How to Find Volunteer Work in Mongolia

With its vast landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, Mongolia is the second largest landlocked country in the world. Every year, many adventurous travelers visit the country to participate in volunteer programs. If you’re also wondering how to find volunteer work in Mongolia and what it’s like, get ready to learn about many meaningful opportunities involving wildlife, community building, and culture.

Finding volunteer work in Mongolia will be your first step to an amazing adventure.

Whether it’s working for the conservation of a rare horse species or teaching English to nomadic children, volunteer work in Mongolia is perfect for travelers who want to experience something different. Discover how to volunteer in Mongolia so you can find the perfect program for you.

Can I volunteer in Mongolia for free?

It is unlikely that you can find free volunteer opportunities in Mongolia. Program providers charge a fee to cover your accommodation, food, and activity costs. This fee also supports the organization, its staff, and the local community. But luckily, you can find budget-friendly volunteering opportunities all over the world, including Mongolia.

During your volunteer work in Mongolia, you will be able to develop invaluable soft skills since most opportunities involve community building, conservation, and cultural immersion. For example, you may learn about nomadic lifestyles, and possibly, join nomad families.

Not only does this make you more culturally aware, but it also shows future employers that you’re adaptable and open-minded. So although the opportunities are not typically free, volunteering in Mongolia can open new doors for your future career prospects.

What kind of visa do I need to volunteer in Mongolia?

Many countries, including the United States, are exempted from visas to enter Mongolia. The amount of days depends on the country. For example, United States citizens have a 90-day stay allowance whereas citizens of most European countries can have 30.

If you’re a citizen of a country that needs a visa, you could need one of the following:

• E-visa: Electronic visa in digital form.
• Visa on arrival: Visa issued at the airport.
• Visa in advance: Physical document obtained at an embassy.

If your volunteer experience is longer than the 30 or 90 days you’re allowed to stay in Mongolia, you can contact the nearest Mongolian embassy or your program provider. Similarly, for any questions related to volunteer visas in Mongolia, the embassy or the program provider would be able to give you more detailed answers.

4 other requirements for volunteering in Mongolia

Write a great motivation letter and CV to secure your spot in a program.

Besides travel documents, your program might have other requirements. Here are the most common ones:

• Passport: Your passport needs to be valid for six months from the date of your entry.
• Age: Some volunteering programs are for high school students while others are for adults over 18 years old.
• English proficiency: Knowing how to read the Cyrillic alphabet and learning some basic words in Mongolian would help, but the language of your volunteering program will be English.
• Supporting documents: Especially for volunteering programs with limited spaces, you might have to send a CV and motivation letter showing why you would be a good fit.

How to find volunteer work in Mongolia

For a smooth experience, book your program through a trustworthy website. Volunteering in Mongolia also requires you to be physically and mentally prepared since there are vast distances, a lot of rural areas, and bumpy roads. Of course, the exact activities depend on the nature of your volunteer program and where it is located.

Here is a step-by-step guide to how to volunteer in Mongolia, what to pack, and when to go.

1. Pick when to go.

Mongolia has a continental climate with warm summers and extremely cold winters. In winter, the temperature can go as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although most programs accept volunteers throughout the year, make sure that you can handle the weather for the time of the year you’re planning to visit. Especially for activities that are more season-dependent, such as animal conservation, it’s important to take the weather into account.

2. Choose a program.

You can use GoAbroad to view the volunteering opportunities in Mongolia. Then, you can choose a program based on your interests, skills, and career plans.

For example, if you want to become a teacher in the future, teaching English in Mongolia as a part of your volunteer experience can be a great addition to your resume. Not only will it demonstrate your teaching experience, but it will also show your ability to work with people from different cultures.

3. Make sure the program is a good fit and apply.

If you’re interested in animal conservation, volunteer work in Mongolia with horses could be a great fit!

Besides age restrictions, some programs require specific skills and qualifications. In addition to understanding this, read the program description carefully so that you’ll have an idea of what to expect.

For instance, if not having a good phone signal is a deal-breaker for you, a program set in rural Mongolia might not be the best fit. Once you’ve found the right program, read the instructions carefully and apply.

4. Make a packing list.

For summer, pack breathable clothing, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. For winter, go for warm clothes, layers, thermals, thick coats, and gloves.

Since the weather can change quickly in Mongolia, it’s always a good idea to have a raincoat in summer or breathable clothes in winter. In any case, bring comfortable shoes. Making a packing checklist helps a lot!

5. Book your flight.

You will most likely fly to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. Your program providers might have deals for return fares and if not, they will be able to give you tips on how to find affordable flights and when to book your flight to Mongolia.

3 volunteer opportunities in Mongolia to consider

1. Nomadic Experience in Mongolia with Projects Abroad

• Highlights: 40% of Mongolia’s population consists of nomad families. In this program, you will help with herding livestock, cooking, and teaching children English. An amazing opportunity to experience a completely different way of life, this program allows you to learn new skills, meet locals, and get away from the hustle and bustle of your real life, even if it’s for a little while. Although the program runs throughout the year, the best time to go would be between March and April, during the animal breeding season.
• Location: Rural Ulaanbaatar
• Read Projects Abroad reviews

2. Best Volunteer Programs in Mongolia – Wild Takhi Research & Conservation

• Highlights: Combine Mongolia’s natural beauty with its famous endangered species of horse, the takhi. You will be working with biologists and researchers, helping them collect data on takhis to facilitate the animals’ reintroduction into the wild. The working hours are from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., which means that you will have the afternoons for yourself. You can take this time to go horse riding, book city tours, and visit nomadic families.
• Location: Ulaanbaatar
• Read Volunteer World reviews

3. Care for Children in Mongolia with Projects Abroad

• Highlights: This award-winning project gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar. On weekdays, you will be working at the kindergarten, teaching English and helping fellow teachers. Evenings and weekends are your free time where you can plan trips across the country to immerse yourself in the culture further.
• Location: Ulaanbaatar
• Read Projects Abroad reviews

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 volunteer programs in Mongolia—it’s free!

If you’ve never considered volunteering in Mongolia, now is the time

Now that you know how to find volunteer work in Mongolia, you’re ready to make a difference—and change your life.

A country full of history, culture, and natural beauty, Mongolia will show you another type of life, one you’ve probably never thought you’d be living. Touch lives, help protect the wildlife, and have the experience of your lifetime through volunteering in Mongolia!