.  Statistics reveal that the rapid rate of deforestation, globally, springs from illegal logging operations. The biodiversity of the Amazon is threatened more than ever with the rise in statistics revealing that by 2030 the region would be reduced to a mere 10% of what it is today. Satellite images retrieved prove that the rate of tropical deforestation is down by yet another 23%. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization or UN FAO states that the rapid declines could bring the global forest cover to the size of the Asia Sub-continent by 2050 (buzzle.com).

Every year more than 8.5 million hectares of tropical rainforests are being razed.  More than 12 million hectares of forest land is lost to urbanization or allied activities each year and goes un-replenished. This has resulted in a rapid global decline in some regions. For example:

• In Nigeria 81% of its original forest cover is now permanently lost.
• The tropical rainforests of Brazil are less by 90-95%.
• The forests of Central America are down by two-thirds lowlands, since 1950.
• Countries like India, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, the Congo and Ghana have lost much more than 50% of their rainforest cover.
• Harvesting of forest cover has left Afghanistan with a little over 25% forests throughout the country