Destinations

The Kingdom of Bhutan is nestled high in the Himalayas between China and India. Its storied history, unique culture, and pristine environment are inextricably linked, and make it one of the few destinations left on Earth where people and nature exist in harmony.

Cambodia is one of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. Following years of war and genocide, Cambodia is now a very safe place to visit, and most importantly, extremely needy. The Angkor Wat temple complex is an enormous tourist draw and the city of Siem Reap is seeing more visitors than ever.

China is changing. With all of the political and economic changes China has undergone in the last decades, it is bursting onto the international scene in an unprecedented scale. As China's population soars over a billion people, this formidable giant is a more interesting destination now than ever.

About an hour from the city of San Jose, in a gorgeous, hidden valley (Orosi), rests the tiny community of El Yaz, known for its clean water, rich soil, eternal spring-like temperatures (about 75 degrees every day) and organic, agricultural way of life. Although the villagers love their natural paradise, they have struggled to make ends meet, as even low paying jobs are rare.

Although home to more than 11 million people, Cuban culture has been shrouded in mystery to most North Americans because of prolonged economic and political strain between the United States and Cuba. The Cuba People-to-people program pulls back the curtains on this Caribbean culture and gives volunteers a clear look at the beauties, struggles, and determination of the Cuban people.

Located in the Middle of the World, Ecuador is a stunningly beautiful country full of interesting places to visit. With a fantastic climate and breathtaking landscapes, the essence of Latin America merged to create a unique and unforgettable destination.

Formerly a fisheries-based economy with very few locals living mostly for subsistence, the Galápagos evolved to be a Wild West for sea cucumber and lobster trading before turning into one of the foremost Ecotourism destinations on the planet.

While Kenya boasts beautiful landscapes, it has a complicated past and natural psyche. This coastal region is awash with luxurious beaches, wild animals, national parks and lake fishing. You’ll find yourself in the county of Kisumu, right next to Lake Victoria, in the small town of Muhoroni where you’ll experience the kindness of the Kenyans.

Goa, situated on the southwestern coast of India, is a small state celebrated for its enchanting beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural legacy. Having been a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, it became a part of India in 1961. The architectural style, churches, and festivals of Goa distinctly reflect the enduring influence of Portuguese culture. Renowned globally for its diverse festivals like Carnival, Shigmo, and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, as well as its stunning beaches like Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem.

The country of Guatemala, well-known now as a place of beauty and safety, warmly welcomes visitors to discover its charm and diversity amidst amazing wildlife, friendly locals, and its ancient Mayan roots. Yet even amongst the intriguing Tikal allures and the unique flora and fauna of its rainforrests, Guatemala still remains a country with tremendous need.

Globe Aware's India program is based in Jaipur. Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744, founded Jaipur, "The Pink City". Built in 1727 Jaipur was the first planned city of India and the King took great interest in its design.

While Kenya boasts beautiful landscapes, it has a complicated past and natural psyche. This coastal region is awash with luxurious beaches, wild animals, national parks and lake fishing. You’ll find yourself in the county of Kisumu, right next to Lake Victoria, in the small town of Muhoroni where you’ll experience the kindness of the Kenyans.

Laos is a beautiful, tropical, and mostly untouched country that is becoming an up-and-coming destination for travelers looking for an authentic taste of South-east Asia, due to this, the rewards here are plentiful. It may not be as developed as neighboring Thailand, or Vietnam, though this is exactly Laos' uniqueness and charm.

Cuzco is known the world over as the enchanting heart of the Inca civilization and the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the great wonders of the world. With its narrow, cobblestone streets, colonial architecture atop Incan stonework, and locals in vibrant and traditional dress, you will forget you are living in the 21st century.

Located in Zomba, the old capital of Malawi, Zomba Plateau is one of the major tourist attraction centres in the country. With a maximum of 2,100 meters above sea level, the plateau offers amazing views of the places down it.

Think of it as a Mexican Inka Trail or Camino de Santiago in Spain. The Camino del Mayab is a revolutionary hiking/biking trail in an overlooked area of Mexico, with a network of 130 kilometers of trails developed in conjunction with 13 Mayan communities.

Nepal has many spectacular Buddhist monasteries. These monasteries are welcoming places following Buddhist philosophy and are open to international visitors. A week here is the perfect volunteer vacation for those interested in an immersive cultural experience centered on spirituality and learning.

Nepal can be described as nirvana, the birthplace of Buddha, and home to Mount Everest, this small country offers everything an adventurer could dream of. Nepal is situated between India to the south, and China to the north, with a sub-tropical climate and no seasonal constraint. Once a sovereign monarchy, the country is also rich with a multi-religious history and heritage.

The Philippines has 7,640 Islands, 2,000 of which are inhabited. There are three major islands in the Philippines: Luzon is the largest, followed by Mindanao and Visayas. The country is endowed with a plethora of beauty and natural resources, mega-cities, volcanoes, beaches and rice fields, but it is also a land of startling poverty.

Romania is currently redeeming its rich heritage following the collapse of an oppressive dictatorship. This charming country embodies the European spirit of past, present, and future. Picturesque castles and quaint farming villages contrast with cosmopolitan cities and ski resorts as the country strives to develop its economy after the fall of communism and its recent admission to the European Union.

South Africa has celebrated an end to formal apartheid but despite its rich natural resources and can-do attitude, the majority of the black population still face huge challenges. Job prospects are still in low supply, housing and the standard of living are still far below expectations.

Situated at the African continent's edge, overlooking the Indian Ocean, Tanzania boasts an ideal location blessed with weather and climate that fulfill every desire. Basking in warm and sunlit days, complemented by refreshing and tranquil nights, whether you're embarking on a Serengeti safari or indulging in the tropical splendors of Zanzibar's beaches, the temperatures are consistently pleasant and gentle, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout your journey.

A rare opportunity to live and breathe the beauty of Thailand beyond the mass media stereotype. Take a volunteer vacation and see and participate in how Thais really live and help to preserve Thailand’s native elephant habitat. You will find yourself in one the most unique environments, working to build an ecologically sustainable reforested habitat to give elephants a home.

Tourists have been flocking to the beautiful hills of Chiang Mai for decades to observe the beautiful historic temples, enjoy the famous lanna food and markets, see the elephants, and enjoy a bit of a respite from the heat of Bangkok and the beaches.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Hoi An draws visitors to its lovingly preserved mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture - evidence of the town's fascinating past as a major trading port. From the 17th to the 19th century, Phai Pho which is Hoi An's old name riverside port was frequented by traders from as far away as Holland, China, Japan, and India, who came for Vietnam's silk. porcelain, pepper, cinnamon, and medicinal plants.

You will be staying in a small town called Dete, which is 2 hours south of the magnificent Victoria Falls and on the edge of Hwange National Park. Hwange is by far the largest Park in Zimbabwe with a huge and varied quantity of animals and birds. The park is unfenced so animals particularly elephants, Cape Buffalo, and impala wander into the town and occasionally the school grounds.

The Hwange National Park game census, better known as 'the count,' is southern Africa's longest-continually running wildlife census. The concept is as simple as it is beautiful and (for some) challenging - to sit by a waterhole, spring, or stretch of river for 24 hours and do nothing but count every mammal that comes to drink.