Asia is a diverse continent with unlimited things to see and do. Take a career break in Asia if you want to get involved in a variation of exciting and worthwhile Asia voluntary work. Immerse yourself Asian culture. Explore tropical islands, stunning rainforests, take in temple visits and learn about Asian religion.
An amazing opportunity for paid work in one of the greatest travel destinations in the world - China. Participants teach students at some of the best schools in a cultural exchange programme. At the same time you will experience ancient traditions combined with vibrant modern city life.
Working in both Elephant Conservation as well as with the local community this project on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka is both interesting and varied. Help to improve education and promote improved elephant care and conservation throughout the country.
A unique opportunity to interact with the only great ape outside of Africa, the orang-utan. Take part in volunteer work in Borneo to help protect this highly endangered species from extinction.
Assist in a giant panda sanctuary and help to save this incredible species from extinction. You will be involved in feeding and observing the pandas, as well as the opportunity to help with important research projects.
Bring some sunshine to the lives of some of India’s poorest children by volunteering in Bangalore’s slum areas. Volunteers can help to give children a better education and standard of life as well as some much needed love and care, through teaching and various extracurricular activities.
Head out to some of South-East Asia’s best diving stops to begin or advance your scuba-ing adventures! You will be spending your time on and around the Thai island of Koh Tao, where there will be a number of great PADI dive courses for you to pick from - from open water right up to instructor!
This academy offers one of the best environments around the globe to be trained in this historic martial art. Situated at the foot of the Mountains of the Fujian Province, South East China, you will study directly from some of the best Masters to be found in China.
Feel a huge sense of achievement after trekking to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain - the effort is most definitely worth it! Top it off with a jungle safari and a volunteer placement in a Nepalese village.
Make a difference to the lives of underprivileged communities in Nepal. This volunteer project gives you the chance to work as a volunteer in Nepal in schools, monasteries and orphanages giving children opportunities they may not have had before, or, work alongside local builders on vital construction projects.
Give some valuable assistance in a day care centre or school in Himachal Pradesh. Teach English or other subjects, lead creative activities or help decorate the buildings – whatever you do will be greatly appreciated.
Work with rescued gibbons, a primate native to Thailand, as they are rehabilitated to be introduced back into the wild. You’ll get to witness this work as you monitor the gibbons adapting to their new environment as well as being involved in the day-to-day activities of the centre. A really great experience!
Work as a zookeeper and experience hands-on interaction with animals. This is a rewarding programme where you will be taking care of the animals and their daily maintenance in a choice of zoo either just outside of Kuala Lumpur or Taiping.
This India volunteer programme allows you to experience the essence of India. Our Goa volunteer project offers the opportunity to make a contribution to socially deprived areas whilst exploring the Indian mainland in a diverse range of activities.
The Olympics was a fantastic showcase for China. Now people from all over the world are heading East to discover the delights of this incredibly diverse country. Our four-week programme gives you the perfect opportunity to experience real life China in amongst the amazing peaked scenery of Guilin county. You will spend time learning the language and getting to know the Chinese culture as well as spending time helping to develop the community.
Dedicate your skills and energy to villages with little money but lots of spirit. Help repair and decorate schools, day centres and homes, organise children to help clear up their village and teach them about hygiene.
Be a role model to children who were born into poverty. Draw up lesson plans, teach English, crafts and health education and help maintain the classrooms. Your presence and encouragement will help them towards brighter futures.
The children of Nepal are desperately in need of a safe and secure refuge. You can work on your existing building skills, develop your structural knowledge and gain valuable experience, while making a significant difference to the lives of local children.
A fantastic way to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, allowing you to be much more than just a tourist as you live and work with some of the world’s most fascinating people! Learn about local culture, traditions and history while teach conversational English in the schools of the beautiful Guangxi province.
Put something back into a country that desperately needs volunteers. Whether you help out in an orphanage, a school or a centre for disabled children, your time will be gratefully received.
Take some time out to discover the best parts of Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Explore fantastic places, relax on gorgeous beaches and absorb the local culture. Thailand - Australia - New Zealand.
Discover the fascinating culture, history and beauty of the Asian continent, on a journey through 4 very unique and incredible countries. India - Thailand - Cambodia - Vietnam.
Play a hands-on role in the restoration and renovation of Thailand’s schools, help to give underprivileged children a better learning environment and absorb Thailand’s fascinating culture!
This local community in Sri Lanka is still affected by the devastating Tsunami that hit in 2004. Work with local women and children to improve their key skills and help secure them a brighter future.
Assist in the local community and help to protect and conserve these endangered turtles in Sri Lanka. Volunteers will get involved in cleaning, feeding and releasing the turtles and by doing so, increase their chances of survival. You'll also spend time interacting with the locals to improve their English speaking skills.
Located in the Borneo jungle, volunteers live and work alongside native communities, playing an integral part in aiding the development of the area whilst retaining traditional ways of life.
Pass on the basic skills many people take for granted, and make a difference to young lives. Give lessons to children and help local staff develop their leadership skills so they can benefit future generations.
Get away from the beaten Thai tourist track and do something about different with your time in Thailand. This project gives you the chance to volunteer at a wild animal rescue centre that rescues and rehabilitates exploited, neglected and uncared for animals, with the intention of re-releasing them or providing the best possible care for those that must remain in captivity for the rest of their lives.
Travel to a stunning part of the world and volunteer! From Monday to Friday give the teachers much needed help at a local Pagoda (temple) school and at a Floating school and visit the wonder that is Angkor Wat in your spare time, watching the sun rise will take your breath away.
Give orphans in Siem Reap the care and attention they deserve in this stunning part of the world. Help the children with tuition during the week and see the amazing temples of Angkor and much more in your free time.
Provide much needed care and attention to babies and children in the unique setting of a Buddhist pagoda. Play games with them, tell stories, help feed the babies, maintain the herb garden or get stuck in with some DIY!
Spend time with young children who are either ill or injured at the National Paediatric Hospital and entertain them with games and reading so as to distract them from their ill health.
Join the Tai Chi and Cultural Experience to feel relaxed, recuperated and invigorated. You will be based in the stunning Fujian province spending time learning two forms of Tai Chi and enjoying the sights and culture of the surrounding area.
A voyage of discovery on an epic scale, the Trans Siberian railway is the stuff of travel legend. Giving true meaning to long-distance rail travel, the journey will take you from Europe to Asia stopping off in the historic capitals of Moscow, Ulaanbaatar and Beijing. The perfect mixture of rustic living, stunning scenery and fascinating culture, this really is the trip of a lifetime!
On an epic journey across Thailand, China, Malaysia, Africa and Australia, the ultimate wildlife experience gives you the chance to see some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals and contribute to their preservation. Zimbabwe - Thailand - China - Malaysia - Australia - USA.
A great way for wildlife enthusiasts to see the world and make a contribution to volunteer projects, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore the world’s most incredible destinations from Thailand to Australia! Thailand - Australia - USA.
The online TEFL courses are internationally recognised, giving you the opportunity to travel and teach wherever there are people who want to learn. The only decision you really have to make is where you want to go and make a difference!
Jacky Davies had a fantastic time getting to grips with the local lingo and helping to care for sloths in Costa Rica, find out more about her South American adventures here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects and adventure holiday options in Asia. If you are looking to take some life-changing time out on a grown up gap year, use the following links for essential information regarding volunteer travel to Asia:
