Volunteer with Elephants at the amazing Thailand Elephant Sanctuary
Volunteer with the Wonderful Rescued Elephants of Thailand at our most popular wildlife programme!
1 to 12 weeks from £541 / US$595
You can be part of this amazing project for a once in a lifetime experience at the best Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand! Volunteer at an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary with responsible volunteer tasks. Assist the dedicated local staff to help look after the rescued elephants and elephant orphans! Join us for a memorable Elephant experience in the beautiful Thailand countryside!
Questions? Jim is happy to help! E-mail me at info@globalteer.org
Overview of the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary
Volunteer with elephants in Thailand at our most popular project and help rescued Elephants. Meet like-minded people from around the world to share in this amazing experience!
Volunteers walk the elephants into the forest to forage and to the lake to bathe. Volunteers at this sanctuary get to wash the elephants and care for them by keeping the sanctuary in good condition and collect food for the elephants.
Chian Free Elephants
This project is Asia's first completely chain free sanctuary where no elephant is ever chained up.
The elephants are allowed to be elephants again without the pressures of hard work. The project, with the help of volunteers, care for these amazing animals and allow them to roam, bathe and do their favourite thing... eat, eat & eat some more!
This volunteer project provides a memorable experience in the beautiful Thailand countryside for volunteers wanting to help Thai elephants rescued from lives of hard work in the elephant tourism and logging industry.
Meet the Elephants
The project usually has around 20 elephants at any time. The elephants have their own sad histories of overwork and bad treatment. Some have been exploited in the tourism industry or overworked in the logging industry. You can read about the Plight of the Asian Elephant in our article highlighting the issues surrounding the Asian Elephant.
To learn more about some of the elephants, you can Meet the Elephants here.
You can also read the wonderful story of the Rescue of a Mother and Baby Elephant, Princess and Apple.
Volunteer to help elephants on your trip to Thailand for an amazing, once in a lifetime experience! Make a positive impact as an elephant sanctuary volunteer.
Summary of the Elephant Sanctuary
The Project: The Thailand Elephant Sanctuary gives safe haven to approximately 20 elephants at any time. Without the sanctuary these lovely animals would otherwise be roaming the streets, suffering terrible conditions at working elephant camps or being exploited by the tourist industry.
Volunteers provide hands on assistance to the professional Mahouts (elephant keepers) to ensure these beautiful animals live a life as close as possible to their wild elephant relatives.
Project Location: The project is located 160km south of Bangkok in a national park in the Petchaburi province. The local village has internet access, shops and bars but is small and unaffected by tourism like many places in Thailand, so you will be able to experience authentic Thai culture and lifestyle. You can reach sandy beaches in about 40 minutes by car.
Elephant Volunteering
Volunteer Work with Elephants: Volunteers work closely with the projects professional mahouts on a range of tasks including cleaning the elephants’ paddocks, washing the elephants, walking the elephants to the lake or into the forest to forage. You may also assist in performing basic daily health checks on the elephants. As an elephant sanctuary volunteer, your main role is to make the lives of the rescued elephants as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.
Hours: Volunteers work six days a week, starting early in the morning before temperatures rise! Days are long but there are many breaks throughout the day to relax or hang out with the elephants.
Duration: Elephant volunteering placements are year-round and for 1 to 12 weeks.
Accommodation: The on-site accommodation is in clean but basic shared bungalows which have comfortable beds, fans, western style toilets with a manual flush and cold showers. On site you will also find a communal area for eating, a small bar and a kitchen.
Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+, have a love of elephants and conservation and be fit enough to undertake physical work in hot and humid conditions.
The Thailand Elephant Sanctuary History
The centre is part of a larger wildlife project incorporating both an elephant & wildlife rescue project and an education centre. The local Buddhist Abbot donated temple land to build the animal sanctuary in 2001. Wildlfie conservation as well as animal welfare, compassion with all living creatures is an important part of Buddhism.
Volunteers have always played a vital role in helping the project to achieve its aims and in increasing awareness about the ill treatment and threats to Thailand's magnificent wildlife.
How the project is helping
The Thailand Elephant Sanctuary has rescued and nurtured back to health many mistreated elephants. The sanctuary is now home to many elephants from all over Thailand who now enjoy a happy life without work. The sanctuary provides veterinary care and a more natural life for previously working and abused elephants.
The Thailand Elephant Sanctuary gives safe haven to elephants who are no longer wanted or who have been rescued from a cruel and often unbearable existence. The number of elephants at the sanctuary can vary based on space available and funds needed to rescue an elephant.
Why the project need volunteers
In Thailand, as in many countries in Asia, the Asian elephant has been domesticated and used by humans for many years to work in the logging industry. Following the ban on commercial logging in Thailand in 1988 these working elephants were no longer needed. Suddenly, hundreds of elephants and their owners were left with a very uncertain future, and their owners have been forced to seek alternative methods to use their elephants to make a living.
This resulted in unwanted elephants being forced to carry out work they were not suited to including what many people consider to be harmless - being used as taxis for days on end, elephant riding and being forced to perform tricks for tourists. This created a need for ethical elephant sanctuaries to provide safe haven for these creatures so they could be rescued from exploitation.
Volunteers provide hands on assistance to the professional Mahouts (elephant keepers) to ensure these beautiful animals can now live a life as close as possible to their wild relatives.
Volunteering with Elephants in Thailand at this Ethical Sanctuary will make a positive impact in the lives of these magnificent creatures!
Typical Volunteer Duties
Volunteers work closely with the Mahouts who always accompany the elephants. The working day starts early and can be long but there are many breaks throughout the day to chill or hang out with the elephants. Volunteers work six days a week with one day a week off to relax or take in some of the local sights.
An example of a typical day:
Start your day at 6.30am
Get breakfast from 8-9am
Lunch at noon
Workday ends approximately 5pm
Dinner at 6.30pm
Volunteer tasks at the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary
Volunteers’ exact tasks will depend on the needs of the elephants and the project but the kind of work you will carry out while volunteering with the elephants includes the following:
- Cleaning the elephants’ paddocks each morning and evening.
- Washing the elephants in their paddocks with hoses and brushes.
- Collecting the elephants’ dung and food waste for composting.
- Walking the elephants to the lake or into the forest to forage.
- Collecting fruits for their big appetites.
- Harvesting banana trees, sugar cane, pineapple or corn for fodder.
- Performing basic daily health checks on the elephants.
- Taking care of the domestic animals at the centre, including Sam, the rescued beach pony and the dogs.
- Learning all about these gentle giants.
These are only examples of what your daily activities may be. The volunteer work with elephants is continually evolving and the needs of the elephants may change before or during your stay. Rest assured we are very flexible with volunteers’ personal needs, but we do require the same flexibility in return as the elephants are the top priority.
Volunteer Reviews from the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary
Why not read about previous volunteer experiences to get to know more about what you will doing at the sanctuary?
Volunteer Spotlight: Eva
More Volunteer Reviews
Accommodation at the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary
The accommodation at the centre is in clean, simply furnished shared bungalows and rooms. The bungalows have comfortable beds, fans, western style toilets with a manual flush and cold showers.
On site you will find a communal area for eating, a small bar and kitchen. Volunteers have access to free hot drinks, filtered water, bread, jam and other essentials. Volunteers will eat Thai and occasionally Western food. Vegetarians, vegans and those with food allergies are welcome at this project. Evenings can be spent watching DVD's, relaxing with a book or socializing with fellow volunteers.
Join us to Volunteer to Help Elephants in Thailand and care for these amazing creatures and enjoy an special experience with like-minded fellow volunteers.
Free Time in Thailand
Thailand is a large, diverse and beautiful country and many volunteers therefore add some touring either at the beginning or the end of their trip. For lots of volunteers, spending time volunteering to help elephants is enough to make their trip unforgettable and there is plenty to see near the project on your days off. However, if you do want to travel around Thailand or further afield in Southeast Asia, our team are all very well travelled and can offer advice and help in planning the perfect itinerary for travel before or after your placement. Here are just a few ideas to whet your appetite.
Bangkok
Bangkok is noisy, crowded, hot, buzzing, hot, friendly and did we mention it is hot? Love it or hate it, Bangkok is a city that you should make the effort to visit at least once. Despite all the craziness, Bangkok has great shopping, royal palaces, museums, peaceful temples, top class restaurants, world famous street food and a public transport system that puts many western cities to shame! Take a high tail boat for a private river tour or join the crowds on one of Bangkok's famous water taxis and see the city from its pulsating river and canals. And to top it all there are flights into and out of Bangkok's two international airports to connect you with almost anywhere in the world. Too tempting to miss!
Cha Am & Hua Hin
Cha Am is around 40 minutes from the sanctuary by car, and has a sandy beach, many bars, shops and restaurants. The tourists are mostly Thais who travel from Bangkok to visit their nearest beautiful beach. Volunteers can visit the town on evenings to frequent the restaurants and bars, as well as take shopping trips to the night market. You can make a day tour to the town or for those wanting to spend more time on the beach, accommodation throughout the town is generally cheap.
Hua Hin is slightly further but still less than an hour from the sanctuary and is busier and livelier than Cha Am. The town has a sandy beach, nightclubs, bars, restaurants and many shops as well as cheap accommodation for overnight stays. There are many foreign tourists in Hua Hin, and volunteers can find most of their needs catered for here.
Further afield in Thailand
Thailand has something to offer everyone. For history buffs, within easy reach of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi, home of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai and the very moving Commonwealth War Graves. The Ancient Thai Capital city Attuthaya is closer to Bangkok and is a feast for temple lovers.
Low cost flights from Bangkok's Don Meaung airport make travelling to the north of Thailand cheap and easy. Visit the bustling cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai which are also convenient starting points for trips to Burma and Laos. And of course there are dozens of islands to choose from - from party islands like Ko Phangan to unspoilt idylls such as Ko Yao Noi.
Beyond Thailand
Thanks to Bangkok's status as an airline hub for Southeast Asia, once you check into the city, the world is your oyster - at least most of Asia anyway. All of Thailand's closest neighbours are a short flight away. Undiscovered Burma, Laid back and underrated Laos, and friendly Cambodia with its Angkorian temples, tragic history, lush jungles and a handful of idyllic islands. Regular buses and boats are also popular for many journeys across Thailand's borders.
What’s Included:
Included in your volunteering trip is accommodation at the Elephant Sanctuary where you will share an amazing experience with many other volunteers from around the world. Volunteers will receive all meals on site.
Volunteers receive all the necessary project equipment, training, induction and in-country support from experienced English speaking project staff.
Value additions:
Want to enjoy your trip and be stress free before volunteering? Leave the planning to us and let us arrange your travels to the sanctuary from Bangkok!
Globalteer can arrange pickup from the airport or your hotel in Bangkok, Cha-Am or Hua Hin for transfer to the Elephant Sanctuary.
Additions at no extra cost:
√ Thailand orientation guide.
√ Accommodation at the Elephant Sanctuary.
√ All main meals.
√ In-country support from the project staff.
√ Project training by experienced staff.
√ Full information pack about the project.
√ Assistance and advice on travel planning.
√ Project donation.
Discounted rates are available at this project for combinations with the Thailand Wildlife Sanctuary. For many volunteers, Combining projects is a great way to experience two projects in one trip!
Financial Transparency
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is completely financially transparent to you, our donors. You can therefore see a full breakdown of where your money goes and our independently audited accounts by clicking below:
To discover why you should consider choosing Globalteer, please visit the following page:
Why do we charge a fee for volunteering?
Globalteer requests a donation from volunteers to allow us to achieve our charitable objectives and support our partner programmes. In return, Globalteer provides volunteers with an amazing, responsible and ethical volunteer experience. Ensuring that your placement is responsible as well as rewarding, safe and enjoyable takes a good deal of work.
A summary of Globalteer’s total expenditure for the last financial year is shown below:
Donations and Grants 60% – This includes a share of volunteer placement fees, grants we have secured for our projects and donations managed by Globalteer that are made by individuals and groups to our projects and partner projects.
Support Costs 29% – This includes volunteer accommodation, volunteer transport, support staff costs, travel costs and some volunteer meals.
Operational Costs 11% – Costs of running Globalteer.
What’s not included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Onward transfer on completion of your placement
What do everyday items cost?
The official currency of Thailand is the Baht, and there are approximately 45 Baht to the pound and 30 Baht to the US dollar. The cost of living in Thailand is low compared to most countries in the developed world. The costs of some typical items are:
- Short ride in a tuk-tuk - 50 Baht
- Taxi ride of about 15 minutes - 150 to 250 Baht
- Meal at a market - around 50 Baht
- Meal in a restaurant - 200 Baht +
Quick Summary of the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary
The Thailand Elephant Sanctuary gives safe haven to approximately 10 elephants at any time.
Without the sanctuary these lovely animals would otherwise be roaming the streets, suffering terrible conditions at working elephant camps or being exploited by the tourist industry.
Volunteers can join the project to help the sanctuary care for these amazing elephants.
The project is located 160km south of Bangkok in a national park in the Petchaburi province.
The local village has internet access, shops and bars but is small and unaffected by tourism like many places in Thailand, so you will be able to experience authentic Thai culture and lifestyle.
You can reach sandy beaches in about 40 minutes by car.
Volunteers work closely with the project's professional mahouts on a range of tasks including cleaning the elephants’ paddocks, washing the elephants, walking the elephants to the lake or into the forest to forage.
Volunteers work six days a week, starting early in the morning before temperatures rise! Days are long but there are many breaks throughout the day to relax or hang out with the elephants.
The on-site accommodation is in clean but basic shared bungalows which have comfortable beds, fans, western style toilets with a manual flush and cold showers
On site you will also find a communal area for eating, a small bar and a kitchen.
There is WiFi on site at the volunteer accommodation.What’s Included in the standard package:
√ Accommodation at the sanctuary √ All main meals while at the sanctuary √ 24 hour in-country support at the sanctuary √ All necessary training by English speaking project staff √ All necessary project equipment and materials √ Project and location orientation guide √ Arrival induction
Upgrade your package!
Don't want the stress of find your way to the project? We can arrange your pickup and transfer to the project from Bangkok. Volunteers can be picked up from the airport or from your accommodation, if you are arriving early.
We have a list of answers to questions frequently asked about the sanctuary.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou can come to the elephant sanctuary and help!
To apply click here: Apply now
You can also donate to support the Elephant sanctuaries in Cambodia & Thailand! Donate Now!
Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media
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Everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. Volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor House was an incredible experience... read more - everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. I can fully recommend volunteering with them to anyone who wishes to spend their time and energy on a worthwhile charity project! read less
Hannah Verity Stone
6/30/2017 -
Had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. Having done lots of research on volunteer projects, I decided... read more that this program was the best for me. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. They did not disappoint, I had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. read less
Diego Alonso
11/13/2017 -
The benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. I worked on the clean water project in Siem Reap... read more in October 2018 and it was one of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had. Although the water project was with another NGO (with who Globalteer is a partner), the benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. As a woman doing this adventure on my own I was part of the Globalteer family and very well looked after. Having that security mattered. The accommodation was terrific, the Globalteer volunteer co-ordinator who was my go-to person (the wonderful Theavy) was amazing, meeting and socialising with other volunteers was huge fun and spending some time with Chris, the country manager, was educational and insightful. I'm going back this year to do it all again. Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones while making a tangible difference to the lives of many. read less
Justine Auton
1/14/2018 -
Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work! This experience was one of the most rewarding things I... read more have done - it opened my eyes to how other cultures in different countries cope without luxuries that we take for granted each day. I began volunteering with Globalteer on the Clean Water project in Cambodia for 2 weeks. Each week consisted of 3 days of building the water filters and 2 days going to the different villages and giving the water filters to those who needed them. All of the stages were important and I felt like I was really making a real difference. Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work for the day! I loved going into the villages the most, as you could see how grateful the locals were to receive such an important gift into their lives! After my two weeks of volunteering I managed to get a job with globalteer running the sports project ... yes that is how much I fell in love with Cambodia, the people, the culture and their way of thinking! Globalteer is brilliant and were so hands on with any problem or issue that arose! I have had nothing but positive experiences and will always follow the amazing things they do daily! read less
Robert Bisson
1/12/2018 -
The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! Mid-life crisis? Mid-life adventure? It could have been either.....or even... read more a break from the husband! Following retirement from a demanding career in 2014 I had the luxury and freedom to enjoy being a lady that could wine and dine to her heart’s content but deep down I still yearned for a challenge. Then I came across the amazing opportunity, along with a friend, to work with underprivileged children in Cusco, Peru. This was for a month under Globalteer. I was able to be part of an inspirational and holistic after-school project for 70 children aged from 3-14 in a mountain village near Cusco. The project gives free classes and help with homework to underprivileged children, plus a safe place to play, to learn traditional music and dance, to enjoy free fruit, clean drinking water and a nutritious lunch. Once our applications had been accepted and the relevant checks completed I embarked on a fundraising campaign. Individual Just Giving pages were set up and I approached various companies to donate much needed items for the children such as educational books, art supplies, toys and clothing. My local M&S were very supportive and donated underwear and socks. Anxiety, apprehension and anticipation were just some of the feelings experienced but the time to embark on the adventure soon came round and we flew from Heathrow to Cusco via Bogota. The accommodation was in a family ‘homestay’ as we wanted to embrace and immerse ourselves in the culture and be part of a Peruvian family and also to practice the little Spanish I had learnt. In fact there were 11 people in the house in Wanchaq on the outskirts of Cusco. The family were very friendly and welcoming but you soon began to appreciate what you had left behind and not to take anything for granted. Altitude sickness was the first issue that had to be dealt with. Cusco is around 3400m above the sea level which can present a problem because the human body starts to react at around 2500m. Thankfully after taking the local remedy of Coca Tea and being given oxygen we were up and about after 36 hours. Meeting the children for the first time at Picaflor House was a very emotional experience and brought on the first of many tears. At the end of the first day with them I felt so privileged and humbled to have met them. They had nothing but were always smiling and wanting to hold your hand. I assisted with English classes, Mathematics and activities such as music, crafts and games on a Friday. They delighted in playing the simplest of games such as ‘Piggy In The Middle’ which started off with 3 and then everyone wanted to participate! The older girls made makeshift swings one day from cardboard and ropes! We were advised not to have favourites but I have to own up to having a soft spot for the Kindergarten class! The ongoing project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and is aimed at keeping the children in a secure environment off the streets, and providing them with a safe place to learn and enjoy being children. I did witness in various parts of the area young children on their own begging in the streets or trying to sell sweets to motorists whilst waiting at the traffic lights. Sadly despite the wealth of tourist money that enters the country, very little of the money filters down to the average Peruvian and millions live in extreme poverty. This means a lack of education, healthcare and nutrition effects the poorest the hardest. Many homes have no running water or proper sanitation and heating is unheard of. With volunteers Globalteer hope to help the least fortunate live healthily, with dignity and with a future. We caught a local bus to and from the project. The journey was just under 1 hour each way and cost 3.50 soles return – approx £1! On one of our weekends off we visited Machu Picchu – an incomparable wonder and despite having seen so many pictures nothing prepares you for the first time you see the Inca citadel rising high above a bend in the river. It was well worth the 3.45 am alarm call to see the sunrise which was absolutely breath-taking. Another challenge we took on was to eat the local dish ‘Cuy’ – otherwise known as guinea pig! A Peruvian delicacy it is either fried or roasted and cooked whole. We ate it with our hands and although the meat looked like the dark meat of chicken it tasted more like duck. I also celebrated my birthday whilst out there and I gave the children a small bag of ‘Haribo’ sweets as a treat. They were absolutely delighted and so happy to have in their eyes such a luxury. I didn’t need to translate in to Spanish on this occasion – I think ‘sweets’ is a universal language! The trip was an incredible experience not only because of the gratifying sensation of helping in a foreign and vulnerable country, but also learning more about ourselves and appreciating what we have. The children made a lasting impression and I do have intentions to one day return. Volunteering at Piclafor House has taught me to never take things for granted and to realise how we can manage with far less than we think we need – I have a wardrobe of clothes so why do I think I need more? I left a case of clothes and toiletries for a lady I met and she actually filled with tears when she saw the bottle of shampoo I had donated. The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. read less
Geraldine Parkin
2/06/2018 -
It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I volunteered with Globalteer in Cambodia last year and I... read more had an amazing experience. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. I worked on two projects, building waterfilters and the women's empowerment program, where we made intricate products with the locals from plastic bags! It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! read less
Fiona Mehmet
1/16/2018 -
Could not fault the hard work these people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. Great experience in Peru, couldn't fault the hard work these... read more people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. No ones perfect but all you can do is your best. Thanks guys read less
Mark Catling
6/30/2017 -
I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! I first volunteered at Picaflor House Children's Community Project in... read more Peru in 2014, as a solo traveller, staying in Cusco for two months. I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip at the end of last year - this time for just two weeks, but with my husband, as part of a wider trip through South America. Two very different visits, but both equally rewarding and life-changing. During my first trip, I met with a wide variety of lovely volunteers from all over the world, some of whom I am still in touch with today. In contrast, on our recent trip, we were the only volunteers. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. The volunteering at Picaflor is very flexible - our individual skills were used to their best advantage. I focussed on the English classes, using my language and communication training to the full, and my husband worked in the Nursery class, supporting the children to develop their social and practical skills (and honing his fledgling Spanish). In addition, on my first much longer trip, I was able to take the odd day off, enabling me to take in the local art and culture by visiting places of interest further afield. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. It provides occupation and fun for the children in the afternoon after their school day finishes, allowing parents to work full days, and provides extra academic support, especially with English - particularly important as it enables the children to get better jobs when they leave school. The children at Picaflor are extremely lively (expect more noise, and less formal seated activity than in your average British school), but on both trips we particularly enjoyed the sporting days (as did the children!) on Fridays when everybody came together to play volleyball, football, and to skip, play on the swings and slide, and to dig in the sandpit - Chris enjoyed a particularly muscle-building day breaking up and raking the sand for the children, and I enjoyed a spot of gardening - as I said the experience was very varied! The regular, permanent staff at Picaflor are particularly supportive. We were prepared well in advance - I particularly needed this reassurance on my first trip alone, and even though on my second trip, I knew where everything was, we were confident that we could still access any extra help if needed. As a couple, we received an especially warm welcome on my return, and would definitely consider a third visit in the future. I would highly recommend Picaflor to future volunteers 🙂 read less
Katharine Hughes
2/28/2018 -
Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor... read more House. From the Moment I arrived I was collected by staff and shown around Cusco. I also got to enjoy the weekly quiz nights with staff from globalteer. The staff went out of there way to make me feel welcome. I had an amazing time at picaflor house. The children were beautiful. Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend globalteer!!!! read less
Katrina Baxter
7/04/2017 -
If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. I had an AMAZING experience volunteering on two different projects... read more with Globalteer. You really get to experience life in a completely different culture, whilst making a significant difference to the projects and local communities. The Globalteer staff are all so helpful and welcoming, and the little things like being picked up from the airport and being shown around the local area made my trip so much easier, and meant I settled in straight away. If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. read less
Jess Robinson
1/12/2018 -
The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome. I spent a couple of weeks volunteering at the Helping... read more Hands School just outside Siem Reap. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome and were always on hand to answer any questions. The school itself was really well run and the kids were brilliant to work with. It felt like such a worthwhile way to spend my holiday. Will definitely be going back! read less
Holly Bygrave
7/26/2018 -
Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff. I had an amazing experience volunteering with Globalteer earlier this... read more year. Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff and a great range of really worthwhile and sustainable projects! Definitely recommend!!! read less
Jessica Robinson
1/12/2018 -
The staff working there are dedicated but also good fun. What an amazing experience! We spent a week with this... read more incredible sanctuary in August 2018. The passion for the animals in the care of this rescue sanctuary is genuine and heartfelt. The staff working there dedicated but also good fun. Loved the interactions with the monkeys, deer, and birds and building the monkey house for the howlers, I hope they enjoy it for many years to come. I strongly recommend anyone who is visiting Peru and wants to genuinely help wild animals to be returned back to their natural habitat to spend time here. read less
Hercules Moriarty
9/22/2018 -
They are great in every way. I have worked with them twice and I am counting down the days until I return next. Working with Globalteer and Picaflor house is amazing. They're great... read more in every way. I've worked with them during two extended stays in Peru and I'm counting down the days until I return next. read less
Jeff Bartlett
6/30/2017 -
I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who is interested in volunteering. My experience with Globalteer was amazing and I've volunteered with... read more them two years in a row now in Siem Reap. The staff are incredible and very accommodating which definitely made the idea of travelling to a new country alone a lot less daunting. The projects they have really immerse you into Cambodian culture as you're working with locals so you get the opportunity to really see how the Khmer live. Siem Reap itself is a wonderful town with plenty of restaurants, local and western, and an endless list of things to do. I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who's interested in volunteering. read less
A.N. Barry
1/14/2018 -
Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling. Having chosen to spend three-weeks volunteering on a Cambodia Community... read more Project in Siem Reap, a perfect school placement was found, which allowed me to gain one of my most memorable life experiences to date. The regional Globalteer team in Asia managed to find an excellent placement school, which not only allowed me to gain new skills, but also share my teacher training experiences with others. From the moment I landed in Siem Reap, the local Globalteer helped me to settle in, and remained available as a support network, as well as my fellow volunteers. Regular catch-up nights meant that a shared social life was available. Such events facilitated wide-ranging conversations between volunteers who were working on a range of different projects whilst in town. At the same time, space was afforded for each volunteer to shape their own experiences. Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling and volunteering, and it’s this methodology that helps create a great experience for their volunteers. It’s therefore my pleasure to highly recommend Globalteer projects to future volunteers. read less
Nathan Crook
1/25/2018 -
All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Communication with Globalteer leading up to and during my trip was easy and constant. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! read less
Colin Elkington
1/13/2018 -
I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! I had the best time volunteering, especially with a background... read more in childcare I found this an amazing experience and highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about doing it. I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! The people who support you from Globalteer keep you informed and are always there through-out your trip and I hope to come back in the near future! read less
Hope Wilson
1/16/2018 -
Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. Such a rewarding experience. Candice and Globalteer were there every... read more step of the way to help facilitate everything. Spent 2 weeks at a dog rescue in Cusco, Peru. I highly recommend them! read less
Peter DiFrancesca
7/10/2017 -
I felt very much taken care of and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects. Coming from a country with very few organisations that offer... read more international volunteering jobs (Austria), I had to trust online reviews from other volunteers when I tried to find a suitable project for my sabbatical. And in my research, Globalteer was described as a very reliable organisation which offers an authentic insight into the countries where it operates. As a volunteer of the Cambodia Community Project for 4 weeks where I worked as a teacher in the rural Helping Hands Cambodia School outside of Siem Reap, I can only say that I had made the best choice. Everyting worked out perfectly - all my questions were answered promptly before my stay, I felt very much taken care of during the project and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects and they have all become an important part of my life. I think my teaching job out there in the country couldn't have given me a better insight into the life of this young country. I feel very much connected with the teachers and especially these fantastic kids that I met and since my return I have been following all their projects very closely. Should you want to know more about my volunteering experience with Globalteer, you can visit my blog, which you find if you google for: evaoff4abit.wordpress read less
Eva Deix
1/14/2018 -
This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Globalteer at... read more the Northern Thailand Elephant Sanctuary! It was amazing being at this sanctuary and if you love being outdoors with animals then I highly recommend this one. One of the best things about this sanctuary is that you can stay overnight! It is incredible to see the elephants before you turn in for the night and then watch them get bathed in the morning as you eat your breakfast. This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. The sanctuary is small but it gives you the chance to really see the animals in their natural habitat. You can participate in feedings and sit in bungalows out in the jungle and just watch these magnificent creatures. Meals are filling and delicious and I highly recommend staying for a few nights. read less
Kayla Lynne Kiteley
1/25/2018 -
All the Globalteer staff I have worked with have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. I have volunteered with the Globalteer Cambodia Community Project in... read more 2014 and twice in 2017 and will be returning this year, 2018. It is my home away from home. All the GT staff I've worked with in that time have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. The project itself is amazing and I highly recommend it to anybody who loves kids, is keen to be involved in a sustainable education project and who wants to see and learn about Cambodia village life. The work that Globalteer does will go on to benefit Cambodia and Cambodians for many years to come. read less
Sally Bateman
1/17/2018 -
Accommodation was perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Learnt so much in an authentic and safe environment. Accomdation... read more was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself read less
Crystal
2/13/2018 -
I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! I volunteered with the Peru Community Project out of Cuzco... read more for 5 weeks. I was so impressed with the amazing work they are doing at Picaflor and how well the kids and the community responded to the project. Furthermore, I was grateful for how helpful and welcoming the staff was. I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! read less
Lauren Franklin
6/30/2017 -
The Globalteer staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. One of the best experiences I've ever had! The Globalteer... read more staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. Whenever there was an event going on, they always made me feel included. Such an amazing experience helping animals and being in such a great city. read less
Anna Von Foerster
6/30/2017 -
Would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. A wonderful organisation that's truly dedicated to helping the communities... read more they work with. They ensure the volunteers are contributing as much as possible and putting their skills to the best possible use. I had an incredible experience with Globalteer and would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. read less
Anna Hilbert
9/30/2019 -
It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Cambodia with Globalteer!... read more I worked at Helping Hands School in a rural village outside of Siem Reap--very different from my native New York City. Globalteer representatives Jillian and Theavy worked with me to find a placement that allowed me to use my skill set. I am a School Librarian, and I was able to start a lending library with books that had been donated by students at my school in New York. I also assisted with English classes. The Globalteer staff was supportive, and the students and teachers were absolutely amazing. It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. read less
Ann Quinlivan
5/31/2018 -
Wish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience... read more I had! I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about. Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! Thanks much for this great experience read less
burcu eren
1/10/2019 -
If you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and... read more a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret it. read less
PICKLE SMART
8/31/2019 -
The most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I have had. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Communication with Globalteer leading up to and during my trip was easy and constant. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! read less
Colin Elkington
1/14/2018 -
Great organisation making a real difference. Great organisation making a real difference in Peru.
Nick James
12/20/2017 -
It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month... read more in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. I didn't have to worry one bit about the organisation of both volunteer groups, even though they were on the opposite sides of the country, it was an easy process with the staff being so quick and prompt in replies and helpful when I arrived in Cusco. I genuinely had an incredible time with so many life lessons and learning experiences taught throughout the trip. Would definitely recommend even if this is your first time overseas alone - as it was mine. read less
Tiarne Biviano
2/02/2019
"It is hard to put into words...how much of an impact it had on me"
Eva, Designer, USA
Volunteer rated at
(5 / 5)
Quick Facts
Average number of volunteers on site
35-40
Average age of volunteers
Mostly 18 to 25
But also a lot of volunteers 26 to 60
Busy period
January to March and June to August