Volunteering Quiz: Where Should I Volunteer Based On My Personality?

When I first typed “where should I volunteer abroad?” into Google, I was instantly overwhelmed by what felt like a thousand life-changing options.

Teach English in Asia? Rescue sea turtles in Costa Rica? Help out at a yoga retreat in Greece?

I wanted something meaningful… but I had no idea what would actually fit me. I wasn’t trying to be a hero — I just wanted to discover a new place, travel deeper, connect with people, and maybe make a small difference along the way.

If you’re in the same boat — 15 tabs open, still unsure which path feels right — this quiz is for you.

Whether you’re dreaming of living on a farm, teaching kids, or working in a beachside hostel, this volunteering quiz will help you find a project that matches your vibe, energy, and values.

By the end, you’ll go from overwhelmed to confident — with a volunteer opportunity that feels made just for you.

Why I Created This Volunteering Quiz

This isn’t just a personality quiz for fun (although — yes — it’s fun!). It’s also based on experiences after volunteering across four continents— not just ideas pulled from the internet.

When I quit my job in 2024 to travel full-time, volunteering became my way to make it sustainable. I didn’t have unlimited savings. But I had time, energy, and curiosity.

Since then, I’ve:

• Helped run a yurt village in Alaska
• Lived in a Bedouin Camp in Jordan
• Worked as a receptionist in Turkey
• Laughed with strangers over shared dinners in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and beyond

And I realized… not every volunteering opportunity fits every traveler.

Some people light up in busy social spaces. Others feel more at home in the quiet rhythm of farm life. This quiz helps you figure out where you belong.

Take the Quiz: Where Should You Volunteer?

Find out what kind of volunteer project best fits your energy, personality, and travel goals — in less than 3 minutes.

No passport required (yet 😉).

What Your Result Means

Once you finish the quiz, you’ll be matched with a general volunteering type — inspired by real places and people I’ve met on the road. These are also the kinds of volunteer work you’ll find on most platforms.

Here’s a sneak peek at what your result could mean:

🌾 On a Sustainable Farm in Sri Lanka

You’re someone who loves quiet mornings, hands-on work, and being surrounded by nature. Whether it’s planting, composting, or cooking from scratch, you thrive in simplicity and sustainability.

🏝️ At a Hostel in Mexico

You’re energized by people, movement, and stories. You’d be perfect helping at a lively hostel — checking guests in, running pub crawls, or just being the good vibes person everyone remembers.

🌍 With a Local Community Project in Kenya

You care about people. Deeply. You want to do something that matters, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Think women-led cooperatives, grassroots NGOs, and cultural immersion with purpose.

📚 As a Teacher in Nepal

You’re a nurturer. You love sharing what you know — whether that’s through English lessons, arts and crafts, or just listening. You’d shine in classroom settings or community education projects.

Remember: there’s no wrong result. These are just starting points — a nudge toward what could feel most fulfilling for you.

My Quiz Result and My Actual Volunteering Experiences

When I took the quiz, I got matched with “On a Sustainable Farm in Sri Lanka.” And honestly? That didn’t surprise me.

I’ve always felt most alive in nature. I have my own garden back home in the Philippines. I love slow mornings, solo hikes, and just being quiet — especially when I’m surrounded by trees, mountains, or rivers.

When I went to Sri Lanka, I stayed in a mud house tucked into one of the most remote villages. My days were simple but full: sipping tea while looking out over rice fields, eating vegetables from the host’s garden, hiking through thick jungles, and bathing in rivers at sunset. There was nothing fancy. But it was peaceful. And it felt like exactly where I needed to be.

That said, over the past year I’ve also volunteered in places that were the complete opposite.

I helped at hostels in lively towns, worked on a horse ranch, taught kids in rural communities, and supported local projects in areas facing poverty. Every experience gave me something different — a new challenge, a new joy, a new connection.

So here’s what I want you to know:
This quiz isn’t meant to box you in.

It’s not about finding only one type of volunteering to stick with forever. It’s about discovering the environments where you naturally thrive — where your heart lights up, where you feel most you.

Some hostels are deep in nature. Some teaching roles come with cozy dorm rooms. Some farms are buzzing with volunteers.
It’s all a mix.

Let this result guide your first step — but don’t be afraid to explore beyond it.
You’ll grow with each new experience. And your next adventure might surprise you in the best way.

Pros and Cons of Each Volunteering Type

Keep in mind that each volunteering type comes with its own set of pros and cons. For example:

🌱 Farm Volunteering

One of the biggest perks is the abundance of fresh food. When I volunteered at a farmhouse in Arizona, I had access to the best variety of fruits, vegetables, and even meat — all from the surrounding land. It was incredible. But it was also far from the city, which meant I needed a car if I wanted to explore beyond the farm.

🏨 Hostel Volunteering

Hostels, on the other hand, are often located in city centers or tourist hotspots. I’ve worked with hostels in Colorado, near the Grand Canyon, and in Amman, Jordan. I didn’t need a car to get around — everything was walkable or accessible by public transport.

Another bonus? You’ll often meet guests who invite you to join their trips or activities, which makes exploring even more fun and spontaneous.

🤝 Local Community Projects

When most people think of volunteering, this is what comes to mind: helping with local initiatives like women’s groups, community centers, or village development programs.

The beauty of this type is how deeply you get to engage with locals and become part of their daily rhythm. But these projects are often in remote areas, so sightseeing can be limited. The focus here is really on connection, not checking off tourist spots.

📚 Teaching

Teaching in rural communities offers similar deep cultural immersion — but with the added joy of sharing your knowledge. You might be helping kids learn English or teaching creative skills. These roles often come with structured hours, leaving you some time afterward to explore the area or nearby attractions.

In the end, every type of volunteering experience has its own unique rhythm. Some will fill your soul with peace, others with laughter, some with purpose.

So use this quiz as a starting point — a compass to guide your first few steps.

But stay open. Because sometimes, the most unexpected roles lead to the most unforgettable adventures.

Turn Your Quiz Results Into Action: 5 Simple Steps

Got your result? Amazing. Now let’s make it real.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Here’s exactly how to take that quiz insight and turn it into your first (or next) volunteer adventure:

1. Explore Volunteer Platforms That Fit Your Result

Start by looking at trusted platforms that offer the types of opportunities aligned with your quiz result.

There are many volunteering and work exchange platforms out there — some general, others focused on niches like farming, hostels, and yoga. I used the top two: Workaway and Worldpackers.

My first volunteer experience was through Workaway. I liked that they had a larger pool of hosts and more diverse opportunities. You can even get an extra month if you sign up here.

Personally, I prefer Worldpackers for their beginner-friendly site, transparency (they don’t filter out negative reviews), and their host guarantee — they’ll cover your stay if a host cancels or you need to leave early. I used them for my entire year of volunteering.

💡 Pro Tip: Use my Worldpackers discount code HAPPINESSONTHEWAY to save $10 when you join. And if you sign up in June, the Worldpackers team will send you an exclusive guide to help you get started.

2. Shortlist 3 Opportunities That Light You Up

Once you’ve chosen your platform, use your quiz result as a guide.
Look for hosts or projects that match your vibe — whether that’s a farm in nature, a hostel in a vibrant city, or a school in a small community.

💡 Pro tip: Save at least 3 listings that catch your eye — even if they’re different types!

3. Message the Hosts (and Ask the Right Questions)

Before applying, reach out to hosts with a short intro and a few thoughtful questions.

Ask things like:

• What does a typical day look like?
• Are there other volunteers?
• Is the area walkable, or will I need transport?
• What are the meals and accommodations like?

This helps you set clear expectations — and shows the host you’re serious.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask these 16 questions before confirming with your host. (You’ll find them in Section 5.)

4. Get Your Travel Basics in Order

Once accepted, it’s time to prep.

• Book your flights (or overland route)
• Grab travel insurance. Do not skip this. I know you’re trying to keep costs low by volunteering, but one accident can wipe out all those savings. Here’s the one I use.
• Get an eSIM. It will allow you to find public transportation, contact your host, use Google Translate and it’s for your safety.
• Set a loose budget — my guide on how I travel the world for free can help.

💡Want to stay safe and connected while volunteering?
Get an eSIM that works in 200+ countries. Set it up before you arrive — and it’s easy to reload!
Enjoy $3 off your first purchase with the discount code: GLADIS1238.

5. Commit, Show Up, and Stay Open

Volunteering isn’t just about helping — it’s about growing.
Go in with curiosity, flexibility, and an open heart. Your quiz result is your compass, but the journey is yours to shape.

Even if it’s your first time, you’re more ready than you think.

FAQs: Volunteering Abroad

Ready to Start Volunteering?

If this quiz gave you clarity or a little spark of excitement, don’t wait for the “perfect” time. The world needs what you uniquely have to offer. You’ve got this. And I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

💡 Use my Worldpackers discount code HAPPINESSONTHEWAY to get $10 off your membership — and start finding safe, meaningful volunteer opportunities around the globe.

Read More About Volunteering

• How to Travel the World for Free by Volunteering Abroad
• What Is Work Exchange and How Does It Really Work?
• What I Wish I Knew Before My First Workaway Experience
• 10 Best Workaway Alternatives for Volunteering and Work Exchange
• Is Worldpackers Safe? Read This Before You Volunteer
• My Worldpackers Review After One Year of Volunteering