Volungo Abroad

Why choose Volungo Abroad?

Volungo Abroad is a nonprofit organization that connects international volunteers with grassroots initiatives across Latin America. But we’re not just a matchmaking platform, we’re a movement built on trust, collaboration, and long-term impact.

We partner with local NGOs doing essential work in their communities; from education and environmental conservation to human rights and community development. Our role is to amplify their voices, support their efforts, and bring the right people to the right causes.

Every volunteer journey starts with listening. We value humility, presence, and real contribution, not voluntourism or charity performances. Our programs are grounded in mutual respect and meaningful exchange, with a minimum stay of four weeks to ensure you truly become part of the process.

We believe volunteering abroad should be a two-way street: you help build something real, and you come back changed.

Community Photos

Reviews

My 8 weeks with Surf & Help Ecuador was absolutely life-changing! The program perfectly balanced adventure with meaningful conservation work. Every morning started with Spanish lessons that actually helped us communicate with the local community, followed by surf sessions with incredibly skilled instructors who had me riding waves I never thought possible. The marine conservation work was the real highlight - tracking sea turtle nests at dawn, participating in coral restoration dives, and working alongside Ecuador's Ministry of Environment scientists gave me a deep appreciation for ocean conservation. The community was amazing - from beach volleyball tournaments to evening bonfires under the stars, I made lifelong friends from around the world. The whale watching trip in August was unforgettable! The accommodation was comfortable and the weekend trips to explore Ecuador's diverse landscapes were perfectly organized. I came for the surfing but left with so much more - improved Spanish, marine conservation knowledge, and a genuine connection to Ecuador's culture. Already planning my return trip!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

The most surprising experience was participating in marine conservation work, especially tracking sea turtle nests and joining coral restoration dives. I never expected to contribute directly alongside scientists, and it gave me a whole new perspective on ocean conservation.

Pros

Meaningful impact – Direct involvement in marine conservation (sea turtle tracking, coral restoration) with real scientists made the work feel purposeful.
Strong community & cultural immersion – Friendships, local engagement, and cultural activities (like bonfires, volleyball, whale watching, and trips) made the program unforgettable.
Unique balance of learning and adventure – Spanish lessons, surfing, and conservation work created a holistic and enriching experience.

Cons

Basic accommodation – Comfortable overall, but not luxurious; could be a challenge for those expecting more amenities.
Limited downtime – The packed schedule left little time for personal rest or reflection.
Early morning schedule – While rewarding, the dawn conservation work could be physically demanding.

I signed up for Surf and Help after going through a difficult breakup. I needed space, clarity, and something to reconnect me to myself. I found all of that—and so much more—on Ecuador’s Pacific coast.

The camp was raw, real, and beautiful. We woke up early, surfed with the sunrise, and then went to work: documenting turtle nesting sites, cleaning microplastics from the sand, and educating visiting tourists on conservation. Every task felt important. Even just watching over nests at night made me feel like a guardian of something sacred.

The bond with the other volunteers was instant. We were from all corners of the world, yet so aligned in our desire to protect nature. Evenings were filled with guitar music, shared stories, and the sound of waves crashing just meters away.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Come with an open mind and heart. Things don’t always go as planned—tides shift, schedules change—but that’s part of the adventure. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, and a journal. Most importantly, be ready to give, receive, and grow. This place changes you if you let it.

Pros

Empowering and emotional work
Reconnection with myself and nature
Daily surf = daily therapy

Cons

Cold showers took some getting used to
Bugs—so many bugs!
I didn’t want to leave.

Volunteering with Surf and Help in Ecuador was a beautiful turning point in my life. I had just finished university and wanted to do something meaningful before starting my career. What I found here was more than a project—it was a calling.

I spent my mornings surfing (or at least trying to!), and my afternoons helping clean beaches, collect plastic waste, and assist in coral restoration efforts. I never thought I’d get the chance to scuba dive and see the direct results of our work beneath the waves. It was humbling.

The biggest gift, though, was the community. Both the locals and the volunteers welcomed me with such kindness and laughter. Even with our language differences, we found ways to connect—over food, music, and a shared love for the ocean.

What was your funniest moment?

Definitely the day we all tried to do sunrise yoga on the beach. It started off serene—until a huge wave came in out of nowhere and soaked half the group mid-pose. We ended up laughing so hard we forgot to finish the session. It became one of those moments that bonded us even more.

Pros

Daily connection with nature and wildlife
Amazing surf lessons and ocean vibes
I learned more in two weeks than in any classroom

Cons

Some days were physically exhausting
Wi-Fi was spotty at times
You will get sandy. Always.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

We had a surprise visit from a marine biologist who brought a rescued hawksbill turtle to show us. Getting to see this endangered species up close, and hearing her recovery story, made everything we were doing feel even more urgent and necessary.

Pros

Empowering and emotional work
Reconnection with myself and nature
Daily surf = daily therapy

Cons

Cold showers took some getting used to
Bugs—so many bugs!
I didn’t want to leave.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

One morning, while doing a beach patrol, we found a stranded juvenile sea turtle tangled in fishing line. I helped carry it back for treatment. A week later, we released it back into the water. Watching it swim free felt like a moment of redemption—not just for the turtle, but for us as a species trying to fix our mistakes.

Pros