Have you always wanted to travel to South Asia? We don’t blame you; for scenery alone, this area of the world is one of the most geographically diverse, with gorgeous beaches, bustling cities, and of course the Himalayas. Indian river valleys are home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, and Hinduism – the world’s oldest surviving religion – was born here, as was Buddhism.
The modern states of South Asia encompass Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
However, the rapid modernization and extremely high population growth (South Asia accounts for 3 of the world’s 10 most populous countries) means that this region also has dramatic levels of poverty and a growing demand for education, economic development, and community-building resources. That’s where volunteers like you come in: by lending your time and skills to communities in need, you can make a real difference while exploring one of the most dynamic areas of the globe.
A few ways you can help include:
- Restoring ancient and beautiful Buddhist temples – and helping to build new schools and community centers to support education, health, and development
- Supporting women with education to fight poverty and learn about their rights in the workplace and within their community
- Teaching English as a second language, which is needed in many communities to support local tourism and business
Even though you may find yourself in a culture that’s very different from your own, the volunteer organizations below have your back and will provide you with all the resources you need – all while encouraging you to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
So, are you ready to find an adventure that will let you do good for a community in need in South Asia? Check out these great volunteer abroad programs – just a few of the many available to you right now!
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International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
One of the many wonderful volunteer opportunities IVHQ offers in South Asia is a Medical Elective in Nepal. This is a great chance for medical and nursing students around the world to get experience working in their field, and see firsthand the contrast of Western medical practices to the realities of how it’s practiced in developing countries. That being said, you will be paired during your stay with experienced and fully qualified physicians and nurses at hospitals in Kathmandu, Chitwan, or Pokhara.
If you’re volunteering for the short term, your tasks may include:
- Observing the operating room to become familiar with a variety of procedures
- Working with children in the physical therapy department to move and exercise their limbs
- Examining and changing the dressings on burn wounds
- Participating in emergency room rounds, including shadowing the main emergency room physician
- Learning about family planning and helping mothers with newborns
If you choose to stay longer or have a more in-depth experience with IVHQ’s Nepal medical elective, then you may be able to participate in more hands-on tasks, be placed in a more rural location, and take part in medical campaigns within your host community. And despite the busy work schedule during the week, you will have time on the weekends to explore the area or relax. To sign up, you must be able to stay at least two weeks, have at least two years of training at a medical or nursing school, and be able to present a copy of your qualifications and certificates to IVHQ’s Nepal team.
Another impactful volunteer opportunity you can take on with IVHQ is the Construction and Renovation program in Sri Lanka. Through this project, you’ll learn about Sri Lankan culture and basic construction methods while assisting with repairs and upgrades to Buddhist temples, schools, and pre-schools in Kandy. This includes restoring paintings and sculptures inside the temples, repainting and cleaning the buildings, and more.
If wildlife interests you, IVHQ also offers a wild elephant conservation opportunity in Sri Lanka, where you’ll observe elephant behavior and help with research and activities in biodiversity, sustainable rural livelihood initiatives, and much more. And just like with IVHQ’s Nepal volunteer placement, you will have plenty of time on the weekends to travel and explore the area, even taking part in treks and tours arranged through IVHQ’s staff.
For more information about volunteer opportunities in South Asia, visit www.volunteerhq.org.
What Volunteers Say: Review from Morgan
The volunteer program was one the best trips I have done. It opened my eyes to the world with getting to know the locals and meeting people from across the states and world!
GoEco
Volunteering in South Asia with GoEco provides diverse opportunities to make a positive impact while experiencing unique cultures and breathtaking environments. Each program offers a chance to contribute to meaningful causes and gain valuable skills and experiences. With GoEco’s 3rd Week Free Grant, enjoy the benefits of a third week free of charge when you sign up for two weeks or more.
Sri Lanka
Join GoEco’s Medical and Nursing Program on Sri Lanka’s southern coast to gain invaluable experience in the nursing and medical fields, providing essential care to underserved communities. Participate in the Wild Elephant Conservation and Research program to collect data on wild elephants in their natural habitat at Wasgamuwa National Park. Engage in the Family-Friendly Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation program, ideal for families with children aged six and above, or join the Dog Care and Veterinary Assistance program to care for stray dogs. Make a positive impact through the Environmental Conservation program, helping with reforestation and waste management.
Maldives
Travel to the idyllic island of Naifaru in the Maldives for a sea turtle rehabilitation program. Volunteers will work with marine conservationists to rescue and rehabilitate turtles and protect coral reefs. This program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to marine conservation efforts while enjoying one of the world’s most beautiful locations. If you’re traveling with your family, check out the Family-Friendly Sea Turtle Conservation & Eco Tour.
Nepal
Discover spiritual Nepal by teaching English to Buddhist monks in monasteries, learning about Buddhism, and experiencing monastic life, starting with a cultural week in Kathmandu. Empower women in Nepal through education, life skills, and confidence-building activities, exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant culture. Contribute to the community by engaging in construction and rebuilding efforts, and renovating schools, community centers, and parks. Additionally, provide Nepalese children with extra skills and confidence through educational outreach, assisting teachers with lessons in English, math, and science, and participating in cultural activities like sports and arts and crafts.
India
Join GoEco’s volunteer program in Goa, India, to teach English and engage in creative activities at a kindergarten school and slum outreach program. Volunteers will immerse themselves in the local culture and explore stunning beaches. If you’re traveling with your family, check out the Family-Friendly Teaching and Community Work Program.
Projects Abroad
Volunteer in South Asia with Projects Abroad and contribute to community development and conservation. The organization offers a range of projects in Nepal and Sri Lanka, perfect if you’re looking to travel to South Asia and actively make a difference.
Volunteer in Nepal
With the lofty Himalayas and lush jungles, Nepal is the ideal destination for nature lovers, but its citizens face many social challenges. Wildlife also is threatened by habitat destruction. You can help address these issues by providing much-needed support on volunteer projects. In the process, you’ll get to experience the rich cultures and majestic landscapes of this unique country. Here are some top project picks in Nepal:
- Use your hands to contribute in a tangible way by building classrooms for schools damaged or destroyed by the 2015 earthquakes
- Work with young children to help promote their development and support local teachers and caregivers
- Monitor and conserve wildlife like Rhinos in the shadow of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountain Range
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for its diversity. From white sand beaches to tropical jungles, the country is rich in natural beauty. Although the economy is growing, problems like poverty, inadequate access to medical care, and under-resourced schools persist. You can play an important role in making a difference while also gaining valuable skills on one of our projects in Sri Lanka. These are some of the types of work you can do in Sri Lanka:
- Support teachers by assisting with English lessons at understaffed schools
- Sea Turtle Conservation: Work with Green, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead & Hawksbill Sea Turtles at Galbokka Beach, Sri Lanka.
What Volunteers Say: Review from Alexander
This trip, this experience, was without a doubt life changing for me. The independence of being away from normal support channels, the physical and mental challenge of it, the chance to meet some lovely and extraordinary people making wonderful friends from all over this beautiful world and seeing a most beautiful and richly diverse country all made this trip exceptional.
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) is a non-profit organization and charity with over 35 years of experience. IVI offers meaningful projects that are designed to make a real difference, all at an affordable fee. With a focus on excellent support and safety, IVI ensures that volunteers are well-prepared and cared for throughout their journey.
IVI provides comfortable, clean, and secure accommodation with basic modern amenities across all project locations. Volunteers can choose from various accommodation options, including volunteer centers, homestays, and monastery stays.
IVI offers a comprehensive orientation program to help volunteers acclimate to their new environment. This includes introductions to local customs, culture, safety procedures, and tours of the local area. Volunteers receive continuous support from in-country staff to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
India
IVI offers various volunteer opportunities across different regions to cater to community needs. In Bodhgaya, volunteers engage in teaching, construction, and medical work to support vulnerable communities. In Goa, you can teach English, music, arts, and sports to children, organize educational workshops, and participate in construction and renovation projects to improve living standards. In Darjeeling, teach English to novice monks at a Buddhist monastery, support community schools, and help with construction and renovation projects to enhance local infrastructure.
Nepal
In Kathmandu, volunteers can teach English to children of various ages, engage with underprivileged kindergarten kids through interactive games, empower women through education, rescue and rehabilitate stray dogs, teach English to monks at a Buddhist monastery, and participate in construction and renovation projects. In Pokhara, volunteers can teach conversational English to young children and assist local teachers with English lessons, providing new teaching ideas and helping children broaden their horizons.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, with its tranquil beaches, mountains, and rich culture, offers a variety of volunteer projects in Kandy, Ambalangoda, and Hanguranketha. Volunteers can teach at local kindergartens and tea plantations, enhancing English skills and enjoying scenic train rides. In Kandy, assist at kindergartens and special needs schools, and provide support at special needs homes or childcare centers. In Ambalangoda, help at a turtle conservation center, educating the community and releasing hatchlings. Additionally, contribute to temple restoration projects, preserving historical sites for future generations.
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)
Volunteering Solutions has been transforming volunteer travel since 2006. Over the past 17+ years, VolSol has empowered more than 21,000 volunteers to embark on life-changing journeys. Operating in over 25 countries, VolSol offers more than 150 diverse volunteering and internship programs. VolSol’s volunteers typically include high school students, couples, corporate groups, and individuals on summer breaks or gap years, all united by a desire to make a positive impact. With dedicated coordinators, cross-cultural setups, and comprehensive support, VolSol ensures every volunteer journey is smooth, enriching, and transformative.
Volunteer in India
Volunteer in India from 1 to 24 weeks with Volunteering Solutions in diverse projects such as Childcare, Medical, Teaching, and more, based in Delhi and Jaipur. Experience firsthand work in Medical and Healthcare internships or engage in Women Empowerment and Elephant Care programs. Stay in volunteer houses with like-minded individuals and enjoy weekend tours to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal.
Volunteer in Nepal
Volunteering Solutions offers enriching volunteer programs in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, from 1 to 24 weeks. Engage in projects like Childcare, Teaching English, Medical Internships, and Women Empowerment. Volunteers, including students, gap year travelers, and families, contribute significantly while experiencing Nepalese culture. Affordable project fees include meals, accommodation, and airport pickup.
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Volunteering Solutions provides a variety of volunteer programs in Sri Lanka, from 1 to 18 weeks, including Childcare, Teaching English, Women Empowerment, and Environmental Conservation. Volunteers can engage in unique opportunities like Sea Turtle and Wild Elephant Conservation. Programs are based in Galle, Wasgamuwa National Park, and Kosgoda. Volunteers stay in tropical villas near the beach and can participate in cultural and adventure tours, yoga classes, and bike tours.
Global Vision International (GVI)
Ever wanted to visit the Himalayas? Well, GVI has an amazing chance for you to experience Himalayan life while helping the children of Nepal. You will travel to Pokhara with GVI’s international team to provide education and personal development to children, all while immersing yourself in the country’s culture. Unfortunately, Nepal is full of children who end up on the streets because their families can no longer support them – though by volunteering with GVI, you can help to create a nurturing and positive environment for these children. Plus, your program fee will help provide funding to numerous centers in Nepal run by GVI to give children a place to turn when they are out on the streets, fending for themselves.
Monday through Friday each week during your program, you will spend the mornings helping with homework or playing sports, while your evenings are free for relaxation at your homestay and getting to know your fellow volunteers.
Experience authentic island life while volunteering on Naifaru Island in the Maldives. Contribute to the holistic development of children, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. Volunteers assist local teachers with kindergarten classes, plan extracurricular activities, and support sports programs.
Additionally, engage in coastal conservation activities, helping rehabilitate injured sea turtles at the unique floating marine center. This program offers a balanced mix of community involvement and environmental conservation, allowing volunteers to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the stunning beauty and vibrant marine life of the Maldives.
If any of these programs sounds like the right fit for you, visit www.gviusa.com to learn more and to sign up.
What Volunteers Say: Review from Layton Lawhead
I am a 21 year old solo female American traveler who was looking for a unique summer experience. GVI Nepal (Pokhara) was more than I ever dreamed it could be. Truly a life changing experience that I will never forget. The GVI Pokhara staff are extraordinary, they go out of their way everyday to ensure that you are comfortable and taken care of. They even assist you in things like extending your visa or booking fun weekend activities. The teaching experience was so special and you really get to connect with your students. For reference I had no prior teaching experience but the GVI staff made sure that I had plenty of material for my lesson plans and they were readily available if I ever had any questions. Pokhara is a amazing city with a combination of rich authentic culture blended with urban luxuries like nice restraints and activities. I rate GVI Pokhara a 100/10 and I could not recommend it enough!
Ready to Travel?
If you’re ready to make a positive impact on communities in great need of volunteers like you, click here to sign up for an account on Volunteer Forever, and start planning and fundraising for your trip to South Asia!
And if you’d like some more inspiration, check out these articles to get started:
Travel and Volunteer in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia
Cheap Affordable Volunteer Abroad Programs & Low-Cost Overseas Projects
Sarah Vandenberg · Director of Partnerships
Sarah has worked as a researcher and consultant in the volunteer travel world since 2004. With a BA from the George Washington University and background working with both public and private sector volunteer organizations, she enjoys exploring the world and collecting and sharing stories, trends, and advice with travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.