Environmental Volunteer Quests
Volunteer Abroad Environmental Programs: 1-52 weeks

United Planet’s unique Volunteer Abroad Quest program combines volunteering abroad cultural activities, learning excursions, and special Cultural Awareness Projects to provide an incredibly fulfilling experience for volunteers and valuable support for communities in need.

In the developing world, environmental challenges often take a back seat to seemingly more pressing social and economic development issues, but they are undoubtedly linked.  Preserving the environment is necessary for improved quality of life and can even contribute to economic and social development. United Planet is committed to a variety of environmental awareness projects around the world.  There are many opportunities for both short-term and long-term professional and non-professional volunteers to make a critical difference worldwide.

"I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience in Ecuador. Wonderful host family, great program coordinator, and beautiful country." -Erin, Ecuador Environmental Volunteer 2008

Supporting Conservation and Environmental Awareness Worldwide

(1-12 weeks)

Conservation and Environmental Education Ecuador; Costa Rica Conservation work includes maintaining trails and keeping an inventory of identified flora and fauna.  Environmental education initiatives in the local community include improving awareness of biodiversity and conservation methods.

Protecting Sea Turtles - Costa Rica; Goa, India

United Planet works with partner organizations to protect endangered sea turtle populations all along Costa Rica’s coast and in Goa, India.  Volunteers guard nests and assess the habitat for threats to sea turtle life, collect and relocate eggs, help construct hatcheries and educate tourists and the local community about the plight of these animals. 

Eco-business - Japan United Planet volunteers work with a unique entrepreneurial non-profit organization which makes environmentally-friendly soap and also employs disabled people in need of work. Today, the soaps of “Sekken no machi” are well known and very popular throughout Japan. In 2004, the factory also started making biofuel, a significant alternative energy to petroleum.

Eco-tourism - Costa Rica

Through ecotourism, Costa Rica is raising the standard of living of residents while protecting the environment. United Planet projects include reintroducing plants to deforested areas, farms that cultivate medicinal plants and animal rehabilitation centers. Ongoing research studies focus on animal health care, husbandry and biology.

Environmental Programs:

Short-term Quest: (1-12 weeks)

Costa Rica, Ecuador and India

• Popular with students and families during summer, winter, and spring breaks. Adventurers and retirees may join programs year-round.

Long-term/Gap Year Quest: (6 months; 1 year)

Costa Rica, Ecuador, India and more

• Long-term environmental programs vary by country.

Group Quests:

Universities, Schools, Corporate, Youth Groups, Spiritual Organizations

• Create your own customized Group Volunteer Programs such as alternative breaks in Latin America.

  *Photo by Sarah Z. Martin

• Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteer Programs

• Volunteer Testimonials

• Why pay to volunteer abroad?

• About United Planet

• Parent’s Page

• Contact Us

Program Fees Include:

• Preparation & training before departure
• Food & lodging in-country (what’s included may vary by country, call for details)
• Airport transportation
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Emergency medical insurance
• Ongoing support from Coordinators in each country.

Fees do not include:

• Visa processing charges
• International airfare
• Any required vaccinations or immunizations
• Local transportation