VOLUNTEER IN MALAYSIA

Be the Change. Be a Global Volunteer in Malaysia.

Meaningful Community Service.

Whether you’re drawn to teaching English to children and teens, offering after-school assistance, or providing education support to teachers and parent of individuals with autism and Down syndrome, there’s a place for you to make a difference. Experience the warmth of Malaysian hospitality, immerse yourself in rich cultural diversity, and witness the transformative power of service firsthand.

Get Started in Malaysia

Johor Bahru

Local time in Malaysia:

Required Mobility Level:
Mobile

Call: 651-407-6100

2024 Malaysia Dates – 2 Weeks

Single Room Accommodations: The program contribution listed above covers double-occupancy accommodations; single accommodations are available in Malaysia at an additional cost of $630 for two weeks. These accommodations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

FAQs:

Genuine development projects to help children thrive. Service-learning programs for families, groups, and individuals.

Community Projects

Teach conversational English to children and teens

While English language teachers in Malaysia excel in grammar and teaching foundational writing and speaking skills, like many educators worldwide, they benefit from support in pronunciation, idiomatic expressions, and other language complexities. Your English teaching assignments build on these skills and help students and teachers improve their conversational abilities. Through engaging discussions, role-plays, and interactive activities, volunteers facilitate an enriching learning experience that empowers students to communicate effectively.

Academic Support and Tutoring

Volunteers provide targeted assistance to students, focusing on math, science, geography, and other academic areas. By offering personalized tutoring sessions and after-school support, volunteers help students grasp challenging concepts, complete homework assignments, and improve their overall academic performance.

Autism and Down Syndrome Education Support

In a country where specialized training for special needs education is rare, teachers often lack the necessary expertise to support children and adults with autism and Down syndrome effectively. Additionally, the disparity in salaries between Malaysia and Singapore presents challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, exacerbating the shortage of skilled educators. Volunteers with backgrounds in special education or parents of children with special needs are invaluable in bridging this gap, offering their expertise to empower teachers and parents alike in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals with special needs can thrive and reach their full potential.

Arrival and Departure

Leave the details to us!

Your service program officially begins with the evening meal on the first Saturday of the program.

There are two primary air routes to reach Johor Bahru:

The most convenient option is to fly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (airport code KUL) and then connect to Senai International Airport (airport code JHB). Upon arrival at Senai International Airport, a Global Volunteers representative will greet volunteers opting for this route.
Alternatively, you can fly to Singapore. After completing immigration and customs procedures, you can take a 30-minute to three-hour bus or taxi ride from Singapore to Johor Bahru and the hotel. The travel time varies depending on the traffic at the Singapore-Malaysia Causeway and the mode of transportation chosen. Taxis generally offer faster travel times compared to buses. If you decide to fly to Singapore, there won’t be a meet-up at the airport, and you’ll need to make your way to the hotel.

We recommend that volunteers fly to Kuala Lumpur (KUL ) and take a connecting flight to JB (Senai International Airport (JHB), where a Global Volunteers representative will meet volunteers and drive them to the Trove Hotel.

Departure to the airport after the program ends can be arranged.

Please confirm your flight itinerary with us at least two weeks before the service program’s arrival date to arrange your team’s airport transfer to the hotel.

Food and Lodging

Rest and comfort for a productive program.

Volunteers stay in the very comfortable and stylish Trove Hotel at Johor Bahru – double occupancy (singles available for an additional fee). Each room has contemporary conveniences, including a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and tea/coffee-making facilities. The en suite bathroom is stocked with complimentary toiletries and features a shower. The hotel boasts a swimming pool, a fitness center with professional massage services, a bar, and two small restaurants. Laundry services are available for an extra fee.

A buffet breakfast is served at the hotel. Lunches are either packed sandwiches or provided by the community partners. Dinners are at local restaurants at or near the hotel. Influenced by Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran culinary traditions, Malaysian cuisine offers a delightful fusion of flavors, spices, and cooking techniques. Rice and noodles are staple ingredients, often accompanied by various curries, stir-fries, and aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. Satay, a popular street food consisting of skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce, is a beloved Malaysian dish. Nasi lemak, Malaysia’s national dish, features fragrant coconut rice served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, and spicy sambal. Roti canai, an Indian-influenced flatbread, is commonly enjoyed with dhal or curry.

Health and Safety

Our top priority: Health and safety.

Safety trumps everything with Global Volunteers. Your food, lodging, and transportation are provided with your health and safety in mind. Your team leader is trained in CPR and first aid. Read more about health and safety here. Wear sunscreen, a hat and protective sunglasses, and drink plenty of potable water. And be especially careful when walking along roadways and crossing streets. As when traveling anywhere, always be cognizant of your surroundings.

We strongly recommend you consult your physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information and preventative measures. For general recommendations, consult the following sources:

Centers for Disease Control | Health Canada Online | Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Global Volunteers includes emergency medical evacuation insurance in your service program fee. We also recommend health insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance in the event you must cancel your participation on the service program. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Click here to read risks associated with international travel.

Global Volunteers’ Covid 19 Policy for Service Programs in the U.S. and Abroad

Team Leader

Free Time

Cultural and historical attractions for an in-depth perspective.

Johor Bahru, a vibrant city on the southern tip of Malaysia, has no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy during leisure time. During free time, volunteers can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage by visiting iconic landmarks such as Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, and Istana Bukit Serene. Explore Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, and wander along one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and discover traditional Chinese-style shophouses and colonial buildings. For those seeking adventure, theme parks like Legoland Malaysia and Hello Kitty Town offer thrilling rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Nature lovers can escape the urban hustle and bustle by taking a stroll along Danga Bay or exploring the lush greenery of Hutan Bandar Johor Bahru. Additionally, shopping enthusiasts can shop till they drop at popular malls like Johor Bahru City Square and Komtar JBCC, offering a wide range of retail and dining options. Whether it’s cultural exploration, adrenaline-pumping adventures, culinary delights, or retail therapy, Johor Bahru has something to offer everyone during their free time.

During the middle weekend, volunteers have the opportunity to explore the bustling cityscape of Singapore, the rich historical tapestry of Melaka, the tranquil shores of Sentosa Island, and a host of other remarkable sites.

Family Volunteering

Share the gift of giving to others.

Something like magic happens when teens and parents volunteer together. Families of many compositions – grandparents and grandchild, daughter and mother, father, mother and children, and niece and aunt – serve together in Malaysia. The need is so great – and your reward so vast – that volunteering as a family will be an experience you’ll remember forever. Read more about family volunteering here.

To ensure a positive experience for everyone, you must comply with Global Volunteers’ minor supervision policy.

Group Opportunities

Imagine your group in Malaysia!

The benefits of volunteering as a group with Global Volunteers in Malaysia for you and the students you serve. By dedicating your time and skills to support students in need through projects such as teaching conversational English, providing academic support in subjects like math and science, and offering specialized assistance to individuals with autism and Down syndrome, you’ll not only make a tangible difference in their lives but also gain valuable insights into the local community and its unique challenges. Immersing yourself in Malaysian culture, you’ll discover the rich tapestry of traditions, cuisines, and customs that make this country truly remarkable, broadening your understanding of global issues and cultivating empathy and compassion for others through the exchange of knowledge and perspectives. What’s more, you learn about your group members in a non-traditional way as an intact volunteer team and know that your unique skills advance the futures of those you serve.

Read on for details on group volunteering

In Malaysia, the population exceeds 33 million, representing multiple Asian countries and ethnicities, with 70 percent residing in urban areas.

“Since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has undergone a profound economic transformation, transitioning from a predominantly agricultural and commodity-based economy to a robust manufacturing and service sector.”

The World Bank

Malaysia is home to some of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, including Taman Negara, which is estimated to be over 130 million years old.

Known as the “King of Fruits,” Malaysia is one of the world’s largest producers of durian, a pungent and creamy fruit beloved by locals and adventurers alike.

Malaysian cuisine is renowned for its diversity and flavors, with bustling street markets offering an array of dishes such as nasi lemak, laksa, and roti canai.

Malaysia celebrates various cultural festivals throughout the year, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas, fostering unity and harmony among its diverse communities.