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In an interconnected world fueled by the exchange of ideas, cultures, and experiences, the allure of global work and travel has never been more enticing. The desire to step beyond familiar borders, immerse yourself in diverse environments, and contribute meaningfully to communities far and wide has given rise to a dynamic trend of volunteering abroad. 

At Further Travel , we facilitate life-changing traveling experiences for adventure-seekers looking to broaden their horizons. We offer opportunities that extend far beyond visiting the typical tourist attractions, with some incredible chances to make a real difference in the world. Our global work and travel jobs can take you to: 

• South Africa
• Vietnam and Cambodia
• Philippines

If you’d like to learn more about our unique opportunities, start your application here !

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of global work and travel, and discuss how you can find your own opportunities. We’ll also explain some of the challenges involved in finding and engaging in student adventure travel and volunteer work overseas. Specifically, we’ll look at: 

• Why you should volunteer overseas
• The challenges of global work and travel
• How Further Travel makes global work and travel possible
• What global work and travel opportunities are available

We’ll explain what it takes to join these unique global work and travel opportunities, and how Further Travel can help you experience the journey of a lifetime. 

Global Work and Travel: Why Volunteer Overseas?

Embarking on a journey of global work and travel is a passport to uncharted territories. While traditional travel offers a window into different cultures and landscapes, volunteering overseas takes this experience to a new level. As well as being a good addition to your CV , here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider volunteering overseas: 

• See the world
• Make a real difference
• Find new friends
• Create lasting memories

Let’s explore these reasons to choose volunteer work as the gateway to your global adventure and explain how Further Travel can help you seize these opportunities. 

See the World

One of the most captivating aspects of volunteering abroad is the chance to witness the world from a unique vantage point. It goes beyond mere tourism, inviting you to become a part of the communities you visit. 

Whether you find yourself in a remote village nestled in the mountains or a bustling city on the coast, the immersive nature of volunteering allows you to gain insights that elude the casual traveler. Engaging with locals, understanding their daily lives, and contributing to their well-being provide a rich tapestry of experiences that textbooks and documentaries could never capture.

Make a Real Difference

While savoring the wonders of a foreign land is enticing, the true magic of volunteering overseas lies in the opportunity to effect genuine change. The ability to leave a positive imprint on the lives of others is an honor that transcends borders. Whether you're: 

• Participating in environmental conservation efforts
• Working with underprivileged children
• Supporting disadvantaged communities

Your efforts directly translate into tangible benefits around the world. This is the chance to turn compassion into action and travel with purpose , making your journey not just a personal adventure, but a contribution to the greater good.

Find New Friends

There’s no doubt that volunteering brings people together . The friendships forged while volunteering abroad possess a unique depth, built on shared experiences and common goals. In the pursuit of making a difference, you'll encounter like-minded individuals from all corners of the globe. These connections are often fast-tracked by the intense and transformative nature of volunteer work. 

The camaraderie developed with fellow volunteers, locals, and even those you assist can lead to enduring friendships that span oceans and cultures, serving as a reminder of the global community you've become a part of.

Create Lasting Memories

The memories you craft during your global volunteer journey extend beyond the typical travel snapshots. Each memory carries a sense of purpose, etched with the knowledge that you were part of something larger than yourself. Whether it's the smiles of the children you've taught, the sights and sounds of nature you've helped protect, or the resilience of the communities you've supported, your adventure travel volunteer experiences will paint a vivid tapestry of emotions and stories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

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Start Your Adventure With Further Travel

At Further Travel , we make these opportunities possible. Our global work and travel experiences are available in some of the world’s most incredible locations, and give you the chance to make a genuine difference in a variety of ways. Finding these unique opportunities on your own isn’t easy, but, with Further Travel, our vast network and pre-planned itineraries help you find an experience that maximizes your time and impact abroad. Want to learn more? Check out our FAQs or start your application here !

The Challenges of Global Work and Travel

Embarking on a journey of global work and travel is an exhilarating endeavor, promising a world of new experiences and meaningful connections. However, like any significant undertaking, this path comes with its fair share of challenges that require careful consideration and preparation. Some of the obstacles that you may face include: 

• Finding volunteer work overseas
• Dealing with visas and work permits
• Planning and organizing a global work and travel itinerary

Let’s take a look at each of these challenges in more detail and explain how you can overcome these hurdles with Further Travel. 

Finding Volunteer Work Overseas

While the world offers an array of volunteer opportunities, narrowing down the options to find the one that aligns with your passions, skills, and desired destination can be overwhelming. The abundance of environmental volunteer organizations , projects, and destinations can make the task seem daunting. It’s also difficult to understand the requirements, eligibility criteria, and exactly what’s included in each volunteering experience. 

At Further Travel, we’ve already done the hard work for you. You can easily view and compare our various global work and travel opportunities to find your ideal experience. Get started here !

The Added Complication of Visas

For those seeking travel for environmental volunteers overseas, the complexities of visa regulations can present a significant hurdle. Each country has its own set of requirements for volunteers, which can range from tourist visas to special volunteer visas or even work permits, depending on the nature and duration of your engagement. Navigating through the intricacies of these regulations can be time-consuming and confusing, often requiring meticulous attention to detail and a solid understanding of various international travel rules and restrictions. 

Planning and Organizing Your Trip

The allure of global work and travel may paint a picture of carefree exploration, but in reality, meticulous planning and organization are essential. When you travel and volunteer abroad , you need to plan everything from flights and accommodation to health and safety considerations. Creating a comprehensive travel itinerary requires careful attention to detail and takes significant planning. Balancing the excitement of exploration with the practicalities of ensuring a smooth journey can be challenging, especially when accounting for potential language barriers and cultural differences.

How Further Travel Helps With Global Work and Travel

Embarking on a journey of global work and travel is a monumental step, one that promises personal growth, cross-cultural enrichment, and the opportunity to make a positive impact. However, the path to realizing this dream can be riddled with uncertainties and challenges. It can be daunting to find the right volunteering opportunity, and intimidating to make such a life-changing journey alone. 

With Further Travel, you’re not alone! We can help you navigate the complex landscape of global volunteer opportunities and help you experience and contribute to a new, fascinating culture. In this section, we’ll explain how Further Travel takes the stress and guess-work out of your global work and travel experience, by: 

• Offering volunteer experiences in a wide variety of fields
• Providing an incredible selection of remote destinations 
• Giving you plenty of free time to explore your surroundings
• Connecting you with like-minded travel buddies
• Organizing pre-planned itineraries to make your journey a breeze

With our expert guidance, you can craft the experience of a lifetime, make a real difference in local communities, and forge some incredible new friendships along the way. 

Choose Your Dream Experience

In a world teeming with volunteer projects, finding the right fit for your skills, interests, and desired destinations can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Further Travel streamlines this process by offering a curated selection of vetted and impactful opportunities. Whether you want to clean up remote beaches and learn to be more environmentally friendly , teach English to underprivileged kids, or care for endangered African wildlife, we’ve got the perfect opportunity for you, fully planned and ready to go. 

Travel to Incredible Locations

Imagine immersing yourself in the pristine waters of the Philippines, hanging out with laughing kids in Vietnam, or experiencing life at a wildlife reserve in South Africa. Further Travel brings these far-flung dreams to life by connecting you to projects in incredible locations around the world. With our expertise, you can venture beyond the usual tourist paths, diving deep into local cultures and landscapes that may have otherwise remained undiscovered. 

Spend Your Free Time Exploring

Our pre-planned itineraries take the stress out of scheduling your precious vacation hours, but we also know you need time to do your own thing! You’ll find plenty of opportunities to read a book on a remote beach, enjoy a cocktail with your new friends, explore local markets and towns, or do whatever else it is that interests you. Plus, our on-site experts can help you make the most of your free time, providing recommendations for must-visit attractions, cultural experiences, and hidden gems in the region you're exploring. 

Meet Like-Minded Travelers

The camaraderie shared with fellow volunteers can be one of the most rewarding aspects of global work and travel. Further Travel's network of like-minded explorers serves as a built-in support system, fostering connections that often extend beyond the duration of your project. Sharing experiences, cultural insights, and mutual passions for making a positive impact, you'll form bonds that enrich both your journey and your personal growth.

Relax and Pack Your Bags!

As the countdown to your journey begins, Further Travel ensures a stress-free transition from preparation to departure. Our comprehensive support includes assistance with visa requirements, pre-departure information, and tips on what to pack. With the logistical complexities taken care of, you can focus on the life-changing adventure that awaits you.

If you’re ready for the experience of a lifetime, start your Further Travel application here !

What Further Travel Global Work and Travel Opportunities Are Available?

Further Travel opens the door to many different experiences, offering a diverse array of global work and travel opportunities. Choose between some incredible, rewarding, and memorable experiences, including: 

• Teaching & sports coaching in South Africa
• Elephant conservation in Thailand
• Caring for rescued dogs in Thailand
• Wildlife conservation volunteering in South Africa
• Beach conservation in the Maldives
• Teaching people with special needs in Bali
• English teaching in the Philippines 
• Help underprivileged communities in Cambodia

From fostering cross-cultural connections to contributing to meaningful causes, Further Travel presents an assortment of projects that align with various passions and interests. 

Teaching & Sports Coaching in South Africa

At Camp South Africa , you can experience the incredible beauty and culture of South Africa for four weeks while teaching sports and English to excited students. Due to a lack of funding and resources, South African kids don’t get the opportunity to play sports during their school day, which is where you come in. You don’t need any prior teaching experience, just a fun-loving attitude and a passion to make a difference! 

As well as teaching English in local schools and coaching sports within the community, your itinerary includes a lot of other incredible activities, including: 

• The chance to explore Port Elizabeth
• Visits to Jeffrey’s Bay and Elephant Addo National Park
• Free time for adventure activities like skydiving or bungee jumping
• Spending time with your new travel buddies 

This is an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in local South African communities. Apply here !

Elephant Conservation in Thailand

Camp Thailand offers an incredible opportunity to see elephants up close , make a positive impact with wildlife conservation organizations , and party it up with your fellow explorers. You’ll have plenty of chances to: 

• Spend time getting up close and personal learning about beautiful elephants  
• Giving back by teaching local children in schools
• Meet other travelers of a similar age
• Relax as our local guides and reps take care of everything
• Visit the best beach clubs and parties with guided nightlife tours

When you book through Further Travel, your accommodation is included, your travel dates are flexible, and you don’t need to do anything except enjoy your incredible experience! Book your spot here .

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Caring for Rescued Dogs in Thailand 

For dog lovers, Further Travel offers the opportunity to lend a helping hand to rescued dogs in need. Through tasks like feeding, grooming, and walking, you'll contribute to their well-being and play a part in their journey toward finding forever homes. At Camp Rescue Paws , you can embark on a two-week adventure to help tackle the country’s stray animal epidemic while immersing yourself in Thai culture. 

When you’re not caring for rescued dogs, you’ll have opportunities to visit an elephant sanctuary, participate in a Thai cooking class, learn about Thai culture and language, and take part in some traditional Thai activities. If dog walking along some beautiful Thai beaches and enjoying the best of Thai culture sounds like your ideal global work and travel experience, secure your spot here !

Animal Conservation in South Africa

Set against the backdrop of South Africa's breathtaking landscapes, this project focuses on preserving and protecting diverse wildlife species. This South African animal conservation camp gives you the opportunity to volunteer at a big cat rescue and experience South Africa’s incredible wildlife, up close and personal. With many of South Africa’s animals listed as threatened or endangered , this eye-opening experience lets you make a real difference by maintaining the animal reserve and caring for rehabilitated animals alongside local animal volunteer organizations . Apply here !

Beach Conservation in The Maldives

With Further Travel’s Camp Maldives experience , you have the opportunity to combine the allure of pristine beaches with environmental conservation in the beautiful Maldives. Spend an incredible 16 days preserving coral reefs and cleaning up beaches, all while basking in the beauty of this tropical paradise. You’ll have the chance to:

• Snorkel around coral
• See dolphins in their natural habitat
• Enjoy picnics on the beautiful sandbanks
• Tour the cities 
• Experience traditional Maldivian culture

From paddle boarding to planting trees, this beachside adventure has it all. Apply here !

Teaching For Special Needs in Bali

In the enchanting setting of Bali, contribute to the education and well-being of those with special needs through Further Travel’s Camp Bali program. This global work and travel experience gives you the opportunity to work with a local NGO that helps people with special needs. You’ll be involved in teaching classes, planning activities, and supporting the local teachers. 

In your free time, you’ll have opportunities to learn how to surf, do yoga on the beach, volunteer at a sea turtle rescue, and explore your surroundings with your new friends. Book your spot today ; this rewarding tropical adventure is waiting for you!

English Teaching in The Philippines 

Join the ranks of global educators by teaching English to eager learners in the Philippines with Further Travel’s Camp Philippines island experience . Empower local communities with the valuable skill of language, fostering greater opportunities for their future. Plus, you’ll have plenty of chances to leave the tourist trail behind and explore some incredible hidden pockets of the Philippines. This three-week global work and travel experience will take you to waterfalls, reefs, beaches, and everything in between.

With only 60 spots available, this is one of Further Travel's most exclusive camps. Save your place now ! 

Help Underprivileged Communities in Cambodia

At Camp Vietnam and Cambodia , you can channel your energy into empowering underprivileged communities. Help to clean up plastic from local river banks and turn it into eco-bricks for construction projects and be part of community volunteer work. Depending on the season and the projects available, you’ll have opportunities to teach English, work in local construction sites, and help out wherever you’re needed. 

Make a real difference and contribute to the growth and resilience of these deserving communities. Get started here !

Find Your Global Work and Travel Opportunity With Further Travel

Further Travel offers a wide range of projects designed to cater to your unique interests and aspirations. With our expert guidance, you can embark on a journey that resonates with your passions and helps you make a meaningful contribution. Our visa support, pre-planned itineraries, accommodation bookings, and transportation makes it easy for you to focus on what’s important: having the time of your life and making a difference in the world! 

If you’re ready to get started, you can apply here for the adventure of a lifetime!

FurtherTravel

Vietnam travel group opportunities for university students, visiting a thai elephant conservation center in thailand: what to expect, how to become a wildlife sanctuary south africa volunteer with further travel, a summer of impact: international volunteering opportunities for college students, teaching summer internship programmes: make a difference with camp thailand, where to find the best volunteer abroad opportunities for students [2024 + 2025 guide], study abroad programmes with a twist: how to get paid, do good, and have fun, thailand island tour guide: travel hop with camp thailand, life changing travel, bucket list experiences.

Bucket list activities, experience local culture, and make a difference to local communities in mind blowing destinations around the world. This is Intravelr.

Volunteer Abroad on a Short-Term Quest

When you journey on a United Planet Quest, you will have an impact, both on the community you serve and on yourself.  You will feel connected to a new culture. You will learn, and you will teach. You will discover, understand, grow.  You will come home a different person than when you left.

United Planet also offers virtual volunteering and virtual internships for 4 weeks and more in over 20 countries. Learn more about our virtual volunteering and virtual internship countries and projects .

Short-Term Quest in Peru Available : Support after-school programs, rural development, wildlife, and animal rescues, or volunteer at global health project to shadow doctors and nurses in local clinics in Cusco.

Short-Term Quest in Moldova Available : Help Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova ! There is an urgent need for volunteers in Moldova , helping with the Ukrainian refugee crisis. United Planet is seeking volunteers to support Ukrainian refugees, primarily women and children, în Chișinău, the capital of Moldova . United Planet volunteers are supporting local organizations in Moldova at the forefront of the refugee crisis.

Short-Term Quest to Ecuador Available:  Support a Wildlife Rescue Center by helping care for rescued animals, learning about environmental education, and rehabbing endangered wildlife of the Amazon.

Short- & Long-Term Quest to Costa Rica Available : Support ecological projects in rural areas—sea turtle & butterfly conservation, and ecological reserve protection. Spanish lessons are available for an additional cost.

Short-Term Quests to Italy Available: Volunteers can support foster care projects located in Northern Italy, living near or on site with the family. Volunteer Abroad Quests to Italy are available year-round.

Short-Term Countries

Project Options

Children and Education

Work with community members in classrooms, after school programs, daycares, childcare centers, women’s shelters, and more while immersing yourself completely in the local culture of your host community.

Global Health

Work and learn alongside community health professionals in general medicine, nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, psychiatry, and other areas while gaining real insight into shared healthcare challenges around the globe.

Environmental Sustainability

Live and work in conservation areas, contribute to construction projects, care for wildlife, and collaborate with local professionals to provide environmental education to surrounding communities.

What’s It Like?

“I have made some of the best memories during my Quest, and my stay in Peru was and always will be a monumental time in my life. I feel that I made a real difference in the lives of the children in my project, and I can say without a doubt that they had (and are continuing to have) a huge impact in mine. I felt immersed in the culture and lives of the Peruvian families. My excursion to Machu Picchu was an amazing and spiritually enhancing experience. I will forever cherish the memories of my day at the monumental Incan ruins. My overall experience on my United Planet Quest to Peru was everything I had hoped for and more. I will have these memories for the rest of my life. I have always been bothered by people who come back from life-changing experiences and simply say ‘it can not be put into words,’ but I am beginning to understand where they are coming from.” – Karsen G., volunteer in Peru

Program Details

United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

Get In Touch With Us

Call us on:  (+1) 619 320 2424

Request Info

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Looking for clinical exposure and volunteer service hours? Find your Pre-Med Project and give your medical school application a boost.

Help make a difference in local communities and learn new skills. Get involved in Childcare, Wildlife Conservation, and more

Gain practical work experience and build your CV in areas such as Business, Medicine, and Journalism.

Hassle-free, pre-planned trips for 15-18 year olds that help you step out of your comfort zone

Discover what you're capable of

Projects Abroad is the world’s largest provider of international volunteering, internships, and meaningful travel experiences. We’ve been running for over 30 years  and have been trusted by over  130,000 participants  who’ve joined our award-winning trips.

As champions of  Responsible Travel , all our volunteer projects work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This means you’re helping to work towards a better and more sustainable future for all.

While you’re making an impact, we ensure you do so safely. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, which is why you’ll have access to 24/7 support for the duration of your trip. From start to finish, we’re there for you.

We truly believe that travelling abroad should be easy, fun, and rewarding. That’s why we take care of everything, so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. Whether it's our impactful volunteering projects , structured internships , High School Specials , or Authentic Adventures , you'll be sure to get the Projects Abroad gold standard of staff support.

So come and join us. Learn new skills, meet new people, make a real difference, and have the experience of a lifetime.

We cannot wait to help you find out what you’re capable of.

What makes us different?

Gold standard of support.

Volunteer with total peace of mind. Our award-winning safety measures go beyond reacting to issues. We proactively assess risks, train expert staff, thoroughly vet accommodation, and even have an in-house medical advisor. We leave nothing to chance.

How we keep you safe

Hassle-free Approach

We take care of everything, so you don’t have to. Shopping around for insurance, organizing airport pickups, and finding safe, clean accommodation all takes time and extra money. We take care of it all for you, and it’s included in the price as standard.

Our hassle-free approach

Make a Real Impact

This isn’t just a vacation and we don’t want to waste your time. That’s why we invest in planning, measurement tools, and training resources. This means any project you choose is meaningful and creates real, positive change where it’s needed the most.

How you make an impact

Medicine Internship in Mexico

Volunteering with Wildlife in Botswana for Teenagers

Human Rights Internship in Mongolia

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

We’d be happy to talk about creating a custom project for you. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re ready to answer your questions, big or small.

Call one of our experts on:

We love meeting up with people to talk about our projects and give advice. If you’d like to meet us in person, see the options below:

One on One Meetings

We have staff in the USA who are always available to meet you. We can also arrange for you to meet former Projects Abroad volunteers.

We’ll arrange a meeting at a time and place that suit you.

Career fairs and presentations

We regularly attend Careers Fairs and do presentations at schools, colleges, universities and businesses across the country.

See where we’ve been recently and arrange for us to come and share our passion for volunteering with you.

Trip Formats

Our projects come in different styles and packages so you can choose a trip that suits you:

A flexible project that gives you the support and independence you need as you volunteer

Our Gap Programs are the perfect blend of adrenaline, exploration, and meaningful connection.

Tailor-made trips for volunteers over 50 who want to make a difference

Travel abroad and learn a language as you immerse yourself in a new culture

Try something different this Spring Break by joining one of our Projects

Students Aged 18+, wanting adventure and fun while gaining academic credit for their university studies

Join our overseas Pre-Med Programs to gain clinical exposure and community service hours to boost your medical school application.

Tailor-made Group Trips

Volunteer with a school, university, club, organization, or corporate group.

If you're looking to volunteer with 5 or more friends or colleagues, we can provide a project to suit your exact requirements, including evening and weekend activities and a tailor-made itinerary.

Some of the media Projects Abroad has featured in:

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Volunteer World is the World's leading comparison platform for volunteer abroad programs. We guide you through a safe and easy application process. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you access to:

Your Extra Layer of Security

Quality assurance.

High ethical standards & transparent social impact

Flex Option

Change your reservation at no extra costs

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We refund your fees if your project cancels your trip

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We cover your back no matter what happens

Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

All program fees are charged directly by your volunteer organization.

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Global volunteer opportunities are designed to discover the world in a meaningful way ... read more

Global volunteer opportunities are designed to discover the world in a meaningful way. Contribute to organizations that need your help. Support wildlife , the environment or local communities and discover some of the most exciting destinations in the world. With over 1,600 volunteer opportunities, there's a project out there for everyone.

Explore your destination as you work and help local communities reach their goals. See a side of your travel destination that tourists never get to see and connect with the locals on a profound level. Volunteer opportunities are your gateway to meaningful travel. Are you ready for a life-changing adventure?

Animal Wildlife Rescue

Join us in the crucial mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and, whenever possible, releasing injured and displaced wildlife. Your support is vital for our shared goal! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sea Turtle Conservation Ambassador

Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific Costa Rica! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Animal Keeper Assistant

Hands on contribution with everyday chores like feeding, cleaning and giving animals any care they need, to help them recover and go back to nature! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

Feel the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping protect coral reefs. 🐋 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sloth Monitoring and Turtle Conservation

Join us in Quepos to actively conserve sloths and turtles, monitoring these beautiful creatures. Make a significant impact on wildlife and nature! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers

Be part of a life-changing experience that allows you to work behind the scenes on a world-class wildlife reserve in South Africa! 🦏 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Bali Wildlife Rescue & Environmental Volunteers

Help within a number of conservation and rehabilitation efforts whilst participating on the Bali wildlife program in traditional Tabanan. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

Eco Volunteering in Wildlife & Marine Conservation. Uncover the whole big picture of our Eco-System for a better understanding of Nature & learn how to make a difference! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marine Conservation Research Assistant

Protect Madagascar's marine ecosystem with MRCI's Marine Conservation Research program. Dive into meaningful conservation work! 🤿 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="8" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Help protect and rehabilitate at-risk sea turtles whilst also taking part in community development projects. Experience a different side of Sri Lanka. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Leatherback Turtle Ambassador

Get in direct contact with turtles and help us conserve the biggest turtle in the sea! Here you will have the chance to meet and work with awesome animals! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Health and Environment Supporter

Cultivate your skills in our geothermal Greenhouse in southern Iceland. Prepare organic medicines and learn about organic agriculture. 🌱 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living

Give your contribution towards wildlife conservation! Learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience! 🇿🇦 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="12" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Volunteer in Africa and help secure the future of the endangered black rhino and elephant. Experience daily life on a 10,000 acre family-run private conservancy. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Invasive Species Management

Make a difference by removing lionfish, an invasive species decimating reef ecosystems. Learn to dive while culling lionfish. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Protect endangered sea turtles through hands-on fieldwork on the island of Kefalonia. Partake in the ultimate research and conservation project. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

One earth, our home - Let's prevent global warming

Engage in environmental education, sustainability efforts, and vital tasks like beach cleanups, seed collection, and renovation work in beautiful Iceland! 🌱 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marine Conservation - Research Assistant

Conduct Manta Ray research, Reef Check surveys, and assist with community projects as a Barefoot Conservation Research Assistant! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="17" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Bali Childcare Volunteers

Stay in the rice bowl of Bali in the traditional town of Tabanan and give that most precious commodity of all, your time, to local children eager to learn! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Bali English Teaching Volunteers

Teach English in this amazing location set amongst rice paddies and local culture. Invest your time in Bali’s children and ensure their future is bright! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="19" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Volunteer Opportunities: How does it work?

Have you always wanted to volunteer and do you really want to do this abroad? You’ve come to the right place! Volunteer World offers over 1,600 volunteer projects abroad in over 80 different countries. Discover some of the most inspiring destinations as you contribute to projects focused on making a meaningful impact. Whether you want to work on animal conservation, clean up the oceans and beaches, empower women or teach English, there are endless opportunities to help out. Explore and compare the different volunteer projects on our platform and select a cause you firmly believe in. Volunteer and take this opportunity to travel and make a meaningful impact.

How do I get started with my volunteering opportunity?

Have you decided to volunteer for a program abroad? Wonderful! Given that there are so many options, we suggest you start by deciding what type of program you would like to contribute to. Education, animals, agriculture, humanitarian,...?

Once you have an idea about what type of program, you can narrow it down and look for a destination that draws your attention.

You can also do it the other way around and select the destination first and then decide which topic catches your attention.

Once you’ve done that, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteering abroad:

• Check whether there’s a match between you and the program by looking at their requirements.
• Take a look at the location of the program and decide whether it would be a place you are excited to go to.
• Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and schedules match up.

Once this is sorted. Let’s take a look at the practical steps:

Insurance (Health & travel)

We recommend getting both health and travel insurance. In fact, this is a requirement for all volunteer programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

Visa, Passport, and Documentation

Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!

• Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in
• Make sure everyone has valid passports considering the requirements of the host country
• Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application

That’s it! You’re ready to volunteer abroad! Get ready for a life-changing global experience that will have an incredible impact on those in need as well as yourself. The world is waiting for volunteers with a heart in the right place. Whether you want to teach, do community work or animal conservation, a program abroad is just a click away.

2024 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Organizations, and Projects

By Sarah Vandenberg

By Volunteer Forever

(New! Updated for 2024 trips)

Since 2015, Volunteer Forever has compiled the original list of best volunteer abroad programs worldwide with nearly 12 million views of our travel guides . Using our database of 1,000 international volunteer abroad organizations, 6,000 program reviews, and 13,500 fundraisers who’ve collectively raised $3 million for their trips, we have crunched the numbers to identify the top volunteer abroad opportunities. To take some of the guesswork out of choosing a program, we considered the history of each organization, number of alumni, and our twelve years of intensive work and research in the volunteer abroad world.  

Read on for our list of the top recommended volunteer abroad programs!

2024 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs

If you’ve resolved to travel and make a difference this year, there’s no shortage of amazing volunteer abroad, intern abroad, study abroad, and teach abroad programs awaiting you. All of the volunteer abroad organizations showcased below have excellent reviews from very happy participants on Volunteer Forever – on this list, you’ll see some of the many different volunteer abroad experiences you can embark on and you’ll learn how to get there.

While traveling abroad can be expensive, we feature wonderful volunteer organizations such as International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) , which are super affordable and available in over 50 different destinations , including in Bali , South Africa , Costa Rica , Peru , Fiji , Nepal , and Spain . They have supported over 130,000 travelers to volunteer abroad safely since 2007 and have an experienced team of volunteer travel experts who will ensure you are well prepared for your trip. Their top rated volunteer abroad programs and emphasis on safety are what makes IVHQ the world’s most popular choice for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups . Starting from $20USD a day, volunteers have among 330 plus projects to choose from with volunteer opportunities in Healthcare , Childcare , Teaching , Conservation , Construction , Wildlife and Animal Care , and more. Some of the most popular destinations to check out are Madagascar , Vietnam , Kenya , Cambodia , Spain , and Thailand , and they’ve recently opened new programs in Jamaica , Greece , Australia , Belize , Namibia , and Trinidad and Tobago .

If you’re interested in volunteering with animals, check out GoEco’ s numerous well-known wildlife conservation projects , which are some of the most popular in the world. If you want to work with animals in exotic locations, then GoEco’s Marine and Turtle Conservation program in the Maldives , Wildlife Animal Sanctuary in Australia , Marine Conservation in Belize , Giant Tortoise Conservation in Galapagos , or Amazon wildlife Sanctuary in Peru is worth a visit! Also, one of GoEco’s top programs in 2022 is the African Wildlife Orphanage in Zimbabwe , where volunteers will care for injured animals from tortoises to lions. Besides wildlife conservation projects, GoEco also has medical volunteer programs in Peru , Sri Lanka , and Costa Rica ; teach English abroad in Nepal , Sri Lanka , or in Tanzania !  Some of their programs are also family friendly to make a family vacation more meaningful. In addition, they offer safe and impactful  programs specifically curated for teens , and programs that accept under 18 years old with parental consent.   Visit GoEco to start your volunteering abroad adventures!

Take an immersive volunteer abroad trip to Latin America with Maximo Nivel! They offer impactful and educational placements in Costa Rica ,  Guatemala , and  Peru . Some of Maximo Nivel’s volunteer abroad opportunities include construction ,  conservation ,  teaching English ,  working with kids , and working with  indigenous communities . You also might consider earing your certificate by enrolling in a  Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification program , which offers job-placement workshops and prepares you for ESL job placements around the world – or on the flip side, if you’re looking to learn a new language, be sure to check out Maximo Nivel’s  Spanish Immersion programs . Lastly, if you are interested in studying abroad in Costa Rica, Peru, or Guatemala, you’ll definitely want to look into Maximo Nivel’s University Abroad programs , which are excellent alternative to traditional programs due to their affordability.

Check out Volunteering Solutions ’ wide-range of affordable volunteer and intern programs worldwide in more than 26 countries. They are known for their voluntourism and professional growth their projects offer. Take a look their curated programs for the best summer volunteer programs , for medical internships abroad , or wildlife conservation projects for outdoor adventures!

Or if you’re a current or aspiring doctor, nurse dentist, or other healthcare professional, you will find a ton of medical volunteer opportunities and healthcare internships with Projects Abroad . For those interested in public health and nutrition, we strongly recommend Involvement Volunteers International , which has been providing humanitarian aid, emergency disaster relief, and international volunteer opportunities since 1989.

Lastly, if you’re interested in teaching English abroad, a high quality and educational international volunteer and work organization is International TEFL Academy (ITA) . Through International TEFL Academy, you can get paid to live abroad as a professional English teacher in a country like Spain , Thailand, or Costa Rica . The organization offers TEFL training to get you certified to teach English abroad, then provides job placement services. Teaching English with ITA is a great way to do good while earning money and traveling the world.

Ready to plan your trip? Read on!

Most Popular Guidebooks

Medical volunteer abroad programs for doctors, nurses, pre med students, cheap affordable volunteer abroad programs & low cost overseas projects, teens & high school volunteer abroad programs | under 18 mission trips, 200 volunteer abroad & study abroad scholarships & grants, dental volunteer abroad & medical mission trips | dentists & students, volunteer abroad opportunities for seniors and retirees, nursing volunteer abroad projects for students & professional nurses, short term volunteer abroad programs & mission trips (1 week & 2 weeks), long term volunteer work abroad programs & voluntary charity jobs, trending guidebooks, volunteering abroad after the coronavirus outbreak, 2024 best internships abroad: medical care, marine biology & more, volunteer in australia: animals, conservation, ranching and more, international volunteer hq (ivhq).

Founded in 2007 by Dan Radcliffe, International Volunteer HQ offers over 330 affordable volunteer trips to over 50 destinations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. IVHQ has placed more than 130,000 volunteers around the world on projects ranging from teaching and healthcare, to wildlife conservation and construction, and more. Programs last one week to 24 weeks and start at $20USD a day. 

One of the key benefits of volunteering with IVHQ is knowing you’ll receive ongoing support from their experienced team of volunteer travel experts. If you’re looking for an immersive and impactful travel experience, IVHQ makes organizing a volunteer trip on your own schedule easy and affordable.

IVHQ Opportunities to Check Out

Volunteer in galapagos island.

IVHQ has exciting new volunteer opportunities in the Galapagos Islands. This program is great for eco volunteers with a love of conservation and protection of natural resources and habitats. Most of the volunteer experiences will be set in the small coastal town of Puerto Villamil, on the southeastern edge of Isabela Island, with its pristine white beaches. There are 6 interesting projects to choose from, with a minimum commitment of 2 weeks. Check these projects out:

• Promote conservation and document ongoing projects in social media
• Environmental conservation , where you will work in the National park to protect and preserve the ecosystems
• Giant tortoise conservation , where you’ll help this endangered species at a breeding center
• Sea turtle nest monitoring to help protect and manage the nesting season
• Sustainable agriculture and gardening to support sustainable farming practices
• Teaching English to the local adults and children 

As a volunteer for these projects, you are working to help protect this beautiful island’s ecosystem as well as enjoying its beautiful natural beauty and learning about its culture, animals, and people. On the weekend, there are opportunities to dive, hike an active volcano, snorkel in many of the islands’ beautiful spots, or just relax on the white sand. For more detailed information, click here ! 

Volunteer in Bali: Ubud and Lovina

Looking for a tropical island getaway where you can also help the community? Volunteer with IVHQ in Bali ! There are 9 year-round projects to choose from. Travel to the cultural center of Ubud, where you can volunteer to teach English in an afterschool project , to assist teaching in a kindergarten , to help with construction and renovation in schools and community spaces, to support turtle conservation , to improve environmental education on recycling and sustainability living, or to encourage healthcare education promoting health and wellbeing. Or head to the coastal town of Lovina, where you can lend a hand with kindergarten support and teaching, or with school and community renovation . During your free time, go snorkeling or diving, embark on a cycling or trekking tour, explore temples and waterfalls, and much more! IVHQ’s trips to Ubud and Lovina , Bali start from one week at a very affordable $385.

Volunteer in South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Table View

Have you always wanted to visit South Africa? If so, IVHQ has 10 year round projects for you to choose the perfect volunteer abroad opportunity! Travel to central Cape Town, Kruger National Park, or to nearby Table View and immerse yourself in South African culture while volunteering on impactful initiatives. 

In Cape Town, you can choose between childcare , teaching , animal care , sport development , or surf outreach volunteer trips . If you decide to volunteer in Table View, check out IVHQ’s Surf, Skate & Swim volunteer program , which supports students from low-income communities. Other Table View volunteering opportunities include childcare in kindergarten in low-income communities, sport development to help after-school sports programs, and the Holiday Club project , which keeps students active and engaged during their school holidays. Lastly, you can visit Kruger National Park while being a wildlife conservation volunteer. During your free time, you can explore the areas, and even take a long weekend to go on a safari or check out the Garden Route. IVHQ’s South Africa volunteer programs in Cape Town , Kruger National Park, and Table View start from only $275 for one week.

Volunteer in Costa Rica

Embark on an adventure to Costa Rica with IVHQ, where you can choose from sixteen volunteer programs in San Jose, Manuel Antonio, and beyond! Some highlight programs that you can be a part of include:

• Childcare and working with children at daycares and schools 
• Turtle conservation and research
• Healthcare at clinics for disabled children or the homeless, nursing homes, and ambulance services in San Jose , Maneul Antonio
• Construction and renovation
• Teach English at public schools, in homes, or even at a local fire station in Manuel Antonio , in San Jose
• Eco-agricultural conservation in the central highlands of Costa Rica
• Special needs care for students with intellectual and physical disabilities

IVHQ also offers a Holiday Experience during Christmas and the New Year in San Jose, where you can participate in a variety of volunteer projects, including working with children and the elderly, planning celebrations for underprivileged children, and sprucing up community centers. 

During your weekends and free time, you’re invited to explore San Jose and other areas of the country, including volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches. Volunteering with IVHQ in Costa Rica starts from one week at only $445.

Volunteer in Spain

Volunteer in Barcelona with IVHQ ! Choose one of eight impactful programs to volunteer while immersing yourself in a beautiful architectural, vibrant, and cultural city with lots to do. These programs range from one week to 12 weeks, starting at $650 a week. 

Programs in Barcelona include:

• Youth support , where you will volunteer in an afterschool center 
• Animal care , which will have you working in a shelter for cats and dogs
• Marine conservation , which gives you the chance to complete PADI dive certifications while helping to reduce ocean pollution
• Special needs support , which assists people with disabilities and may include arts and crafts, physical therapy, and exercise
• Creative technologies , where you’ll help local NGOs develop their online presence

During your stay in Barcelona, you will have the opportunity to explore the iconic architecture, museums, go shopping, relax on the beach, or visit other beautiful surrounding cities. 

IVHQ Program Review: Kaitlyn, Guatemala

I volunteered in Guatemala with IVHQ and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had ! My program cost less than half of some of the other programs I was looking at and gave me more than those programs did – from the great food at meal times, to the actual program and the pickup at the airport and lots of options for support if it was needed!! Overall IVHQ is amazing and they are definitely the organization to volunteer with !

Check out over 6,400 reviews of International Volunteer HQ here !

Since 2006, GoEco has offered  affordable volunteer abroad programs and internships  in over 45 countries throughout  Africa ,  Asia ,  Australasia ,  Central America ,  Europe , the  Middle East , and South America . With more than 170 different programs, GoEco is a great organization to check out if you’re looking for a variety of impactful volunteer abroad trips to choose from, from  wildlife conservation  to  teaching English . As a volunteer, you will have 24-hour support from the GoEco team, from start to finish.

Top destinations include  South Africa ,  Australia ,  Bali ,  Costa Rica ,  Thailand , and  Zimbabwe . Top activities include  wildlife and animal conservation ,  marine and coral reef conservation ,  medical and healthcare ,  community aid and development ,  teaching English , and  volunteering with children .

With GoEco’s 3rd Week Free Grant , enjoy the benefits of a third week free of charge when you sign up for two weeks or more on selected projects.

GoEco Opportunities to Check Out

• Zimbabwe – African Wildlife Orphanage:  Volunteer abroad at a wildlife orphanage in Zimbabwe to care for various wild animals that have been injured or orphaned. Volunteers work closely with these animals to rehabilitate them before releasing them into a Protected Area.
• Indonesia – Bali Sea Turtle Rescue:  Join GoEco on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida, just off the coast of Bali! Work hands-on with injured sea turtles and release the rehabilitated back into their ocean home.
• Thailand- Hua Hin Teaching and Childcare : Teach English to children ages 6-18 years old with local teachers while immersing yourself in Thai culture. Known for being a beautiful beach destination, Hua Hin has golden beaches for swimming and snorkeling during your free time.
• South Africa – African Wildlife Ranch: On this program, you will travel to a privately owned ranch and sanctuary in South Africa to help endangered animals, such as the white tigers, cheetahs, lemurs, and meerkats. Volunteer tasks focus on construction at the sanctuary and hands-on care.
• Australia – Wild Animal Sanctuary:  Lend a hand at a sanctuary that provides a safe, natural home for some of Australia’s unique wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos. This sanctuary provides refuge for rehabilitated but unreleasable, injured and orphaned animals.
• Costa Rica – Animal Rescue and Conservation:  Experience Costa Rica with this unique program! Volunteers will work closely with injured sloths, monkeys and other Costa Rican wildlife and immerse themselves into the local culture through Spanish language lessons, exploring the capital of San Jose and living with a host family.
• Check out other varieties of Wildlife Conservation programs in Japan , South Africa , Portugal , Kenya , Thailand.
• Other Marine Conservation programs include: Portugal , Dolphins in Italy , Whales and Shark in Mozambique , and Marine Conservation in Barcelona

GoEco Program Review

Taking this volunteer trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary project was something I had wanted to do for several years… Literally after one day of volunteering, I was already regretting only having two weeks to stay. Every day was amazing and full of incredible experiences and new people. The days flew by as we were so busy working on the farm, hanging out and making new friends, and learning about the wildlife in a very hands on manner. The staff is very helpful, friendly, and seem just as excited to be there as the volunteers. As mind-blowing as the actual project [was], the people I met were similarly incredible. It’s crazy that in just a few weeks you can develop friendships that seem like you’ve had for years. Leaving was very emotional, but still,  I can’t recommend this trip enough to anyone who is considering it or may be on the fence, seriously, do it. Having just returned home, I already miss everything that filled my days for those two weeks in South Africa.  I find myself constantly looking back at photos and in the back of my mind planning a return visit as soon as possible.  – Dave P, Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa

Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel  is Volunteer Forever’s  top-ranked volunteer abroad program  with over 250 reviews and a  perfect 5-star rating . Their projects are  very affordably priced ,  starting at just $595  (for one week) and appeal to a broad base of participants from high school students to graduate students and working professionals.

Maximo Nivel was founded in 2003 and has hosted over 25,000 participants for its  volunteer abroad ,  internship abroad ,  study abroad ,  Spanish Immersion , Teach English as a Foreign Language ( TEFL ), Semester Abroad, and High School Abroad programs. Maximo Nivel offers its projects in three countries in Latin America:  Costa Rica ,  Guatemala , and  Peru .

Whether you’re looking for a one-week adventure or a full  gap year  experience,  Maximo Nivel  is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a high-quality, affordable, and enriching experience in Latin America.

Maximo Nivel Opportunities to Check Out

Tefl – teaching english abroad.

Right now, Maximo Nivel is offering  TEFL certification courses  for travelers who want to volunteer abroad as English teachers and gain new skills abroad. You’ll start with an intensive, four-week, accredited certification course in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru ( online courses  also are available), after which you’re free to look for paid teaching abroad placements.

Maximo Nivel provides lifetime job-seeking support for their alumni, and even hires three to five graduates each month to work as teachers in their  Native English Program  in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. There are lots of different types of teaching opportunities Maximo Nivel will help you find, including business English teaching, private tutoring, school teaching, and much more, depending on your skills and interests.

Volunteer Adventure

On this two-week  volunteer adventure , you’ll spend five days volunteering, and six days traveling in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. A few volunteer work projects you can take on include working with kids, teaching English, construction, conservation, animal care, or medical / healthcare.

For the tour portion of your trip, you’ll go zip lining, touring on a catamaran, hiking through a national park, visiting waterfalls and volcanoes, and much more, depending on which country you decide to visit. This is an excellent opportunity to combine international community service, learning, and adventure.

Education Internship

If you’re currently studying education, secondary education, or a related field at your college or university, you are invited to take part in Maximo Nivel’s  education internship abroad . Through this placement, you’ll work alongside professional teachers to gain insight into teaching in classrooms for early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school students. ESL-specific placements also are available.

You’re invited to stay for a minimum of four weeks and can expect to work four to six hours per day Monday through Friday each week. As an intern, you’ll have the wonderful opportunity to observe classroom instruction and management, help with planning and conducting lessons, learn about Latin American culture, and develop your teaching and leadership skills.

Micro Business Internship

Maximo Nivel also offers a  micro business internship  for students interested in subjects such as business development and management, marketing, sales, client services, accounting, and much more. For four weeks, you’ll work with a local company or entrepreneur in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru to assist with marketing, client needs, administrative work, and other tasks that can help keep the company running, scale it appropriately, and set it up for success over the long-term.

You must have intermediate Spanish language ability to apply, and you’re encouraged to enroll in Maximo Nivel’s  online Spanish class  or  native Spanish program  to gain the language skills you’ll need to be successful on your internship.

Maximo Nivel Program Review: Alexa Hart

I went to Cusco, Peru on a one-way ticket back in 2009 and had the time of my life. Maximo was a big contributor to my positive experience. I volunteered with underprivileged kids and helped paint a battered women’s shelter. I also took inexpensive Spanish lessons with them. The accommodation they provided was great (I recommend Arcopata Family House). I lived with fellow participants of the program in a house and was provided really good meals. When I got sick, they had a doctor come to the house to check on me and give me medicine too. After volunteering, I became TEFL certified with them during a 4-week course. All in all, I was very impressed, and I would recommend them to anyone.  The experience changed my life.

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad  describes itself as providing the gold standard of volunteer support and safety so that travelers may fulfill their potential, discover themselves, and create positive change in the world. Long-term, sustainable solutions are at the core of their programs, where you can be part of their  ongoing efforts to meet specific goals  in places where extra support is critical. Projects Abroad works directly with local community members and organizations, ensuring that their work meets real needs.

Programs  run year-round, allowing volunteers and interns to choose their own start and end dates. With a hassle-free experience and  dedicated in-country staff available 24/7 , you don’t need experience or qualifications to sign up for most trips.

Projects Abroad Opportunities to Check Out

Medicine internship in ghana.

Projects Abroad’s  medical internships in Ghana  give you the opportunity to learn directly from doctors in hospitals or clinics. You’ll shadow them on their rounds, observing how they diagnose and treat different illnesses or conditions. You’ll see medical cases that you’ve only read about in textbooks, which is a great way to enhance your practical medical knowledge. This program is suitable for pre-med and medical students.

In Ghana, the organization runs regular medical outreaches in communities where healthcare services are limited. As a volunteer, you will help provide basic medical treatment, from cleaning and bandaging wounds, to measuring blood pressure levels. If you would like to focus specifically on practical outreach work, you may be interested in joining the  Public Health internship .

Volunteer with Children in Nepal

In Nepal, Projects Abroad supports the work of local caregivers and teachers by focusing on improving early childhood development and literacy in care centers. During your time here, you will  work with young children  and assist with a variety of activities such as:

• Sing songs to teach the alphabet and counting
• Play catch with a ball to improve hand-eye coordination
• Read stories that engage the kids’ imaginations

You don’t need previous experience to volunteer with children in Nepal – you’ll work alongside local staff and have regular workshops.

Protect the Amazon Rainforest in Peru

Live in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest  and work alongside experienced conservationists to protect wildlife and indigenous plants. You’ll be on the frontlines of rainforest conservation at Taricaya, an award-winning ecological reserve.

There’s plenty to do in the jungle. You’ll help rehabilitate wild animals like the spider monkey, and release them back into their natural habitat. You’ll also help with reforestation, collect scientific data on local animal populations, and work on a sustainable farming initiative.

Projects Abroad Program Review: Christian, Shark Conservation in Fiji

As a scientist-in-training I was most impressed with all of the science underlying the project and how willing the staff was to share their knowledge. I was able to see science in action as well as conservation efforts making their way up the chain to actually change environmental policy.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Are you in search of a life-changing experience and an opportunity to make a genuine difference in communities around the world? Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) , founded in 1989, invites individuals to join the ranks of over 25,000 volunteers who’ve made a lasting impact in 112 projects spread across 23 countries.

Why IVI Stands Out

With a legacy spanning over 34 years, IVI distinguishes itself as a non-profit that actively supports local communities, particularly in the South Pacific regions of Fiji and Vanuatu , as well as in India . Unlike many organizations, IVI has built many of its projects from the ground up. Beyond offering travel and volunteering experiences , they play a significant role in the humanitarian sector, aiding impoverished communities and refugees. They also provide university students the opportunity to fulfill their practicum hours in sectors such as mental health, medical, teaching, and veterinary projects.

Beyond Volunteering: Internships, Teaching, and More

Moreover, for those eyeing internships, destinations like Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ghana, Nepal, and Sri Lanka offer openings in the medical , teaching, physiotherapy, dental, and nursing fields. IVI’s internships guarantee specific hours, and for university placements, the necessary documentation and supervisor approvals are given. Although IVI doesn’t provide paid teaching abroad, they offer teaching projects at almost every destination, catering to various age groups, predominantly aged 3-12.

Family and Group Adventures 

Whether one is a solo adventurer, a family unit , a group, or a teen, IVI has projects tailored to fit each need. Their family-friendly ventures encompass kindergarten teaching, construction, environmental initiatives, and animal care projects. For larger groups, IVI presents specialized itineraries combining volunteering programs with engaging activities, making them an ideal choice for school groups.

For volunteers aged 16-17, a signed parental consent from their guardians is a prerequisite. Some of IVI’s projects also accommodate younger kids, ensuring they remain under parental or guardian watch.

Discover More 

Interested in learning what sets IVI apart? Dive deeper into their story by visiting “Who We Are” and “Why IVI?” on their official website: volunteering.org.au

Embarking on a journey with IVI promises to enrich both the individual and the world at large. The adventure awaits!

Volunteer in Fiji (Flagship Program)

Fiji is Involvement Volunteers International’s premier destination where they have over 25 years of operation history. With over one third of the population below the poverty line, malnutrition, and low literacy rates, Fijian communities desperately need the support of international volunteers. IVI offers project opportunities in five different parts of Fiji with projects including Public Health & Nutrition , Teaching , Construction , Medical Care , and more. Project fees are extremely affordable starting at just $295 and includes accommodation, meals, airport pickup, 24/7 in-country support and so much more. Click here to learn more about volunteering in Fiji with IVI .

Beach Cleanup in Costa Rica

Volunteer to protect beaches and nature reserves in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica . If the place “Nicoya Peninsula” rings a bell, it may be because it is considered to be one of the world’s five “Blue Zones”. As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include assisting with trail maintenance at a nature reserve, assisting with beach cleanups, educating the local population on conservationism, and showing visitors around the nature reserve. Program fees start at an affordable $595 and includes meals and homestay with a local family. Click here to learn more .

Public Health and Nutrition in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a South Pacific island nation between Fiji and Australia. Vanuatu’s population is largely impoverished with only 58% of people having access to electricity and one third of people lacking access to basic services. Furthermore, the island nation has one of the highest rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and malnutrition in the world necessitating the need for strong public health interventions. As a public health volunteer , you’ll conduct health screenings for local communities, raise awareness about nutrition and diabetes, and design exercise programs for villagers. Program fees start at $1150 for two weeks. Click here to learn more and apply .

Volunteering Solutions

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) is an international volunteer organization that was started in 2007. Since then, they have hosted over 17,000 volunteers in projects across 27 countries , including popular destinations such as Nepal , India , Thailand , South Africa , Peru , and Costa Rica .

Volunteering Solution’s volunteer projects are among the most affordably priced in the world, starting at $200 USD for one week .

In addition to their 120+ volunteer projects, Volunteering Solutions also offers intern abroad opportunities, the highlight of which are their international medical internships.

To learn more about Volunteering Solutions and apply to their program , visit their website here (UK readers, please visit their UK site here ).

Volunteering Solutions Opportunities to Check Out:

Medical Internship

Right now, Volunteering Solutions is offering several different medical internships in Nepal, India, Peru, and Thailand. As a medical or healthcare intern with VolSol, you can choose from projects focusing on nursing, medical care, dentistry, and physiotherapy while earning hands-on experience in your field.

Depending on your placement, you can work in local government or private hospitals and clinics, and you’ll have the amazing opportunity to work alongside local medical and healthcare professionals to learn about their practices. Internships can be customized to your university requirements, and you’ll earn a certificate of participation upon successful completion of your program abroad.

Internships start from two weeks at $650, with your program cost varying based on which placement you sign up for. Learn more about medical internships with Volunteering Solutions here .

NGO Support and Human Rights Volunteering

If you’re passionate about human rights, check out Volunteering Solutions’ NGO support and human rights volunteer program in Rabat, Morocco. As a volunteer, you’ll work with local organizations that confront a variety of important social and political issues, including human rights, children’s support, women’s rights, education, skilled learning, government accountability, and much more.

Depending on your background, skills, and what’s needed by your program site, you can assist with marketing, planning community events, helping with reporting and documentation, and assisting with development activities at your partner NGO. You’re invited to stay one week or longer, starting from just $410 for your first week in Morocco. Click here to learn more and to sign up .

Sports Coaching in South Africa

Another excellent volunteer program being offered right now with VolSol is their sports coaching project in South Africa . Through this placement, you’ll coach sports, teach life skills, and encourage healthy habits among children at a local primary school.

During your stay, you’ll help lead three physical education periods per day, while assisting teachers with their lessons and guidance in classrooms in between those periods. If you’re creative, flexible, and ready to be a mentor to students in South Africa, this program is for you! You’re invited to stay two weeks or longer, starting at just $495 for your first two weeks in South Africa – learn more about coaching sports here .

Volunteering Solutions Program Review: Sarah, Thailand Elephant Program

“I participated in the Elephant Camp Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand . Before arriving in Thailand, I was a bit apprehensive and nervous , however after arriving in Chiang Mai, everything went smoothly. I dad a very informative orientation session with the local team. The Chiang Mai city tour was fab too!

My 3 weeks stay at the elephant camp was definitely the highlight of my Thailand trip. I enjoyed meeting other volunteers from around the world and getting involved in different tasks at the elephant camp. On the weekends, we enjoyed our time in Chiang Mai thoroughly exploring the night market, going to Doi Suthep and other plenty of Thai temples. I would definitely recommend doing the Elephant Camp project in Chiang Mai.”

African Impact

African Impact is a responsible, sustainable volunteer travel organization that has won multiple industry awards, including being voted the world’s Top Volunteer Abroad Organization by volunteers on GoAbroad four years in a row. Since 2004, they have hosted over 35,000 participants on 20 projects across 7 countries. The organization believes in the spirit of Africa and that the volunteer experience is just as important as the impact made. 

African Impact manages its own projects and is able to provide tangible, real achievements on a regular basis. The organization has a clear Child Protection Policy and ensures that volunteers complete a criminal record check prior to involvement. Experienced staff is on the ground to support volunteers day-in-day-out and the organization does not use volunteer support in replacement for a local person.

In addition to making a positive impact, African Impact also believes that volunteering abroad should be enjoyable. The organization offers a range of activities for volunteers, including teaching children in South Africa , assisting with wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe, working in hospitals or clinics in Kenya, and carrying out dolphin and marine research in Zanzibar .

Volunteering with African Impact allows individuals to gain new skills, knowledge and practical work experience, while also making a lasting impact on local communities and conservation efforts. The organization believes that volunteering in Africa helps to change perceptions and stereotypes about Africa and its people, while providing local communities with an exchange of culture, mindsets and ideas.

African Impact Opportunities to Check Out

Big Five and Wildlife Conservation, South Africa

For two weeks or longer, you’ll have the chance to monitor and study the African Big 5 (leopard, rhino, lion, buffalo, and elephant) and help local researchers and foundations with protecting endangered species. Based in the game reserves of the Greater Kruger Area, your volunteer tasks can include researching animal behavior and movements, helping with reserve conservation work such as clearing brush and maintaining waterholes, compiling data at the research lab, and much more to help understand animal behavior and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Learn more here!

Education and Community Support, Tanzania

On this program , you will teach English and other skills to children and adults on the island of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a beautiful island that is a tourist favorite, yet many of the residents don’t have adequate access to English-learning opportunities. By teaching English, you’ll help to provide economic opportunity to the residents of Zanzibar and help them participate in the island’s thriving tourism industry. This volunteer trip lasts 10 days or longer, and is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture while contributing to valuable development initiatives. Click here to learn more!

Early Childhood Development Project in Cape Town

The Early Childhood Development Project in Cape Town offers volunteers the chance to work with vulnerable children in underprivileged townships. Volunteers will support children in foster care homes and pre-schools, providing them with access to education and care that they may not otherwise have access to. The project aims to make a positive, long-term impact on the lives of disadvantaged children by providing them with the support and education they need to succeed.

In addition to working with children, volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town and all it has to offer. Cape Town has been named the Most Beautiful City in the World for the past 5 years, and is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Volunteers can take advantage of the many activities available in the city, such as hiking up Table Mountain, going paragliding, kayaking in the ocean, or visiting historic sites such as Robben Island.

Volunteers will live in a spacious guesthouse in the center of town, with shared dorm-style accommodation and shared bathroom facilities. The guesthouse is close to the main sights of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the Company’s Gardens. A team on site will be available to support volunteers and help them with any needs they may have during their stay.

Dolphin and Marine Conservation Project 

Volunteer in Zanzibar on African Impact’s Dolphin and Marine Conservation Project and make a real difference to the sustainability of dolphin tourism. As a volunteer, you will monitor human-dolphin interactions, promote ethical dolphin tours, and contribute to the conservation of marine life in the area. This project is ideal for those passionate about marine conservation and the environment. In your free time, you can explore the beautiful coastlines and vibrant culture of Zanzibar. You will live in a private volunteer house near the coastal village of Kizimkazi and work with local communities and organizations to protect the marine ecosystem. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while enjoying a truly amazing location.

Founded in 2015 by Daniel Botha, Surfpop is a South African-based organization that aims to build a sustainable future for vulnerable children from township communities around Muizenberg, Cape Town through a powerful formula of surfing, education and life coaching. They have hosted over 350 international volunteers for their two surf volunteer projects in Cape Town.

Surfpop is very unique compared to other international organizations due to their long-term outlook on supporting the needs of the local community. On average, they work with each child beneficiary for around 8 years, after which they help them find sustainable employment or provide them with employment within the Surfpop organization. Their holistic model of surfing, education, life coaching and nutrition also sets them apart from most other organizations.

Surfpop is the only Volunteer Forever partner that exclusively focuses on surf volunteering, so if you are a surfer or have a strong interest in surfing, Surfpop is definitely an organization you will want to check out!

Volunteer with Surfpop in Cape Town, South Africa

Surfpop’s surf volunteer program is based in the beautiful seaside town of Muizenberg, South Africa. As a volunteer, you will play a critical role in helping disadvantaged children escape poverty, crime, and drugs. Through their comprehensive after-school program, you will not only teach children to surf and swim, but also tutor them on more formal academic subjects such as math, English, and computer literacy.

Surfpop’s volunteer program is open to volunteers ages 18 and up. No prior experience with surfing is necessary. This program starts at roughly $500 USD per week with a minimum duration of four weeks. The cost of the program includes accommodation, breakfast, airport pick-up, orientation, 24/7 support, and surf lessons. Volunteers will also receive surf gear rentals for their stay. If you are interested in having more surf lessons or even practicing yoga, then check out Surfpop’s Surf Pro and Surf & Yoga volunteer programs .

International TEFL Academy

Do you want to get paid to live abroad as a professional English teacher in a country like Spain, Thailand, or Costa Rica? Are you looking for the best TEFL training and job services? If so, then International TEFL Academy is the right place for you.

Founded in 2010, International TEFL Academy (ITA) offers the gold standard in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad and teaching English online. ITA offers the finest internationally accredited TEFL courses both online and in-person in 20+ locations across the globe. ITA certifies 5,000 people per year, with graduates teaching in over 80 countries and online. Committed to providing the highest quality training and services, ITA can help you achieve your goal of getting a great job and enjoying the experience of a lifetime teaching English abroad and online.  

All ITA TEFL courses – including online TEFL classes –  include live practice teaching and employ a state-of-the-art curriculum taught by highly credentialed and experienced instructors. In addition, all ITA students receive lifetime job search assistance that includes personalized guidance from a team of expert advisors. To learn more and begin your journey, download your free TEFL Guide now .

Teach English in Japan

With International TEFL Academy, you can get a job teaching English in Japan – long one of Asia’s top teaching job markets! You must be a native English speaker, have a 4-year college degree, and get TEFL certification. After getting your TEFL certificate, ITA will help you obtain a job in a city such as Tokyo, Kobe or Osaka. Learn Japanese, immerse yourself in the culture, help students learn and earn money during the trip of a lifetime. Teaching hours should be about 20-25 hours per week and you can expect to earn between $2,500 – $4,000+ per month. Free housing is available with some contracts.

Teach English in the Czech Republic

Providing a quintessential blend of modern and classic Europe, the Czech Republic is a great destination if you wish to teach English abroad. Demand for qualified native English teachers is high, especially in cities such as Prague. English teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree, plus TEFL certification, to teach in the Czech Republic. Pay is about $1,000 – $1,800+ per month and work hours average around 20-25 hours per week.

Teach English in Mexico

With an abundance of cultural and natural diversity, Mexico offers international volunteers all you could want, including ample work opportunities and the chance to practice Spanish everyday. You must have a 4-year degree, along with TEFL certification, to obtain a job teaching English. Cities with the highest demand for foreign teachers include Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Puebla. Similar to teaching jobs elsewhere, hours range from 20 to 25 per week. You should earn between $600 – $1,000+ per month.

Teach English in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A center of trade and commerce, cities in the UAE such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are some of the most sought-after destinations for English teachers. To get a teaching job in the UAE, a bachelor’s degree is required (master’s preferred). You’ll also need TEFL certification and preferable some experience to help you have an edge over other applicants (due to a competitive job market). Expect to make between $1,800 – $5,000+ per month, with 20-25 teaching hours monthly. The nice aspect of teaching jobs in the UAE is the benefits, which can include free housing, airfare and health insurance, as well as paid vacation.

Global Vision International

Founded in 1997 by Richard Walton, Global Vision International (GVI) is an award-winning organization that provides volunteer and internship opportunities in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. GVI has sent more than 25,000 volunteers overseas on programs ranging from construction, to animal care, to education, and beyond with 95% of past volunteers stating they would want to travel with them again. GVI is unique from other volunteer programs in three ways: they operate their own volunteer projects to ensure real, sustainable impact on the ground; they provide 360 degree support before, during, after your placement; and lastly their alumni network provides increased access to higher education and career development opportunities. GVI’s differentiators and their emphasis on volunteer safety make the program very appealing to first-time international volunteers and teen / high school / under age 18 volunteers. Their projects start from one week and can last up to one year. Projects mix community service with global and cultural awareness to inspire and encourage volunteers to continue learning and serving even after they’ve returned from their trip.

GVI Opportunities to Check Out

Wildlife research in south africa internship.

Through this internship , you’ll work with local research teams to track animals, study behavior, and learn more about the wildlife of South Africa. You’ll get started with a training session to get you acquainted with the project and the types of animals you’ll study, and from there work day-to-day tracking wildlife, conducting research, assisting with data entry, and even participating in community education about conservation. This program starts from four weeks at $8,445.

Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand

If you’d like to visit Asia, GVI has an amazing opportunity right now in Thailand to volunteer with elephants that have been rescued from working in the tourist industry. Through this program, you’ll help rehabilitate elephants and work with trainers to care for the animals, and may even help with community education and outreach programs. This amazing project starts from one week at $3,545.

Volunteer with Buddhist Novice Monks in Cambodia

Through this placement, GVI invites you to teach English to Buddhist monks and children in Siem Reap, home to the famous Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll work directly with monks in a temple school and learn about Cambodian culture, history, religion, and much more. This program starts from two weeks at $2,895.

Marine Conservation Expedition in Fiji

On this project , you’ll travel to Caqalai Island in Fiji to work with a local NGO in collecting data on fish species, mapping coral reefs and mangrove, developing an environmental education and awareness program for local schools, and assisting with the development of best practices in conservation on the island. The first part of your project will start with an initial training phase, where you’ll learn to identify fish and coral species through a series of dives with guidance from GVI staff. This program starts at $6,545, and you’re invited to stay from two to 12 weeks.

GVI Program Review:

“I was in need of a career break, and was looking to do something out of the ordinary. I was looking to get far away and do something worthwhile. After some heavy research GVI continued to be the organization that ticked all the boxes. They were incredibly helpful when I was choosing my location, and the onsite assistance and support throughout the entire journey was fantastic. I was so lucky to be involved in the Community development program of El Cocal, the children were amazing, I made some friends for life and hopefully one day soon I’ll return for a visit! It really was an unforgettable experience!” – Amelia, Costa Rica Community Development Program

First Things Foundations (FTF) 

First Things Foundation (FTF) is a non-profit organization that partners with local leaders to build sustainable businesses and communities in developing countries. FTF is different from other volunteer organizations in that its field workers (international volunteers) commit two years of their lives to living in the communities they are serving; all expenses are fully covered by the program . This allows field workers to develop deep relationships with the people they are working with and to better understand the needs of the community.

FTF has 15 projects in 4 countries ( Guatemala , Sierra Leone , the Republic of Georgia , and Mozambique ). These projects are all led by locals in the communities that FTF works in. FTF’s field workers have worked on a variety of projects, including starting businesses, building schools, and providing healthcare. FTF field workers are not afraid to get their hands dirty: working on farms, sanding wood, and kneading dough are some of the ways that they integrate into the local community and become familiar with a new rhythm of life.

FTF covers all travel costs and operations expenses (food, local transport, accommodation, etc.) for its field workers. In addition, field workers receive a monthly stipend of $375. FTF also has international medical and evacuation insurance for all of its field workers.

FTF is looking for volunteers with a desire to better their souls by undertaking a serious challenge, an adventurous attitude, and a willingness to learn new languages, make fun of themselves, and be made fun of. Field workers typically have completed 4 years of college or have an equivalent amount of experience. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding volunteer experience, the First Things Foundation volunteer program is a great option. FTF field workers have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others and to learn and grow in ways that they never thought possible.

First Things Foundations Opportunities:

• Field Worker Program in Guatemala : The First Things Foundations has been facilitating impactful projects in popular tourist destinations in Guatemala since 2016, with accomplishments like building schools and supporting local businesses. As a field worker, you’ll immerse in the local community for 8 months to understand their needs and then embark on a community development or social entrepreneurship project. This two-year paid immersionship is a unique opportunity to make a real difference while experiencing the rich Mayan culture.
• Field Worker Program in Sierra Leone : First Things Foundation has been empowering communities in Sierra Leone since 2017, with projects ranging from constructing churches to enhancing medical services. Volunteering in the serene town of Kailahun, you’ll immerse in the local culture for 8 months, then collaborate with an “Impresario” on meaningful community projects. Embrace this two-year “immersionship” for a deeply rewarding experience that brings tangible change to communities.
• Field Worker Program in Mozambique : First Things Foundation’s Mozambique program offers a unique opportunity to pioneer community development in Corrane, a town impacted by internal displacement. As a field worker, you’ll immerse in the rich culture, learning Portuguese and Makua, while forging deep connections with locals over 8 months before spearheading impactful projects. With the support of a dedicated professional team, this challenging “immersionship” promises personal growth, skill enhancement, and the chance to leave a lasting positive mark on Mozambique
• Field Worker Program in the Republic of Georgia : First Things Foundation is expanding its impact to the Republic of Georgia, focusing on Akhaltsikhe, a town enriched by its Armenian heritage. As a field worker, you’ll dedicate the first 8 months to deeply connect with the community, subsequently aiding local businesses and community projects during a transformative two-year immersionship. With expert guidance, immerse in Georgia’s vibrant culture, enhance your skills, build genuine relationships, and contribute meaningfully to a nation on the cusp of change.

Love Volunteers

Founded by a brother-sister team,  Love Volunteers is a low-cost international volunteer organization  that provides meaningful, life-changing projects in over  34 countries around the world .

Every year, thousands of Love Volunteers from all over the globe are placed into 1 week to 6 month volunteer abroad projects in Central and South America, Asia, Africa, The Middle East, and Europe. A few of Love Volunteers’ popular locations include:

• South Africa

Love Volunteers’ volunteer abroad programs start at just $175 for a one week placement along with a one-time $249 registration fee when you submit your application.

Love Volunteers offers  120 community-based development programs  in healthcare, education, sports and coaching, law and legal assistance, social services, engineering and architecture, special needs, construction, environmental protection and in many more areas.

We LOVE  Love Volunteers  because it is an  affordable volunteer program with lots of options  in terms of placements.

Love Volunteers Opportunities to Check Out

Tanzania: teaching and assisting in schools.

Through this program, volunteers work in multiple schools in the city of Arusha. English teacher volunteers are especially needed to English and as such, volunteers should consider a TEFL course prior to volunteering (though this is not required by the program).This program starts at one week for $175.

Nepal: Special Education Program

This program is located in Kathmandu in order to assist people with disabilities. Volunteers in this program help the participants in the special education program to develop technology skills, develop their conversational English skills, and build the life skills needed to live an independent and dignified life. This program at 1 week for $195.

Thailand: Elephant Village

Based in Surin, this volunteer trip invites you to provide care for elephants that have been abused and neglected as tourist attractions and for logging work. As a volunteer, you can help to create a safe place for elephants to live full, peaceful lives in their natural habitats. This program starts from one week at $619.

Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation

Another excellent trip you can take with Love Volunteers brings you to Costa Rica to help save sea turtles from extinction by assisting in hatcheries, helping with conservation projects at the beach, releasing hatchlings into the sea, and patrolling hatching grounds. This trip starts from one week at $349.

Love Volunteers Program Review: Delaney and Jordan

Love Volunteers is such an amazing organization . I can’t stress enough how kind and helpful they were doing the whole trip process. They were happy to answer any question I asked, and made the process as smooth as possible. I would recommend Love Volunteers to everyone. I can’t thank them enough for helping give me this opportunity. It easily was the greatest experience of my life, and I can’t wait to do it again.

Fronteering

If you’re looking for a volunteer abroad experience that’s  unique, exotic, and off the beaten path , look no further than  Fronteering . With volunteer and internship projects located in 14 different countries, Fronteering offers impactful programs for travelers who want to visit unspoiled locations and make a positive difference in environmental conservation, wildlife research, indigenous communities, and more.

Fronteering’s volunteer abroad and intern abroad opportunities  start at an affordable $695  for your first week onsite – and if you’d like to stay longer, the organization also offers placements up to 24 weeks.

Fronteering Opportunities to Check Out

Husky ranch canada.

For four to eight weeks, you’ll have the chance to feed, groom, and walk  huskies , help with ranch maintenance, go dogsledding and snowmobiling (if you’re volunteering in the winter), clear and prepare dogsled tracks, and more. Located in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, or the Yukon, this program is excellent for volunteers who love animals and the outdoors, and starts from $1,395 for your first four weeks.

Predator Research Internship

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Amazon, Fronteering invites you to help with  bush dog research and monitoring  in the rainforest, with tasks such as setting camera traps, collecting data, helping with community activities, performing research, and much more. This volunteer abroad opportunity starts from one week at $695, and you’re invited to stay up to six weeks to help further research, get to know the community, and rough it in the Amazon Rainforest.

Amazon Amerindians

Through this program, you’ll delve into the jungles of  Guyana  to help an indigenous community create a sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure through construction, maintenance, wildlife research, and more. And depending on your skills and background, you can also teach IT skills, build wildlife viewing camps, and much more. You’re invited to stay two to eight weeks, starting at $1,695.

A Broader View Volunteers

A Broader View Volunteers, a US nonprofit charity, was founded in 2007 by Sarah and Oliver Ehlers. Their team sends more than 5,000 volunteers each year to 245 programs across 25 countries, and has raised and distributed more than $3 million in donations worldwide.

A Broader View ’s goals are to provide developing countries with volunteer assistance while educating those volunteers about the communities in which they serve. Projects can include  wildlife conservation ,  childcare ,  teaching , and more, and start from one week at $745, depending on the location and placement. Many of their projects are offered year-round, which provides you flexibility in terms of your start date.

A Broader View  is one of the best rated programs on our site and has  over 150 positive reviews  on Volunteer Forever!

A Broader View Opportunities to Check Out

Ecuador: quito hippotherapy.

Volunteers in the  Quito Hippotherapy program  assist with rehabilitation and recreational programs with horses for those with mental or physical disabilities. Through this placement, volunteers feed and groom horses, prepare them for and handle them during therapy sessions, and may provide horseback riding lessons to the general public. Gardening and canine therapy placements also are available. Placements range from one to 12 weeks and start from $895. Volunteers must have intermediate Spanish knowledge, and immersion courses are available for those that would like to gain a greater language proficiency.

Peru: Environmental Conservation

In this  conservation volunteer abroad program , volunteers work in reforestation, organic farming education, and sustainable growth at a Peruvian national park in the Madre de Dios region. Projects can include flower inventory, research, replanting, clearing holes, animal rescue, and other tasks. This program lasts one to 12 weeks and starts at $895. Spanish language background isn’t required, but is helpful while assisting on community outreach programs.

Colombia: Social Welfare Program

Volunteers in A Broader View’s  Social Welfare program  assist a local center that cares for children from 18 months to five years old, and that educates single mothers about child care, nutrition, and hygiene. On this placement, volunteers help provide lunch, assist in the kitchen, teach preschool lessons, and play games with the children. This program starts from two weeks at $995.

Uganda: Maternity / Midwifery Nursing Program

Based in the Bulenga community, this  program  provides the opportunity for volunteers to support two healthcare centers that offer maternity, ultrasound, and contraceptive services; treatment for malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea; infant care; antenatal care; and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling. Volunteers also assist with outreach and education for expectant teen mothers within the community. This program starts from two weeks at $995.

A Broader View Program Review: Logan,  Honduras Medical Program

I had a great time in La Ceiba, Honduras. I did not feel unsafe or threatened at any time. My work was great and fulfilling at both the old hospital and the school. My host family was excellent and accommodating, and the food – especially the local food – was very delectable. All of the people, from the children to the patients at the hospital were very nice and respectful. I had a lot of fun with the other volunteers and I highly recommend being outgoing and personable… it will make you life way easier if you can hang out with friends and commiserate after a long day of work. I had very good Spanish entering into the program, but after 2 weeks of immersion my Spanish is crisp and fluent; I truly valued the ABV experience as a life-changing event. I am willing to speak with others about my experience.

Global Leadership Adventures

Founded in 2004,  Global Leadership Adventures  provides teen and high school programs abroad that combine community service with hands-on learning and adventure. With an  emphasis on safety  – outlined in Global Leadership Adventures’  five-point safety system  – this organization sends thousands of travelers to nearly two dozen countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America every year.

As a leader in youth development, Global Leadership Adventures has a database of nearly  2,000 references  willing to vouch for the impact of their programs – and in fact,  GLA’s co-founder was  recognized by President Obama  for making a positive impact in Africa.

Global Leadership Adventures Opportunities to Check Out

Dominican republic: spring break service adventure.

On this spring break program, you’ll volunteer with rural communities in the Dominican Republic and learn about their challenges in accessing daily necessities. A few projects you can take on include building schools and community centers, assisting in reforestation or water filtration projects, or building vertical gardens or clean-burning stoves. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out the beach, explore freshwater lagoons and caverns, and much more. This eight-day program costs $1,899 –  click here  to learn more and to register.

Dominican Republic: Global Health Initiative

Another amazing program you can sign up for in the Dominican Republic is Global Leadership Adventures’ Global Health Initiative. Perfect for students who want to pursue an education in medicine or public health, you’ll meet with community leaders to discuss health, sustainability, and education, assist traveling doctors and Peace Corps volunteers with their work, and lots more. On the adventure portion of your trip, you’ll zip line through the jungle, hike through waterfalls, and explore coral reefs on a snorkeling expedition. This 14-day program costs $3,399 –  learn more here .

Galapagos: Preserving Nature’s Wonders

If you’re passionate about protecting animals and their natural habitats, check out this program in the Galapagos Islands, where you can help to restore the habitat of native wildlife. On Isabela Island, you’ll volunteer in a tortoise breeding center, and on San Cristobal Island, you’ll help to clear invasive species to allow tortoises and birds to re-inhabit the area. You’ll also be able to go snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and hiking during this two-week program.  Click here to learn more .

Ghana: Children of Africa

GLA also invites you to Ghana, where you’ll teach children in a village primary school or orphanage, make bricks for construction of new facilities, and play soccer and other team games and sports with the kids. You’ll also learn about Ghanaian culture through workshops in cloth dyeing, drumming, and local Ewe or Krobo language – and you’ll have the opportunity to meet with local tribe members and chiefs to learn about religion, social construction, and much more.

During the adventure portion of your trip to Ghana, you may have the chance to explore mountains, hike waterfalls, and explore outdoor markets. This 21-day summer trip costs $4,999, and is an amazing way to spend your summer break.  Click here to learn more and to sign up !

Raleigh International

Founded in 1984,  Raleigh International  offers volunteer abroad programs for youth and young adults in Nepal, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Tanzania. Programs focus on clean water and hygiene, sustainable use of natural resources, and community building. So far, 400,000 youth volunteers have traveled with Raleigh International, with another 800 expected to sign up this year.

With a commitment to youth leadership and engagement, Raleigh International helped design and currently holds the BS8848 Safety Standard for organizing and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside of the UK. If you’re in high school or college, taking a gap year, or recently graduated and looking for a way to make a difference, Raleigh International offers a wide variety of volunteer projects with a real impact led by multicultural and multinational teams.

Raleigh International Opportunities to Check Out

Nepal expedition.

One of Raleigh International’s expeditions brings you to  Nepal . Based in a rural village in Gorkha, you will be able to make a difference by volunteering with an initiative to improve access to safe water and sanitation. This is especially important in an area where 85% of homes were affected by the devastating earthquake of 2015 – as a volunteer, you will help with digging trenches, laying pipes, and awareness-raising to help those living in this community lead healthy lives. As part of this expedition, you also will have the chance to go trekking in the foothills of the Ganesh Himal mountains.  Learn more here!

Naturally Africa Volunteers

Naturally Africa Volunteers (NAV)  coordinates sustainable, community-centered projects throughout  Kenya ,  South Africa ,  Malawi ,  Tanzania ,  Ghana  , and  Namibia . Their projects tend to run from two to twelve weeks and are perfect for volunteers who are seeking shorter term opportunities in Africa. Naturally Africa Volunteers seeks to solidify its change on two levels– by coordinating high-impact, well-researched volunteers programs and by supporting its international volunteers from the moment they join the project.

NAV is dedicated to making sure that each international volunteer has the best experience possible and is able to work in close conjunction with communities across the continent. Volunteers are currently  urgently needed in Malawi  to assist with  medical care ,  childcare ,  teaching , and  sports coaching .  Participants from Volunteer Forever are eligible for a reduced program fee  that starts at an affordable $925 for a two week placement, which includes your room & board, transportation (including airport pickup), and contribution to the host community.

Naturally Africa Volunteer Opportunities to Check Out

Naturally Africa Volunteers  supports programs in many areas of interest, including  volunteer teaching ,  medical volunteering ,  sports coaching ,  community outreach , and  wildlife and conservation . Volunteers who are interested in a short-term volunteer project (2-3 weeks) will especially be interested in  NAV’s Wild Coast School Project , which places volunteers in underfunded rural South African schools supporting full-time staff and volunteers. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with students aged 6-14 promoting computer literacy, often through traveling through rural schools alongside state-of-the-art technology education equipment including laptops that the students usually lack access to.

Naturally Africa Volunteers Program Review

My time in Malawi was amazing. Meg, Sam and Aug were the main reason. They provided a balanced view on how to go about my role as a volunteer. I can not describe how inspired I was by the whole trip and the staff at the cottage. The structure of the project was brilliant.  You can clearly see the priorities. Keeping a good relationship with the village population and the elders was their main focus. Providing amazing support to the wound clinics, HIV support groups, nursery and home based care groups was incredible. I am very lucky I was part of the development of the different village I visited. At the weekends I got to experience other parts of Malawi. Like the landscape and culture outside the village.  I wish I could have stayed for longer. I hope to return to Malawi in the near future. – Maria, March 2015

Founded over 25 years ago,  Frontier  combines community development, capacity building, ecosystem protection, economic growth, and the development of civil society through collaboration between local communities, researchers, and volunteers of all ages.

From their first program in Tanzania – a marine park still operating today, developed in  partnership with the World Wildlife Fund  – Frontier has expanded to include more than 400 projects in 72 countries around the world.

This nonprofit scientific research organization employs dedicated staff who have been  published in more than 450 articles in peer-reviewed journals  – and whether you’d like to take on an internship abroad, volunteer project, gap year, or teach abroad / TEFL program, Frontier is a fantastic way to travel the world and make a positive impact.

Frontier Opportunities to Check Out

Costa rica: big cats, primates, and turtle conservation.

On  this program , you’re invited to gain practical research and conservation experience while helping to conserve the natural habitats of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Costa Rica has one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, and your work will be vital to protecting it and ensuring endangered animals have a place to thrive. A few activities you’ll take part in include beach patrols to research turtle nesting habits, surveying and collecting data on big cats, walking primate transects to collect data on different species, and more. This program starts from one week at $1,445.

Fiji: Marine Conservation and Diving

Through this placement, you’ll have the opportunity to  aid conservation research  on Beqa Island, Fiji. You’ll locate and map coral reefs, conduct a reef census to discover which species live there, assess coral bleaching and damage, record marine life feeding habit observations, and much more. This research is provided to local stakeholders, research groups, and government entities to help develop plans for protection of the island and its marine ecosystem. This project starts from one week at $2,095.

Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project

Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 animal species in need of protection from deforestation, encroachment on natural habitats, and poaching. On Frontier’s  animal rescue project in Costa Rica , you’ll volunteer in a rescue center that provides a sanctuary to animals that have been injured or that have been rescued from captivity, with the goal of reintroducing them into the wild. You’ll work alongside local staff to care for the animals – such as monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and other wildlife – and educate visitors about wildlife protection and environmental conservation. This program starts from two weeks at $1,145, plus $395 for each additional week if you’d like to stay longer.

Madagascar: Marine Conservation and Diving

If you want to go off the beaten track, take a look at this  marine conservation program in Madagascar , where you can dive nearly-untouched coral reefs while studying marine life and providing valuable research into sustainable management of the island’s natural resources. A few tasks you’ll take on include charting coral reefs, recording healthy fish populations, identifying different species in the reef, studying how fishing communities utilize marine resources, and more. This volunteer program starts from one week at $1,745, with PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water training available at an additional cost.

Big heart, but little wallet?  Check out our list of  free volunteer programs  and  affordable volunteer organizations .

P.S. If you’re still looking for a volunteer opportunity, check out our list of  gap year programs  and recommended volunteer projects in  Asia ,  South Asia ,  Africa ,  Central America ,  South America , and  Thailand . You can also read about 7  Great Medical and Veterinary Volunteer Abroad Projects ,  10 Dental Volunteer Abroad Program and Medical Mission Tips for Pre Dental Students , and  nursing volunteer abroad projects for students and nurse professionals . Or, if medical volunteer projects aren’t for you, be sure to read about our  sports and coaching volunteer abroad ,  wildlife conservation and veterinary  abroad,  teach abroad , and  intern abroad  programs. Lastly, if you’re under age 18, you may be interested in a  teen volunteer abroad  program from one of our many great partners.

Sarah Vandenberg · Director of Partnerships

Sarah has worked as a researcher and consultant in the volunteer travel world since 2004. With a BA from the George Washington University and background working with both public and private sector volunteer organizations, she enjoys exploring the world and collecting and sharing stories, trends, and advice with travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.

• Follow Sarah Vandenberg:

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Best Volunteer Abroad Programs for All Ages

Volunteer Worldwide:  Push beyond your boundaries and see what a difference you make! Help children and families thrive on the best volunteer abroad programs available. Build, teach, and provide care on stimulating and cohesive service programs. These are measurable and meaningful projects that truly change lives! What’s more, you’ll work with boomers, seniors, gen-x’ers and millennials who all share a common vision of global possibility. Members and supporters of the LGBTQ community are welcome individually and in groups. Chances are good you’ll find kindred spirits on any of our volunteer abroad programs!

You can be certain your help is needed and wanted worldwide, because we always work under the direction and at the invitation of local partners. Each service program engages you in important community development projects, such as teaching English, planting and maintaining community gardens, repairing clinics and classrooms, caring for at-risk children – and so much more.

Our volunteer coordinators are available by email, phone and chat to describe our volunteer programs abroad and in the USA.  We’ll help you decide on projects that best suit your interests and skills. On site, our proprietary orientation, team-building sessions and educational presentations give you a superior perspective on the host community and your service opportunities. Our community partners offer tips on how to volunteer overseas respectfully and effectively. All enable you to give back in a fun and meaningful way. Extend the value of your knowledge many times over!

The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Transform Lives

You enrich your life when you help others . Our knowledgeable and engaged community leaders enable us to offer the best volunteer abroad programs to serve local people. More than three decades of sustained community development assistance uniquely qualifies us to prepare you to volunteer overseas. Our long-term relationships, exceptional volunteer management and comprehensive community service enable you to make a real difference.  That’s why our alumni recommend us many times over to their friends and family members.

Our practice of always working hand-in-hand with local people meet and exceed the highest international standards for volunteer programs abroad. You can contribute in ways that suit you the best: Use your professional skills in exciting, unfamiliar settings. Or, pursue a new skill. Serve with new friends and teammates. Pursue a deeper understanding of the promise of the world’s youth. Joining like-minded, motivated and compassionate people from all over the world on volunteer abroad programs can be one of the most significant experiences of your life.

We support and prepare you to volunteer overseas and in the USA

Professional in-country staff and partners, on-site orientation and team-building sessions, 24-hour emergency phone contact, emergency medical evacuation insurance, language and cultural introductions, professional skills and work project interest questionnaire, program summary materials and reading lists, conversational english teaching guide, global volunteering manual, essential services prospectus, volunteering fundraising assistance, hotel lodging in most partner communities.

Depending on your appetite for challenge and adventure, you can choose from programs close to home, or volunteer programs abroad in a community unseen by conventional tourists. And, you can choose between rugged, physically-challenging environments or the familiarity of a classroom and comfortable hotel in a small town or urban area. Each service opportunity has its unique appeal, while the comfort and familiarity of our program logistics are standard from program to program.

Because of the unique needs in our partner communities the world over, you can find new volunteer abroad programs to fulfill your goals year after year, confident that our standards and procedures are the same in every country. Each volunteer program overseas deepens your perspective of the world and your place in it.

“I always feel safe and well taken care of when serving with Global Volunteers.”

“We fell in love with the people and the area of Pommern. The community, teachers, and students were so warm and welcoming to us, that we quickly felt a strong connection to them. We wanted to continue our work by helping in a project that would be long-term and sustainable. It became our main focus.”

“It’s kind of a cliché, but I just gain so much more than I give. Volunteering in this ways gives you insight into the culture in a way you could never get as a tourist. You live with the people, you go to their homes and mingle with teachers. You realize you have something in common with the people you’re working with. It really is waging peace through justice worldwide.”

“Each time (I serve), I receive the positive feelings that are felt for Global Volunteers. There’re few places in life that I have received the confirmation of the importance of my role in such an obvious manner.”

“It’s very difficult to explain that this was not just a trip. It was a life-altering experience for both of us. We touched as many people as we could and made a difference in their lives. Sometimes we got so excited and charged up about our work, we couldn’t sleep at night.”

“I thank everyone for their dedicated work, that allows for those in need to be touched by well-organized out-reach programs filled with love. It is a privilege to be a part of Global Volunteers, and I treasure each of my 5 trips.”

Learn from Others About Volunteer Programs Abroad

Our worldwide volunteers themselves describe their experiences the best. Learn more from them here:

• My Week Among the Blackfeet
• Reflection: Volunteering as a Couple in Cuba
• Adventures in Teaching – Poland
• University Students Call Volunteer Service in Tanzania “Life Changing”
• A Volunteer’s Journey of Cultural Immersion in Sicily, Italy
• Feeding the Solo Traveler’s Soul
• I’ll Remember You Forever – Teaching English

Fill the form below for more volunteer abroad information, or call: (800) 487-1074

As a private, non-profit organization independent from government and religious funding, Global Volunteers’ programs are financed almost entirely by volunteer contributions. This is important because our community partners cannot afford the “open market” costs of the services and materials we provide. Your tax-deductible service program contribution pays your expenses in the partner community. These include your food, lodging, work site transportation, program materials, team leadership, emergency evacuation insurance, and administrative costs. In addition, we provide supplemental financing to help meet our host’s many, on-going and special needs.

We’re unable to provide any assistance in obtaining your passport or visa. You'll need a passport to travel abroad and for some countries, you’ll need a visa.  Please keep this in mind when planning your travel schedule. If you live outside the U.S., you may have additional restrictions for participating on U.S. programs.

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The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs For 2024

Looking for the best volunteer opportunities to join in 2024? As the world’s leading volunteering organization, International Volunteer HQ provides top-rated volunteer holidays , and makes it easy for you to find the best volunteer travel opportunities. With feedback from more than 10,000 volunteer travelers and insight from our experienced volunteer abroad support staff, we’re sharing 25 of our most recommended volunteer trips for 2024.

Here are the highest rated and best volunteer abroad programs for volunteers of all ages - all of these programs are available year-round and are currently accepting volunteers for 2024, 2025 and beyond.

What are the best places to volunteer abroad in 2024?

Our volunteer programs in Africa , Europe , the Caribbean , North America , Central America , South America and the Middle East are proving very popular for 2024! Explore the best volunteer abroad programs as rated by past IVHQ volunteers in the following regions:

• Best Africa volunteer abroad programs
• Best Central America volunteer abroad programs
• Best South America volunteer abroad programs
• Best North America and Caribbean volunteer abroad programs
• Best Europe volunteer abroad programs
• Best Middle East volunteer abroad programs
• Best Asia volunteer abroad programs

Wondering how we measure the effectiveness of our volunteer abroad programs? Check out the scoring guide that past volunteers use to rate IVHQ programs.

What are the best volunteer abroad programs based on your travel style?

Wondering how to volunteer abroad and where to start? Whether you’re a high school student, college student, older adult, or a family, discover the top volunteer abroad programs for your travel style below:

• Best volunteer abroad programs for high school students
• Best volunteer abroad programs for college students
• Top volunteer travel abroad programs for adults
• Best volunteer vacations for families
• Best medical volunteer abroad programs for 2024
• Top volunteer programs for one week
• Top trending 2024 destinations from the Lonely Planet

Best volunteer opportunities abroad for 2024

As more people opt to travel in a more sustainable and meaningful way, IVHQ’s volunteer abroad programs across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe are booking up quickly for 2024. You won’t want to miss out on these humanitarian volunteer opportunities!

To help you choose the best 2024 volunteer programs to match your personal interests and the causes you care about - we’ve collated the top programs below based on how past volunteers have scored them.

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in Africa for 2024?

Volunteer abroad in tanzania.

As a country bursting with natural splendor, beautiful beaches, ancient villages, and local tribes - Tanzania is one of the best places to experience an authentic volunteer holiday. It’s also home to the astounding Mount Kilimanjaro and some incredible wildlife, making it a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and animal lovers alike!

Many choose to combine our volunteer programs in Tanzania with an epic weekend getaway, including safaris, Maasai village tours, hiking trips, or overnighters to see waterfalls, hotsprings, caves, and coffee plantations. These types of tours and experiences in Tanzania can be easily added on to your volunteer program and booked directly through IVHQ.

Volunteer opportunities in Tanzania range from Animal Welfare and Childcare to Medical , Teaching and Women’s Education . These programs tackle some of the greatest challenges faced by local communities in Tanzania by improving access to education and healthcare, as well as providing safe spaces for vulnerable populations.

Looking for a conservation volunteer program in Eastern Africa? Check out IVHQ’s Zanzibar volunteer program below, which you can easily be added to the start or end of your Tanzania trip.

Volunteer Rating

Volunteer abroad in zanzibar.

Looking to unplug from everyday life and reconnect with nature? Located off the coast of Tanzania, the idyllic island of Zanzibar boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, unique wildlife, charming locals, and vibrant culture.

IVHQ’s Zanzibar volunteer program is perfect for animal and nature lovers who are drawn to the ocean and want to get a taste of Africa. As a volunteer traveler, you can live in a beachside bungalow and regenerate wild turtle populations on the Turtle Conservation volunteer project . Alternatively, you can stay in a rustic forest camp and protect endangered species, such as the Red Colobus Monkey, snakes, lizards, and tortoises on the Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project.

This is a truly unique opportunity to go off the beaten track and volunteer in Africa to help protect delicate ecosystems, preserve natural spaces, and help tackle climate change. Volunteering in Zanzibar can easily be combined with IVHQ’s Tanzania program and many volunteers opt to split their time volunteering in Africa between these two incredible (but incredibly different) volunteer programs.

Volunteer Abroad in Victoria Falls

Imagine volunteering abroad in a setting where your backyard has breathtaking views over a zebra-filled savannah - Victoria Falls is just that. Not only is this one of the best opportunities to volunteer in Africa with animals , Victoria Falls offers one of the most unique wildlife conservation volunteer programs . Volunteers are based on a private game reserve near the magical Victoria Falls - a once in a lifetime experience for volunteering abroad with animals.

While the volunteer work is physically demanding, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with night camping in the reserve with the other volunteers. If you are in search of animal volunteering abroad and are passionate about conservation and wildlife, IVHQ’s Victoria Falls program is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Volunteer Abroad in Zambia

For those who want to explore the incredible area of Victoria Falls, but want to volunteer to help local people in the community, check out IVHQ’s much-loved Zambia volunteer program . Volunteer opportunities in Zambia include Construction & Renovation , Elderly Care , Childcare , Medical , Rural Teaching , and Teaching .

This is the perfect destination for adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies - whether you want to swim on the ledge of a mighty waterfall, go on safari, or whitewater rafting, Zambia is the perfect spot to witness nature at its best while making a positive impact within the community. Check out some of the awesome free-time tours and experiences available in Zambia with IVHQ.

Volunteer Abroad in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Want to go into the wild and protect endangered species? Our Wildlife Conservation project in South Africa is based on one of Africa’s largest and most iconic game reserves - Kruger National Park.

Volunteers get to live amongst the ‘Big 5’ - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - and help preserve their spectacular home. A typical day on the Wildlife Conservation project includes game drives, vegetation sampling, camera trapping, habitat assessments, monitoring of rare and endangered species, and much more.

If you want to volunteer in South Africa on a community-focused project, we have plenty in and around Cape Town to choose from. Or, for the ultimate adventure, combine our Kruger volunteer project with volunteering in Cape Town with IVHQ !

Volunteer Abroad in Ghana

Volunteers on IVHQ’s Ghana program consistently rave about the immersive cultural experience and welcoming community vibes. The local people you’ll work with and the incredible support team will make you feel at home from the moment you land in Ghana. The local team here has a long history of providing dedicated support to ensure IVHQ volunteers achieve positive outcomes across the communities they work within.

As a volunteer in Ghana, you’ll develop a strong sense of connection to your host community and your contribution will be recognized with a great deal of gratitude from your local hosts. In your free time, you’ll be able to explore Ghana’s best kept secrets, thanks to the popular tips the local team has to offer. Explore our volunteer opportunities in Ghana below.

Volunteer Abroad in South Africa

If you’re a first time traveler , a solo traveler or have never been to Africa, volunteering abroad in South Africa is a popular choice. Set in Cape Town, IVHQ’s South Africa program is incredibly popular for those looking for a meaningful and social travel experience with easy access to surfing, hiking and even weekend safari tours. It’s also a sought-after destination for foodies so come prepared to sample the world-class cuisine and dining options!

The volunteer work itself in South Africa receives outstanding reviews from IVHQ volunteers, making it one of the best volunteer programs in Africa. With volunteer projects like Surf Outreach , Teaching English and Sports Development , there is a significant focus on youth development and increasing access to education in Cape Town.

Looking for a conservation project or want to go on safari in South Africa? IVHQ’s Wildlife Conservation project in South Africa is based in Kruger National Park and gives volunteers the unique opportunity to live amongst the ‘Big 5’ - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - while observing them on game drives and protecting their spectacular home.

Volunteer Abroad in Morocco

Morocco is a glowing cultural hub with a unique fusion of European, African and Middle Eastern influences that result in an upbeat lifestyle, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. IVHQ’s Morocco volunteer programs are based in the stunning regions of Rabat, Casablanca and Sale.

With volunteer projects ranging from the thrilling Amazigh Immersion in the Atlas Mountains to Sports Education , Women’s Education , and a range of Teaching projects - there’s a volunteer program to suit every skill set and interest.

Named one of the top countries to visit by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2024, Morocco is the hidden gem of Africa that everyone’s talking about this year.

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in Central America for 2024?

Volunteer abroad in costa rica.

Known for its laid back culture and beautiful beaches, rainforests and volcanoes, Costa Rica is one of the best places to volunteer abroad and consistently a top pick for those looking to volunteer in Central America. IVHQ’s Costa Rica volunteer programs are located in a range of volunteer locations in Costa Rica, including the capital city of San Jose, and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast.

Costa Rica is one of IVHQ’s most popular volunteer trip locations, with an incredible range of diverse and responsible projects that include Turtle Conservation , Eco-Agriculture Conservation , Childcare , Teaching English , Healthcare , and more.

Volunteer Abroad in Guatemala

Volunteering in Guatemala with IVHQ offers the ultimate volunteer holiday for those who like to go off the beaten track. With a rich fusion of Mayan and Spanish cultures, there are plenty of fascinating colonial towns, ancient Mayan ruins and quaint rural villages to explore. Guatemala’s incredible volcanoes, lush rainforest, beautiful lakes, and fascinating cultural cities make this country a hit with nature and city lovers alike.

IVHQ’s volunteer opportunities in Guatemala range from unique programs such as Mayan Cultural Immersion in the Highlands, Eco-Agriculture on a local coffee farm - to Medical , Childcare , and Teaching projects in the bustling city of Antigua.

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in South America for 2024?

Volunteer abroad in peru.

For many volunteers, their experiences volunteering in Peru are some of the best of their lives. With an extensive range of projects to join, you can choose volunteer work such as Amazon Jungle Conservation or the Medical volunteer project .

You can choose take a volunteer trip to Peru’s capital - Lima (starting at just $275 for 1 week), or you could volunteer in Cusco - the gateway to Machu Picchu. During your weekends, you’ll have easy access from either location to iconic attractions such as Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca and the Salt Mines. Make sure you check out the must-do trips in Peru for your IVHQ weekends before you depart.

Volunteer Abroad in Ecuador

As a volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ , you can choose from a range of volunteer abroad projects, including Teaching English , Street Children Work , Childcare , Summer Project and NGO Support . Volunteer programs are based in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito and its hinterland. Nestled high in the Andes, Quito is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South America, however there is still a great need for volunteers to assist with the development of the city.

On IVHQ’s Ecuador volunteer program, you will be greeted and guided by an incredibly dedicated local team who will ensure you feel safe and supported throughout your volunteer experience. See what other IVHQ volunteers say about their experience volunteer with these IVHQ Ecuador reviews .

Volunteer Abroad in Argentina

Argentina draws in tourists from around the globe for many reasons - its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, vibrant culture and so much more.

IVHQ’s Argentina volunteer programs are located in the cultural hub of Córdoba and coastal capital, Buenos Aires.Volunteer projects include Childcare , Construction & Renovation , Elderly Care , Healthcare , Special Needs Support , and much more.

Both of IVHQ’s Argentina programs are within a short flight of the iconic Northeast Argentina region, making it an ideal weekend escape for volunteers. This is a stunning, untouched part of the country, home to the famous Iguazú falls and the rugged beauty of the surrounding National Park.

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in North America and the Caribbean for 2024?

Volunteer abroad in belize.

IVHQ’s Belize volunteer program is based on a stunning private island - just 45 minutes from mainland Belize in the Caribbean, with a focus on preserving endangered marine life. Volunteers receive comprehensive training so they can assist local marine biologists to gather data, conduct surveys, and remove invasive species.

The Marine Conservation project involves going on 13 scuba dives a week to collect data and carry out surveying, so if you don’t have your open water diving certification, you’re able to get PADI qualified on the program. You can expect to see lionfish, corals, whale sharks, turtles, queen conch and many more fascinating underwater species on your dives.

Volunteers monitor the reef, whale sharks and other marine life, eradicate invasive species, help set sustainable fishing limits, and take part in weekly beach clean-ups to preserve the fragile reef ecosystem, protect against global warming, and remove harmful plastics from the ocean.

Volunteer Abroad in Jamaica

IVHQ’s Jamaica volunteer program is the perfect opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the pulsing culture of the Caribbean while making a positive impact in the local community. Beautiful beaches, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and laid back vibes - just a few reasons why IVHQ volunteers fall in love with Jamaica.

Our program is located by the ocean in St Mary, where you’ll be welcomed into a tight-knit community eager to connect with volunteers like you. Make a lasting impact through impact-driven projects that are run by locals, including Sustainable Agriculture , Sports , Youth Development , Childcare , Business Development , Teaching , and more.

Volunteer Abroad in Puerto Rico

A stunning island in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is bursting with character and culture. The country is a unique melting pot of influences from South America, Europe, North America ,and the wider Caribbean, resulting in a laid back, tropical and Latin feel.

Volunteer work in Puerto Rico is focused on assisting with widely felt social issues resulting from Hurricane Maria in 2017, with projects in Youth Support , Environmental Sustainability , NGO Support , and Community Development . Puerto Rico is home to many things you can’t find anywhere else - from the brightly-colored Old Town in San Juan to some of the world’s only unique bioluminescent lakes!

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in Europe for 2024?

Volunteer abroad in croatia.

A gem of the Mediterranean, Croatia is an amazing place to volunteer abroad and a glistening coastal country that has fast become a favorite for travelers to Europe - especially in the summer and fall. Our Croatia volunteer program is based in the popular city of Split, which is vibrant all year round, and has become iconic as the film set to a whole bunch of Game of Thrones scenes.

Volunteer projects include Marine Conservation , Youth Support , Animal Care , Special Needs Support and a unique Creative Technologies opportunity. There’s nothing like watching the sunset over the Mediterranean coast from an idyllic beach-side perch.

You’ll also find Croatia on Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel list for 2024 - just in case you needed another excuse to get there this year!

Volunteer Abroad in Portugal

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, one of the most vibrant cultural cities in Europe, and home to IVHQ’s Portugal volunteer program . You’ll love its charming cobbled streets, quirky cafes, stunning surf beaches, funky bars, and delicious Portugese delicacies. The city is bursting with beautiful architecture, rich cultural history, incredible street art, and museums.

As one of the sunniest places in Europe, Lisbon benefits from balmy temperatures year-round with a lovely Mediterranean climate.

From Environmental Scuba Diving to Supporting the Homeless and Youth Support projects - there’s a multitude of impactful volunteer opportunities to help out in this part of the world.

By popular request, IVHQ has also opened a range of new environmental conservation-focused projects in Portugal, including Forest Conservation , Biological Park Conservation , and Upcycling for Social Good . So whether you want to restore native forests, help protect native species, protect precious ecosystems, or reduce plastics entering landfill in a creative way, Portugal is the ideal volunteer destination to make a hands-on impact.

Volunteer Abroad in Romania

Is the appeal of Europe drawing you in? Our Romania volunteer program is the stand-out option, with its misty mountains, vast forests and fascinating history. The IVHQ Romania volunteer program consistently gets fantastic volunteer feedback, with the in-country program support often singled out for special praise.

The local team in Romaina welcomes every volunteer into the community, giving you a rare insight into authentic Romanian life and culture. There is plenty to keep volunteers busy in their downtime, with the rest of Europe on your doorstep. The program is based in the town of Miercurea Ciuc in the distinctive region of eastern Transylvania. IVHQ has a wide range of top rated volunteer abroad projects available in Romania, including Teaching English , Sustainable Agriculture , and Animal Care .

Volunteer Abroad in Spain

Take a volunteer adventure in Barcelona with IVHQ to discover the ins and outs of this cosmopolitan city. You’ll be placed at the heart of the city while volunteering on meaningful community-driven projects among the world-famous art and architecture.

Volunteer placements include Marine Conservation , Youth Support , Special Needs Support , and more. As an IVHQ volunteer in Spain, you’ll be immersed in this iconic city, working alongside locals and other international volunteers, and making valuable contributions to projects that value your support.

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in the Middle East for 2024?

Volunteer abroad in jordan.

Jordan is a beautiful country in the heart of the Middle East that boasts diverse landscapes and people - and it’s safe to travel around! You can experience the peaceful and humble Bedouin way of life in the desert, the fascinating ancient kingdom of Petra and the progressive vibrant city of Amman - where our volunteer programs are based.

We’re incredibly proud that the coordinator of our Jordan volunteer program , Masar, was once an IVHQ volunteer herself! Back in 2013, Masar volunteered with IVHQ in South Africa, India, Colombia and Kenya, which had a profound impact and inspired her to establish a volunteer program in her home country of Jordan. This program has also previously been shortlisted as a finalist for the Innovative New Volunteer Abroad Program Award in the GoAbroad Awards.

Volunteer opportunities in Jordan include Arts and Music , Special Needs Support , Teaching , Women’s Education , Youth Support , and a unique Ramadan project.

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in Asia for 2024?

Volunteer abroad in nepal.

Volunteer in Nepal in 2024 or 2025 and experience it all! This is a country full of color, culture, incredible landscapes and friendly people. One of the highlights of the Nepal program is just how varied the placement locations are with volunteer projects located in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Chitlang and Pokhara. IVHQ’s 2024 Nepal volunteer program is perfect for volunteers looking for a wide range of volunteer opportunities in truly unique locations throughout the country.

Nepal is well known to be a safe option for volunteers traveling solo and IVHQ volunteers make the most of the incredible sightseeing opportunities and tours in Nepal to explore in your free time.

Volunteer Abroad in Bali - Indonesia

If you’re looking for the one of the top volunteer programs in Asia, look no further than Bali. As a volunteer in Bali , you can choose from two locations: Ubud - the cultural hub of Bali, or Lovina - the laid-back coastal beach town. ( Find out where you should volunteer in Bali ).

For travelers who want to volunteer in Indonesia, this is the perfect volunteer program for surfers, nature lovers or anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity off the beaten path. The Bali program is one of IVHQ’s best volunteer abroad programs, with between 40-80 volunteers starting each month. There are six different projects available, with everything from Turtle Conservation to Childcare Support , so there’s plenty of variety to customizes your meaningful volunteer trip to Asia.

Volunteer Abroad in India - Kerala

India has captivated travelers for generations, and for good reason! It’s mixture of vibrant sights, sounds and colors, spirited people, dynamic cultures and vivid atmosphere all combined to create a truly remarkable country to visit. As a volunteer in India, you’ll build authentic connections with locals by supporting volunteer projects that meet the needs of the local communities. It’s a rare chance to be immersed within the Indian culture and to get an authentic sense of what the country is about.

IVHQ’s volunteer program in Kerala, India is based in the coastal city of Kochi, an eclectic town that’s one of our favorite hidden gems. Come ready to experience India in a new light - tropical, laid back and without the hustle and bustle of the big cities. With a perfect mixture of cool, contemporary cafes and authentic cultural galleries and shows, Kerala is one of Asia’s best kept secrets.

IVHQ also offers a popular range of volunteer projects in Delhi, the fast-paced and exciting capital of India. Whether you choose to volunteer in Kerala or Delhi with IVHQ, you’ll have access to a trusted support network and the help of a 24/7 local team which takes the hassle out of organizing your India volunteer experience.

Volunteer Abroad in Vietnam

Vietnam is known for its culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. As a volunteer in Vietnam , you’ll get to experience a mix of all that, as well as many local secrets and traditional traveler highlights. At the same time, you’ll help make a positive and lasting contribution to the Vietnamese community that you’re immersed in, making it the best way to experience Vietnam.

Volunteers are highly valued by the local community and the welcoming nature of the IVHQ Vietnam local team makes this volunteer program a firm favorites with Vietnam volunteer program participants. You can volunteer in Vietnam teaching English or if you’re on the path to a medical career, this is one of IVHQ’s best medical volunteer abroad programs .

How do we measure the effectiveness of our volunteer abroad programs?

In case you’re wondering how we select the best volunteer abroad programs for 2024, here’s some context to understand the criteria IVHQ volunteer programs are measured against…

Program Support

As the world leaders in volunteer travel, IVHQ has a specialist support team to help you find the right volunteer program to match your motivations, skills and the causes you care about. Once you’ve found the right volunteer program and registered to volunteer overseas with us, you’ll be connected with a dedicated Program Manager to support you on your journey. You’ll also gain access to the full suite of preparation tools within your MyIVHQ account. Here, you can access your detailed program guide, online volunteer training and customized preparation checklist to ensure you’re all set to volunteer overseas.

Our local teams are also on-hand to support you throughout your volunteer experience, from the moment you step off the airplane. This includes organizing your airport pick-up, program orientation and 24/7 support while you’re abroad. IVHQ works closely with these local teams day in, day out to ensure that your volunteer abroad experience is the best it can be.

Volunteer Work

IVHQ’s locally-led programs are designed to ensure you can make a positive contribution to important causes through your volunteer work abroad, while enjoying a culturally immersive experience. With our huge range of 300+ volunteer projects to choose from, there are plenty of options that give you the opportunity to pursue your passions, explore a career path or even share one of your hobbies with others. You’ll also need to consider how active you are, as some volunteer programs are more physically demanding than others. Our team of Volunteer Travel Specialists can help you choose the perfect program based on these factors.

Accommodation

After a day of volunteering, nothing beats coming home to a comfortable home away from home. When volunteering abroad with IVHQ, you’ll be living in the company of like-minded volunteers from around the world. The accommodation options vary from country to country but you can be confident that you’ll always have a safe and vetted place to call home. You could be living in a homestay with a few other volunteers, a volunteer house with dormitory-style rooms or you may wish to request a private room if that option is available.

Depending on the volunteer program you choose to join, you can be served up to three meals a day. Volunteer meals are typically made up of local cuisine so you’ll have the opportunity to sample traditional home cooked meals that can often accommodate special dietary requirements. Check out our choice of the best volunteer destinations for vegetarians and vegans here .

The best volunteer abroad programs are the ones that deliver the biggest impact through mutually beneficial exchanges between international volunteers and their host communities. When volunteering abroad with IVHQ, you can feel confident that you’ll be contributing to locally-driven volunteer projects that are supporting important social and environmental objectives. This is achieved by working in collaboration with local people who are in the best position to determine where volunteer support is most needed. It’s crucial that when you’re looking for legitimate volunteer abroad programs, you consider how your time abroad will impact the community and that volunteer work is driven by their needs.

Best volunteer abroad programs for high school students in 2024:

We’ve got 15 volunteer programs around the globe that high school students can take part in. Whether you’re traveling as an individual or with a group, read our comprehensive High School Volunteer Abroad Guide which details the destinations and projects available for high school volunteering abroad, as well as the dedicated support that’s provided for teen volunteering.

Best volunteer abroad programs for college students in 2024:

Volunteering abroad as a college student is the perfect opportunity to broaden your career prospects and immerse yourself in a foreign community during your break period. If you’d like to learn more about how volunteering abroad can benefit you and discover our best volunteer abroad programs for college students, check out our helpful guide - Volunteer Abroad For College Students .

Whether you’re setting out for your first adventure abroad or you’re well traveled, here are some amazing volunteer destinations that are popular with college students because of their program price, flexibility and community impact.

• Bali - Ubud
• Peru - Cusco
• South Africa

Top volunteer abroad programs for older adults in 2024:

When we leave our youth, it’s all too common to lose our spirit for adventure and feel as though opportunities aren’t suited for us. Luckily, volunteering abroad has no barriers for older adults. If you’re looking for a new life direction or if you’re highly skilled at what you do, volunteering allows you to connect with a local community and provide meaningful support in your chosen field.

The best thing about IVHQ is that you can travel in your own style. Room upgrades are available in most of our volunteer destinations, so you can choose to have your own privacy or be immersed with other volunteers on your program. Take a look at our Best Volunteer Programs For Grown Ups Guide for all you need to know, or check out some of these recommended options:

Best volunteer vacations for families in 2024:

The family vacation has taken a different form this year, with more and more families looking for meaningful multi-generational travel experiences over traditional resort-style vacations. Volunteering allows families to work together in ways not possible on your average vacation, while still gaining all the perks of visiting a new destination, experiencing local cuisine and seeing the attractions. If you’re looking for recommendations for family volunteer opportunities, check out our helpful Volunteer Vacations for Families Guide and take the family on a trip they won’t forget.

Best medical volunteer abroad programs in 2024:

Volunteering abroad has long been a popular option for college students working towards a career in medical fields. Put your theory work into practice as you provide meaningful medical volunteer assistance to underserved communities around the world. Medical volunteering abroad is the perfect way to make the most of your semester break, gain international healthcare experience and give back to communities that value your support. Check out our extensive range of medical volunteer opportunities in our Medical Mission Trips article .

Top volunteer programs for one week in 2024:

Strapped for time, but still want to volunteer in other countries and do meaningful volunteer work? IVHQ offers fantastic volunteer opportunities to suit a range of travel styles. Take a look at our Volunteer Trips Abroad You Can Take For 1 or 2 Weeks Guide , which details more than 10 destinations and the type of traveler they would suit.

If you’re looking for something else, here are a few other top programs based on FAQs from volunteers:

Where’s the best volunteer abroad program based on accommodation? Volunteer in Madagascar or volunteer in Belize and experience living on a private island alongside other international volunteers.

What’s the best volunteer abroad program for vegans? Definitely explore volunteering in Jamaica or support our volunteer projects in Ubud, Bali .

Where’s the best volunteer abroad trip if you want a personalized volunteer experience? If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten track experience where you’re working will a close-knit group of volunteers, explore volunteering in Jordan .

What’s the best place to volunteer and then fill my weekends with adventures? You can’t beat spending your weekend on safari in Tanzania .

If you want to volunteer in other countries and are still having a hard time deciding which volunteer abroad program is best for you, IVHQ has 300+ volunteer programs in more than 40 countries around the world. So grab out the map and start planning your volunteer trip around the globe.

Lonely Planet’s Top Trending Travel Destinations for 2024

Want to give back to a community that really values your support while exploring one of the Lonely Planet’s top trending travel destinations for 2024 ? Check out IVHQ’s volunteer programs in the places that’ll be buzzing in the year ahead, according to the Lonely Planet:

Connect with the colorful culture of India: With new flight routes from America and Europe to IVHQ’s volunteer programs in Delhi and Kerala, now’s the time to volunteer in India ! You could be supporting community projects while igniting all your senses in the captivating city of Delhi, or making an impact in the laid-back coastal region of Kerala.

Find your adventure in Mexico: Combine a volunteer trip to Mexico with an epic new train journey to see ancient Maya Ruins in 2024! This is your chance to give back to community projects in Merida, connect with the local culture, and immerse yourself in the history of the mysterious Mayan ruins emerging from an enchanting jungle.

Discover why Morocco is like no place on earth: For an authentic volunteer adventure like no other, volunteering in Morocco will not disappoint. From connecting with the local community, sharing mind-blowing meals with your host family, to spending a weekend journeying through Sahara desert, this experience will redefine what it means to see the world!

Find your calling in Croatia: Picture this: You could be volunteering in the coastal city of Split , while spending your weekends exploring Croatia’s idyllic islands by ferry. Need we say more?

Can’t Decide?

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Home » Work and Travel » Volunteering » Workaway Alternatives: 6 Best Work Exchange Websites Like Workaway (2024)

Workaway Alternatives: 6 Best Work Exchange Websites Like Workaway (2024)

Broke backpackers go nuts for a great work exchange opportunity – and you should too!

Volunteer exchanges and Workaway programs have become super popular as more and more empty-handed backpackers are looking for ways to stay on the road for a little while longer. Getting the chance to work and live for free? MIND-BLOWING.

The absolute ace thing about work exchanges is that they usually don’t require you to have any specific skills, so they’re open to anyone with a Bob the Builder attitude. (“Yes, we can!”) They’re also catered to travellers so that you have time to explore, not just grind.

How to find a work exchange job, though, that’s the pickle. Many sites have popped up to help connect you, the traveller, to a work host (and maybe your future BFF). While this platform might be the most popular site, there are tons of other Workaway alternatives that are just as great – but don’t get quite as much air time.

So, here it is: a round-up of the best work exchange sites that are like Workaway but are NOT Workaway (because we believe in equal opportunity).

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

A Crash Course to Work Exchanges

Best workaway alternatives, now go and spread your volunteering wings.

New to the wonderful world of work exchanges abroad? I’ve gotchu, boo.

What is a Work Exchange, Anyway?

Work exchange (also see: voluntourism) means that you get free accommodation in exchange for work. Placements usually cover accommodation and at least one meal, meaning your daily costs will drop (like it’s hot). A simple yet epic way into budget backpacking .

The amount of work varies depending on the place and type of work. On average, hosts ask for about 5 hours of work 5 days a week, and the rest of the time you’re as free as a birdie. 

Work exchanges are normally not paid. Sometimes you get extra lucky and find a real travel job that wants to swipe you a few extra dollars under the desk out of the goodness of their hearts. (EU travellers – check out in-EU hosts for more chances to find legally but minimally paying work.) I’d say 90% of these gigs are true and tried volunteer work, though.

Tons of help exchanges involve some sort of agriculture but there are also heaps of other options like hostel work, sailboat jobs, babysitting, or just work around the house. The length also depends a whole lot. Sometimes your host asks for a week or two of your time, sometimes a month. My longest volunteer gig so far was five months.

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How to Find an Awesome Workaway Alternative

With so many work exchange sites to choose from, the choice to hunt out cheap work abroad programmes is certainly tough, especially when you’re looking for an alternative to Workaway.

First of all – most work exchange sites have an annual fee. You can browse the listings for free but when it comes time to shooting a message to your potential host, you gotta sign up for real. I get that this is annoying -after all, you are trying to see how far a penny goes – but I promise it’s for a good reason!

Your money goes to pay the employees of the company and keep the site running. And it pays itself back in just DAYS at best.

Worldpackers, for example, costs $49 ($39 with our Worldpackers promo code! ) per year. This is about the same as you pay for a dorm bed in a hostel in Israel, Australia or Spain for two nights. Worth it, eh?

There’s a benefit to using the larger and more well-known platforms. Obviously, you have better access to a huge range of options and also reviews from previous working travellers. 

By using a well-vetted site, you can be more sure that the hosts listed are acting ethically and responsibly, especially if you’re doing anything with people or animals – exploitative animal tourism is just wrong. 

It’s also not unheard of that the work exchange host would take advantage of the free work and turn your awesome work exchange experience into a labour camp. It’s always a good idea to pick a reputable site with lotsa happy users.

But First, Though – Travel Insurance

Free labour does mean that you won’t be put on any sort of employment contract. If you have an accident, your host can usually not offer anything more than pity and prayers to fix you up.

Never travel without comprehensive travel insurance.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are many sites like Workaway when it comes to finding cool-ass work exchanges abroad. Even in the End of Times, these organisations persist and keep the flame of voluntourism lit .

Here are some of the top contenders.

1. Worldpackers – The Broke Backpacker Favourite!

Worldpackers is probably the dopest Workaway alternative out there. It has a ton of cool minimum-skill jobs available for wanderers, including hostel work, agriculture, teaching English , au pairing, construction… You get the gist. Opportunities are available all over the planet.

The site is all about connections, and not only between hosts and penniless backpackers. Through their blog, volunteers can share their stories (and hone their writer’s quills), and you can find an answer to almost every little question you might have about volunteering in a certain country or position. And they have “training” videos for future volunteers made by community members!

The website is really easy and intuitive to use. You can filter by job, country, or region, or even pick if you’d rather do a normal help exchange worldwide or participate in an educational programme to maximise the learning experience. We even sent a resident broke backpacker on a volunteering mission to Vietnam and look how happy he was…

And they’re serious about the safety of their members. Hosts advertising on the platform go through an approval process, and if anything should go awry, their “WP Insurance” promises to pay for three nights in a hostel dorm if you need to get outta dodge quickly.

Readers of The Broke Backpacker can get a Worldpackers discount (because we just love you like that!). Click the link below to get $10 off a one-year subscription with our Worldpackers promo code BROKEBACKPACKER.

• Pros: Good offerings, great support, and awesome community
• Cons: More pricey than many other options
• Price: Normally $49 per year – $39 if you sign up through us right below!

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

2. Global Work and Travel

Although not as well known as Workaway, Global Work and Travel offers amazing travel programs in 60+ countries. What sets GWT apart, though, is you hardly have to plan anything. Global Work and Travel offers fully guided volunteering trips as well as a 24/7 support line. You’ll get help with sorting visas, airport pick up transfers and finding accommodation. They even offer flexible payment plans making it easier to get on that plane ASAP!

• Pros: Absolutely stellar customer support making everything as easy for you as possible and great website.
• Cons: They don’t have as many volunteer opportunities as other networks (but they are still growing and expanding their reach)
• Cost: No membership fee. Trip costs vary (somewhere between £800 – £4,000) AND you can get a discount by clicking below and using the code!

3. WWOOF – Best Way to Find Farmwork

WWOOFing is not about volunteer opportunities for dogs (that would be CUTE), but it’s one of the OG work exchange sites out there. Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a pretty self-explanatory title – they offer a narrower lens of volunteer opportunities, but it’s a fantastic way to get in touch with the countryside and see more of the rural side of the country you’re travelling in.

Every country has its own WWOOFing network, so you have to pay a membership fee for each country’s own network. There’s also WWOOF Independents for countries without their own national networks in case you prefer trail-building in Armenia to bison-farming in Canada.

The membership fees stack up quickly, so WWOOF is not the most ideal option for serial country-hoppers. It’s bloody fantastic while backpacking Australia , New Zealand or the US, though. Pretty much any country that is expensive as hell but has huge rural areas teeming with farm work opportunities.

• Pros: Wide network, well-established, brings you close to local life
• Cons: Only farm work offered, membership fees can stack up
• Price: Country-specific: 20-30$ per year, WWOOF Independents $20 per year

4. HelpX – The Cheapest Work Exchange Site

HelpX is one of the oldest work exchange sites, making it another great Workaway alternative. Since it’s one of the OGs in the game, its network of hosts is pretty big, and that gives you a whole platter of options to choose from. (Even though the layout of the website makes me mildly disoriented.)

A neat thing about HelpX is the community page where solo working travellers can find buddies for their next volunteering/travel adventure.

HelpX has two levels of membership, Free and Premium. You will need to sign up for the Premium to be able to contact hosts, but at least it’s cheap: just 20 bucks for two years.

• Pros: Lots of opportunities offered, cheap
• Cons: Clunky website
• Price: $ 20 for two years

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5. Helpstay – A Lesser-Known Alternative to Workaway

Helpstay works much the same as all the other Workaway-like sites. It lists your potential hosts, you can filter by region or by the job you want, all the good the stuff. Helpstay is a bit more obscure than many of the other options, but they do offer a ton of options in over 100 different countries.

However, I found the website a little unintuitive, especially when looking for info about the company itself. 

On top of that, I’d recommend you check out the job listings carefully before applying. Helpstay seems to have more listings that are subject to a fee when compared to similar work exchange sites.

Now this in itself is not necessarily alarming – sometimes volunteering programmes ask volunteers for small contributions, and they usually go for a good cause. But if you’re being asked to pay almost $400/week to teach kids and plan your own lessons… that’s doesn’t sound too legit.

Luckily, you can also filter by hosts that offer free exchanges, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

• Pros: Lots of opportunities
• Cons: Less known than other work exchange sites, offers a lot of jobs with a separate fee.
• Price: $35.5 for one volunteer and $47 for a couple per year.

6. Hippohelp – Map-Based Work Exchange Site

Hippohelp has something that sets it apart from other work exchange platforms and pleases my visually learning brain: a map with pins that shows you exactly where the volunteering opportunities are located. Instead of browsing through endless lists, you can surf around the world map and find hosts that are closest to you super duper easily.

Unlike most of the others, you do have to register before you can see what’s available. This is quick and free, though. I signed up with Facebook in just about 10 seconds.

Previously famed as one of the only free work exchange platforms, Hippohelp has now started to ask for subscription payments from working travellers. (The above-mentioned nifty map feature turned out to be their Achilles heel as the surge in map prices caused the new yearly fee.) 

This is where my beef with Hippohelp comes out. Most of the website still states that the platform is completely free to use, and the payment notification only comes up when you try to send a message to a host. You can’t really advertise your site as a free platform if doing the most essential thing on it isn’t free. I have no problem with paying the fee – it’s still very cheap compared to many other sites! But I wish the info on the website was more truthful.

• Pros: The map feature, cheap
• Cons: Misleading information on the site
• Price: $ 14 per year

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

7. Volunteersbase – A FREE Work Exchange Site

Volunteersbase is the only real free-of-charge alternative that I’ve found for Workaway. (They do request donations, though, which is fair enough.)

The website is pretty basic. You can search for hosts by country but there aren’t any other filters. Volunteersbase also doesn’t seem to have much support available in case anything goes awry with the work exchange. This leaves a lot of responsibility to you as the voluntourist but a savvy voyager shouldn’t have much trouble with this.

All in all, Volunteerbase seems to offer the least of all the other Workaway alternatives, but if you’re really trying to travel for free , having a free platform for volunteer travel is definitely a good thing.

• Pros: Free!
• Cons: Basic website, level of support is what you pay for

No Websites Needed – Just Talk to People

While all these sites offer fantastic opportunities to travellers, especially pre-trip, don’t get too hung up on the world of technology. Let travellers be travellers – talk to people.

You always have a good chance of becoming a hostel volunteer . Have a chat with the hostel gods, uh, I mean management, and see if you could score a small job that can cover the costs of your stay. This might include working the bar, cleaning rooms, or even leading the bar crawl.

Hostel staff is not your only hope, either. Talk to other travellers about the cool places they’ve been and don’t be afraid to jump at a chance to deviate from your plans to do something epic.

One of the absolute highlights of my South American trip was spending a couple of days on a one-man operated coffee farm in the mountains of Bolivia, where in exchange for picking coffee beans every other day I stayed and ate for free and could explore the national park around me. This is a national park that usually runs one-day tours for a hundred bucks… And none of this would have happened if I hadn’t got the lead from a German backpacker at the hostel.

So there you have it, the best work exchange websites like Workaway. If you do decide to go with Workaway in the end, make sure to check out our Workaway review and find a special discount! But one question still remains…

You’re probably travelling to get away from the everyday, which, I’m guessing, involves real-life work. So why would you want to work while on your holiday?

Obviously, work in exchange for housing is a fantastic way to save money while travelling. Smaller costs also translate into being able to keep travelling for longer. Backpacking on the cheapo also makes travelling more accessible if you’re a lil’ strapped for cash.

Work exchanges translate into extremely unique travel stories. It’s cool that you’ve seen the sunrise at Angkor Wat or climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but the stuff that’s going to earn you a real Cool Cat badge is a volunteering experience. Did you muster cattle on horseback or learn how to shear sheep? Now that’s a story.

(Not that you should be doing anything for external validation but still – you’ll be cool.)

The best part is not money, but the people you meet. Whether you’re a hostel volunteer meeting tons of people from all over the world or weeding gardens at a faraway rural farmhouse, the connections you make while volunteering are golden.

By volunteering your time, you become more ingrained in the local ecosystem and get to experience what life there is really like. Volunteers are, in the best case, treated like family members and friends. You’re not only exchanging time and work – you’re also exchanging cultures, ideas and friendships.

Not to mention that in many work exchange spots you have a REAL chance to help local communities and influence them in a positive way. (But do consider some of the ethics of voluntourism , too.)

Still sitting there reading? Make it real and start planning your epic work exchange adventure!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Elina Mattila

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Awesome! Loved this post. I have, just now, at my almost 40 been introduced to the idea of exchanging work for lodge. I am amazed at the opportunities. Even though I am a long term traveler I can’t figure out why I didn’t bump into this before. Anyways, I was looking up for what the best website would be to start with, because I still need to pay a fee. Even though I dig your article, I still can’t seem to distinguish which the best alternative would be. What do you think? Which is you favorite? Disregarding price, honestly $50 is not much for what I am going to get. Thanks, Raz

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THANK YOU ALICE!

My trip coordinator was Alice, and from the first phone call the bar was set for amazing customer service, genuine friendliness and reliable support. I could contact Alice regarding anything in the trip planning and get the assistance that I needed, knowing I would be looked after. I had an exceptional experience with Alice and her contribution has set the tone for the rest of my working holiday. Thank you Alice!

Date of experience : May 01, 2024

Great assistance

I had 3 different experts who assisted me greatly. I felt comfortable being able to send an email or pick up the phone and ask any question. They were all diligent in giving me a good response and also reminding me of the things I needed to be aware of. They all also had a strong level of enthusiasm which made me even more excited to travel overseas!

Date of experience : August 13, 2024

Rebecca and Ellen have been amazing

Rebecca and Ellen have been absolutely amazing helping me organise my study trip to Japan. They have guided and answered all the questions I have had a long the way. Which was a bit as it's my first time travelling outside of Australia. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone.

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Very helpful and friendly

Will was really helpful explaining any questions and calming my never about anything I was worried about. Replied very quickly whenever I’d email and made the entire process really easy and smooth.

David was my travel concierge for my…

David was my travel concierge for my Working holiday to Australia. Couldn’t have asked for a better service , always available to answer any questions and was very clear and efficient with organising my trip.

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Absolutely Beautiful

My trip has really only started and been absolutely fantastic. The rest will be good, I can tell. Kate made getting ready for this trip easier and a smooth transition for me from the US to Spain. I'm grateful to have her in my corner with all the answers or a guiding hand. The same for Ellen helping with the smaller decisions of traveling. I need them both!

Date of experience : August 10, 2024

Great responsiveness

Great responsiveness, keen to help both on the phone and via email

DO NOT WORK HERE

*This review is regarding an employment opportunity with the company* Where do I start.. extremely disappointed. I got offered a job (officially on Aug 12) for a Trip Coordinator position to start on Aug 26 (2 weeks). Within the offer there was no timeline to accept the role or to return the signed contract, so I decided to take a few days to look it over and speak with my wife since I was never given a timeline. I then countered on the Tuesday to negotiate the salary. They then replied later in the day to decline the salary I asked for. I then took another day to really think it over. This morning (Aug 15) sent the signed contract over to Jay (COO). At approximately 5pm est today (aug 15) I received a reply from Jay stating they are revoking the job offer, due to my “lengthy” time in answering and not “keeping in touch with them, and not receiving any email or text”, as well as asking for a salary bump which met more of my expectations. I had already put in my two weeks notice on the Monday (because I needed to give at least two weeks notice to my employer). I was waiting on the salary situation as well but never showed any intent to not take this role. As a grown and responsible adult I took my time to go over everything. But now I am jobless in a week and a half thanks to these goons who revoked their offer because of these silly and stupid reasons, even after I had sent the signed contract this morning to them. After stating my case through email, their only reply was “we are sorry for the inconvenience”. Like.. yes, thanks. I now have no job because I had to quit to give two weeks notice. I am a husband and father. They have completely ruined my career and put a major burden on my family. So, thanks Jay and Julia for your inconsiderate actions and putting a major strain on a young family. You are unloyal, dishonest, and just overall sleezy, shady and sketchy. I guess there’s a reason most of their reviews are terrible and people complaining. I am sort of relieved that I dodged a bullet with this company but it came at a price. I advise everyone looking to work here to really think twice and don’t take more than a day to respond otherwise they’ll revoke your offer and ruin your life. Terrible company and terrible people.

Date of experience : August 15, 2024

The g-world team is open and help you with everything!

The company is doing everything with you step by step! the team does not overwhelm you with information. It shows you an overview of what still needs to be done to prepare the best trip for you according to your wishes. They do everything with you and help you with every stage that still needs to be completed. All staff are open to any questions you may have! It's good to know that everyone is there for you...the travel concierge for questions about flights, your trip/arrival coordinator for anything else you want to know. Most importantly, they are always friendly and helpful in everything they do and wish you the best!

Date of experience : July 31, 2024

GWT Travel Concierge

Wanted to take a moment to thank Ellen A. for being such a phenomenal Travel Concierge! Ellen was super polite and patient answering all my questions from big to small! She took away so much stress and concern I had with my travel arrangements for my Working Holiday. She even ensured everything would be for me based on location, timing, budget, and preferences. Ellen was also a delight to partner with, as I always looked forward to her calls since she was so positive and warm - I just enjoyed chatting with her!

Date of experience : July 21, 2024

Fantastic Team

Matilda was amazing in dealing with my relentless questions 😂 everything is now sorted and looking forward to heading over. Tia in Canada has been fantastic as well in sorting us out with work and accommodation!

Date of experience : August 01, 2024

10/10 <3

I couldn’t recommend better people I have an absolute A-team helping me and I wouldn’t be nearly as prepared as I am without them

Date of experience : August 03, 2024

The whole process has been a breeze

The whole process has been a breeze! definitely would like to do more with global work and travel in the future!

Date of experience : August 05, 2024

Very positive experience so far :)

I am incredibly lucky to have been paired with Tia as my travel coordinator! Desipite being relatively new to the roll she has impressed me with her knowledge, support and competence in her position. No question of mine has been too difficult for her to answer. Tia has gone above and beyond for me to feel supported and reassured. She has the perfect amount of professionalism as well as the same comforting feeling you get from a best friend. I wish I could give her more stars! Thanks for all your help! - Lauren

Date of experience : July 09, 2024

David has been a great travel concierge

David has been a great travel concierge. He was very friendly, fast at getting it all sorted and was able to answer any question I had.

Date of experience : July 25, 2024

They were super helpful throughout thr…

They were super helpful throughout thr process of applying for a visa and getting jobs. However, when I got to Canada global put us in the worst area of vancouver is such a dangerous hostel. When calling the emergency line for help, the lady who answered wasn't interested and didn't even try to move us to a safer hostel. This lead me to not even getting to where I was and leaving canada the next day, totally missing out on what should have been amazing. Luckily I am going back for the 24 winter and who should have been my manager has been amazing and helped me to get across foe this November. Such a shame it ended how it did and when it comes to being safe, the company doesn't seem bothered as long as it's cheap.

Date of experience : November 10, 2023

Reply from Global Work & Travel

Hi Amy, Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback about your recent experience with Global. We have had a look into your concerns and we would advise you to reach out to your Arrival Coordinator as well if you need anything further. We are glad to hear our team was super helpful throughout the process with the visa & the job side - that is great feedback. In regards to the hostel, we have used this hostel for a number of years and it is in a safe neighbourhood down a residential street. It's voted the best hostel in Vancouver on trip Advisor, but we are sorry to hear that you were unhappy with this option. Your Arrival Coordinator is always there to support you or answer any questions that you have and invited you into the office to try to assist, but unfortunately at this stage you decided to head home. We are so glad to hear you are heading back for the winter season & your Arrival Coordinator will be available to assist with anything you need then as well. Thanks again for your feedback Amy.

Money grabbers

It seems that majority of the good reviews seem to be from people who work for the company. They overcharge, scam, have no sympathy for their consumers and even after providing 0 services and 0 products somehow find it acceptable to not give any refunds to people. I wish I'd never bothered with them. The amount of REAL people who have had awful awful experiences with them is outstanding. Let alone the case back in 2016 where they were INVESTIGATED for this sort of thing. Disgusting company purely for sales not the customer like they state in their 'terms'.

Date of experience : July 19, 2024

Hi Bethany, We are sorry to hear you feel this way about your experience. We have requested further information from you so we can find you in our system, without a full name we are unable to verify you in our system or provide feedback on your experience. We want to assure you that all reviews on third-party platforms, including TrustPilot, are from genuine customers. These platforms have strict verification processes in place, including requiring a unique email address for each review, to ensure authenticity. It is not possible for our employees to submit reviews on these platforms at all, they are all from our customers. We have an average rating of 4.7 from over 11,000 reviews from real and verified customers and we pride ourselves on providing a premium service to all of our customers. If you can please get back to us with your details so we can look into any of your concerns further. Global Work & Travel.

I booked a working holiday

I booked a working holiday from australia to canada. the overall experience in dealing with GWAT was negative, as the services they provided was not worth the $1200+ i had to pay them. these services included copied and pasted generic emails that beg you to rate them/ send them photos for them to use, as well as pressuring you to book another trip with them, and pressuring you to book airfares through them for inflated price (where they no doubt get a commission from the booking agency). would not recommend

Date of experience : July 23, 2024

Hi Ollie, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience with Global Work & Travel did not meet your expectations. Unfortunately we are unable to find you in our system to provide feedback about your trip, we have requested further information from you, but haven't received this. Like many businesses, we request feedback on our services to ensure customer satisfaction. We also enjoy seeing photos from our customers as it allows us to share their exciting journeys with others. However, we want to emphasise that these requests are completely optional and there's no pressure to comply. While we do offer flights and insurance as additional services for your convenience, it is entirely up to you whether you choose to book these through our travel team. Our goal is to provide the best travel experience possible and to share opportunities that may interest our customers. If you would like to discuss your concerns further, please reply to our request for further information. Thanks, Global Work & Travel.

The customer service from David was…

The customer service from David was excellent and made the whole process of booking a journey to the other side of the world stress free and smooth!!

Attentive and extremely helpful

Matilda was easy to reach when i had any questions or concerns. She explained every step in great detail which was extremely helpful to me. Id definitely recommend anyone to work with her!

Date of experience : June 10, 2024

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Work and Travel in Saint Petersburg

Help us grow. share what you know about getting work in saint petersburg for travellers., work in saint petersburg all year round.

In general, it is very hard to find a job in Saint Petersburg not only for foreigners but for locals as well. Though being a foreign language native speaker you have some advantages as you can work for language centres, or in hostels/hotels as a receptionist, or in a restaurants with required language skills. If you're a professional in field connected with cooking you'll be welcome in Saint Petersburg's fancy restaurants. Russian language skills will be desirable. It is always better to learn some rudiment Russian when going here. Saint Petrsburg welcomes artists of all kinds, especially if you are practiced in some national arts. You can try to find job in entertainments or do master classes or short courses for locals. Russian is not required. Many people know basics of English. Interpreter is not a trouble too. Also you can play in cinema. Really. LenFilm Studio often searches interesting types of actors, including foreigners.

SEASONAL WORK IN SAINT PETERSBURG

What kinds of work are available in the spring time in Saint Petersburg. Remember to keep work that is all year round in the section above and not mention it again here.

Work that is needed by hosts in the summer in Saint Petersburg

Qualified and Enthusiastic language Teachers Needed in St. Petersburg, there's more than meets the eye -- it's a city of endless opportunities that will suit any ESL teacher. The city has it all -- teaching in private or public schools, teaching business English, and even freelancing.

Skiing in Saint Petersburg - does it exist? Are there plenty of opportunities for people to get work in Saint Petersburg in the winter? What kind of skills are needed at this time of year? Please update this section and let fellow travellers know what you have learnt if you have worked in Saint Petersburg in the winter or if you are a Host and live here and can share your knowledge.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING IN SAINT PETERSBURG

The attitude towards the foreigners differs based on the person's background. But as Saint-Petersburg is the second most popular tourism destination in Russia - people are rather friendly or at least neutral. The attitude towards working Westerners is something between polite amusement and deep respect. The attitude towards people from the East can sometimes be negative.

Recent Contributors

• Edited on Nov 12 2015 by Natalia
• Edited on Aug 19 2015 by Aleksandr
• Edited on Aug 7 2015 by Natalya

If you have worked in Saint Petersburg or live here. Instead of saying `That information is not right` Please sign up to Working Traveller by clicking here and update this page with your opinions on the subject and your views on what the barter points should be. If your a host, you will have a SEO link added to the page directly to your own web site so viewers can see who provided the information. If you are a traveller it will link to your profile.

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WORKING TRAVELLER LTD 27, Lonsdale Rd, Blackpool, FY1 6EE, UNITED KINGDOM

Work and travel the world using your skills to gain work experience and references for a good job back home

Log in with your credentials, forgot your details.

94,011 + dreams turned into reality

Trip overview

Qualification, trip details, purpose & impact.

• Trip location

Accommodation & meals

Trip itinerary, why choose us, how it works, mother nature mt. kilimanjaro.

17 others looking at this too. Next opening is Oct 2024 , with limited spots.

Break out of your day-to-day routine and embark on an adventure that will make the world a better place and help you grow as a person. 

On this all-inclusive volunteer trip, not only do you get to live and volunteer with a trusted community empowerment organisation in Tanzania. When you go with Global, you get:

• Volunteer project placement – Guarantee your spot at our screened and vetted project partner in Tanzania. Start your volunteer journey without spending months searching for a reputable organisation on the other side of the world. 
• Comfortable accommodation – Stay in a shared room at a comfortable and secure volunteer guesthouse near Moshi Town. 
• Three meals a day – Enjoy 3 meals a day, everyday, provided by the on-site staff.
• Included cultural activities  – Maximise your free time and bond with fellow volunteers through activities like cooking classes, kanga workshops, or excursions to a nearby village.
• And way more!

Can you picture it? You’re staying in the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Waking up each morning with a view of the famous landmark on your doorstep is one of the many unexpected bonuses of your trip. 

You’re spending your days making a difference in the community – planting trees, helping create sustainale and eco-friendly products, and educating the local community. 

The bonds you’re making with the locals are second to none. And while the purpose of your trip is so you can make a positive difference, the lessons you’re learning along the way are life-changing. 

For most people, staying in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list experience.

Although most people don’t get the chance to experience something like this. Being fully immersed in the local community while you make a difference is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

And when you book with Global, you book with the best. You get the full experience for a fraction of the hassle. Your volunteer placement and accommodation is sorted before you leave, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. 

Tap to show less

Volunteer project placement

We’ll score you a guaranteed volunteering placement so you can start on your journey to make a difference to our planet.

Dedicated Trip Coordinator

Handpicked from an experienced team who’ve been there, done that and ready to guide you through your entire journey and leave no question unanswered.

Pre-Departure Guide

Our in-depth pre-departure guide will have all the information you need about your trip & destination, at your fingertips.

Trip visa guidance

Get your visa approved as cheap and easy as possible with advice and assistance from your Trip Coordinator.

Personal Travel Concierge

You'll get a personal Travel Concierge to plan your flights, insurance or any other add-ons to synchronise perfectly with your trip. Deal with a real human and get personalized booking help that ticks all your boxes.

Private airport transfer

Return transfers to take you to and from the airport to your accommodation.

Comfortable accommodation

You will stay in a comfortable triple-bed room at a guesthouse in Moshi Town for the duration of your project. The guesthouse offers communal dining areas, private en-suite bathrooms, and 24/7 security for your peace of mind.

You will receive three meals daily, all of which consist of delicious Tanzanian food.

Global Emergency Line

Feel confident knowing we have a worldwide emergency team on standby, 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday. 

Ongoing local team support

Throughout your time here you will have the support of a local expert. They will help to open up the wonders of Tanzania, supporting your every need while you work and travel around the country.

gWorld access

Stay organised with your personalised portal where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global.

Global Academy

Gain access to an ever-growing range of skills & languages to learn before & whilst you travel.

Marketplace deals

Get exclusive access to deals and discounts through our online Marketplace. Save big on a huge range of products and services from our brand partners worldwide.

$250 off your next trip

The “Travel Bug” is a very real thing! Once you catch it, it really doesn’t go away! Book any other trip with us later and save $250. Why would you ever stop travelling?

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To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 - 70 years of age
• Be a citizen of an eligible country
• Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Ask a question

Chat with us online now, or we can call you back for free, 24 hours Mon-Fri.

During your time at this project, you'll engage in various meaningful conservation tasks within the community.

On any given day, you might find yourself planting trees at local schools, producing biodiesel from seeds, or learning to craft eco-friendly products from bamboo.

Your day typically starts with breakfast around 8:00 am, followed by project work beginning at 9:00 am. Lunch is served around 1:00 pm, with volunteer activities continuing until 5:30 pm.

After completing your volunteer duties, you'll have some free time before dinner at 7:00 pm, where you can relax or socialise with fellow participants.

During your free time, cultural events will be organised in Moshi Town, including cooking classes and kanga workshops. Occasional trips to Mweka Village offer cultural immersion into the Chagga village community.

Explore nearby attractions such as Marangu and Materuni Waterfalls, visit national parks and lakes, relax in volcanic hot springs, and enjoy local cuisine, open-air cinemas, and karaoke in Moshi.

And, don't miss the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro—an essential experience during your time in Tanzania!

Requirements 

To qualify for this trip, you must be able to undertake laborious duties.

What extra costs will I have? 

Flights, travel insurance, souvenirs, daily subsistence & spending money.

In a country renowned for its natural beauty, the value of nature to both local communities and the broader ecosystem around Mount Kilimanjaro cannot be overstated.

Deforestation has reached the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, leading to soil erosion, flooding, desertification, and changes in regional microclimates. Consequently, the area now experiences hotter, drier weather patterns that directly affect local farming and livelihoods, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.

During this trip, you'll focus on essential conservation efforts, including working in the project's tree nursery and botanical garden, as well as educating children in Moshi Town about environmental issues.

Other duties may include: 

• Learning about and promoting bamboo as an eco-friendly alternative, crafting items like plates, cups, and furniture in workshops.
• Creating local handicrafts, making soap, and mastering food preservation techniques to enhance self-sufficiency.
• Contributing to the creation of pellets or briquettes from organic waste to promote energy-efficient cooking and combat deforestation.
• Composting organic waste to produce fertile soil and maintaining a small aquaponics system for sustainable food production.
• Supporting the conservation of African Blackwood by cultivating and planting seedlings across the Kilimanjaro region.

These activities not only enable you to contribute to environmental conservation but also foster sustainable practices and community development throughout the Kilimanjaro region.

You will reside in a traditional Tanzanian-style guesthouse operated by a local family. Accommodation includes rooms shared with up to two other volunteers of the same gender, each equipped with private bathrooms featuring hot showers and toilets. The guesthouse is secured with fencing, gates, and offers 24-hour security.

With your accommodation in Tanzania sorted and your volunteer placement organised, what will you do about food? 

You will receive three meals daily, prepared by the project staff. Most meals will be served in the communal dining area at the guesthouse, while lunch may sometimes be packed to be enjoyed at the project site.

The beauty of this trip is that your days will be filled with structured volunteer duties. You’ll have the evenings and weekends to explore however you please. As a rough idea, this is the daily schedule you can expect:

Before you leave

Your volunteer placement – including accommodation and 3 meals a day – is confirmed and organised before you leave home.

When you travel with the best we take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to. You’ll arrive in Tanzania totally prepared with a plan of action and trusted people helping you along the way. 

Our volunteer trips are designed to help you make a real change in critical causes around the world. All while experiencing off-the-beaten-path locations with passionate locals. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it: 

We’re on your side from the moment you get started. 

You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here. 

We maintain relationships with a huge network of screened and vetted partner organisations all over the world. We know they’re trustworthy and that you’re in good hands because of all the successful trips Global Travellers keep having with our partners. 

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way. 

Join 90,000+ travellers – giving us 10,000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true.

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Frequently asked questions.

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

The trip fee covers all the essential trip inclusions that ensure you have a meaningful and safe volunteering experience. It includes comprehensive pre-departure support to assist you throughout your journey. Once you arrive at your destination, the fee covers transportation, accommodation, and in most cases meals and some amazing excursions you'll do alongside other international volunteers. This comprehensive support is essential to provide you with a positive and secure volunteering experience, which is of utmost importance to us. Your trip fee allows us to ensure your well-being while making a meaningful impact, and it contributes to the sustainability and effectiveness of the volunteer projects we support.

Absolutely! Before starting your volunteer placement, you will receive comprehensive pre-departure support, which includes project-specific information, cultural orientation, and advice on preparing for your journey. Additionally, most trips include on-site training and an orientation to ensure you are well-prepared and confident in your volunteer role.

With so many incredible options, we understand that selecting the perfect volunteer trip can be tricky. That's why we recommend booking your favourite one, and your dedicated Trip Coordinator will guide you through the project details. They will consider your interests, skills, desired location, and the impact you want to make. If we find another trip that better suits your preferences, we can easily swap you over to ensure you have the ideal volunteer experience. Rest assured, we're here to help you find the right fit!

We offer flexibility in our volunteer trips, allowing you to choose the duration that best suits your schedule and desired experience. While most volunteers join us for 3 or 4 weeks, our trips accommodate durations as short as two weeks or as long as 12 weeks, and even extended stays. The choice is yours!

The ages of our volunteers can vary depending on the project, but we have a wide age range. Our volunteers typically range from 18 years old to 85 years old! Our Trip Coordinators ensure that all volunteers are vetted before embarking on their journey. While age may differ, what unites our volunteers is their shared passion for travel and their dedication to making a positive impact in the community or wildlife conservation efforts they are involved in. Regardless of age, anyone with a passion to contribute and explore is welcome to join our volunteer trips.

Safety is our utmost priority, and it drives our thorough trip planning process and comprehensive inclusions. With a successful track record of safely sending tens of thousands of travellers overseas since 2008, we prioritise your well-being throughout the journey. Before you depart, we provide full support, ensuring a smooth and secure experience. Upon arrival, we take care of every detail, including secure airport transfers, comfortable accommodations, usually meals, and dedicated project supervision. Additionally, our 24/5 emergency line ensures immediate assistance whenever needed, providing peace of mind throughout your entire volunteer experience.

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. 24/5 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

Still have questions?

Why go global, flexible trips.

The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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BREAKING NEWS

LIVE RADAR: Sunday evening storms as cold front moves through

6 warnings and 15 advisories in effect for 8 regions in the area, conservatives are pushing a ‘parental rights’ agenda in florida school board races. will it work.

Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “parental rights” campaign didn’t win him the Republican presidential nomination, but he’s still waging that fight on another front: Florida’s schools, where the movement could have an impact on public education long after he leaves office.

Though the seats are officially nonpartisan, DeSantis has endorsed 23 school board candidates across 14 counties this cycle — and targeted 14 incumbent members. It's part of his agenda to counter what he calls “woke” ideology in public schools.

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Much of the political debate in the races has hinged on “parents' rights” at a time when both parties are fighting to win over the contested voting bloc of suburban women. The modern parental rights movement grew out of opposition to pandemic precautions in schools and is now animated by complaints about classroom instruction on identity, race and history.

The view from Pinellas County

Katie Blaxberg wants to make school board meetings boring again. But her campaign for an open seat on the Pinellas County School Board on Florida's Gulf Coast has been anything but that.

Since launching her bid, the mom of three has been trolled online, labeled by opponents as a child abuser and has increased security at her home.

A registered Republican and a former legislative aide, Blaxberg supports school choice and parental involvement in the classroom — but said activists behind the parents’ rights movement have gone too far.

Blaxberg has found herself on the opposing side of the local chapter of Moms for Liberty , a conservative group. Activists aligned with the group have disparaged her online and posted information about her children and her home. The chapter president did not respond to phone and email messages from The Associated Press.

“I don’t want to feel unsafe in my house. And I don’t want my children to feel unsafe in my house, just because I’ve decided to run for public office,” Blaxberg said.

Blaxberg is vying for one of the three seats up for grabs on the Pinellas board, which, depending on the outcome of the August 20 elections, could determine political control of the district.

Historically known as one of the state's largest swing counties, Pinellas has been moving to the right in recent years. Like at school board meetings across Florida, conservative activists there have been reading aloud explicit passages from books, equating certain teaching materials to pornography and labeling educators as “groomers.”

“It’s disgusting,” Blaxberg said. “And it’s for shock value.”

It’s part of a political storm sweeping over Florida school boards, which critics say has distracted from the mission of student achievement — or lack thereof. Just 53% of Florida students are reading on grade level or above, according to state data.

“The misinformation that has been spread by this group of people and the intent to … place mistrust in our teachers,” Blaxberg said, “people are tired of it.”

Republican officials rally behind school board candidates

Conservative activists and elected officials are working to win majorities on local school districts, which are often among the largest employers and landowners in their counties.

DeSantis built his national profile by leveraging culture wars , banning instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and limiting what Florida schools can teach about racism.

He's embraced Moms for Liberty in their effort to flip school boards across the country.

“I think moms are the key political force for this 2024 cycle,” DeSantis said at the group's national conference in Philadelphia in 2023.

“He knows who the true conservative is in my race,” said Pinellas County school board candidate Danielle Marolf, after winning DeSantis’ endorsement.

“My values are actually to protect children,” she said. “To make sure that our parents are engaged.”

The Pinellas school board races have caught the attention of other up-ballot candidates.

Florida Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna — whose seat national Democrats have targeted as a potential pickup — has campaigned with Marolf and the other Moms for Liberty-endorsed school board candidates in Pinellas, Stacy Geier and Erika Picard.

“Kicked off campaign door-knocking this morning with them,” Luna said in a video posted on August 3. “We want them to take over the school board.”

Other backers include Florida Faith Foundations, a group of pastors pushing to elect "the most biblically aligned candidates” to counter what they see as the “Spirit of Antichrist” at work in American life.

“The liberals, the anti-God people, they are running too much in this country," FFF president Anthony McDaniel said in a YouTube video. He did not respond to multiple emails from The Associated Press.

"So what are we going to do?” McDaniel said. “Get conservative competent Christians elected to the Pinellas County School Board.”

Liberal groups push back

Critics say there’s often a pattern when a conservative-leaning school board takes over — they go after the superintendent.

“I’ve seen it on my own board,” said Jennifer Jenkins, a Brevard County School Board member who unseated then-incumbent member Tina Descovich, who went on to found Moms for Liberty.

After newly elected members took office in November 2022, superintendents in Brevard and three other counties were forced out — moves that critics say threw the districts into chaos and cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Erika Picard, a DeSantis-backed candidate in Pinellas, said she supports her district’s superintendent, who has the backing of the current board.

“They’re thinking anybody on Moms for Liberty is out to get everyone. And that is just not the case,” Picard said. “I just want to make very clear: I’m running my own campaign.”

Other DeSantis-aligned board members have worked to expand prayer in schools, to oppose LGBTQ History Month observances and toss out sex education textbooks .

Liberal advocacy groups have cropped up to counter conservative candidates with their own money and messaging. The Florida Democratic Party has advanced its own slate of 11 school board candidates.

Back in Brevard County, Jenkins has decided not to seek reelection. Instead, she’s launching a new PAC called Educated We Stand, to support candidates pushing back on education’s right-wing turn.

“The extremism in the area of public education is not something that is palatable to the average family," Jenkins said.

___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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