Welcome to the GoEco volunteer blog!
Our job here at GoEco is to set up volunteers with eco-friendly and humanitarian projects all over the world. Inside this blog you’ll find a wealth of experiences from our alumni about their involvement volunteering abroad.
If you are an adventurous and ecologically concerned traveler who wants to be immersed in a local culture to become familiar with the local people, customs, and environment by giving back to the community and to the Earth, we here at GoEco have a program to suit your needs. So check out some of the experiences of our volunteers and head over to our website for more information on how you can get in on the fun!
Check out our latest posts below or skip to a category on the right:
Volunteering in Africa for Big Cat, Elephant, and Rhino Conservation
Jeff : May 13, 2012 4:50 pm : Africa, South AfricaVolunteering in Africa for Big Cat, Elephant and Rhino Conservation
Zululand, South Africa
Volunteering in Africa at the Big Cat, Elephant, and Rhino Conservation project was a thrilling opportunity. In March 2012, I spent two weeks working on the project. Each volunteer is able to select which project they want to be involved with. Continue reading Jeff's post...
New International internships from GoEco
Barcelona, Spain and Tel Aviv, Israel
We’re excited to present you with two new internship projects this month that are located in two of the hottest cities on the Mediterranean Sea! Both ranking in the Top 10 Beach Cities of the World by National Geographic, Barcelona and Tel Aviv have everything you could want from a summer abroad: great food, lively culture, endless sunshine, and over 4 miles of beaches between them Whether your catching the sunrise in Barcelona or the sunset in Tel Aviv you are sure to have an unforgettable experience on these programs, and all for only 350 USD! Continue reading this post to find out more...
Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteering in Costa Rica
Alexis : April 16, 2012 3:29 pm : Conservation, Costa Rica, WildlifeVolunteer in Costa Rica – Sea turtle conservation
Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, Costa Rica
“There’s a snake!”
“Where?”
“On the road! Wanna take a picture?”
My driver stops by the side of the road, as I pull out my camera.
Continue reading Alexis's story...
My Experience Volunteering in Thailand with the Akha Hilltribe
Tamar : April 11, 2012 1:20 pm : Education, Humanitarian and Social Aid, ThailandVolunteer in Thailand – Akha Hilltribe Aid and Experience
Chiang Rai, Thailand
It was an experience in it of itself – living in a bamboo hut in the forest, working with the Akha people – it was awe-inspiring. The Akha village I volunteered at in Thailand is a unique place where people live by their own two hands, all the while full of love and joy. Continue reading Tamar's post...
My Experience Volunteering in Zimbabwe at the Wildlife Orphanage
Winnie : April 4, 2012 2:39 pm : Africa, Wildlife, ZimbabweVolunteer in Zimbabwe – African Wildlife OrphanagE
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Going to africa was a lifelong dream of mine. The experience was worth all the long flights and excruciatingly painful layovers in the world. Upon arrival at my destination, I was greeted by 2 lion cubs at the orphanage. There was a 5 month old male & a 20 month old female. It was such a magical encounter. Continue reading Winnie's post
Volunteer in Israel – Coral reef conservation program
Eilat, Israel
When I first signed up with GoEco to volunteer at Israel’s Coral Reef in Eilat, I didn’t know what to expect. And, to tell you the truth I was kind of nervous. I asked myself questions like: What will I be doing? Continue reading Ezra's post...
Volunteering in South Africa at the Teach and Surf Program in Cape Town
Ekaterina : March 15, 2012 4:49 pm : Africa, Education, South AfricaVolunteer in South Africa – Teach AND SURF in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
During my life I have visited some wonderful places where I have met a lot of amazing people. Each time I left I felt sad. But I have never felt as upset as I felt leaving Cape Town, the city where I spent the 16 best days of my life. I don’t exaggerate. At all.
Weekly Update – 02.22.12: Volunteer in Cape Town at the Surf and Teach Program
GoEco Staff : February 23, 2012 12:08 pm : Africa, Education, South AfricaVOLUNTEER IN South Africa – Surf and Teach Children in Cape TOWN
Upper Galilee, Israel
Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, from the hippos in Limpopo to the penguins on the Cape, is a world in and of itself. It befits its position at the southern tip of the planet’s most epic continent, with more types of awesome terrain than photographers can shake their zoom lens at. Continue reading this post...
Volunteering in Israel at a Multicultural Summer Camp
Anca : January 26, 2012 2:34 pm : Education, IsraelVolunteer in Israel – Multicultural eco summer camps
Upper Galilee, Israel
The experience was unforgettable and unfathomably precious. The feel of a whole new country, of various religions, of various backgrounds, of whole new climates and landscapes– the variety of it all and the feeling of it all is so distinct and alive in my mind and heart and I hope it will always be so. Continue reading Anca's post...
Volunteering Abroad: from Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica to a Wildlife Reserve in Africa!
Bailey : January 11, 2012 5:29 pm : Conservation, Costa Rica, WildlifeVolunteer in Costa Rica – Sea turtle Conservation
Various locations, Costa Rica
My name is Bailey and I am the winner of the 2012 New Years Resolution Grant! I first volunteered with GoEco in the summer of 2011 when I took my first trip abroad alone to Costa Rica.
Volunteering in Israel at the Umm el Fahem Art Gallery: Part 2
Joanna : January 8, 2012 1:23 pm : Education, IsraelVolunteer in Israel – Umm el fAhem Art Gallery
Umm el Fahem, Israel
I am coming to the end of my sojourn in Umm el Fahem. I just returned from a week’s travel around the country, during the Moslem holiday for which the gallery is closed.The entire experience here has been wonderful for me. Continue reading Joanna's post...
Volunteering in Bolivia at the Wildlife Conservation Zoo
Kaitlin : December 18, 2011 10:56 am : Bolivia, Conservation, South America, WildlifeVolunteer in Bolivia – Wildlife Conservation zoo
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Arriving in Santa Cruz was quite overwhelming, I had just flown thousands of miles away from home to another continent completely solo. That didn’t last long as I was warmly welcomed into the home of my host family, who were absolutely awesome! Continue reading Kaitlin's post...
Volunteer in Israel – Umm el fAhem Art Gallery
Umm el Fahem, Israel
I am writing from Umm el Fahem, Israel, near the border with the West Bank. I am here spending six weeks volunteering at the Umm el Fahem Gallery of Art. So far, it has been an enlightening and delightful experience.
Volunteering in Israel at the Coral Reef Reserve
Angela : November 24, 2011 2:15 pm : Conservation, IsraelVolunteer in Israel – Coral reef conservation program
Eilat, Israel
There was not even one tiny instant that I regretted my spontaneous decision to take part in this project at the Coral Reef Reserve. From the very first day I liked the stuff, the work, the accommodation, the possibilities to spend my leisure time and in the end I just loved it.
Fauzi Azar Inn in Nazereth, a GoEco Volunteer Project, Wins Prestigious Award!
Cody : November 17, 2011 4:38 pm : IsraelVolunteer in israel – Eco-tourism development in Nazareth
Nazareth, Israel
The Fauzi Azar Inn is a 200-year-old Arab mansion turned guest house and is responsible for creating a unique eco-tourism initiative in the Arab city of Nazareth. Nazareth is a magical city in the northern Israel near the Sea of Galilee. The city provides an unforgettable experience consisting of many historical and religious sites, continue reading this post...Volunteering in South Africa at the Monkey & Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Nurit : November 10, 2011 3:36 pm : Africa, South AfricaMonkey & Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Limpopo, South Africa
“Hugging a Baboon”
No don’t be mistaken. He is hugging you. Not “you are hugging him.” And indeed it’s a HE or a SHE, who hugs you… Well, the truth is that it is mutual. When one of then hugs you, you know, you feel that its because he wants your touch, your warmth, your closeness. They need you, and they are sincere. Continue reading Nurit's post...
Volunteering in Thailand – Flood Relief and TEFL Paid Teaching
Marion : November 2, 2011 9:21 pm : Education, Humanitarian and Social Aid, ThailandVolunteering in Thailand – TEFL Paid Teaching and Flood Relief
Singburi, Thailand
I arrived three weeks ago now to follow the TEFL paid teaching program. But regarding the current situation I have also been involved in giving a hand to the local communities suffering from the floods in Singburi area. During the introduction week our help has been requested to supply people with foods and water.
Volunteering in Kenya – Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve
Stephanie : October 17, 2011 4:39 pm : Africa, Kenya, WildlifeLion and Wildlife ConservatioN Volunteer Project
Masai Mara, Kenya
As I got off the plane, I knew I wasn’t in “Kansas” anymore…My weary eyes focused on the hoards of people clamoring to get to the front of the group. Each was holding a sign indicating a passenger’s name. I didn’t see my name. Panic began to fill my empty stomach.
Volunteering in Israel: The Wildlife Reserve
Yan : October 10, 2011 5:03 pm : Conservation, Israel, WildlifeDesert Wildlife reserve Program
Negev Desert, Israel
Exotic Life in the Middle of the Desert
Who hasn’t wanted to take some time off from life’s routine and escape to a new and different place, free of stress and filled with new experiences; to find a break from the monotony of everyday life. Continue reading Yan's post...
Volunteer at the Sagol Ecological Village
Kfar Sagol, Israel
From the moment I arrived at Kfar Sagol I felt at home. The amazing family who envisioned this eco-village and invested themselves in it’s creation provide a comfortable, healing and welcoming community. Each volunteer, from Israel or from around the world, becomes a part of the community here. Kfar Sagol radiates positive energy continue reading Lindsey's post...
Volunteering with Lions in Zimbabwe
Joan : September 26, 2011 4:57 pm : Africa, Conservation, WildlifeVolunteer in Zimbabwe – Lion Rehabilitation and Conservation
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is an amazing town! People are smiling and friendly, wild animals wander freely in, the residence was beautiful, and the volunteers were awesome!
Work with the lions is enjoyable, rewarding, and not too difficult. In addition to volunteering with lions the volunteers also participate in education and research: continue reading Joan's post...
Volunteering in China: Panda Bear Center
Chen : September 15, 2011 1:48 pm : China, Conservation, WildlifeVolunteer in China – Giant Panda Center
Chengdu, China
The GoEco panda volunteer project is located in a nature reserve between wild forests and waterfalls – the landscape is astonishing and wild. The reserve is divided into several areas: the residential village (close to everything), the panda breeding center (where I worked) the research center, visitors center, cubs care center, and other treatment centers. The reserve is organized well and really fun, yet still a very natural habitat. Continue reading Hen's post...
Volunteer in Thailand – Learn, Teach, and Travel
Singburi, Thailand
We left to Singburi after nearly a week in busy, noisy, and tiresome Bangkok.
The bus ride was long and frustrating, but once we got off we saw a familiar face. I recognized her from pictures on GoEco’s website and cheered up immediately. The organization came to give us food and rest before tonight’s reception. Continue reading Liran's post...
South African Tiger and Lion Park
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
I volunteered for two months in the South African Lion Park just outside Port Elizabeth in March, 2011. The park specializes in the rehabilitation and breeding of different endangered wildlife species. The park focuses most of its efforts on expanding the White Lion population. White lions are now extinct from nature and only exist in wildlife centers such as this. Continue reading Shimon's post...
Bridging the Cultural Gap in Israel at a Summer Camp
Sylvie : August 25, 2011 2:11 pm : Education, IsraelMulticultural Eco Summer Camp
Maghar, Israel
It was the best volunteer project I have ever participated in.
Before the project started, I was impressed by the smooth communication with GoEco and the amount of information I got as I was not used to it.
Working at a Wildlife Rehab Center in South Africa
Ziv : August 22, 2011 4:43 pm : Africa, Conservation, South Africa, WildlifeSouth African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Limpopo Province, South Africa
In the wildlife rehabilitation center there are a ton of different animals. Most were injured in the wild as a result of human activity so we bring them back here to have a safe home for rehabilitation. Most of them are destined to be re-released into their natural habitats.
We host a variety of animals such as: lions, leopards, continue reading Ziv's post...
Expedition Deep Into the Amazon Rainforest…
Dagmar : August 18, 2011 11:14 am : Brazil, Education, WildlifevOLUNTEER AT AN eco-lODGE IN THE aMAZON rAINFOREST
Colombia and Brazil
GoEco describes the project with ‘as far away from society as possible’, which is precisely what Heliconia is – a very, very remote location in the middle of the jungle somewhere between Colombia and Brazil. I enjoyed it tremendously, since in my ‘normal’ life I’m quite involved…
The Amazon Rainforest is a beautiful and peaceful place.
Volunteering with Monkeys in Kenya
Elad : August 15, 2011 9:34 am : Africa, Conservation, Kenya, WildlifeKenya Wildlife Conservation Project
Kwale, Kenya
Just a bit from what we are doing here…
We’re taking care of two monkey babies that were found next to their mothers that were killed by electric lines going through the jungle. The babies are three weeks old and really cute.
Continue reading Elad's post...
Adventure with the Turtles of Costa Rica
Erez : August 8, 2011 9:26 am : Conservation, Costa Rica, WildlifeCOSTA RICA SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT
Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica
Overall I found the experience volunteering in Costa Rica to be incredibly positive. I went on GoEco’s Costa Rican Sea Turtle Conservation Project.
Most of our activities had to be done during the night, though it all depends on the season. Nesting season means a lot of work in the hatchery. During the day we had a lot of freedom, continue reading Erez's post...
Journey into the African Wilderness
Roni : August 3, 2011 10:49 am : Africa, Conservation, Namibia, WildlifeWildlife Sanctuary volunteer project
Namibia, Africa
Today it begins… The journey to the experience I’ve been waiting for months.
The black asphalt divided into two by white stripes leads the way for us. The flat road cuts like a black scar through the vast yellow surroundings. Inside the van ten people sit from all over the world. The United States, Germany, Canada, England, France, and Israel. A true UN summit meeting – but we don’t have world hunger or the Israel/Palestinian conflict on our minds. Continue reading Roni's post...
wildlife reserve volunteer project
Hai Bar Reserve, Israel
The whole GoEco experience has been a real success for me. I went to Hai Bar, Israel, for one month, to work in a reserve of wild animals. I did not know precisely what to expect from the reserve (I have never worked with animals in the past and my studies have nothing to do with that), but I have not been disappointed! Continue reading Delphine's post...
My Volunteer Experience in Eilat at the Coral Reef Conservation Center
Masha : July 26, 2011 12:21 pm : Conservation, IsraelCoral Reef Conservation Volunteer Project
Eilat, Israel
Dear Friends!
A week ago I came back from Israel and I would like to share with you. It was the most extreme and unique trip I’ve ever had in my life. God blessed the whole journey a lot. I had an idea to visit Israel but I didn’t want to be a part of an excursion program because I wanted to see people and taste the real life. So I found a volunteer program and went to Israel. Continue reading Masha's post...