Are you looking for a life changing experience? Apply to volunteer abroad helping good causes! There are short and long term projects available, from less than a week to a year or longer. Some programs are structured requiring a fee but include flights, transfers, meals and accommodation, whilst others are totally free/low cost.
Best Volunteer Abroad Programs
Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand
• 2-12 weeks
• £1,245
Volunteer with Street Dogs in Thailand
• 2-12 weeks
• £1,245
Africa Big 5 Wildlife Conservation
• 2-12 weeks
• £1,395
Community Work in Cape Town
• 2-12 weeks
• £1,545
Community Volunteering in Zanzibar
• 2-8 weeks
• £2,045
Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
• 2-12 weeks
• £1,395
Amazon Shelter Volunteer
• 4-12 weeks
• £1,845
Volunteer in the Galapagos
• 2-8 weeks
• £1,195
Canary Islands Whale & Dolphin Conservation
• 1-12 weeks
• Price from £1,995
Sloth & Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary
• 2-10 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Sea Turtle Conservation in Mexico
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £3,445
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organisations
Regions
• Africa • Asia • Europe • South America • Central America • North America • Oceania • Caribbean • Middle East
Popular Destinations
• Thailand
• South Africa
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• India
• Kenya
• Costa Rica
Program Types
• Animals
• Community development
• Building
• Environment conservation
• Medical
• Sport
• Summer
• Teaching
• Refugee Support
• Mission trips
Why Volunteer Abroad?
You can travel to far away lands and try new types of food before snapping pics in front of iconic landmarks. But, what can you do to give back to the country you’re visiting? Volunteering is an alternative to the been there, done that trip. It’s a way to experience life as a local and help a community you’ve never met improve their lives.
By volunteering abroad you are making a positive difference to the lives of others on a much more intimate level, by donating your time, energy and experience. Learn about the people and place you are visiting on a much deeper level than a normal adventure tour.
You can find programs that allow you to engage in community and conservation projects all around the world, from animals, health to education. Remember this is your life changing experience, so choose the right project and make the most of every second.
Volunteer Programs for Students and Graduates
There are some obvious benefits of volunteering for students like credits, work experience and a conspicuous addition to the CV.
However, it is the intangible benefits of volunteering abroad which in the long term can be the real game-changers. In a hyper-connected, globalized world one often finds oneself working in a team which is spread across different geographies and time zones, is constituted of members who speak a different language and who live a culture bearing little or no similarity to one’s own.
Volunteering abroad can you to an experience of working in a challenging environment, very different from their own. This push out of the comfort zone can broaden horizons, preparing you for challenges ahead especially that of effective communication in a diverse team.
Volunteering for Career Breaks and Sabbaticals
People who take time off work are most often looking to get away from the monotony and stress of the everyday life. Volunteering and travelling or better still a combination of the two is often preferred by most people who decide to take a sabbatical.
Volunteering very often is a “feel good” experience, a chance to make a difference and not doing something just for oneself can be very satisfying in itself. But it is a combination of doing good and experiencing a different country, culture and people which can be the most rewarding.
It is for this reason that volunteering aboard is rapidly becoming the number one choice for most career-breakers. Most volunteers add a few weeks of travelling to their itinerary to make the most of their break.
Volunteering Abroad for Seniors / After Retirement
Most people want take it easy after retirement, do things at their own pace and enjoy them. But very soon they realize that they have too much time at hand and want to get involved into something fulfilling and satisfying. Volunteering can be just that opportunity.
All of us dream of a time when we can see all the places we always wanted to see but never had the time because of work and family commitments. Retirement offers that rare opportunity to travel and explore new lands and when one combines it with volunteering it also becomes fulfilling and satisfying.
Giving back can enrich a retirement like nothing else and travelling can keep one fit and healthy. It is never too late to start exploring and for all one knows it could be a new beginning.
Volunteering Abroad FAQ
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering abroad.
Why Volunteer?
The dictionary describes Volunteering as – to offer oneself for some service or undertaking. This meaning implies that the beneficiary of volunteering is the recipient of the service of the volunteers, which is of course true but only partly.
The truth is that volunteering can be as much of a benefit to the volunteer as to the recipient of his/her service. In fact, in a few instances it can be a life changing experience for the volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to give something back.
From helping communities, looking after patients with HIV and Aids, improving children education through to helping wildlife, you can find thousands of opportunities all around the world. Learn new skills, meet inspirational people, do something meaningful and help make a difference.
Is Volunteering Abroad Easy?
You will have a lot of fun travelling, making new friends and having new experiences, but expect challenges. There is no typical day or script to follow, and in the developing world conditions can change quickly. You must be flexible and ready for anything.
Some days will be frustrating and not what you expected, but this is part of the volunteering experience and why patience and a positive attitude are fundamental traits of a good international volunteer.
Moreover, as a volunteer your role is to fit in with your project and not the other way around. We expect you to contribute wherever the need arises, even if it means being involved in an area you were not expecting to work in. Do not ask what your project can do for you, ask what you can do for your project.
Can I Volunteer Abroad for Free?
Yes, there are lots of totally free volunteering opportunities with local organisations and charities.
Why Do Some Companies Charge Fees to Volunteer Abroad?
Sometimes as there is usually no governmental funding available some organisations do charge a fee for your stay. This usually goes to pay for accommodation, meals, airport transfers, transport around the placement, training and operational costs.
It usually also includes a donation towards projects, and helps to pay salaries for dedicated in-country teams and project co-ordinators, who are usually locally employed. What’s left is usually put in the project.
Fees also help to support the continuity and operating costs of projects. There are lots of scholarships and bursaries available – so don’t let some high prices put you off.
How Do I Find Paid Volunteer Work Abroad
There are paid roles available, especially if you have experience or a specific skill. Companies hire inc-country coordinators to make sure projects run smoothly, whilst if you work in a certain area e.g. medicine or veterinary you can find paying roles. Some organisations also offer stipend salaries to cover living/transport costs.
Requirements
For a lot of projects, no specific skills are normally required, just a desire to lend a hand, and learn more about what life is like in communities around the world. Most organisations will require participants to be aged 18+, but there are opportunities to volunteer abroad for under 18’s too.