How to Stay Culturally Immersed While Volunteering Abroad

“Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what's right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in.” 

This Andrew Zimmern quote nails what non-tourist travel is all about. When in a new country, it can be so tempting to stick to what’s familiar, but what’s the fun in that? The real magic happens when you step outside of your comfort zone, embrace the uncomfortable and the awkward, and dive headfirst into the unknown. After all, you’re experiencing something most people only dream of—making an impact through meaningful volunteer projects abroad!

By throwing yourself into a journey of purpose and adventure, you won’t just bring home memories. You’ll also carry back fresh perspectives, unforgettable lessons, and a deeper appreciation for a new culture (or maybe even your own).

5 steps to be less of a tourist while volunteering

Even if time is short, there are ways to turn any trip into a deeper, more lived experience. It can become something that goes beyond just being there. Here are five tips to help you go from tourist to traveler and maximize your cultural immersion while abroad!

1. Learn the language

The first is guaranteed to make your experience abroad more personal and possibly a little less stressful: learn the language! No, you don't need to go out and buy Rosetta Stone so you can learn Portuguese for your week-long excursion to Brazil. However, try to make an effort to learn some basic phrases, such as greetings or directions to the nearest public transport. This tip can save you from hour-long treks around the bus station just to secure a couple of metro passes (true story), or painfully trying to get directions to the bathroom.

Fun and easy ways to dive into the local language include ordering your food, greeting people with a friendly “hello,” and even trying your hand at asking how much something costs! There is something about wanting to try to speak the native language that engages people.

If you don't have the time to learn 10 different languages for the various countries you dream of visiting, learn Spanish! It won't get you by everywhere, but you'll be surprised at how many places it does. Apps and computer programs, like Lingoda, Duolingo, and iTalki, will help you get started on learning the basics, no matter the language.

Check out these 5 awesome Spanish volunteer opportunities abroad

2. Make friends with the locals

This next tip may be a little harder to do if you aren't traveling for an extended period of time. If you find yourself in an area for longer than a weekend, try to make friends with some locals! This is your golden ticket to discovering all the hidden treasures that you don't want to miss out on. A good way to do this is to ask a bartender or waitress for locations of “the best of” things. Many times, this will be a favorite place of theirs, and you may run into local people who might just be willing to show you around their beautiful hometown.

It goes without saying, of course, that this also requires an element of safety! Don't go out and ask the sketchy person on the street corner for a recommendation or follow someone's suggestion into an area that doesn't look safe. If you can, ask around and see if others have heard of—or are familiar with—the recommended place. Use your instincts and be smart about it, but go out and make some friends!

Find out more tips on how you can make friends while traveling

3. Research local customs

Speaking of looking for local treasures, the next tip involves immersing yourself in the culture. It's wonderful to have the opportunity to fly to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower or trek to China to see the Great Wall, but don't let those be your stopping points. Do your research ahead of time and find out what the local foods and customs are, and allow yourself to experience those things while you're there!

Not used to bowing when you greet someone? That's common in Japan. Have a habit of pouring wine, holding the neck of the bottle? That's offensive in Chile.

The more you know about the local dos and don'ts, the better you will be perceived and the happier you will be on your adventure! Of course, dipping into the local culture doesn't stop at respecting the local customs. The best paella or marzipan is often found in the little side joints that tourists never get to see because they don’t wander off the beaten path. Do your best to leave the areas around major landmarks or famous museums and find places that look less inhabited by camera-wielding, map-holding folks. Your memories will thank you later.

4. Spend wisely

As a result of avoiding the most tourist-populated areas, you are bound to save some precious travel money. Unfortunately, in all areas of the world, where there is tourism, there is capitalism (that's only half a joke).

For example, dinner near the Plaza Mayor in most Spanish cities will run you about €20 per person. If you’re like most people out there, the less money spent on things, the better. So, steer away from the town square into the neighborhood streets, and you can go on a tapas crawl for an average cost of €16 or less per person (including sangria)!

Spending wisely doesn't just stop with food. Most cities and towns have different types of markets that only locals know about and are usually a good distance away from the tourist traps. Here, you can find beautiful (often homemade) scarves, jewelry, housewares, and other items for significantly less than what you would pay at a shop near your hotel. If you can find where these markets are, chances are you'll go home with a beautiful handcrafted necklace as a souvenir rather than a mug that says “I was in Cancun.”

5. Get uncomfortable

The last tip is for the brave of heart, the adventurous spirits, the ones that look into the face of danger and laugh! Ok, so it's not that extreme. Ready?

Get uncomfortable! The world is huge and exciting to discover! Your living situation is only your living situation in the place where you live. What does that even mean, you ask? It means you won't always have a queen-sized bed to sleep on and a closet full of clothes to choose from. Your favorite food won't always be available, and you may develop long-lasting blisters on your feet. If you truly want to live out your travel and not just be a temporary tourist, you will learn to treasure these uncomfortable situations. You'll fondly remember that you developed the blisters on your feet from wearing the wrong pair of flats while discovering Madrid.

Recommended culturally immersive volunteer programs abroad

Discover a range of volunteer opportunities from our partners that foster genuine connections and cultural understanding. These programs offer immersive experiences that encourage meaningful interaction with local communities and traditions.

1. Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteering in Zimbabwe with Kaya

When you’re not busy caring for incredible wildlife, you’ll dive right into Zimbabwe’s vibrant culture! Join lively school visits, take part in community outreach, and share in exciting conservation education projects. In your free time, wander through colorful markets, pick up local customs, and soak up the warm smiles and hospitality of the Ndebele and Shona communities.

Luckily for you animal lovers, there are no specific skills required, but it helps to be in good health and fitness!

2. Teach English and Study German with The Excellence Center

Pack your bags for Halle (Saale), where you’ll spend your days teaching conversational English to small groups and one-on-one students from all walks of life. You won’t just be a teacher; you’ll be a cultural ambassador, sharing stories from your home country while learning from the diverse experiences of your students.

Your cultural immersion goes even deeper with weekly German lessons, a warm stay with a local host family, and plenty of opportunities to join community activities that spark cross-cultural connections. In your free time, you can wander cobblestone streets, explore Germany’s charming cities, and maybe even impress locals with your new German skills over a coffee and slice of cake.

3. Volunteer in Ecuador with World Endeavors

Volunteering in Ecuador blends meaningful impact with unforgettable adventure! Whether teaching kids, aiding in special education, or helping wildlife, there’s a project to fit your passion. No Spanish? No worries. Bring your energy and curiosity, and you can even add Spanish lessons to your stay.

Based along the stunning southern Pacific Coast, you’ll explore Guayaquil’s colorful streets, soak in mountain hot springs, and make friends from around the world all while immersing yourself in Ecuador’s vibrant culture.

4. Bioconstruction and Permaculture in Rio with Eco Caminhos

Escape to the beautiful mountains of Nova Friburgo, Brazil, where you’ll join an eco farm community dedicated to sustainable living. Roll up your sleeves to learn permaculture, bioconstruction, agroforestry, and renewable energy through fun, hands-on projects. No experience is needed, just curiosity and a love for getting a little muddy!

When you’re not building with natural materials or planting in the gardens, you’ll soak up Brazilian culture with Portuguese lessons, outdoor adventures, and time to explore local sights. It’s the perfect mix of meaningful work, cultural exchange, and life in harmony with nature.

Use our Online Advisor to get matched with volunteer programs for free!

Now go make your volunteer experience more meaningful

You'll soon forget the inconvenience of being rained on in Segovia and, instead, cherish the memory of running downhill on ancient streets to get into your bus where it's dry (and unfortunately, also cold). Instead of recalling the thought process of wearing flip-flops to discover La Alhambra, you'll vividly remember the awe-inspiring view of Granada and the intricate detailing of the ancient Muslim fortress (though it generally isn't recognized as a good idea to wear flip-flops to explore anything).

Volunteering abroad has a way of turning even the mishaps into meaningful moments. Some of your most cherished memories may come from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unpredictable. Along the way, you'll gain more than just cultural insight. You'll pick up practical lessons, like always packing an umbrella, choosing the right shoes, and finding humor in every twist the journey throws your way. Get out, explore, and make the most of your next adventure abroad.