Volunteer to conserve coral reefs at the Malaysia Marine Conservation Programme
Do your bit to conserve the marine environment by volunteering with this important Marine Conservation project!
1 to 8 weeks from from US $740 / £617
Volunteers are needed at this important Marine Conservation project in Malaysia to help conserve and improve understanding of the coral reefs and seagrass beds. You will also help conservation efforts through running awareness campaigns and conducting underwater surveys.
Join us to make a difference in Malaysia helping vital marine conservation efforts!
If you have been searching for volunteer opportunities that involve diving and conservation, then look no further! Volunteers at this marine conservation project help collect data on the health of the coral reefs and seagrass beds through underwater surveys. You will also help conservation efforts by getting involved in awareness campaigns and encouraging recycling and composting schemes.
And all this is done surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Perhentian Isalnds!
This project provides an amazing volunteer experience for marine conservation volunteers on a beautiful island; all whilst helping to protect the magnificent environment.
Join us at this amazing volunteer opportunity in Malaysia and help protect the coral reef!!
The Project:The Malaysia Marine Conservation Project focuses primarily on understanding and conserving the fragile coral reef environment. The project focuses on collecting a baseline of data in order to monitor the environmental impact around the island, preserving the coral reefs and creating awareness to try and prevent damage from tourism.
Project Location: This project is located 17 km of the coast of Malaysia, in the Perhentian Islands, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Main Volunteer Activities: Volunteers will be involved in diving based data collection techniques to monitor the health of ecosystem. Research may also involved using camera traps to investigate shark and ray species, as well as waste management and awareness campaigns on land.
Hours: Volunteers six days a week.
Duration: Volunteer at this project can volunteer from 1 - 8 weeks from April - September. Only qualified divers may volunteer for 1 week. For unqualified divers, the minimum stay is 2 weeks as during the first week you will complete your diving course.
Accommodation: Volunteers stay in shared dorms which are a 2 minute walk from the Perhentian Marine Research Station project house.
Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ and be a confident swimmer.
The Malaysia Marine Conservation Project is on a quest to protect and conserve the marine environment around the Perhentian Islands. By collecting data through research dives, the project aims to map and assess the health of the seagrass beds and coral reef. Using this data, steps can then be taken to protect and improve the health of the ecosystem.
The project works closely with the Marine Parks Department and Reef Check Malaysia, with the research conducted depending on what is most needed at the time.
They also work on programmes to raise environmental awareness and among the local residents and tourists in the islands.
How the project is helping
This project has focused on mapping seagrass beds, assessing the health of the underwater environment and also enouraging effective waste management on land. In the past couple of years the project have shifted their focus to the construction of artificial coral reefs and also leasing with local people and tourists in order to create awareness for the fragile environment.
In 2019, 32 dive coral reef surveys were conducted, over 4000m was surveyed, 25 beach and 18 underwater clean ups were held and 389 people attended talks held by the project about the health of the local marine environment.
Why the project need volunteers
Volunteers make a huge difference by helping the project's local staff with their work including coral reef surveys, environmental monitoring and running campaigns with local stakeholders and tourists. The more volunteers there are at the project, the more vital work can be carried out.
Get involved and Volunteer to help vital conservation efforts!
The marine conservation project is located in a small village in the Perhentian Islands. Volunteers get to enjoy their time surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the island!
The volunteer house is in the local village just minutes away from the 'Perhentian Marine Research Station project house'. Volunteers stay in shared dorms at the house. The house has shared bathrooms and toilets. Bedding and mosquito nest are provided at the house. The volunteer has has Wi-Fi access, so you will be able to keep in touch with those back home! 3 meals daily are provided at the house. Volunteers are responsible for keeping the house clean and tidy.
The village has some small shops where you can purchase toiletries, snacks, drinks and food.
The island is a beautiful palace to explore or relax during your free time. Volunteers can spend their free time kayaking, snorkelling, getting a massage or strolling around the village! For qualified divers there are also diving opportunities on the island. Of course you can also spend your free time simply relaxing on the beach!
While alcohol is strictly prohibited in the village where the project is located, there are other beaches on the island where alcohol is available that volunteers can visit on their days off.
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is required to be financially transparent to our donors. You can therefore see a full breakdown of where your money goes and our independently audited accounts by clicking below:
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 Grants60% – 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 Costs29% – This includes volunteer accommodation, volunteer transport, support staff costs, travel costs and some volunteer meals.
Operational Costs11% – Costs of running Globalteer.
What’s not included
Flights
Transfer to Kuala Besut jetty
Medical and travel insurance
Onward transport at the end of your placement
How much do everyday items cost?
The official currency of Malaysia (and Malaysian Borneo) is the Ringgit. There are around 5.5 Ringgit to the pound and about 4.35 Ringgit to the US dollar. The cost of living in Malaysia is very low compared to most countries in the developed world. There is little opportunity to spend money on the island itself; but in the nearest "mainland" town of Semporna you can buy a range of goods. The costs of some typical items are:
The Malaysia Marine Conservation project focuses on collecting data about the coral reef and seagrass beds, particularly using data collection techniques involving diving. This research can then be used to develop and carry out methods to monitor, protect and improve the health of the underwater ecosystem.
The project also interacts with stakeholders and tourists on land, developing sustainability initiatives and educating people about the marine environment.
The sea turtle conservation project is located 17km of the coast of Malaysia, in the Perhentian Islands, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters
Volunteers are involved in underwater data collection, monitoring of the marine environment, and potentially research surrounding sharks and ray species. Volunteers will also be involved in awareness campaigns, waste management and beach clean ups.
√ Ferry from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island
√ Accommodation in shared dorms
√ All main meals at the project
√ In-country support from the local staff.
√ All necessary equipment and materials
√ All necessary training by experienced staff.
√ Ferry back to Kuta Besut.
√ Project donation.
Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media
100% recommend to volunteer with them Globalteer is a great charity that will help you every step of the way to live the experience of a lifetime! 100% recommend to volunteer with them, great projects, great team!
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Elise Mousset
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Elise Mousset
100% recommend to volunteer with them Globalteer is a great charity that will help you every step of the way to live the experience of a lifetime! 100% recommend to volunteer with them, great projects, great team!
Would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. A wonderful organisation that's truly dedicated to helping the communities 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.
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Anna Hilbert
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Anna Hilbert
Would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. A wonderful organisation that's truly dedicated to helping the communities 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.
Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. I volunteered for a month with Globalteer in Peru and absolutely loved it! Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone.
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Eli Joshua Echt-Wilson
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Eli Joshua Echt-Wilson
Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. I volunteered for a month with Globalteer in Peru and absolutely loved it! Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone.
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 was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself
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Crystal
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Crystal
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 was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself
“Words cannot begin to describe some of the memories I have.”
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.
I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience I had!
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
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burcu eren
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 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
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Eva Deix
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 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.
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Jess Robinson
Had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. Having done lots of research on volunteer projects, I decided 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.
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Diego Alonso
All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer 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!
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Colin Elkington
I totally recommend! My Globalteer experience in Peru has been wonderful and I totally recommend anyone who wants to make a difference volunteering in any of the projects. Everyone I have met is kind, lovely, welcoming, and really dedicated to the work, always trying to achieve the best for the kids and for the animals. Much love ❤️❤️
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Larissa Rodrigues Cimini
Would absolutely do it all over again! Amazing! They matched me with the perfect project and went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed at all times. Would absolutely do it all over again.
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Casey Scholl
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 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!
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Fiona Mehmet
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 2014 and twice in 2017 and will be returning this year. 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.
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Sally Bateman
The benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. I worked on the clean water project in Siem Reap 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.
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Justine Auton
It was a life-changing experience for me... I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Cambodia with Globalteer! 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.
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Ann Quinlivan
The staff working there are dedicated but also good fun. What an amazing experience! We spent a week with this 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.
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Hercules Moriarty
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Sith Sek (Sek Sith)
It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month 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.
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Tiarne Biviano
Plenty of people you can ask for guidance. Great place to do your internship. Good atmosphere in the office. You are trusted with responsibility from the very start, with plenty of people you can ask for guidance.
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ragnhild helgesen
Globalteer in Cusco was one of the best summers of my life. This was one of the most life changing experiences i have had. the people i worked with became some of my best friends. the children that i worked with were so amazing and fun that they made it so hard to leave. globalteer cusco was one of the best summers of my life. if you have doubts about what to do with your life or just want to do something meaningful, I cannot recommend globalteer enough. i promise you will not regret it.
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Paxton Perry
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 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.
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Jeff Bartlett
Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling. Having chosen to spend three-weeks volunteering on a Cambodia Community 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.
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Nathan Crook
The staff really made me feel welcome. I had a great experience with Globalteer in Peru. The staff really made me feel welcome and Cusco is such a fantastic city. The project and kids are just amazing!
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AJ Rodney
I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! I had the best time volunteering, especially with a background 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!
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Hope Wilson
It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Cambodia with Globalteer! 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.
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Ann Quinlivan
Learnt so much in an authentic and safe environment. Accomdation was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself
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Crystal Moniz
If you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and 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.
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PICKLE SMART
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 was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself
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Crystal
I would really recommend them to anyone... Great company who genuinely want to improve the lives of local people and animals. I would really recommend them to anyone who wants to volunteer or intern abroad!
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Evie Rollinson
Great organisation making a real difference. Great organisation making a real difference in Peru.
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Nick James
Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. Such a rewarding experience. Candice and Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. Spent 2 weeks at a dog rescue in Cusco, Peru. I highly recommend them!
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Peter DiFrancesca
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 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.
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Anna Von Foerster
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 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!
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Lauren Franklin
It was an incredible experience! I had the opportunity to do my professional internship at Globalteer as their social media creator for 4 months, it was an incredible experience that made me grow professionally but also as a person. I can assure you that the work carried out in the different projects is making a real change in people's lives and also in animal welfare. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to your organization!.
Tuve la oportunidad de realizar mis prácticas profesionales en Globalteer como su social media creator durante 4 meses, fue una experiencia increíble que me hizo crecer profesionalmente pero también como persona. Puedo asegurar que el trabajo que se realiza en los diferentes proyectos está haciendo un cambio real en la vida de las personas y también del bienestar animal. ¡Gracias por darme la oportunidad de aportar a su organización!
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Darly MC
Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor 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!!!!
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Katrina Baxter
The staff working there dedicated but also good fun. What an amazing experience! We spent a week with this 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 moreread less
Tony Moriarty
The most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I have had. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer 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!
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Colin Elkington
It was a pleasure to be involved with the Globalteer team. I spent 1 week as a sports volunteer in Cambodia with Globalteer. It was an amazing experience, the children and teachers from the schools were very enthusiastic and welcoming, and it was a pleasure to be involved with the Globalteer team. There's a good balance between volunteer work and exploring Siem Reap and Cambodia - would highly recommend.
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Duncan Scott
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 people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. No ones perfect but all you can do is your best. Thanks guys
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Mark Catling
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 - 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!
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Hannah Verity Stone
I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who is interested in volunteering. My experience with Globalteer was amazing and I've volunteered with 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.
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A.N. Barry
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 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
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burcu eren
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 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.
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Geraldine Parkin
I had the privilege of working as an Intern in Peru with Globalteer I had the privilege of working as an NGO Assistant Intern in Peru with Globalteer for 6 months. I did this as part of university placement year and truly had such an enriching and valuable experience. The team of people you work with are all passionate about the mission of the charity and never fail to make you feel supported and at home. Picaflor House and the children that attend it everyday were by far the highlight. My time in Peru with Globalteer came to an end a few short months ago and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I have undoubtedly grown as a person and learnt such more from Lena and Jim and the lovely interns I lived with who are know life long friends. I am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do and for allowing me to be part of this team. Do not hesitate to intern at Globalteer it is an experience unlike any other. Thank you for everything, I miss you all so much. ❤
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Milly O'Connell
I volunteered with Globalteer in Cambodia last year and I 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!
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Fiona Mehmet-Faccini
This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Globalteer at 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.
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Kayla Lynne Kiteley
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Jason Landings
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 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!
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Robert Bisson
Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. I volunteered for a month with Globalteer in Peru and absolutely loved it! Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone.
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Eli Joshua Echt-Wilson
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