Work and Travel in Micronesia

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN MICRONESIA FOR TRAVELLERS

Micronesia is a country spread across the Pacific Ocean. It consists of more than 600 separate islands, although the majority of them are uninhabited. What’s considered a dream destination for many could become an incredible experience for you.

Few people consider the volunteering opportunities in Micronesia. Rather than holing up in some all-inclusive resort, make a difference when you travel in Micronesia.

Our travel guide to Micronesia is going to introduce you to some of the things you can do in Micronesia.

1. Protect the Coral Reefs in Micronesia

Micronesia happens to boast one of the most pristine natural landscapes in the world. Micronesia, however, is suffering from the effects of climate change. Thankfully, there are so many charities dedicated to protecting the natural landscape of the country.

One of the main options is to work on the coral reefs. They are suffering from bleaching and breakage. You’ll be helping to repair the coral reefs so future generations can enjoy them.

It’s also a great way for you to enjoy the natural beauty of the country, at the same time.

2. Help Improve the Infrastructure of Micronesia

Are you a handy person?

Then use your DIY skills to help with infrastructure projects. There are always construction projects in Micronesia and volunteers are always welcome. They’re mainly smaller projects designed to make life easier for local people in the rural areas, such as repairing a well or repairing homes that have been damaged over time.

You should already have some experience before you apply for these projects. Occasionally you can find projects for the unqualified, but they’re few.

3. Improve Education in the Country

Many volunteering opportunities in Micronesia involve education. Sadly, education standards are poor in the country.

Help underprivileged children get the education they deserve. You’ll be able to teach them basic skills and make a real difference to their lives in the long-term.

It’s ideal if you have at least a TEFL qualification and some teaching experience, but it’s far from necessary. You’ll also get the chance to make real connections with local people, which few visitors do.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MICRONESIA

If you want to work and travel in Micronesia, you’ll be pleased to know that they follow a similar visa policy to other Pacific nations in that people from developed countries can come to the country with few problems.

US citizens have the biggest advantage when they travel in Micronesia because they’re able to come to the country for 365 days without a visa. There’s no other country in the world that’s afforded such a liberal visa policy. Canadians and Mexicans only get 30 days when they land in the country.

The UK and the European Union (EU) are able to enjoy a standard 90 days in Micronesia before they need to apply for a visa.

Australians, Kiwis, the Japanese, and South Koreans only get 30 days.

But don’t worry because 30-day visas are easily extended up to the traditional 90 days. For more info click here. You can do this when you land in the country.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN MICRONESIA

SPRING WORK

The spring season is classified as the rainy season, but the greatest rainfalls don’t start until July. So the start of spring could be considered to be part of the shoulder season.

You can still participate in conservation projects in Micronesia during the shoulder season, but many of them don’t operate during the heavy rains.

We recommend computer literacy projects and, if you have the experience, helping with projects that focus on business administration.

You may also be able to teach languages in the country or support orphaned and disabled children. Educators will also find the spring season to be a great time to work in Micronesia.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is the middle of the rainy season and is the worst time to visit the country. We don’t recommend visiting at this time of year.

However, you can refer back to the ‘Spring’ section for some examples of the things you can do during summer.

AUTUMN

The autumn is the shoulder season going into the dry season. It’s probably the best time to get involved in conservation projects.

There are so many options for conservation projects. You may want to help support the dying coral reefs in the region or help with the study and conservation of the marine life.

Options on land include: protecting the endangered birds of the area and supporting the regrowth of the forests on the islands.

Another choice is working on infrastructure projects. With the end of the rains, a lot of these construction projects start in autumn. You can usually apply for these positions at short notice, so don’t worry about landing in the country and searching for work on the ground.

However, we recommend applying in advance.

WINTER

The winter season is the dry season and the best time of year to look for volunteering opportunities in Micronesia. You can find most of the information you need on winter by looking back at the ‘Autumn’ section.

However, winter also allows you to work in one of the big resorts. You’ll be able to enjoy providing snorkelling lessons or just working as part of the cleaning staff.

Take note that these positions last just for a few months, in most cases. And you will be expected to apply well in advance of the high season. Resorts like to have their teams in place well before the main season starts.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN MICRONESIA

Work and travel in Micronesia will give you an incredible experience. The local people are used to tourists and you’ll get nothing but a friendly face. Pacific Islanders tend to be welcoming and they continue to embrace their local culture.

You won’t have any problems working or volunteering in Micronesia because foreign workers come here every year. It’s nothing out of the ordinary.

So if you want to enjoy paradise without spending a huge amount, work and travel in Micronesia is the path you need to take.

Are you ready to work and travel in paradise