6 Summer Programmes With Tangible Impact

Are you craving a summer like none other? Are you ready for life-changing experiences in some of the most stunning locations around the world? Are you ready to make a difference to communities, environments, and wildlife in need? If your answers are yes, you’re in the right place! We’re about to introduce you to six amazing summer programmes that give you the opportunity to make a real difference in the world around you and meet some incredible new friends along the way. 

At Further Travel, we craft unique travel experiences that allow you to see the world and shape it for the better. From global wildlife conservation to teaching children in South Africa, we have an incredible range of curated summer programmes that enable you to dive in and make a difference. 

Today, we’ll explore six of the unique summer programmes available through Further Travel, including: 

1. Caring for stray dogs in Thailand 
2. Visiting Elephant sanctuaries in Thailand 
3. Getting involved in local community projects in Bali
4. Diving into conservation projects in the Maldives 
5. Working with wildlife in South Africa 
6. Giving back to the community in Vietnam

Keep reading to learn more about these incredible summer programmes, or start your journey with Further Travel here!

Why Are Summer Programmes a Great Choice for Students?

Summer is always a fun time—good weather, a break from studying, and a chance to enjoy doing what you love with people you love. That being said, you can take your summer to the next level by participating in volunteering summer programmes.  There are many reasons why these programmes are a great choice for students, including: 

1. They’re safe, curated travel experience to some amazing locations
2. We offer unique opportunities to travel with purpose and volunteer 
3. You’ll get to make a real difference with our high-impact programmes 
4. Our simple and stress-free booking and pre-planned itineraries make your trip so easy!

Let’s take a closer look at why Further Travel’s travel experiences are the perfect opportunity to check off some bucket list items and make a huge impact while you’re at it. 

Safe Travel Experiences

Venturing into the unknown can be daunting, especially if you haven’t traveled much and you’re diving into a new culture. Our summer programmes provide a reassuring safety net, offering carefully curated itineraries and expert guidance for exciting, safe, sustainable travel. 

At Further Travel, we’ve teamed up with World Nomads Insurance, so you can get additional protections during your summer programmes, including: 

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• 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance, customer service and claims support
• Ability to easily extend your policy to keep you on the road
• Travel coverage for 200+ adventure activities
• Up-to-date insurance information & safety advice to help you plan for your trip

Unique Volunteering Opportunities

Our summer programmes offer unique global work and travel opportunities that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Whether it's volunteering with rescued elephants in Thailand, assisting with wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa, or helping create more eco-friendly spaces in Vietnam, you’ll have the chance to engage with local communities and make a tangible difference. Plus, it’s an incredible addition to your resume, and a rewarding experience you’ll take with you forever. 

High-Impact Programmes

At the heart of every Further Travel summer programme lies a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. From environmental conservation initiatives to social development projects, our programmes offer you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes while having fun. We intentionally craft a balanced itinerary includes cultural immersion, exploration, bonding time with your Further Travel friends, and spending productive and intensive days volunteering for issues you’re passionate about. 

Simple and Stress-Free Booking With Further Travel

Many of our summer programmes span several different cities, with incredible guided tours, activities, and volunteer opportunities with some amazing animal volunteer organisations. Planning this kind of trip on your own would take some serious planning and coordination! We’ve taken all the hassle out of finding accommodation, researching tours and activities, and trying to secure volunteer opportunities—it’s all ready to go, you just need to secure your place! 

Ready to get started? Browse our programs here to find your next adventure!

Six Summer Programs to Travel With Purpose 

Let’s take a look at some of the different summer programmes offered by Further Travel: 

1. Rescue Paws
2. North Discovery 
3. Camp Maldives 
4. Camp Bali
5. Camp South Africa 
6. Camp Vietnam 

We’ll explore what each itinerary includes, the volunteering opportunities on offer, any requirements you need to be aware of, and how you can spend your time when you’re not volunteering. 

Rescue Paws: Care For Stray Dogs in Thailand

In a country where the bustling streets are home to a staggering population of stray dogs, the need for intervention has never been more pressing. It’s estimated that there will be 2 million stray dogs and cats in Thailand by 2027 if no action is taken. Camp Rescue Paws gives you a chance to help end this epidemic as you travel and volunteer abroad, by looking after rescued dogs and preparing them for adoption into loving, caring homes. 

What’s Involved?

At Camp Rescue Paws, you’ll spend two weeks volunteering with an organisation that rescues, cares for, and adopts stray dogs. Your day-to-day tasks might include: 

• Beach walks to exercise rescued dogs
• Helping to feed, groom, and play with the dogs
• Conducting fieldwork and health checks on rescued dogs 
• Assisting with spay/neuter procedures to help control the stray dog population
• Preparing rescued dogs for adoption

Camp Rescue Paws is located on the grounds of Khao Tao Temple, a Buddhist temple that borders a long stretch of beach. Khao Tao is a traditional Thai village; you’ll be staying nearby and will be picked up each day and taken to the Rescue Paws clinic. 

What’s Required?

First of all, you have to be a certified dog lover! You’ll spend a lot of hands-on time with the animals, so this summer programme is a great option for anyone who loves our furry friends and also wants to explore Thailand’s best beaches. You must be at least 18 years old before your travel dates, and provide proof of rabies vaccination before you arrive at Camp Rescue Paws. 

What Else is Included?

Camp Rescue Paws is set on a beautiful beach, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax and take in your picturesque surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the major Thai cities. Plus, you’ll have the option to choose one of these four added excursions: 

1. Visiting an elephant sanctuary
2. Participating in a Thai cooking class
3. Attending monk meditations 
4. Exploring the Sam Roi Yot Temple Cave

Ready to make a real difference in the lives of Thailand’s pups in need? Start your Camp Rescue Paws application here!

North Discovery: Visit Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand 

If you’re looking for a summer programme that combines volunteering with cultural experiences, our North Discovery adventure might be the one for you! The plight of Thailand’s elephants is ongoing—these gentle giants have experienced dwindling populations in recent years due to deforestation and climate change. This is your chance to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures at an elephant camp in Thailand dedicated to caring for these iconic animals. 

What’s Involved?

This three-week program starts and ends in Bangkok, but takes you to several destinations throughout northern Thailand. You’ll get to experience Thai culture by immersing yourself in some amazing local activities and exploring some of the most incredible beaches and pristine waters on the planet. But the highlight really is the elephants! At the sanctuary in Chiang Mai, you’ll be able to feed and bathe the animals, learn incredible elephant facts, and discover how the sanctuary works to rescue and protect these creatures. 

What’s Required?

Our North Discovery programme is ideal for solo travelers, but if you’re traveling with a friend, it’s still a great choice. There aren’t any specific requirements for this tour, just make sure you’re ready for an adventure and excited to make some new friends along the way! 

What Else is Included?

This summer programme is packed full of highlights! As well as your incredible elephant experiences, our North Discovery adventure includes: 

• The chance to teach English at a local Thai school
• Tours of the famous Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok
• A taste of Bangkok’s incredible street food 
• A Thailand island tour through Ko Samet 
• The opportunity to go snorkeling in stunningly clear waters
• A unique farm visit to learn how traditional palm sugar is made
• A Muay Thai class where you can learn the techniques from expert instructors 
• And so much more! 

Want to start your elephant conservation and animal rights journey? Start your Camp Thailand application here!

Camp Bali: Get Involved in Local Community Projects

We have several different Camp Bali summer programmes, but the 20-day Ultimate Impact tour is the best option if you want to combine volunteering with exploring the best of Bali’s stunning landscapes. This programme gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in Balinese communities by teaching in schools and aiding in turtle conservation in Bali. 

What’s Involved?

Based in Ubud, Seminyak, Nusa Penida & Canggu, you’ll explore Bali’s nature and get entwined in its local culture. Visit temples, monkey forests, and Ubud’s famous Rice Terraces. Explore the stunning island of Nusa Penida with tours around the most Instagrammable spots in Bali. This itinerary offers the perfect balance of relaxing, adventuring, and volunteering!

Your first impact programme will be using your English skills to teach kids in local Balinese schools. You’ll also have the chance to work with a local NGO that helps people with special needs. Depending what’s needed on the the day, you’ll work with their teachers to run classes, craft activities, painting sessions, and gymnastics—it’s an incredible experience!

Plus,you’ll have the chance to volunteer at Serangan Turtle Conservation, where you can help to care for endangered Balinese turtles by cleaning their enclosures, maintaining the sanctuary grounds, and doing beach clean-ups. 

What’s Required?

As long as you’re at least 18 years old at the time of your departure, there aren’t any specific requirements or qualifications for our Camp Bali summer programmes. Although you’ll have the opportunity to volunteer as a teacher in this programme, you don’t need any formal qualifications or prior teaching experience. In fact, as part of the programme, you’ll actually gain a 30-hour Teaching Young Learners Qualification. 

What Else is Included?

With all the incredible volunteer opportunities offered in this programme, you might not think you’re left with much time for exploring Bali. Well, think again, because at Camp Bali there’s a new adventure waiting for you every single day! Your trip includes: 

• A visit to the stunning Git Fit Waterfall and Beratan Lake as you explore the Ubud area
• A tour of Balinese villages as you learn more about the local culture 
• A whitewater rafting adventure and visit to Sacred Monkey Forest to meet the primates
• A chance to sample some of the best foods to try in Bali
• Surf lessons at the picturesque Kuta Beach 

Don’t worry—you’ll still have plenty of time to relax on the stunning beaches with a book, or have a relaxing day exploring your surroundings. Sounds like a dream? Lock in your Camp Bali spot today!

Camp Maldives: Dive into Conservation Projects 

It’s hard to think of picturesque white sands without thinking of the Maldives—it’s one of the most famous island destinations in the world. With our Camp Maldives summer programme, you can explore the best of this incredible destination and help to keep it in pristine condition by assisting the NGO Save the Beach to protect Maldivian reefs. In your downtime, you can snorkel, tour the islands, and explore the stunning sandbanks. 

What’s Involved? 

This incredible 16-day itinerary is the perfect chance to make some new friends, recharge your batteries in the sun, and check an amazing destination off your bucket list. Working with Save the Beach, you’ll participate in beach clean-ups, learn about the importance of healthy marine ecosystems, and discover the challenges that come with coastal marine development and tourism. 

This summer programme also includes an introduction to the Olive Ridley project, which provides insight into environmental monitoring and turtle studies. You’ll learn how to snorkel in a way that’s safe for the stunning but fragile coral reefs around you, discover ways to be more environmentally friendly when you travel, and have the chance to snorkel with turtles—an unforgettable experience! 

What’s Required? 

Because the Maldives is an Islamic nation, there are certain cultural considerations that you need to be aware of. Maldivians do not consume alcohol, and it’s not readily available throughout the country. Although it is found in some hotels, it’s important to be respectful and not make this the priority or focus of your trip. 

There are also certain dress code rules that we ask you to follow. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable for men and t-shirts, loose shorts, and sarongs are best for women when you’re out in public or working with wildlife conservation organizations. Bikinis can be worn on some private tours—our reps will help guide you along the way. 

What Else is Included?

When you’re not learning about marine ecosystems, discovering how to save a coral reef, planting native seagrass and coconut palms, or cleaning up beaches, we still have plenty of action planned for you! At Camp Maldives, you can: 

• Complete a scuba diving course as an optional add-on
• Visit a luxury resort with a buffet lunch and infinity pool access
• Enjoy a sunset cruise and (hopefully) spot some dolphins 
• Immerse yourself in local culture by learning rope knotting and local fishing techniques
• Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, or surfing

And, when you’re not exploring the breathtaking marine life or hopping between picturesque islands, you can sit back on the sand with a coconut in hand and new friends by your side. Bliss! 

Ready for an adventure in paradise? Join Camp Maldives today! 

Camp South Africa: Incredible Wildlife Summer Programmes

Has South Africa always been on your bucket list? The country is famous for its incredible “big five” wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Unfortunately, these animals are under devastating threat due to poaching and habitat destruction, but at Camp South Africa, you have the unique opportunity to live and work at a game reserve, where you can learn all about wildlife conservation volunteering and help rehabilitate them. 

What’s Involved?

This two-week animal conservation adventure has you calling Kwantu Game Reserve home, along with your new travel buddies. You’ll spend your days working with the reserve staff as you learn all about the amazing animals under their care and the threats to their future. Day to day, your tasks may include: 

• Game counting and animal monitoring
• Planting, tree-chopping, and other reserve maintenance 
• Attending interactive wildlife lectures to learn more about the plight of these animals 
• Feeding and caring for animals in the on-site rehabilitation center 

You’ll also get to make a difference in the lives of locals. We partner with a school in a nearby township where you can provide lunches for kids who unfortunately don’t have access to nutritious meals regularly. 

What’s Required? 

As some of the tasks at Camp South Africa (like tree chopping and reserve maintenance) have a degree of physicality to them, you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty and break a sweat! Also, depending on where you’re traveling from, you may be required to show proof of certain vaccinations—make sure you check what’s required before your trip. 

What Else is Included?

Generally, you’ll work from 9 am to 5 pm at the reserve, with a break for lunch in the middle. You’ll have the evenings and afternoons free to explore your surroundings and get to know your fellow travelers. There’s a swimming pool, games room, and tennis court on-site. 

On the weekends, you can do your own thing in nearby Port Elizabeth, where you’ll find beautiful shorelines and plenty of cafes and bars. For an extra cost, you can also visit Jeffreys Bay for a surfing adventure or try adrenaline-pumping activities like dune boarding or skydiving. 

If life at a game reserve sounds like your dream adventure, start your application here! 

Camp Vietnam: Give Back to the Community 

Vietnam and Cambodia are two incredible countries, and Camp Vietnam is your chance to experience the best of both of them. This cultural immersion takes you from the colorful, vibrant city of Hanoi to the stunningly beautiful Ha Long Bay, as well as the captivating Hoi An, the historical Phnom Penh, and the unforgettable Angkor Wat. Packed full of highlights, you’ll also have the chance to give back to local communities by teaching English and getting involved with development projects. 

What’s Involved? 

There are several ways you’ll get to make an impact with the Camp Vietnam and Cambodia summer programme. Firstly, you’ll have the opportunity to cycle through the countryside and collect plastic waste that’s been dumped alongside the river. You’ll learn how to use this waste to make eco-bricks, which serve as reusable building blocks for furniture, garden walls, and other structures. You’re cleaning up the river banks and preventing pollution, and at the same time, helping to create building materials for local communities and schools. 

You’ll also have the chance to do more hands-on community work in Angkor Kreav. The types of projects depend on the season and the needs of the community at that time, but may include teaching in the local villages or assisting with construction projects. Either way, you’ll have an incredible experience and make a real difference in the lives of the locals. 

What Else is Included? 

The Camp Vietnam and Cambodia summer programme is packed full of action, including: 

• Swimming, kayaking, and cruising through the beautiful Ha Long Bay
• Touring through the historical sights and highlights of Hanoi 
• Enjoying a Hoi An foodie tour through vibrant markets to try local delicacies 
• Relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, shopping, touring museums, and more! 

Further Travel’s Camp Vietnam and Cambodia offers the perfect balance of sightseeing, volunteering, and living it up with your new travel buddies. Apply today to secure your spot! 

Explore Your Dream Summer Programmes With Further Travel!

As you can see, our carefully curated itineraries are filled with amazing opportunities for adventure, exploration, and making a difference in the places you visit. With guided tours, high-impact community programmes, and plenty of time for relaxing and taking in your surroundings, we’ve crafted incredible itineraries so that you don’t have to! 

Further Travel gives you a chance to see the world in a brand-new light. By leaving an impact rather than a footprint, we empower you to travel with purpose, and the communities, wildlife, and ecosystems you visit will benefit greatly from it. 

Our summer programmes are filling up fast, so explore our itineraries here and lock in your dates before it’s too late!‍

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Learn more about our travel programs

• Global Travel for Group Members: How to Book and Where to Go
• The Best Group Travel Companies for Young Adults (and What to Expect)