International Volunteers
Calling all international volunteers! We are looking for English speaking volunteers to support our community development programmes in North Sumatra, Indonesia.
We are always recruiting volunteers to support our English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes, our regenerative agriculture programme, and our general operations. We are currently looking for people for our 2025 and 2026 cycles.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain experience in the NGO field, specifically for those people interested in nonprofit managerment, education, conseravtion, or community development.
The full details of the volunteer placement and everything that is included are listed below. If you would like more information, please send an email to Info@bukitlawangtrust.org
When is the volunteer placement?
We are currently recruiting for our 2025/26 cycles:​
Leopard Cycle: 8th Aug - 3rd Oct
Rhino Cycle: 10th Oct - 6th Dec
Orangutan Cycle: January - March 2026
Elephant Cycle: April - June 2026
We can be flexible with dates, so if you are interested please get in touch below!
As an English-Teaching Volunteer...
You will work alongside our full-time teachers to help deliver course materials to rural schools in and around Bukit Lawang. Your responsbilities may include:
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Attending lessons with our teachers
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Material delivery and behaviour management
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Attending trainings on effective teaching skills
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Designing and implementing lesson-plans
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Giving feedback on our programme strategies and helping us improve what we do
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This opportunity is perfect for anybody pursuing a career teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or for anybody who wants hands-on experience in rural education.
As a Conservation Volunteer...
You will work alongside our regenerative farming expert and be a leader in our Trust's conservation efforts. Your responsibilities may include:
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Attending morning farming sessions
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Learning and applying regenerative farming techniques
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Maintaining our Trust's many conversation and environmental initiatives
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Leading our efforts to build a more sustainable community
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Working with local farmers and entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses sustainably
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Helping us strategise and grow our programmes so that we can be better at what we do
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This opportunity is ideal for anyone who is passionate about nature or is searching for career experience in conservation, community development, or sustainable agriculture.
As a Generalist Volunteer...
You will work alongside the Trust's leadership team to help our programmes run effectively and to implement your own projects. Your responsibilities may include:
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Helping our full-time staff with daily operations
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Getting involved in long-term strategy conversations
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Completing administrative tasks as assigned by our management team
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Assisting across all programme areas to help deliver our programmes
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Leading volunteer-run programmes
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Pitching your own ideas for programmes and initiatives
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​Providing feedback on our long-term strategy to help us be the best at what we do
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This opportunity is perfect for anybody wishing to pursue a career in the NGO world or for anyone who simply wants to come and help!
Your placement will include
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The opportunity to learn about the internal operations of a grassroots NGO
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An amazing community with a multination team and global connections
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Full training for all programme activities
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Weekly 1-on-1 sessions for career and personal development
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On-site accommodation in a shared dorm
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Lunch Monday - Friday
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A two-day jungle trek in the Gunung Leusur National Park, home to the Sumatran Orangutan
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A cultural workshop with local artisans
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Endless social opportunites and chances to get involved in the local community!
What are the requirements?
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You must speak fluent English.
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You must be able to fund the cost of volunteering. We ask all our international volunteers who come for a full 8 week cycle to raise £1000 before coming out to join us in Sumatra. Alternatively, some people choose to pay this fee if they can afford to and are not able to fundraise. We know it’s a huge amount of money but this is a very big part of our funding and it allows us to continue our work. You are supporting a wonderful cause and we appreciate it so much.​
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You are fexible and have a positive attitude. All of our successful volunteers are willing to work hard and commit themselves to whatever is thrown their way.
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You must be able to travel to Indonesia for at least one month.
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You must have a love for the environment and a desire to effect positive change.
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You must have keen cultural sensitivity and an ability to accept anybody, regardless of their background.