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Biological Research Volunteer Programs Abroad

From ecological preservation, assisting with animal research, or even providing support for disease research, volunteering in biological research abroad has a myriad of options to take you all over the world. With a broad choice of applications and locations, every experience is different, but biology volunteer work abroad centers on the unique opportunity to donate your time and knowledge to deserving projects in need of extra hands, minds, and smiling faces.
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vet work
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Top Biological Research Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

From conducting wildlife and marine research and conservation to ...

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Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to as...

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environment volunteer
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Kaya Responsible Travel

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Agro Forestry and Environmental Conservation in Ecuador

This project is perfect for those interested in environmental sci...

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Go Behind the Scenes at a Big 5 Wildlife Reserve
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African Conservation Experience

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Go Behind the Scenes at a Big 5 Wildlife Reserve

Help preserve the famous Big 5 safari reserve, seeing a side of P...

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African Impact

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Volunteer Abroad in Zanzibar with African Impact

Looking to make a difference in the lives of others and to help f...

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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MAXIMO NIVEL

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica 2025
Medical Volunteers Needed—Work in Costa Rica!

Join healthcare and medical projects, and gain practical experien...

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1054 reviews

International Medical Aid (IMA)

Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA

Join the ranks of forward-thinking healthcare professionals throu...

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Roots Interns

Cloud Forest Wildlife Research Internship in Ecuador

Conduct in-field research on endemic species of flora and fauna i...

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9.45 reviews

Gapforce

Thailand Marine Conservation

Lying in the crystal-clear tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailan...

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Encounter My Way

Turtle Conservation in Osa

Join us in Osa, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable volunteer experi...

9.147 reviews

Volunteering With India

Medical Volunteer Program

We have a program open to participants who want to help our Medic...

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Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

Costa Rica All-in-One Program

Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons ...

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9.35267 reviews

GVI

Marine Conservation Expedition in the Seychelles

Travel to a country known for its equatorial climate and enter a ...

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Love Volunteers

Drug Rehabilitation Program in Diani Beach, Kenya

Volunteers play a crucial role in this program, delivering vital ...

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9.5562 reviews

IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Brazil 2025
IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops ...

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9.74101 reviews

Connect-123 Internship Programs

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—a...

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Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

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Eco Caminhos

Short-Term Volunteer - Bioconstruction & Permaculture in Rio

Eco Caminhos is a sustainable eco farm that follows the principle...

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Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad in Ecuador

Projects Abroad Ecuador is based on the Galapagos Islands, one of...

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Terra Sylvestris

Kalamos and Kastos Sustainable Development Program

Are you interested in collaborating with a local community, focus...

9.1625 reviews

Rustic Pathways

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Dominican Republic 2025
Dominican Republic Service and Adventure Programs

Bring sunblock as you take on the diverse beauty of the Dominican...

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Marine Conservation Philippines

Volunteer Abroad with Marine Conservation Philippines

Discover the wonders of marine life in the Philippines while help...

9.54 reviews

WorldStrides

Community Engagement in Lima, Peru

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pa...

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9.836 reviews

WeWhale

Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in Lanzarote, Spain

Are you interested in learning about whales and dolphins and obse...

104 reviews

RealStep

Marine Biology Project in Spain

Embark on an exciting adventure in the Canary Islands with our en...

9.673 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

Intern in Australia with World Internships

Through World Internships, we offer flexible customized internshi...

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82 reviews

All Out Africa

Savannah Conservation Volunteering, Eswatini (Swaziland)

Experience hands-on field research related to the conservation of...

103 reviews

Mahouts Elephant Foundation

Asian Elephant Field Course (June 15 - July 11, 2025)

Asian Elephant Behaviour and Community Driven Conservation in Tha...

102 reviews

Globalteer

Volunteer with the Peru Amazon Rainforest Project

Volunteer with the Peru Amazon Conservation Project through Globa...

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Broadreach

Broadreach Fiji: Shark Studies

Work alongside conservationists and researchers and dive with sha...

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Pacific Discovery

Rewilding Residential Gap Semester in New Zealand

Pacific Discovery's Rewilding Gap Semester offers a unique 10-wee...

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Mondify

Protect Whales & Pumas: Volunteer in Patagonia

Discover Patagonia like never before at La Esperanza Wildlife Ref...

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Involvement Volunteers International

Marine Conservation in Nosy Komba, Madagascar

Help protect the local marine ecosystem, turtles and other marine...

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World Unite!

Environmental Conservation & Temple-Stay in Sado, Japan

Participate in this amazing program from World Unite! Immerse you...

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Global Work & Travel

Big 5 African Wildlife & Conservation

Everyone has heard of the Big 5—Africa's “must-see” animals! But ...

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Volunteer Quest India

Volunteering in Jaipur: Bird Conservation Initiative

Volunteer in this conservation program and contribute to the resc...

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Operation Wallacea

Operation Wallacea - South Africa

The South Africa projects are dotted around several different res...

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Meiji Internships

South Korea Internship with Meiji Internships

South Korea has a unique culture and history that has already rea...

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Green Life Volunteers

Volunteer in Costa Rica with Green Life Volunteers

Green Life Volunteers is a registered non-profit organization or ...

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Ngala Wilderness

Endangered Species Conservation in South Africa

Volunteer in South Africa and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experien...

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Oyster Worldwide

Marine Conservation in Portugal

Each year, more than 130,000 seals, whales and dolphins are kille...

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Natucate

Volunteer in Peru: Rainforest Research and Conservation

Do you want to contribute to the research of the Amazon rainfores...

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NGO EnriquezArte

Act for Underwater Conservation in Barcelona

Join local and international volunteers in preserving the underwa...

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Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers

Internships & Volunteer Positions in Cape Town, South Africa

You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore...

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Indo Ocean Project

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Indo Ocean Project was founded in 2017 by marine biologists, dive...

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Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary

Elephant and Community Volunteers

Kindred Spirit is looking for volunteers to come out and help its...

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Wild Vista Expedition

Hands-On Medical Volunteering in Tanzanian Hospitals

Step into the heart of healthcare in Tanzania and make a differen...

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A Broader View Volunteers Corp

Coastal Program Volunteering - Escazu & San Jose, Costa Rica

Volunteer in Costa Rica with A Broader View Volunteers, a highly ...

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Project Manaia - Marine Research Expeditions

Sailing Research Expedition with Project Manaia

Do you want to be part of an international crew aboard and help w...

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Our Generation Voluntary Organisation

Awesome Volunteering Opportunities in Ghana with OGVO

Volunteer abroad in Ghana with Our Generation Voluntary Organisat...

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Impact Journey Collective

Collective Adventure: Travel & Volunteer in Tenerife

Join a unique program with Impact Journey Collective, allowing yo...

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NEXSTEP (Next Step Connections)

NSC Asia Internship Program - Bali, Indonesia

Bali, an Indonesian paradise, is one of the most popular travel d...

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Global Works

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Global Works specializes in service trips and educational experie...

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African Biodiversity Research Expeditions

Volunteer: Reptile and Amphibian Research

The reptile and amphibian diversity of the Sterkspruit Nature Res...

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Amazon Shelter

Assistant wildlife keeper

As a volunteer at Amazon Shelter, you’ll be immersed in every par...

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Mikoko Development Foundation

Young Environmental Scientists (YES) Education Program

Join MDF in shaping the next generation of climate leaders throug...

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Msafiri Tours

Volunteer in Uganda – Make a Difference

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National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Volunteer Opportunity: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

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Gaia Research Institute ONLUS

Dolphin Monitoring in Greece

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ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs

Service Learning while Volunteering in Ecuador

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Earthwatch Institute

Discover the Amazon Riverboat Exploration with Earthwatch

Join Earthwatch's Amazon Riverboat Exploration and experience the...

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Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation

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Global Citizen Adventure Corps

Global Citizen-Focused Service Learning in Costa Rica

Join GCAC in Costa Rica and experience service, learning, and the...

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Sustainable Bolivia

Native Plant Study in the Amazon

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Rosemary Omuony Foundation

Volunteer in Wildlife Conservation in Mombasa, Kenya

Volunteer in this project and discover over 100 bird species, gre...

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Kawsay Center Peru

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in Peru

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Eatl Tour Company

Volunteer in Tanzania

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PULIHARA

Volunteer on a Tropical Island to Save Turtles and Corals!

Ever wondered how turtle conservation and coral rehabilitation wo...

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Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder

Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Conservation

This program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in t...

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INLEXCA

Wildlife Conservation Center in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its rich biodiversity. Many people from ...

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Delfini del Ponente APS

Cetaceans and Coastal Monitoring in Italy

This program aims to provide volunteers with knowledge on various...

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WorkingAbroad Projects

Statia Conservation Project, St. Eustatius, Caribbean

Volunteer in the Dutch Caribbean on the island of St. Eustatius, ...

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WWF- Vietnam

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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Biological Research

Prepare for Volunteering

Understand the benefits

Volunteering in biological research abroad will change your scope of the world. While learning biological concepts in the classroom is certainly valuable and necessary, nothing can top authentic first-hand experience in a new and exciting environment—here are just a few highlights.

  • Hands-on learning. Wherever you are—laboratory or out in the field—lending a hand is a humbling experience, and one that can teach you new research skills, ways of communication, and different methods of thought.
  • Diverse experiences. Whether in a laboratory or out in the field, lending a hand is a humbling experience, and one that can teach you new research skills, ways of communication, and different methods of thought.
  • Personal and professional growth. Between all of the experiences and hands-on time in this experience, there’s so much opportunity for growth in all regards. The experience is a great boost on any resume or CV.

Things to know

If you’re pursuing a career in biological research after graduation, a summer volunteer trip or even volunteering for one to three weeks during a school break can work in your favor when it comes to the eyes of your employers.

  • Visa and paper requirements - Before you head out, double-check what visas and documents you need. Embassies, airlines, and your program are great places to get the most up-to-date info.
  • Language skills - It’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases, even if it’s not required. It helps with introductions and locals will appreciate the effort.
  • Cost and logistics - Do a bit of research on living costs and transportation so you can plan your budget. It’s smart to have backup copies of documents and extra funds, just in case.
  • Health and safety - Make sure you're up to date on any health rules and get the recommended vaccinations. It’s always better to be safe and prepared.
  • Cultural and social etiquette - Take some time to learn basic social norms and greetings. Being open to new experiences and respectful of customs will go a long way!

Frequently Asked Questions

The US is the most popular location for biological research initiatives. In their famous universities their institutions offers world-class research facilities and excellent technology that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Generally, international volunteers do not get paid. They typically cover their own expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and food, and volunteer their time and skills for a cause or organization they are passionate about.

As a biological research volunteer abroad, you will have the opportunity to obtain hands-on research experience, learn new skills, broaden your cultural awareness, and make a beneficial impact on the environment and local populations.

Latest Program Reviews

Solo Volunteer over 60

November 06, 2025by: Barbara Loxton - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

IVHQ is a great organization to volunteer through. They provided each step in a clear and organized manner from the volunteer handbook to the many helpful hints along the way. My volunteer placement was perfect for me, and I lookedforward to going there everyday. I also had plenty of tome afterwards to explore Peru. The IVHQ team also checked up on you throughout the entire process, while you were volunteering and afterwards. I appreciated how they kept touch. Overall, it was truly an amazing experience!!

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