What’s it really like be a volunteer at an international animal charity?
Who better to ask than the people who have already done it!
This page links you to interviews with former volunteers at some of the organisations that I’ve visited who share with you their favourite, and most challenging parts of their experiences.
You’ll also find guides to some of the destinations that you’ll call home during these projects- you’ll settle in much more quickly if you know where to find the best local meal, or what exciting activities you could do on the weekends!
Volunteering in a foreign country is daunting enough, so I want you to have all the information about what to expect before you go. And if there’s any information you can’t find, drop me a message on the contact me page and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
Rediscover your Spark through Volunteering: Interview with Jo
From volunteer Vet Nurse to Programme Manager for an international charity, Jo shares why she started the veterinary volunteering facebook groups, whats its like working in chernobyl, and how volunteering has shaped her life at home and abroad. Read more.
Volunteer Interview: Seal Rescue Intern in Ireland
Laura started her volunteer internship at Seal Rescue Ireland to complement her biology degree, but she learned a lot more than seal husbandry! Read all about the highs and lows of her life as an intern at Seal Rescue Ireland. Read more.
Top Things to Do, See & Eat in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands
Want to kayak with sea turtles, explore lava tunnels and eat empanadas like a local? Discover the best things to do, see and eat while you volunteer with Darwin Animal Doctors. Read More.
Volunteer Interview: Vet Student in the Galapagos
As a lover of both wildlife and sunshine, Katelyn chose to end her veterinary studies with a month volunteering. We sat down one evening after a long day in the clinic, to talk about her experiences at Darwin Animal Doctors. Read More.
Volunteer Interview: Riding for the Disabled UK
Straight from the horses’ mouth- from new skills to new friendships, find out what its like to volunteer assisting Disabled children and adult to ride horses at this international charity. Read More.
Top Things to Do, See and Eat in Midigama
Discover the best things to do and see on the southern coast of Sri Lanka while volunteering at the Animal SOS Sanctuary in Midigama. Read More.
Volunteer Interview: Primate Keepers in Spain
Fundació MONA is a sanctuary for chimpanzees and macaques that have been rescued from the illegal exotic pet trade. I sat down with three of their volunteer keepers, Sally, John and Sarah, to hear about what its really like to be a primate keeper. Read More.
In the meantime, learn from my experiences of preparing for a volunteering position on the Planning your Volunteer Trip Page.
Want to read no-nonsense overviews of the ethical charities that I have visited and recommend? Check out the Volunteer Organisation Profile Page.
Or, hear what its like to be a veterinarian working in exciting destinations, like Sri Lanka, Dubai and Ecuador on the Global Vet Interviews page.