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We understand that sending your child to volunteer overseas is a big decision. At Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, safety, ethics, and responsible care are woven into everything we do. From how our programs are run to how we support young people on their journey. This page is here to help you feel confident and informed, every step of the way.
Most of our projects are open to volunteers aged 18 and over. Some select programs will accept 17-year-olds travelling independently, while others may allow younger participants only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. If your child is under 18, we’ll help you find a suitable project that offers the right level of supervision and support.
Every project site follows strict health and safety protocols and is staffed by experienced local teams. Volunteers receive a full briefing on arrival and are supported throughout their stay by on-site coordinators. We also check in with them directly via email in the first few days and remain available 24/7 should any issues arise.
We know it brings peace of mind to stay in touch while your child is abroad. WhatsApp and similar messaging apps are widely used across our project regions, and we recommend setting one up before travel for easy, free communication over Wi-Fi or data. Local SIM cards are readily available at most airports or phone shops in shopping centres, and staff can usually help with setup. Just make sure their phone is unlocked before departure.
Please keep in mind that your child may be working in the field, out on surveys, or spending time with new friends and may not always respond straight away. Time zone differences can also mean they’re asleep while you’re awake. Allow a little space, and trust that they’ll check in when they can.
Whether your child is caring for wildlife, restoring marine habitats, or learning conservation science in the field, they’ll gain skills and confidence that last a lifetime. These programs build independence, empathy, and global awareness and can even contribute to career or study pathways in animal care, marine biology, or environmental science.
Living and working alongside people from diverse backgrounds also encourages collaboration and adaptability, while being in nature and contributing to a greater purpose fosters resilience and self-awareness. Many past volunteers return home with a stronger sense of direction, having discovered new passions or clarified future goals. Volunteering with O2E offers a rare opportunity to grow through meaningful action, not just observation.
Every volunteer experience carries a level of risk, whether it’s travel-related, environmental, or project-based. At Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, we take this seriously. Each of our programs is supported by a comprehensive risk assessment and a detailed action plan, developed in consultation with local partners and aligned with best practice in volunteer safety and international travel standards.
Our team regularly reviews risk protocols for each location and ensures that volunteers are briefed thoroughly on arrival. These plans cover everything from medical emergencies and wildlife safety to extreme weather and evacuation procedures. We don’t take shortcuts and we’re committed to keeping your child safe while empowering them to explore, learn, and contribute meaningfully.
You may choose to set up a power of attorney for your child while he or she is away. This can either cover specific areas or give you general powers to deal with your child’s affairs should the need arise. This means you can talk to the bank or the university should the need arise.
Ensure that your child knows that they shouldn’t hesitate to contact you if they run into any problems. Some children are too embarrassed or afraid to call home until things have gone wrong. Open the lines of communication with your child and make them feel that you are always there to listen and assist them should they require it, no matter what happens on their travels.
We’re always here to support you and your child before, during, and after their trip.
For general questions or non-urgent matters, please email us. Our team monitors the inbox closely and will respond promptly.
In case of an emergency, refer to the O2E emergency phone number listed in your child’s Information Guide. This number is available 24/7 during program periods.
WhatsApp is also a useful option for urgent messages or quick check-ins, especially when calling internationally.
As with your child, we ask that you allow for time zone differences and in-field work schedules when waiting for a reply. If something feels truly urgent, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
Do volunteers need insurance? Yes. All O2E volunteers are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care, trip cancellations, and participation in volunteer activities. This is a condition of joining any program.
How are volunteers supervised? Each project has an experienced local coordinator or team leader responsible for volunteer safety, briefings, and day-to-day support. Volunteers are never left without guidance, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What happens in an emergency? Every project has a detailed risk and emergency action plan in place, including access to local medical services, evacuation procedures, and 24/7 support from O2E. Your child will receive local emergency contacts in their Information Guide, and so will you.
What if my child has concerns or something goes wrong? We encourage all volunteers to speak up early and often. If something doesn’t feel right, we want to know—not after the fact. Volunteers can talk to their project coordinator, email our team, or call us directly at any time.
Can I contact O2E directly? Absolutely. For general queries, email is best and is checked regularly by our support team. For urgent concerns, use the emergency phone number provided in the Information Guide or contact us via WhatsApp.
Looking for more answers? Visit our full Volunteer FAQ page for more information.
