Adventure Tours

Explore Cambodia & Laos—Volunteer (ATPC)

Spend time volunteering with one of our projects in Laos and Cambodia and you'll take away so much more than souvenirs or photographs—you'll engage the local community with building and education initiatives. And you’ll still have the opportunity to explore incredible ruins at Angkor Wat and experience French influences in riverside cafés. Whether you're marvelling at stunning scenery, Buddhist monasteries or the face of a smiling child, this journey will allow you to dig deep into the people and culture of South East Asia.

Highlights: Volunteering with New Hope Cambodia in Siem Reap, meeting workers of a local NGO in Luang Prabang, marvelling at the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, enjoying a local homestay, relaxing in the riverside town of Vang Vieng.

Volunteer Costa Rica (CRPJ)

From pristine cloud forests to the Pacific coast’s famous surf, experience some of the world's most incredible scenery and exotic wildlife—and make a lasting impact while you're there. Spend five days volunteering with a sea turtle project to help ensure these endearing creatures are around for future generations to admire. Then hike through misty cloud forests and get your heart racing on optional activities in the lush wilderness. Give some of your time to this beautiful country and a worthy cause, and you'll be rewarded with an experience you can really treasure. Gain a real sense of accomplishment and take home more than photographs.

Highlights: Patrolling for sea turtles laying their eggs, chilling out on the beach and watching the waves lap at the coast, searching for the elusive quetzal bird, taking the opportunity to go whitewater rafting.

Teach Children in New Delhi (STA exclusive) (TAHSKT)

Spend time in India's great capital, working with a determined and focused community project which aims to make a difference in the most meaningful way through education and vocational training. About this Project: Located in the heart of Delhi, this project provides support to children living and working on the streets of this bustling city. With five shelters and eleven care centres, over 5000 children seek help here every year. In addition to basic health care, food and shelter, the organization provides vocational training, informal education, and scholarships to enter formal education based on each child's individual interests. How you can make a difference: Volunteers with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are of enormous benefit to children and staff. With programs ranging from literacy and vocational training to arts and sports, volunteers are able to bring their own skills and experience to share with their young students. As as a volunteer here you will learn a lot too – not only about yourself, but also about Indian culture and the people and issues that are faced on a daily basis. A day in the life of a volunteer: •Get creative with art projects and help youth with their work •Join staff and take students on outdoor field trips •Teach guitar , dance and music classes •Use your camera to teach some basic photography skills on the streets of Delhi •Help brighten the care centres with murals •Teach basic English and practice conversational skills •Coach cricket or other sports •Teach basic computer skills to High School students

Highlights: Best Bits: Delhi - Volunteer at various local youth shelters helping those in serious need - Immerse yourself into local culture - Numerous optional activities in the city

Teach Children in New Delhi (STA Exclusive)- Extra Week (TAHSKTX)

Extra add-on week to TAHSKT Build a future for Indian Youth (STA exclusive)

Teaching Children in Cambodia (STA exclusive) (TAKSRT)

Immerse yourself in heartwarming Khmer Culture whilst providing life changing opportunities for these beautiful but struggling people. Assist local teachers with lessons in English, Math, Computers or Sewing, for disadvantaged children and their families. About this Project: This community outreach centre is based in Mondul Bai, one of the poorest slum areas on the outskirts of Siem Reap. While travelers from all over the world marvel at the wonder of Angkor Wat, many people in this community live in abject poverty. The project aims to restore hope, dignity and promise to these once proud and prosperous people by providing education, health and vocational training programs. How you can make a difference: Offering a wide range of community programs to one of the poorest areas of Siem Reap, volunteers provide valuable support to teachers, health care providers and other staff to ensure that New Hope can continue to offer services to the many people who need it most. A day in the life of a volunteer: •Volunteer for either a half or full day during your •Assist Khmer teachers with English, Math and Computer lessons •Lend a hand with sewing workshops •Relax in the evenings at your guesthouse or explore Siem Reap •Explore Angkor Wat and other temples sites during your free time •Dine with other volunteers at the project’s restaurant •Learn about the challenges faced by local families •Visit the onsite health clinic to learn about local initiatives

Highlights: Best Bits: Siem Reap - Helping needy families break out of the poverty cycle - working with children - Immerse yourself into local culture - numerous optional activities in the area

Teaching Children in Cambodia (STA)- Extra Week (TAKSRTX)

Extra add-on week to TAKSRT Teaching Children in Cambodia (STA exclusive)

Thai Beach & Volunteer (STA exclusive) (TATCVT)

For Nature Lovers and those who wish to experience simple island village life this trip is Paradise Found. Living, teaching and working with the locals of Koh Phra Thong, you will assist with environmental and cultural conservation projects on this untouched pearl in the Andaman Sea. Legend has it that pirates buried a Golden Buddha on this magical island. Natures treasures also await your discovery. About this Project: Koh Prah Thong is the location for the STA Travel's Community Tourism Project to support community tourism and conservation in Southern Thailand. Join us to engage with fascinating cultures, traditional crafts and pristine environments. How you make a difference: This island is home to a Community Resource Centre which was created through the support of STA Travel. You will provide help with beach and reef conservation work in order to preserve the coastal environment, and spend time immersing yourself in the daily life ofyour hosts, the local community of Ban Lion. Life as a volunteer: •Live with the locals during your Island homestay •Participate in ongoing conservation and research program, including monitoring beaches, mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and coral reefs •Help out a woman's craft and textile group or set out with the local fishermen on a long tail boat to try your luck with local fishing techniques. •Environmental education, helping out in the Village Garden or the Community Center are other volunteering activities that you may be involved in

Highlights: Best Bits: Koh Phra Thong, an island paradise - Help preserve a fragile environment and protect local wildlife - Assist the locals in Community Projects - Enjoy the laid back village life

Thai Beach & Volunteer (STA)-Extra week (TATCVTX)

Extra add-on week to TATCVT Island Conservation in Southern Thailand (STA exclusive)

Thai Elephant Conservation (STA exclusive) (TATECT)

Enjoy 7 days working 'hands on' with elephants at a rescue center near Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand and lend a hand at local conservation projects. About this Project: The Elephant Conservation project aims to provide shelter and protection for elephants in distress from all over the Kingdom - the project is supported by volunteers from around the world. Set in a valley surrounded by forested mountains, the park offers a peaceful home for its residents—over 30 neglected and abused elephants. Instead of working for humans, the elephants are cared for by a team of full-time staff and park volunteers. How you can make a difference: As a volunteer, you will be providing an essential role in caring for these endgangered species. It takes a great deal of work to grow, process and feed the over 30 elephants onsite, as well as help with other conservation projects. Volunteers return home as stewards for the protection of these incredible creatures. A day in the life of a volunteer: •Beginning at 8am, a volunteer’s typical day continues until 5pm •Prepare food for the elephants and assist keepers with bathing the elephants •Enjoy free time to enjoy the park or explore the nearby town •Lean about how elephants communicate and form family units •Learn about elephant health and treatments •Assist with a local reforestation program

Highlights: Best Bits: Volunteering with elephants - Helping with conservation projects - Communing with animals and nature - Working with local people

Thai Elephant Conservation (STA)-Extra week (TATECTX)

Extra add-on week to TATECT Thai Elephant Conservation (STA exclusive)

Vietnam Animal Rescue (STA exclusive) (TAVRCT)

Spend a week working alongside the Project's staff, in the day-to-day care of wildlife at a rescue centre. This rewarding experience is a must for animal lovers. About this Project: Founded in 2003, the Cu Chi Rescue Station is dedicated to protecting the biodiversity of Vietnam by combating the illegal wildlife trade and promoting the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. It acts as a reserve for wildlife confiscated from illegal traders and hunters, returning rehabilitated animals to the wild and educating visitors about wildlife conservation. How you can make a difference: Volunteers provide valuable support to the staff at the Wildlife Rescue Station. With a diverse population of animals onsite, volunteers assist with most aspects of their care and help maintain the centre's facilities to ensure they continue to be clean, safe and natural environments for the resident wildlife. A day in the life of a volunteer: •Beginning at 9am, a volunteer’s typical day at the centre wraps up by 4:30pm •Care for primates, pangolins, otters, Chinese water dragons, monitor lizards and turtles. •Help to prepare meals, clean the animal’s enclosures and change foliage •Prepare playground equipment for some of the animals •Each day’s tasks will be determined by a schedule and the needs of each animal Evenings are free to relax and explore the area

Highlights: Best Bits: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station - Caring for and rehabilitating wild animals - Educating locals on wildlife conservation - Spend time with local people

Vietnam Animal Rescue (STA)- Extra Week (TAVRCTX)

Extra add-on week to TAVRCT Vietnam Animal Rescue (STA exclusive)

Teaching English in Central Vietnam (STA exclusive) (TAVTCT)

Work alongside other volunteers and local staff teaching and interacting with young people. Your contribution will improve the future prospects of the Children in this developing region. About this Project: During your time in Dong Ha, you’ll enjoy the chance to teach English at the community schools, as well as contributing your time to local initiatives. At the Trung Vuong Primary School you’ll assist in the teaching of art, music and computer classes, as well as standard Vietnamese curriculum. You’ll also have a chance to interact with some of the brightest students in the region, eager to strengthen their conversational English at the Le Quy Don Secondary School. How you can make a difference: Volunteers bring a new level of excitiment to young students, eager to practice English with native speakers. Students are able to improve their pronunciation and gain confidence in speaking English both in class and in their daily lives. A day in the life of a volunteer: •Explore Dong Ha, a small city off the beaten path •Spend mornings teaching English to students in Grades 1–6, afternoons to Grades 10–12 •Visit the Vinh Linh Blind Association and learn about this member run organization •Enjoy dinners at local restaurants—you may even earn an invitation to one of your fellow teacher’s homes •Live like a local and ride your bicycle to and from the Schools

Highlights: Best Bits: Hue - Teaching English to Rural Primary and Secondary School Children - Immersing yourself into local Village life - DMZ Tour.

Volunteer and teach children in Guatemala (STA exclusive) (TCGLST)

Take part in a successful after-school program that helps to improve the lives of children who live just outside the beautiful colonial town of Antigua. Making lasting friendships and living with a local family adds to the unforgettable experience. About this Project: This project seeks to provide meaningful education opportunities to over 1000 children who hail from poor coffee-growing families. The goal is to help improve living conditions and provide skills and confidence needed to create a brighter future. Programs include computer classes, tutoring in reading and writing skills, English classes, recreational activities and a bi-monthly health clinic. How you can make a difference: Volunteering with children and youth at this vibrant centre means making a real difference in lives of young people that would not have the chance to receive this extra support without you. Volunteers support the programs and you also make a difference by staying with a family, sharing your culture, learning from them, and of course helping them increase their family's income. A day in the life of a volunteer: •Spend 4–6 hours per day working alongside friendly staff and international volunteers •Share your skills and enthusiasm in areas of your interest •Take part in IT programs, literacy, arts, crafts and sports •Participate in recreational and educational activities that make learning fun •Inspire children to continue with their studies •Learn about Guatemalan life in a family home stay and greatly improve your Spanish skills •Explore the beautiful and famous colonial town of Antigua before or after your volunteer experience

Highlights: Best Bits: Assisting at a successful after-school program - Helping at-risk children find a brighter future through education - Living with a local Guatemalan family - Exploring Antigua and the surrounding areas in your free time