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Travel with Purpose

Our immersive, all-inclusive, award-winning trips engage you in authentic cultural experiences, meaningful volunteer projects, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Discover the world and find your purpose in it with GIVE.

Our immersive, all-inclusive trips engage you in authentic cultural experiences, meaningful volunteer projects, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Discover the world and find your purpose in it with GIVE.

Transformative & Immersive Travel Experience

Locally led & sustainably operated, all-inclusive itineraries & 360° support, transformative & immersive travel, locally led & socially responsible, 360° support & all-inclusive itineraries.

  Meaningful travel With GivE

You deserve to  find your purpose . You’re eager to explore the world and have a positive impact . But how? Our all-inclusive trips engage you in meaningful volunteer projects, authentic cultural immersion, and epic adventures so you can discover the world and find your purpose in it.

Our award-winning trips will transform your life, igniting new passions and inspiring incredible personal growth.  Work hard, play hard  alongside local people on locally-led projects, immerse yourself in new cultures , build lifelong friendships , and  become a global citizen  with GIVE.

  The impact you’ll make

  empowering communities from the ground up.

Work alongside community members on sustainable projects that drive lasting change — education, eco-friendly infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, women’s empowerment, reforestation and wildlife conservation projects.

  Recent Awards 

“GIVE changed my entire life. From the very first day of reaching the island of Zanzibar, I saw the world in a different light. The cliche expectations of serving others and volunteering were achieved but I had no idea that I would experience the best 2 weeks of my life. Giving is a lot more than monetary handouts. If you want to change the world, go and get your hands a little dirty. But trust me when I say that the locals will help you more than you could ever help them. Don’t sit and wonder what it’s like or ask others what it’s like. Go. Go and give your time and effort with the best organization you could find.” – Chase, Tanzania.

Learn more about our Tanzania trip.

“There is no other tour. Regular tourists go to touristy locations and crowded spaces full of people vacationing. This trip gives you the opportunity to be in remote villages that no other tourist will experience. You’re surrounded by Thai culture and learn some of the language. If you want to be immersed and experience Thailand with strangers that become best friends, I recommend GIVE. ” – Daija, Thailand

Learn more about our Thailand trip.

“ Do it . It is the best thing that you will ever do. The people you meet, the friendships that feel like family, and the difference you are making. If you are ever traveling whilst volunteering I’d go with GIVE a million times over because of their morals and ethics towards how to go about working with these communities.” -Erin, Laos

Learn more about our Laos trip.

“I have never been so affected by a trip or a group of people in my life. GIVE has offered me the chance to grow as a person and help others who I believe are deserving of every possible opportunity I have, and they have given me more than I thought I would receive. They have given me a new family, a new home, and a new mission and passion in life… I have learned more about myself and who I am. I now am part of a community that will forever be connected worldwide…I have been abroad before and have done volunteer work in the past but nothing compares to this trip and these people” – Alexandra, Nicaragua

Learn more about our Nicaragua trip.

“This trip was a life changing experience to have. You get to immerse yourself in the culture and learn something new every minute you’re there. You get to meet locals and natives of Hawai’i and learn their stories and ancestry lineage and work with them in helping with bringing back their culture. Wither by helping on sustainable farms or cleaning up on beach sides, you get to become connected to the land and the people you’re helping. You also get to meet new people from around the world and hear about why they are also there to help and what their own stories are as well. It is an eye opening and life changing experience and it is worth the time and effort that is put into getting on the trip” – Hailey, Hawai’i

Learn more about our Hawai’i trip.

“I learned, experienced and grew so much on this trip. I signed up because I was excited about elephants and scuba diving, but the reasons I’ll definitely go on another GIVE trip is the connections I made and the growth I experienced.” – Dan, Thailand Scuba

Learn more about our Scuba Conservation trip.

“Spending a week learning about elephants through their mahout was incredible! We were able to see a bond between the two and learn all about the beauty and intelligence of Asian elephants. Visiting the sanctuaries and trekking through the jungle was so cool and I made lifelong friends!” – Ava, Elephant Experience

Learn more about our Elephant Experience trip.

“This was such a unique experience that allowed me to learn more about conservation and the importance of mindfulness about the land that we live on. I was able to learn more about the Snoqualmie tribe while responsibly working and recreating in their landscape. The people I’ve met are so special and as passionate as I am! The volunteer work and experiences that we accomplished in such a small period of time was truly inspiring and got me thinking about a career in conservation and sustainability.” – Nick, Pacific NW

Learn more about our Pacific NW trip.

“I completed the WILD course this past March, and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had as a student. I honestly did not think I could learn as much as I did within one week, and the course was a perfect balance of learning and fun. Not only did we get to learn in the classroom, but we would venture out into the Cascade Mountains and do real-time Wilderness First Aid scenarios, which solidified our knowledge of the topics we discussed. The lodge staff was so kind and went above and beyond to ensure we had a comfortable stay, and the fellow students I met during the course were awesome and we have stayed in-touch with one another since! Those running the course were not only great teachers, but created an inspiring, nurturing, and fun environment for each student to step into their own leadership roles.” – Haylie, WILD

Learn more about our WILD course.

“Costa Rica is the most beautiful country I’ve ever been to. You really get to see the entire country from the jungle to the Caribbean. I learned so much about permaculture and how to apply it to all things in life. Can’t wait for my next GIVE trip! ” – Carly, Costa Rica

Learn more about our Costa Rica trip.

and why we do what we do

• Our Mission & Methodology

GIVE’s Mission:  To inspire growth, empower global citizens,  and ignite sustainable change worldwide .

Give’s promise: people, projects & principles above profit.

With over 10 million people volunteering abroad each year and more than a  thousand different organizations offering volunteer programs abroad, it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we hear is, “What makes GIVE different?”  In fact, it was  this very question that inspired GIVE’s founding in 2011.  After  witnessing the good, the bad and the downright ugly sides of the volunteer  tourism industry, we ultimately determined that there is real potential for international volunteers to have positive impacts in lower-income countries, but it would require a fresh, focused approach to truly foster sustainable change. That’s why we’ve made  a   lasting commitment to put  people, projects and principles above profit.   SEE MORE

GIVE’s Family: Happy People Sail Fast

This principle is clearly manifested in both our host community members and volunteers, and it all starts with our unrivaled team of staff. The GIVE family is a concept we’ve fostered since day one, as we’ve established a clear pipeline for international staff to learn and grow over several years of experience in the field. All of our international staff started as GIVE volunteers, gained necessary certifications and skill sets during GIVE’s WILD course, went on to increase their involvement as in-country interns, and are now facilitating an unparalleled volunteer experience as GIVE Guides and Project Coordinators. We are also proud to employ local Guides and Project Coordinators in each of our destinations, who act as a critical link between our volunteers and the communities we empower. These are truly some of the most passionate, responsible and inspiring human beings on the planet! SEE MORE.

The Places You’ll explore

On our immersive, one-of-a-kind trips.

Ready to start your adventure?

2024 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Organizations, & 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, 2024 best volunteer abroad programs, organizations, & projects, 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 .

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.

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Volunteer Travel Programs

Take a meaningful volunteer trip abroad and support local communities in need

Seize the opportunity to volunteer and travel this year with Projects Abroad. You can give back to communities in need, or protect endangered wildlife as you travel and volunteer with animals in stunning environments like rainforests. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll become part of our efforts to change the world through long-term plans and solutions.  And with our stance as champions of responsible volunteer travel , you can be assured that you'll have an ethical experience. 

There are several benefits to our volunteer travel programs. You will:  

• Add real-world experience and new skills to your resume
• Participate in volunteer work that makes a real impact  
• Choose what to do and where to go, from anywhere between one week to a full year. We can design your trip to fit your schedule
• See, taste, hear, and fully experience the culture of your host country
• Have the support of our trained in-country staff 24/7 . They’ll ensure that you have everything you need as you travel the world and volunteer
• Become part of a global network of volunteers from across the globe

Our programs are entirely flexible, so your volunteering trip abroad starts with choosing:

• What kind of work you want to do 
• Where you want to go

If you want to travel and do volunteer work independently, but still have support when you need it, we recommend joining a Flexi Trip . You can join a Team Trip if you enjoy working in a group that takes on a challenge together over set dates. 

Having visited Cambodia on a holiday, I had always wanted to visit it again but not as a tourist. I wanted to live there as a local and do something meaningful. - Edward H, Teaching in Cambodia

Is a travel volunteer opportunity right for me?

Travel with Purpose 

If you want to do something meaningful for others or the environment, and you’re passionate about travel, a volunteer trip abroad is for you. 

Every task you do will contribute towards our long-term, sustainable goals. We have Management Plans that outline the aim of each project we run and help us focus our resources on the most important goals. They also allow us to structure our work and monitor its impact.

Hassle-Free Travel

We offer a hassle-free experience on all of our trips. This gives you the space to focus on your work and what’s important to you. If you’re itching to see the world while actively making a difference, our programs are for you! 

Volunteer Programs to Travel the World for All Age Groups

Outside of our Flexi Trips and Team Trips, we also have volunteer travel programs specially built for different age groups. These include: 

• High school volunteer opportunities for students ages 15-18
• Volunteer travel programs for seniors, and older adults over 50

Whether you’re looking to volunteer independently or embark on a volunteer trip with a group, we can match you to the project that best fits your goals. Interested in learning more? Read this blog about our best volunteer abroad programs . If you have more questions, get in touch with our Project Experts .

Can I travel the world for free as a volunteer?

Hoping to travel and volunteer abroad for free? The short answer is “no, you can’t" and we have a number of reasons why we ask you to pay for your trip. Read our blog post about why you shouldn't travel the world for free as a volunteer .

Choose a Volunteer Travel Program

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Giant Tortoise & Sea Lion Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

• Price: $3,000 USD for 1 week
• Extra Weeks: $500 USD
• Start Date: Anytime
• Minimum Duration: 1 week
• Ages: 16 or over

Take a Gap Semester Abroad in South America

• Price: $7,895 USD for 8 weeks
• Extra Weeks: $300 USD
• Start Date: Throughout the year
• Minimum Duration: 8 weeks
• Ages: 17-24

Rhino Conservation in Nepal

• Price: $3,140 USD for 2 weeks
• Extra Weeks: $470 USD
• Minimum Duration: 2 weeks

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

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

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We believe travel can be transformative. That it can empower the communities we visit. And that it can make the world a better place. Join us on a high-end handcrafted journey across the most unique destinations this world has to offer.

A Meaningful Way to Travel

Because you want more from your travel experiences. Our immersive, small-group experiences & purpose-driven itineraries allow you to explore a destination in ways few have access to. And our portfolio of boutique lodges are designed to create a truly unparalleled experience. Join us as we redefine what it means to travel.

Why Discover Corps?

We’ve been pioneering a new way to travel since 2012 delivering truly unforgettable, family-friendly journeys that have a positive impact. Hand-selected expert guides connect you with fascinating people and projects across some of the world’s most incredible locales.

This is travel that is designed to change your perspectives and inspire you and your children to engage with the world. Our passionate team of travel experts will be by your side the entire time.

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Each trip is designed to impact both the communities and wildlife that we encounter as well as you and your family. Our hand-selected partnerships provide access to inspiring initiatives that are changing the world for the better.

Wildlife Conservation

Come face-to-face with our world's most precious wildlife and engage with conservationists dedicated to protecting these animals.

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Experience local projects and meet community leaders helping women thrive.

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Our selection of trips featuring hands-on volunteer projects, no-frills lodging and deep cultural immersion.

Experience a New Way to Travel

Brazil - Rio Carnival

Dress up in costume and parade with a leading samba school. Rub shoulders with Rio’s leading samba schools. Uncover arguably the most beautiful city in the world. This is Discover Corps’ Carnival!

Oaxaca - Day of the Dead

Experience the iconic Day of the Dead festivities & be immersed in the Oaxacan culture!

Thailand - The Lantern Festival

Thailand literally lights up during the Loy Krathong & Yi Ping lantern festivals. Experience the best of this stunning Southeast Asian country while joining in on the festivities!

Cuba - Havana Jazz Festival

Immerse yourself in one of the world's greatest jazz festivals! Explore the beauty of Havana & beyond.

Peru – Inti Raymi Festival

People come from all over the world to experience the iconic Inti Raymi festival. This is a time of celebration and arguably the best days of the year to be in Cusco!

Morocco – Fès World Festival of Sacred Music

Morocco is an epicenter of Arab culture in North Africa. And during the Fès World Festival of Sacred Music the country lights up in dance, music and art. A truly remarkable time to visit this enchanting country!

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What will you discover.

Discover Corps has been taking travelers to far corners of the world for over a decade. Hear what a few of our Alumni have to say...

Each day I thought we had reached the high point of the trip, but then the next day always offered another rich experience. Broadening my knowledge of Peru and its people was very important. The trip exceeded any expectation that I had…the warmth, generosity, skill, knowledge of the guide, Miguel, the variety of experiences we participated in – Inka history, social projects, connection with the people, and especially the children – made for an unforgettable trip. Rainbow   Mountain was one of the most deeply spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. I’m saving my money for my next Discover Corps trip!

Peru: Children of the Andes

Learn more about this trip

What makes international travel a beautiful experience for us is the opportunity to learn about the culture firsthand through its people, food, and music. Discover Corps designed this trip to Cuba with all of that in mind. We developed genuine connections with people we would have never had a chance to interact with otherwise, and the casa particular was an incredible opportunity to hone our Spanish and, for my 8-year-old daughter, to be immersed in the language for a week. Our tour guide gave us chances to make the trip our own during free-time and showed us the local perspective day after day.

Cuba: Building Bridges

What really drew me to this trip was the ability to take my children on vacation and watch them fall in love with nature. Each day, we joined our guide on a mission to track animals that we had only seen in movies. Watching my kids stare in awe as they watched elephants and rhinos play in the wild was truly priceless. Since we’ve been home, they cannot stop talking about everything they learned in South Africa.

South Africa: Wildlife Conservation Experience

Types of Grassroots Volunteer Trips

Volunteer trips for single travelers.

Single travelers are often charged an expensive “single supplement” if they want a room to themselves.  However, we make it affordable for single travelers.  On all trips, we can pair single travelers with a roommate in order to avoid any additional fees. On some trips we offer a free single room to solo travelers – just look for dates marked “Solo Traveler Savings” (STS).   Read more about our Solo Traveler Savings program .

Volunteer Travel for Women

Women often face unique safety challenges when traveling abroad.  However, our volunteer trips offer women an easy, turnkey service program that is managed by our expert in-country staff.  Our staff will make you feel like you’re part of their family, and share all of their insider knowledge so you have an insightful, authentic and safe volunteer vacation.  Read more about how our volunteer trips accommodate women travelers .

Volunteer Vacations for Seniors

Combine your love of travel with your desire to make a difference.  Whether you’re traveling with a friend, spouse or your grandchildren, our trips feature all-inclusive pricing so you don’t have to worry about a thing.  Our trips are not physically demanding, and our guides can tailor activities to your level of fitness. Read more about our volunteer travel for seniors .

Volunteer Travel to Costa Rica

Travel to Costa Rica has never been easier.  We plan your entire Costa Rican vacation with meticulous care.  Our volunteer trips to Costa Rica allow you to experience its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly people.  Whether you want to volunteer with sea turtles , help protect the environment , or simply relax – we have the perfect trip to Costa Rica for you.

Intergenerational Volunteer Family Travel

Are you looking for the perfect family vacation? A volunteer vacation for your family might be the ideal getaway.  Volunteering abroad as a family is a great way to expose children to other cultures in a safe and secure environment.  Intergenerational volunteer trips are also a wonderful way to pass on your values of service and compassion to the next generation. Read more about family volunteer vacations .

Trips to Volunteer with Animals & Wildlife

Connect your love of animals and your passion for travel by volunteering with a conservation organization.  Whether you’re protecting sea turtles in Costa Rica or conserving leopards in South Africa , you’ll go behind the scenes of the worldwide animal conservation movement. Read more about our animal volunteer programs .

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Volunteer tourism: find the best opportunities around the world

Discover volunteer tourism, and if you are a passionate traveler, it will become almost impossible to stop once you have tried it

Jessica Jessy Around The World

Jul 21, 2023

One of the most common dreams for every traveler would be traveling no stop . And this could be hard sometimes, because traveling needs money and time. And most of the people have to work to afford a travel, and if you spend most of your time working, you won’t have all the time you would like to spend traveling.

Have you ever thought about mixing the two things? What about working while you are traveling ? In this case, you won’t have the two big problems: money and time. This way you could optimize your time and not waste too much money .

It’s a matter of age and visas , you can say. If you want to work in different countries, sometimes you need visas that are difficult to obtain or sometimes you have to respect a certain age to be allowed to do it.

But don’t worry. In this article I will introduce volunteer tourism to you. Volunteer tourism is the key for what you are looking for. So keep reading to discover how volunteer trips can improve your way of traveling and can help you making your full time travel dream come true.

What is volunteer tourism?

Volunteer tourism joins together work and travel, but you mostly won’t need a specific age or visa to do it, because it is not about paid jobs, it’s about volunteering in exchange for free accommodation and sometimes free board.

Basically you pick a destination, you find a place that needs your help doing different kinds of things, and in exchange you get free accommodation (and free board, if agreed). In your free time, you can explore the area like a real local.

Volunteer tourism is something that is growing and growing because it makes it possible for travelers to have long term travels without spending tons of money, because they get free accommodation, and they can really get in touch with the place they are visiting like a local person. Also, they get in touch with a lot of people from all over the world who are volunteering like them, so if you want to meet friends when traveling, this could be a really good way to do it.

Volunteer tourism is also a good way to leave a good impact on the places you are visiting . What can be more grateful than helping the local communities of the country you are visiting ? In this way, you can do something good and useful for places and people, while having fun.

Keep reading: Exploring the power of volunteerism: impact, benefits, and opportunities  and  Discovering off the grid communities: What you need to know and How to join them .

How to find volunteer tourism opportunities?

Now that you know what volunteer tourism is, maybe you are wondering how you can find volunteer opportunities all around the world , because the world is huge and it is not easy to understand where to start.

So let me introduce you to the  Worldpackers platform , which changed forever the way of traveling of hundreds of people. This platform is where you have to go if you want to find volunteer opportunities all around the world.

You can pick a destination and look for volunteer opportunities there, or you can choose a field you like, such as permaculture, teaching languages, childcare , and look for the opportunities that suit you the most.

You can contact the hosts and then plan your stay. You should look carefully at what the host is expecting from you and what you can expect in exchange for your work.  

Before applying, you can know in advance how many hours per day you will work and how many days off you will get, and whether you will get full board or just free accommodation. Worldpackers is a really clear platform and every position is fully explained in details.

Since good travelers want to leave a good social impact in the world and in the places they visit, be careful about the positions you pick, and always check if they have a good impact on our planet. You can look for hosts and positions linked to ecotourism using the filters.

Of course with Worldpackers you can look for volunteer opportunities in every continent, so let’s see some of the best positions for volunteer tourism with good social impact all around the world.

Volunteering in Latin America 

Latin America sounds like a not so safe continent, especially for the girls traveling solo. It could be true or not, but in any case the best thing is to make friends there, especially the locals. And what is the best way to meet people and to act like a local than volunteering there?

So why not considering volunteer tourism in Latin America? In this way you could help the local community, meet friends, and you will feel safer hanging around in this way.

Remember to look at the social impact of the positions you are going to apply to. For example, you could apply to work in an organic farm like this one in Brazil , and learn more about sustainable agriculture.

Volunteering in North America

North America can be very expensive, especially the accommodation costs. The best thing you can do if you want to visit this part of the world is to volunteer there. This way you can get free accommodation, just working for a few hours a day.

If you are looking for an eco-program experience, have a look at  this host in Colorado City , the place is surrounded by nature and they are running different eco projects for which they need help.

Volunteering in Europe

Europe is a very rich continent in terms of things to do and see. It could be hard to pick one country in Europe, so a long term travel would be the best way to visit it. In this case, volunteering can help you save tons of money in accommodation cost.

If you like permaculture and eco projects , in Europe you have plenty of choices.

What about volunteering in a farm in one of the most “eco” countries in Europe? I am talking about the Netherlands, and you can have a look at this position in a farm . They are looking for help gardening and planting and they offer free accommodation and full board in exchange for help.

Volunteering in Asia

One of the best ways to visit Asia is volunteering and helping the local communities. You can really make the difference and try to have a good social impact. There are a lot of people and places that are looking for your help and they are trying to improve to have the lowest possible impact on our planet.

Have a look at  this fruit and coffee farm in Nepal , for example. They are looking for help in their farm and you can learn a lot about sustainability in this experience. It can be life-changing.

Volunteering in Africa

Africa is not an easy continet to visit, but if you try this challenge and open your heart to it, you will have the time of your life.

In Africa is really important to help local communities and try to have a good impact on them. They really need help in a lot of things in different fields. Volunteering in Africa is a dream for a lot of travelers, so don’t miss this chance.

Have a look to this eco project in Ghana and give them a hand, it could be the experience of a lifetime! 

The ethics of voluntourism 

The important thing about having a volunteer tourism opportunity is to try to make a difference for the communities you want to help. That can be fully achieved if you really believe in the projects you are taking part in.

Therefore, when you apply for a position, you have to read it carefully, understand what are the expectations and the tasks you will need to complete. If you fully understand them and you strongly believe in the projects, you will do a good job and you will have a good impact.

Another thing that can make a difference is how much time you spend in a place. The more you stay in a place to help the more you can have an impact on people and help them properly. In this sense, long term travels are the best.

Volunteering in developing countries is one of the best experiences you can have if you want to have a good social impact and help communities that really need you.

When choosing a volunteer tourism opportunity, these are the best fields you can choose: teaching , permaculture and eco projects, social and cultural projects . Worldpackers has plenty of them.

Now you know everything about volunteer tourism and how to do it. You just have to subscribe to one of Worldpackers plans , look for the positions that you like the most, apply, and get ready to travel the world and make a difference!

Maybe you could also be interested in some other articles from Worldpackers community:

• How to volunteer abroad using Worldpackers
• The best environmental volunteer opportunities around the world with Worldpackers
• TOP 5 Reasons why you should volunteer abroad

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Jessica Lazzarini

Jessy Around The World

an Italian full time traveler. After years planning my full time travel, I finally quit my 9 to 5 job to start exploring the world with a one way ticket. My goal is to visit as many countries as I can and to work as a digital nomad while I am traveling, but also to challenge myself doing travel jobs in the places I visit. I really want to live a lot of different experiences in a way only a real traveler can do.

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More about this topic

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Ethical travel: how to support locals and be responsible during your travels.

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Volunteer abroad: find your global community.

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1-12 week volunteer abroad programs in over 20 countries worldwide., 4 – 16 week volunteer abroad programs  in over 10 countries worldwide, gap year and 6 month+ opportunities in over 20 countries worldwide., group volunteer abroad groups of five or more. perfect for universities, high schools, corporate teams, and healthcare offices., intern abroad program 4 – 12 week intern abroad projects, virtual volunteering and virtual internship program 1 – 6 months virtual projects in over 20+ countries, volunteer reviews.

Authentic. Immersive. Transformative.

These are just a few words our volunteers use to describe a volunteer abroad Quest with United Planet.

I developed so many lifelong relationships and I learned more than I thought imaginable when I signed up for this unique volunteer abroad experience.

My experience with United Planet really opened my eyes to how connected we all our on this planet.

Volunteering through United Planet really changed the way I view things in my life. It opened my eyes up to a whole new way of living.

This was the first trip that I have taken that I felt truly immersed in the culture of the country.

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Volunteer and travel abroad to discover the most amazing places around the world and give something back at the same time ... read more

Volunteer and travel abroad to discover the most amazing places around the world and give something back at the same time. This is the perfect opportunity for volunteers at all stages of life: from college students to those over 50 , there is the perfect volunteering trip for everyone.

If you are looking for some true volunteer travel adventure and you want to explore every destination to the fullest, our wildlife volunteer trips are the right thing for you. Discover lots of different places and volunteer for different projects where you build houses , engage with local communities or help protect endangered animals . Take action and apply for a volunteer trip abroad!

Let's get Sustainable - 6 Weeks on the move

Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Embark yourself on an adventure that will take you to discover all of Iceland and its natural wonders. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real South America Encounter

Embark on this stunning trip across Costa Rica, Ecuador & Peru where you are guaranteed to experience all aspects of South American lifestyle and culture. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real South East Asia Encounter

If weeks spent volunteering around one of the most colourful parts of the world sounds enticing, then this combo of Vietnam, Cambodia & Bali is ideal. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Asia Encounter

Sri Lanka, India and Nepal! We can’t think of a more sublime combination of exotic and fascinating countries to volunteer in over 6, 9 or 12 weeks. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Africa Encounter

Spend a life-changing 6, 9 or 12 weeks of volunteering across the world’s second-biggest continent in Ghana, fascinating Tanzania & epic South Africa! 🌍 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sri Lanka Experience

Do something life-changing discovering the real Sri Lanka. Spend four amazing weeks exploring and volunteering in this hugely inspiring country. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Surf & Help - Marine Wildlife Conservation

We include a FREE 1-week Spanish Course, to allow you to have a greater impact. Surf, preserve nature and protect endangered marine wildlife. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

Two or four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours, and weekend in Viñales valley. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Everest Base Camp Trek & Community Support

Combine a 4 week trek to Everest base camp with volunteering in Kathmandu. Suspension bridges, raging rivers and some of the best scenery in the world awaits you. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="8" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish & Support the Locals

What’s happening in Cuba right now? Volunteer placements and activities to connect with Cuban people, understand their culture and history and turbo charge your Spanish. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Teenage Summer Camp

Travel around Iceland, meet new friends, learn how to protect the environment, while you enjoy thermal pools, discover glaciers, waterfalls, black beaches and more.. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Taster Encounter

Our top destinations mixed into one trip! Don’t miss your chance to sample and a make difference in sleepy Sri Lanka, inspiring India & beautiful Bali! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Building an Outdoor Activity Camp

Help to build an outdoor activity camp! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="12" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Himalayan Trekking & Meaningful Adventure in India

Be a responsible tourist: Combine volunteering with adventurous traveling! Take a meaningful volunteer trip in India and support local communities in need. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Nepal Experience

This epic adventure includes 28 days exploring colourful Kathmandu, trekking the Himalayas, bicycle tours in Chitwan and volunteering in Pokhara. Phew! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

4 Week Annapurna Trek and Community Support

Trek and volunteer! Hike to Annapurna base camp, some of the most incredible scenery in the world! Volunteer after the trek on your chosen project. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish, Dance & Adventure Habana & Vinales

Four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana & Viñales. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours and adventure activities. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish & Local Adventure

One week learning Spanish and exploring Viñales Valley – bursting with tobacco plantations, traditional farming, unique limestone mountains. Horse, bike, hike adventure! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="17" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sustainable Living & Yoga Retreat Camp

Volunteer at a Permaculture Farm to help incubate an alternative and conscious way of living. Dare to think and act differently. Be part of this adventure and journey. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Work with Indigenous Mayan Communities

A unique and authentic cultural immersion experience in Guatemala, where volunteers live and work in a local indigenous community. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="19" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Volunteering Trips

Do you love traveling but you would also want to contribute to a larger goal? Are you someone who wants the best of both worlds? Look no further. There is a wide range of volunteer projects around the world offering you just that. Trekking in the Himalayas, snorkeling and diving in crystal clear water or getting close to some of the most exotic creatures are activities you can indulge in while helping the local community.

Discover some of the most astonishing places on the planet while helping families rebuild homes after a disaster, help clean up reefs and beaches, teach English to children, and so much more. Aligning the dreams of travelers with the needs of locals is what voluntourism is all about. Join one of the many programs and explore the world in a responsible way . Are you ready embark on a trip you will never forget?

Why volunteer and travel?

The tourism industry has started to get a bad rap the past couple of years. Mass tourism has led to increased waste issues and diminishing natural resources . Tourist attractions are natural gems that are slowly losing their shine while keeping up with the demands of mass tourism. Tourism is an important source of income for developing countries boasting pristine, Instagram worthy destinations. The ongoing pursuit of increased revenue has come at a price for the environment while issues such as education and healthcare are ignored.

Voluntourism

Our planet has so much to offer and we should be able to enjoy the beauty. Consider traveling in a sustainable way where there’s an exchange between the guests and the hosts . Volunteer travel programs encourage exactly that. Several organizations offer a platform for tourists to travel and explore while they can volunteer and give back to the local community. This can be done in different ways ranging from teaching to helping with the clean up of coral reefs. You can focus on volunteer work with animals, people, the environment or a combination of everything.

Volunteering and its effects

While traveling as a tourist, we are usually shielded from the problems plaguing the local communities as we are preoccupied with the exquisite scenery. By volunteering for a program during your travels, you will get in touch with the community and gain a greater understanding of what is going on behind the scenes and will allow intercultural exchange to unfold. You will learn more about the culture of the country and locals will gain a better insight into your culture.

Tourists visiting developing countries are often shocked when they leave their hotel rooms. They’re gripped by the severity of the problems which are blatantly obvious at first glance. The discomfort and powerlessness they feel when witnessing this, discourage them from engaging with the community as they don’t know how to behave.

Satisfaction of volunteering

There are several organizations focused on voluntourism programs where tourists can enjoy the exquisite scenery but have the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. The programs offer different ways for travelers to work with the local community and say: “thank you for having me”. A volunteer traveler will return to their country after a trip abroad astounded by the natural wonders but enriched with a feeling of satisfaction . Perhaps also giving them a piece of mind that however little it may be, they did something on their trip to help instead of just looking the other way. Africa, Asia or South America, they are waiting for your help and support.

What will I do when I volunteer and travel?

Volunteer and travel is a concept which is slowly spreading across the globe. Volunteer travel opportunities allow volunteer travelers to discover a certain part of the world and join organizations that will offer initiatives to support the community while guiding them on trips to common attractions as well as those off the beaten track. Options are seemingly endless and every travel hungry volunteer will find an organization that fits their criteria. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of volunteer travel organizations you may find on the site:

Sea and beaches

Volunteers who feel that a trip isn’t complete without sea, sun and sandy beaches can opt for one of the many programs focused on coastal and marine conservation. Head to the Maldives, chill out on the islands in Thailand or witness some of the most impressive sea creatures in South Africa.

Tourism is taking its toll on the beaches through increased amounts of waste which is steadily piling up. Coral reefs are in need of some tender love and care to be able to withstand the invasion of plastic. Get out your snorkeling gear and prepare for some of the following activities:

• Island hopping
• Snorkeling and scuba diving
• Assisting in community development projects focused on
• Environmental conservation
• Sustainable tourism
• Climate change
• Recreating coral reefs
• Spotting whales, dolphins, sea turtles and more

Join a volunteer project in one of the most idyllic locations and work with the community to give them better chances.

Landlocked adventures

Those who don’t like getting sand everywhere can opt for a project offering a more landlocked adventure. If you enjoy hiking and have a good physique, you’ll have no problems keeping up with some of the adventurous programs . Join a travel volunteer program abroad and witness some of the most biodiverse places in the world while encountering different ethnicities.

Trek around the Himalayas while you help restore homes which were destroyed during the earthquake. Immerse yourself in the culture by staying with traditional families in Nepal, India, and Peru. Learn about the culture, the food, and the people while you help in local schools and orphanages. Take in the natural wonders of all these exquisite destinations and grab opportunities to support the communities.

Animal lovers

For animal lovers out there, there are project opportunities focused on elephants, orangutans and marine animals waiting for your help. If you are completely in awe of these curious creatures, opt for a volunteer holiday with animals. Explore your surroundings while contributing to the communities that help conserve endangered species . Offset the unfavorable impact tourism has had on these animals by giving one these volunteer organizations a helping hand. These volunteer projects are a great combo of nature and culture. Get close to the animals and learn more about both the environment and the people.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience, a volunteer and travel program is an excellent bet . Marvel at your surroundings while being aware of the difficulties the communities are facing. Enjoy the activities knowing that by taking part you are supporting locals. Give back by dedicating some of your time and effort to help the community. Take a closer look at the exciting projects that will offer you an incredible yet sustainable experience.

What language skills are required?

English is the main language on all projects so it’s important that volunteers have a good understanding of English . This is important to work and communicate with the staff at the project center and other volunteers. For projects in South America, it would be great if you gain a basic knowledge of Spanish prior to going. Knowing some Spanish words will benefit your volunteer and travel experience.

Best places to volunteer and travel

Opportunities are at your feet. Both developing countries and developed countries are acknowledging the benefits of sustainable tourism. Therefore, there are projects around the world offering astonishing destinations in combination with opportunities to help the local community. Join one of these projects during your travels or gap year and work with those less privileged.

Peru is a touristic hotspot on all traveler’s bucket list. Combine visiting one of the seven world wonders with a hike along the Inca trail and supporting children of the local community. Work for one of the many programs during your stay and learn more about the community.

Dreaming of a safari but want to do it in a sustainable way? Join one of the programs offering a unique combo of adventure in Africa and reality. Shine some light on the communities in Africa by spending time with them during your trip and helping out where it is needed most. Plenty of opportunities to help Africa bij joining a program. Your work will not go unnoticed.

Asia remains a safe and easily accessible part of the world to travel to. Go for an out of the box experience by choosing a project that will show you unique wonders untouched by mass tourism. Connect with the community and understand the culture while helping out. Nepal, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia are waiting for help. Take a look at the different options ranging from mountain treks to pristine beaches to lush jungles and prepare yourself for a life-changing experience.

There are plenty of volunteering projects available that will make sure you have explored the region to the full. These programs will ensure you get the best of both worlds. Volunteer and travel abroad and experience the satisfaction of contribution in combination with the excitement and exhilaration of travel.

Top 5 benefits of Volunteer and Travel

It’s hard to name drawbacks when talking about volunteering and traveling abroad. It’s almost always associated with feelings of positivity. Both allow people to get out of their usual environment and open up to new experiences. Volunteer and travel and you will be helping the communities of your travel destination. Let’s take a look at some other benefits volunteering and traveling may have in store for you:

1. Valuable Learning Opportunities

Choosing to volunteer and travel will open up a new world. You will learn about the country and culture and interact with the local community. This will ensure a deeper understanding of the people and their situation. Depending on your volunteer activities, you will gain valuable experience in teaching and other activities. Learn some new skills and witness the opportunities that will unfold. Whether it's for valuable work experience or a way to spend your gap year. Meaningful travel opportunities await you.

2. Meet new people

You will meet other volunteers and travelers who share your taste in activities and interests. You’ll be connecting with like-minded fellow volunteers and of course locals. This will be a wonderful opportunity for meaningful relationships and cultural interchange.

3. New Experiences

Volunteering is a brilliant way to expand your perspective of the world. Issues that seemed huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience. New life experiences make you stronger and will empower you for the future.

4. Health Improvements

Traveling and volunteering are two ingredients that practically guarantee happiness. Traveling has proven beneficial as it puts people in a completely different environment allowing different parts of the brain to be used. Nature, which is usually a big part of going on a trip, is a wonderful healer for those under a lot of pressure and suffering from stress. On top of that, volunteering gives you a sense a purpose which is a major happiness influencer. Happy people tend to be healthy people. Volunteer and travel and notice the effects it has on you!

This is your chance to explore the world and discover some of the most interesting places the world has to offer. You’ll be doing this while contributing to a meaningful cause. What are you waiting for? Get out your luggage and start packing!

How do I get started with Volunteer and Travel?

Are you convinced volunteering and traveling is the best of both worlds? You’re absolutely right! Once you’ve picked a few programs which tick your boxes, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteer and travel:

• Check whether there’s a match between you and the project. There may be some requirements you need to fulfill.
• Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it is a location you are excited about.
• Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and your schedule 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 many 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 you have a valid passport considering the requirement of the host country.
• Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application.

That’s it! Visa issues may be tricky in some countries so definitely take that into account when applying for a travel volunteer project. Start packing for your adventure abroad and prepare for a meaningful adventure in some of the most astonishing areas you’ll ever encounter .

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A Beginner’s Guide to Voluntourism

Not all volunteerism projects are created equal. But giving back when gallivanting around the globe can be one of the most rewarding experiences a traveler can hope for.

If you’ve been kicking around the idea of joining the growing ranks of travelers volunteering around the world, here are five steps to help get you started.

> What to Ask:

Some volunteer programs are well run. Others are not. “Any program that is created to get money from volunteers, or uses kids, trafficked women, or any vulnerable group as bait for that is irresponsible,” says voluntourism expert Daniela Papi.

Her Learning Service site offers a terrific free e-guide titled A Volunteer’s Charter , which lists nine questions to ask before volunteering.

Questions I often asked included the following: Do local people run the program? Does the program create dependency? How does the community benefit?   If you’re paying a program fee, ask how your money will be used (fees for most U.S.-based organizations are tax-deductible).

I also asked to speak with former volunteers: It gave me an insider’s view of everything from the living conditions to the usefulness of the project.

> Where to Look:

Sites like GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com offer resources on meaningful travel and let you search for volunteer opportunities around the world using a variety of criteria.

GoVoluntouring.com also includes a search function while Voluntourism.org provides advice on planning a service-oriented trip   and profiles of   interesting organizations.

Shannon O’Donnell created GrassRootsVolunteering.org to connect travelers to causes and communities.   Voluntourism resources can also be found on the website for my memoir, The Voluntourist website for my memoir, The Voluntourist .

> What to Read:

• Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others , a reference book that profiles over 150 organizations
• O’Donnell’s   Volunteer Traveler’s Handbook , which   guides travelers to an ethical volunteer experience
• The Underground Guide to International Volunteering   e-book, by Kirsty Henderson, that includes useful   comparisons of free versus paid   project placements
• Lonely Planet’s Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World

> What You Should Receive:

Good volunteer organizations will send you a skills questionnaire and help you determine the best placement for your abilities.

Before I was green-lit to work with children, I had to undergo background checks and provide character references.

If organizations don’t take steps like these, or seem more interested in your credit card than in protecting you or the community they’re claiming to serve, consider it a warning sign.

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> How to Be an Effective Volunteer:

When I assisted on a climate change project in Ecuador, one of the scientists complained about four previous volunteers who routinely overslept, which interfered with research work.

My advice: Treat volunteering with the same seriousness with which you’d treat a job. If you’re volunteering overseas, study the country and the culture before you go. Once you’re working, be humble, be gracious, work hard, do what you’re asked, and remember that you’re a guest.

If you think of yourself more like an intern who’s doing small but often necessary grunt work, and who’s learning something in the process, you’ll be on the right track.

Keep in mind that you will not change the world as a short-term volunteer and that you will likely benefit more than your hosts. But also know that the interactions that occur, and the friendships that are formed, can change how people—both you and your hosts—see each other and the world.

Ken Budd   is the author of the award-winning memoir   The Voluntourist—A Six-Country Tale of Love, Loss, Fatherhood, Fate, and Singing Bon Jovi in Bethlehem . Follow Ken on Twitter   @Ken_Budd .

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The Pandemic Changed The World Of 'Voluntourism.' Some Folks Like The New Way Better

Malaka Gharib

Last summer, Becca Morrison, 21, was all set to volunteer at a community arts nonprofit in Zomba, Malawi. She'd work with the marketing team as a copywriter and social media manager.

Then the pandemic hit, and the trip got canceled. "I was peeved," she says. "I was so excited to travel. I had the whole thing planned."

Still, Morrison was determined to find a volunteer gig, which she needed to graduate as an international development major at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, U.K. So she found another opportunity in Zomba, this time with a nonprofit group called the Sparkle Foundation . And it would take place virtually.

For three months last summer, Morrison helped the group — which runs a school and a medical facility for children in the community — do tasks remotely. She even personally raised $7,000 for the cause.

"I've done so much without even leaving my house, my room," she says. "I think the pandemic has changed the game completely for volunteering."

Becca Morrison, 21, at home in Norwich, U.K. She has been volunteering virtually with an arts nonprofit in Zomba, Malawi from her bedroom. Becca Morrison hide caption

Becca Morrison, 21, at home in Norwich, U.K. She has been volunteering virtually with an arts nonprofit in Zomba, Malawi from her bedroom.

The pandemic has indeed transformed the landscape of international volunteering, say researchers. A February survey of 130 volunteer organizations and 239 international volunteers by the International Forum for Volunteering in Development found that the pandemic had spurred volunteer groups to offer more remote volunteering opportunities and consider expanding national volunteer membership in the future.

Even as some groups gear for a return to the way it was, others are changing their modus operandi — and some of these new ways of working are a step in a more sustainable direction.

"The pandemic has shown us there are different innovative ways volunteers are able to provide services," says Christopher Millora , an academic based in Iloilo City, Philippines, who is leading research for the U.N.'s next State of the World's Volunteerism report. This could lead to a "paradigm shift as to what kinds of relationships international volunteer organizations have toward local communities."

That's an important move in an industry riddled with criticism. Over the past few decades, critics and activists have been urging volunteer abroad organizations to rethink their business model.

They say sending volunteers from rich nations to low-income countries perpetuates the white savior complex by portraying volunteers as superheroes who will rescue the poor from their misery.

"There's this postcolonial narrative of young, aspirational, light-skinned people from the West thinking they can go to Africa for two weeks and change the world," says Konstantinos Tomazos , a senior lecturer in international tourism management at the University of Strathclyde. "That's the main criticism of the sector that plays into the idea of the white messiah."

They say projects can be harmful and exploitative.

One of the most popular activities for volunteers, say the experts, is helping children in orphanages. That demand, as a result, has created perverse economic incentives . "In places like Kenya and Cambodia, Nepal and Tanzania, orphanages are prolific. But the children within them are not orphans and in many cases are being placed in orphanages in order for orphanage directors to profit from the [volunteer] tourism demand to engage with orphans," says Leigh Mathews , founder of Alto Global, an international development consultancy group and the co-founder of Rethink Orphanages, a group that helps volunteer groups terminate their orphanage programs and repatriate children with their families.

Volunteering Abroad? Read This Before You Post That Selfie

And some critics question the helpfulness of volunteers.

In Ours To Explore: Privilege, Power and the Paradox of Voluntourism , author Pippa Biddle writes about a shocking discovery she made while volunteering in Tanzania as a teen. She and a group of young, inexperienced volunteers were assigned to help local workers build a small library at an orphanage. Days into the project, she found out that every morning, the local workers were taking apart the volunteers' shoddy work from the day before and redoing it correctly before they woke up.

"While my intentions to be helpful and encouraging and to give back came from a good place, my time at the orphanage did not even begin to address their real needs," writes Biddle.

A major industry

Despite these criticisms, international volunteerism is a big business.

Since the mid-1800s, when trains and ships made it possible for the public to travel cheaper, faster and farther than ever before, people have strived to "voyage to less-resourced nations for pleasure and purpose," says Biddle.

The phenomenon of volunteer tourism is now a $3 billion a year industry, says Tomazos. The funds paid by participants go to the thousands of groups that coordinate the trips along with the development programs they support.

The money also benefits local economies. The volunteer organization Habitat for Humanity, for example, says their trips alone bring in an estimated $6.9 million to the drivers, hotels, restaurants and gift shops that serve international volunteers when they visit.

And while it's hard to pinpoint how many international volunteers there are in the world, the U.N. estimates that if volunteering were a full-time job, it would account for 109 million workers.

It's easy to understand the appeal of overseas service, says Biddle. There's a sense of adventure, and people feel good about helping those who are less fortunate. Studies have found that volunteers perceive the trips as a meaningful and transformative life experience . People often come away from the trips with feelings of improved well-being, purpose and happiness.

Advice To Parachuting Docs: Think Before You Jump Into Poor Countries

On a more practical note, "voluntourism" is a practical way for people — like Morrison — to gain experience in international development. Maia Gedde, author of Working in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance , says people hoping to start a career in the field "volunteer as a steppingstone to build skills, knowledge and networks to put them in a much stronger position when applying for humanitarian jobs in the future."

But not all volunteer programs are the same. In the world of international volunteerism, there are two kinds of gigs. One is volunteering with development programs, such as the Peace Corps in the U.S. and Voluntary Service Overseas in the U.K. These groups, often funded with government aid, assign volunteers to long-term projects around the world — a year or two or more working at a school in Malawi, for example, or supporting helping small business owners in India. Such programs typically provide the volunteers with basic accommodation and a modest allowance for food and other living expenses.

Then there's volunteer tourism — nicknamed "voluntourism" by academics. People pay to take part in shorter-term projects abroad, which can range from tutoring kids in Nepal for a week to spending a few months conducting nutrition workshops in Thailand to traveling with a church mission group to the Philippines to dig wells. Volunteers must pay for their journey, including flights and transportation, meals and lodging as well as fees to the organizations and the programs they support.

In-person trips not required?

During the pandemic, both the development programs and volunteer tourism groups have had to recalibrate their efforts. And some groups have been surprised by how eager volunteers were to stay involved — even though their trips to the field were canceled.

One of the most well-known groups in the latter category is Habitat for Humanity . Its Global Villages program invites people — mostly from Western countries — to help out in 30 mostly low- and middle-income countries. Over the course of about two weeks, groups of 15 people, half volunteers, half local staff, build homes, hand-washing and health-care facilities as well as participate in other kinds of projects. Volunteers do not need special skills but do need cash. There's a fee of about $1,650-$2,500 per person to participate, often raised through donations from friends and family. About 12,000 volunteers participate each year. During the pandemic, that number dropped to zero.

Despite that, many of the 800 projects planned for 2020 still got done, says Jacqueline Innocent , senior vice president of integrated programs at Habitat for Humanity. Local staff and paid contractors — mason workers, for example — pitched in. It just took a little longer because there were fewer helping hands.

Innocent was also pleased to see that many of the volunteers whose trips were canceled did not ask for a refund. They let Habitat keep the funds as a donation. And many organized their own virtual workshops, events and music festivals — to raise funds.

Dave Kovac, a 20-year veteran volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, speaks to students from his international service class at Oregon State University. For 10 weeks last fall, the class conducted a virtual Habitat build. Each week, the students checked in with Habitat staff in Vietnam as they built a house for a family in need. Natalie Kovac hide caption

Some volunteers even arranged "virtual builds." Dave Kovac is a 20-year Habitat volunteer veteran and teaches courses on international service at Oregon State University. He was scheduled to go on three trips with Habitat in 2020, including one with a cohort of students. When the trips were canceled, he worked with Habitat to create an online program where students "adopted" a Habitat build in Vietnam. Over 10 weeks, Kovac and his students met weekly to fundraise, learn about Vietnamese culture, get updates from local staff about the project's progress and speak to the family whose house was being built.

The program was so successful that Kovac says he is trying it out again in August, this time with Habitat Brazil. He says he likes the model because it targets "people who are interested in some kind of experience but can't go abroad due to timing, job, personal issues, family. So maybe they can tag along virtually."

The virtual engagement made Habitat realize something, says Innocent. "We're not as dependent upon cross-border volunteers as one would have previously thought. It has been surprising how much people are willing to do [for Habitat] even though they don't get that reciprocal experience" of being there.

"I suspect," she adds, "what we're going to see when we're able to come back is more hybrid approaches" — creating opportunities like the virtual builds for international volunteers, for example.

But, she says, "I don't see a scenario at the moment where we would want to eliminate the [field] experience." The trip is what people love, she says — and local staff rely on those volunteers to help carry out the projects more quickly.

These virtual opportunities with reputable organizations offer "a wonderful alternative to on-the-ground voluntourism," says Biddle. They "bypass so many of the issues voluntourism creates and require the volunteers to show true commitment to a cause and a community — even from afar."

Greater appreciation for local volunteers

For other organizations, the pandemic has affirmed a decision they've made well before the crisis: recruiting more local volunteers instead of Westerners, says researcher Millora. And the pandemic has driven home the importance of these helpers.

Voluntary Service Overseas is a U.K.-based development organization that hires and places skilled volunteers in long-term projects in nearly 30 low- and middle-income countries.

But over the last few years, the group has been recruiting more in-country volunteers. "They're the ones who can hold the government accountable, who know the context," says Papa Diouf , who heads VSO's global work in health and is based in Kigali, Rwanda. Many of these volunteers are graduates from the School of Education at the University of Rwanda.

In the first few months of the pandemic, VSO Rwanda had to send its 50 international volunteers home. Because the group had a preexisting membership of 200 national volunteers, it was able to carry out its education program, says Diouf — training public school teachers to improve literacy and numeracy skills among primary school students.

OPINION: Volunteering Abroad Is Popular And Problematic. Let's Fix It

The international volunteers, who were brought on for their expertise in school leadership and education development, stayed involved ... virtually. Using Zoom and WhatsApp, they checked in with local volunteers, who were doing much of the in-person work — visiting schools and mentoring teachers. And when schools were shut in Rwanda due to COVID-19, it was the local volunteers who kept in touch with the schoolteachers via WhatsApp.

Diouf doesn't think VSO is going to end its practice of sending volunteers abroad anytime soon. The international volunteers have crucial expertise that the organization's projects need. In fact, now that some travel restrictions have been lifted, some of the international volunteers who were sent home from Rwanda at the start of the pandemic have returned.

But, he says, the pandemic helped him see how crucial local volunteers are, especially in times of crisis. VSO's Rwandan volunteers mobilized to spread COVID messaging in their country and track essential health services disrupted by COVID. Supporting "those local volunteers had already been a shift in our program thinking, but COVID-19 has only helped us move faster in that direction," he says.

Benjamin Lough , an associate professor at the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a global volunteerism researcher, says VSO Rwanda's emphasis toward local service in the pandemic is "a great turn." But he has a caveat.

"The pandemic revealed both the strengths of relying on local volunteers as well as the limitations when support from abroad is lacking," he says. "We can't just pass on more responsibility to domestic volunteers without providing additional support" in the form of funds or manpower.

Booking again ... but with a difference

As vaccination rates soar in the West and more countries loosen COVID travel restrictions, volunteer groups have started offering trips again.

For many overseas service operations, those trips abroad are their bread and butter, says Tomazos, the tourism researcher from University of Strathclyde. "They have a business model. No volunteers means no money."

Volunteers also bring important knowledge into the mix, says Lough. Local staff from some volunteer abroad groups have told him: "We value the skills those volunteers are bringing into this community. We want them to come in."

And people have begun booking trips again.

But things are definitely different.

Kovac sees real promise in the virtual Habitat builds, because it may help people focus on the real reasons they're volunteering. "It's really for people who want to help because they want to help, not because they want to travel."

As for Morrison, she says she "feels lucky" that she was able to accomplish so much with the Sparkle Foundation last year even if she wasn't physically in Malawi. In fact, the group liked her work so much that they asked her back this summer as a paid intern working remotely.

In her bedroom in Norwich, she says that without the distraction of feeling "mesmerized" by an exotic location, she's been more honed in on her true purpose as a volunteer. And that's made her reevaluate the concept of overseas service.

"It's almost [discriminatory] that to make a real difference, you have to pay all this money to travel somewhere very far away," she says. "That's not how charity works."

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Five Reasons Why You Should Volunteer Abroad

Have you ever thought about volunteering for your next vacation? In this article, discover why volunteering abroad is a great holiday alternative where you get a transformative, life-enriching travel experience.

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What is volunteering abroad, why consider a volunteer abroad vacation.

Volunteering abroad is an increasingly popular way of making travel more meaningful. You get to participate in meaningful projects that address specific needs or gaps in a community while being immersed in the local culture. Volunteer abroad programs range from as little as one week to as much as 24 weeks.

Depending on the volunteer organization, the kinds of volunteer projects you can get involved with can vary. Options usually include:

• Animal & Wildlife Care
• Teaching & Education
• Medicine & Healthcare
• Environmental & Cultural Preservation
• Community Development

As well as experiencing a truly authentic immersion in different cultures, you also gain new perspectives, develop deep friendships with like-minded people from around the world, and make meaningful contributions to the global environment.

Whether you’re seeking to embark on a unique travel experience, gain hands-on skills in various fields, or wish to make a difference in the world around you, here are five reasons why volunteering abroad can be the perfect option for your next holiday:

1. Experience an Authentic Cultural Immersion

Volunteering abroad gives you an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture on a grassroots level. Rather than learning about the customs, traditions, and history of a place from a tour guide, you get to interact personally with the local community.

Learn about the intricate details of their traditions, their history, their cuisine, and their language. Hear their stories and how they go about their everyday lives. This cultural exchange fosters mutual respect and appreciation, enriching your worldview and broadening your horizons.

2. Expand Your Outlook and Personal Growth

You might have heard the saying, “Comfort is the enemy of growth.” When you volunteer abroad, you open yourself to new and unfamiliar territory, pushing you out of your comfort zone and ultimately leading to rewarding personal growth.

You’ll also get to develop and gain new skills, such as:

• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Cross-cultural communication
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• New languages
• New perspectives or ways of thinking

Facing new challenges and overcoming them can boost your confidence and resilience, preparing you for future endeavors.

3. Make an Impactful Difference to Vulnerable Communities

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering abroad is the ability to make a difference and give back to the community around you.

Whether you’re teaching children, building new infrastructure, or protecting endangered wildlife, your efforts contribute directly to improving the lives of others. The sense of fulfillment and purpose derived from such impactful work is unmatched.

4. Building Lasting Connections

Volunteering abroad allows you to forge meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds. You’ll meet fellow volunteers, local community members, and professionals dedicated to making a difference. These relationships often extend beyond your volunteering period, creating a global network of friends and collaborators.

5. Gain Additional Skills for Your Career

Volunteering abroad can also be a valuable addition to your resume. It demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility, cultural competence, and ability to work in diverse environments.

Many employers appreciate the unique skills and experiences gained through volunteering, making you a more attractive candidate in the job market.

Experience an Unforgettable Holiday While Making A Difference

Go beyond your typical vacation and embark on a transformative and life-enriching travel experience by volunteering abroad. It offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, personal growth, and meaningful contributions to communities in need.

If you’re looking for a holiday that leaves you feeling enriched, fulfilled, and inspired, explore volunteer abroad programs available in your dream destinations. It’s an adventure that will change your perspective on the world and stay with you for a lifetime.

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Voluntourism means to combine your passion for traveling (tourism) while giving back to the countries you visit (volunteer) ... read more

Voluntourism means to combine your passion for traveling (tourism) while giving back to the countries you visit (volunteer). It's a great way to lend volunteer organizations a hand and give them financial support. It is especially suitable for short-term volunteer holidays . Most volunteer tourism programs have a limited social impact when compared to long-term volunteer opportunities.

Voluntourism opportunities are perfect for you if you want to volunteer and travel in an exotic country. It means you won't be working full time during your holiday giving you a lot of time to explore a new culture. Sign up for a volunteer tourism program!

Let's get Sustainable - 6 Weeks on the move

Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Embark yourself on an adventure that will take you to discover all of Iceland and its natural wonders. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real South America Encounter

Embark on this stunning trip across Costa Rica, Ecuador & Peru where you are guaranteed to experience all aspects of South American lifestyle and culture. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real South East Asia Encounter

If weeks spent volunteering around one of the most colourful parts of the world sounds enticing, then this combo of Vietnam, Cambodia & Bali is ideal. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Asia Encounter

Sri Lanka, India and Nepal! We can’t think of a more sublime combination of exotic and fascinating countries to volunteer in over 6, 9 or 12 weeks. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Africa Encounter

Spend a life-changing 6, 9 or 12 weeks of volunteering across the world’s second-biggest continent in Ghana, fascinating Tanzania & epic South Africa! 🌍 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sri Lanka Experience

Do something life-changing discovering the real Sri Lanka. Spend four amazing weeks exploring and volunteering in this hugely inspiring country. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Surf & Help - Marine Wildlife Conservation

We include a FREE 1-week Spanish Course, to allow you to have a greater impact. Surf, preserve nature and protect endangered marine wildlife. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

Two or four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours, and weekend in Viñales valley. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Everest Base Camp Trek & Community Support

Combine a 4 week trek to Everest base camp with volunteering in Kathmandu. Suspension bridges, raging rivers and some of the best scenery in the world awaits you. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="8" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish & Support the Locals

What’s happening in Cuba right now? Volunteer placements and activities to connect with Cuban people, understand their culture and history and turbo charge your Spanish. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Teenage Summer Camp

Travel around Iceland, meet new friends, learn how to protect the environment, while you enjoy thermal pools, discover glaciers, waterfalls, black beaches and more.. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Taster Encounter

Our top destinations mixed into one trip! Don’t miss your chance to sample and a make difference in sleepy Sri Lanka, inspiring India & beautiful Bali! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Building an Outdoor Activity Camp

Help to build an outdoor activity camp! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="12" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Himalayan Trekking & Meaningful Adventure in India

Be a responsible tourist: Combine volunteering with adventurous traveling! Take a meaningful volunteer trip in India and support local communities in need. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Real Nepal Experience

This epic adventure includes 28 days exploring colourful Kathmandu, trekking the Himalayas, bicycle tours in Chitwan and volunteering in Pokhara. Phew! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

4 Week Annapurna Trek and Community Support

Trek and volunteer! Hike to Annapurna base camp, some of the most incredible scenery in the world! Volunteer after the trek on your chosen project. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish, Dance & Adventure Habana & Vinales

Four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana & Viñales. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours and adventure activities. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Learn Spanish & Local Adventure

One week learning Spanish and exploring Viñales Valley – bursting with tobacco plantations, traditional farming, unique limestone mountains. Horse, bike, hike adventure! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="17" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sustainable Living & Yoga Retreat Camp

Volunteer at a Permaculture Farm to help incubate an alternative and conscious way of living. Dare to think and act differently. Be part of this adventure and journey. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Work with Indigenous Mayan Communities

A unique and authentic cultural immersion experience in Guatemala, where volunteers live and work in a local indigenous community. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="19" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Voluntourism Opportunities Abroad

Do you dream of backpacking through some of the most remote places abroad but somehow feel as if it’s not enough? Do you want to do more than that? Do you want to connect to the communities and help? If you are interested in volunteering abroad and you have already done some research on the topic, you might have come across the term “Voluntourism”. It simply describes “tourism in which travelers do voluntary work to help communities or the environment in the places they are visiting”, but in the past years, there has been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of voluntourism abroad.

At Volunteer World, we believe that if done right, volunteering tourism opportunities overseas can benefit both the volunteers and the projects they visit and work for. As this is an important and very sensitive topic, we want to show you what’s important when it comes to ethical voluntourism and how we ensure that the volunteer abroad programs on our website match the criteria and that there are no issues with volunteering. If you are interested in combining your travels with volunteer work abroad, just continue reading

What is the difference between Volunteering and Voluntourism?

The emphasis of most of our projects is on volunteering and dedicating time to a volunteer abroad project and its progress. We cater to a very wide audience and also offer voluntourism packages which we believe are sustainable. Although the latter has been subject to controversy, we guarantee that all programs offered through our website meet strict requirements. It still remains important for volunteers to do their due diligence and research the project they are interested in. To give you a better understanding of volunteerism and voluntourism, take a look at the descriptions below:

Let’s start by taking a closer look at what we understand under volunteerism:

• It’s about helping out a certain project usually for a longer period of time.
• Volunteers offer a certain type of expertise which the project is lacking.
• There are opportunities to explore the surroundings and do some sightseeing but it’s not the main aim of the time spent there.
• Projects impact the local community and environment and are making a difference in the field they are focused on: childcare, animals, community development projects, health, education
• Projects are usually run by non-profit organizations that ensure funds go toward the community or are reinvested in the organization.

With voluntourism or volunteering tourism, things are slightly different.

• First of all, the emphasis is on the experience of the participant volunteer tourist.
• The goal is for the participant to travel and see as much as possible of a certain area while spending a short period of time contributing to a certain cause.
• Voluntourism packages are sometimes offered by for-profit organizations. This may result in funds going toward the tourism industry rather than the local community although this isn’t always the case. (Volunteers need to inform themselves about this before signing up).
• Anyone can join a project and no expertise is required.

This may help you decide what type of project and types of voluntourism you would like to participate in. There is no right or wrong when it comes to this. Both options have their place when done right.

The Pros and Cons of Voluntourism

Voluntourism has gotten a bad reputation over the past few years with articles appearing claiming more harm than good is being done. Especially when it comes to working with children. Let’s not forget that the intention of participants is to help and is intrinsically good. Some volunteers don’t have the time to contribute for several months but are looking for an opportunity to help where they can.

Although there seems to be an increased desire to help and contribute by those more fortunate, it’s not easy for organizations to create opportunities to fulfill this need of helping out and linking it to work that would make a meaningful and sustainable difference.

Here are a few of the pros and cons that you need to take into account when opting for a program:

• Allows you to travel and discover a part of the world you have wanted to explore.
• You get the chance to connect with the local community.
• Participants will see a different side of their travel destination than if they would travel as a tourist.
• It is a great opportunity for cultural interchange.
• You will travel in a group and meet other like-minded individuals.
• Given you are participating in an ethical project, funds and efforts will be invested in the community.
• The time spent on the program is limited which may not lead to significant changes.
• It is possible that the funds go toward the tourism industry instead of the community when you choose the wrong organization. It’s important to do your due diligence on this.
• When working with children, it can be hard on them when volunteering for only short periods. Exposing vulnerable children to inexperienced volunteers can have a negative impact.

Why opt for Voluntourism?

As with all good things, there’s always going to be a downside when projects are not executed properly. Voluntourism has taken a few blows the past few years, with people saying there have been issues with volunteering tourism. It has endured claims that it is harming the community and is mainly focused on the participants.

First of all, let’s keep in mind there will always be naysayers that will point out that voluntary work in developing countries is condescending and not solving problems in a sustainable manner. Although there may be some truth in these acclamations, keep in mind that all of this rises and falls with the execution of the projects.

Imagine the following scenario : you have decided to tour around India for 3 weeks and will contribute to the community by teaching at schools and building houses for a couple of days during your stay.

Will you be making a difference?

It’s fair to state that you won’t be making as big of a difference when you choose to volunteer for short stints as opposed to long periods of time . Packages offered by a reputable international organization will make sure that money paid by voluntourists (volunteer tourists) will be contributed to local communities and that work done is useful to the community. (Beware of organizations that don’t have the best interest of the community at heart). The most important thing that will happen during a program is cultural interchange and social contact. Everyone will agree that social interaction is crucial in a happy life and is something everyone benefits from.

Volunteer tourists have the best intentions and are looking for ways to contribute despite time constraints. For volunteer tourists, it’s important to keep in mind that volunteer tourism comes in many shapes and forms so it’s their responsibility to look for projects they fully support.

Is volunteering in developing countries condescending?

There are claims that if you volunteer overseas that you’re portraying a message that these communities are unable to solve problems on their own. This mainly refers to programs that aren’t addressing the root problem and are exploiting both the community as the volunteers for personal gains. The goal of voluntourism projects should always be to empower local communities and give them the support they need to take their future into their own hands . Claiming that there’s no need for any help in developing countries would also be incorrect. Again, it is a matter of joining a reputable organization that understands the needs of the community and is dedicated to helping the community progress.

Although the time may be short, that doesn’t mean the interaction is meaningless. As a voluntourist overseas, you will gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in the part of the world you are visiting . You will carry this awareness with you and share it with others. Awareness moves people to behave differently and make different choices. Even if voluntourism doesn’t have a direct impact, it will have an impact nonetheless perhaps further down the road. Whether it is a unique connection you have with one of the locals, a message that you were able to bring across during an English class or a mind-shift you made after the experience which changes the way you stand in life.

What kind of Voluntourism projects are there?

The point of voluntourism is that you get to see as much of a country as possible while you volunteer for a certain cause during your trip. There are so many possibilities available that it will come down to where you want to go and what skills you have to offer Here are some possibilities that are available:

• Work at an animal conservation center or sanctuary
• Cultural immersion programs
• Community support
• Youth development
• Environmental conservation

There are so many types of voluntourism, it’s a matter of preference and skills that will determine where you will end up for your adventure. Volunteering tourism is on the uprise which means more and more projects are appearing in the social landscape. Volunteer tourists will have increasingly more options but will face the challenge of selecting meaningful and sustainable projects.

How to choose the right Voluntourism program?

The most important aspect of choosing a great program is that you do enough research on the different volunteer and travel organizations and try to answer the following questions:

• What does the organization stand for?
• What is their objective and how are they trying to achieve it?
• How are the funds they receive spent?
• How do you think you will contribute?
• What do you think the effect will be of your voluntourism work?

Take into account possible negative effects. Read up on the organization, read reviews and ask previous volunteers about their participation. There are some great agencies and non-profit organizations that are doing very responsible and good work.

Be careful when you choose to volunteer with children. Do your due diligence prior to signing up . There are organizations out there that are doing more harm than good. It’s important to take into account that we have attempted to screen these organizations but you make the final call. Choose wisely and you will be in for an incredible experience while supporting a meaningful cause.

Best places for Voluntourism

Voluntourists that have Africa or Asia on their list, will find several opportunities to volunteer and travel on the website. Peru , Brazil , and Guatemala are Latin American destinations that are available to those who are passionate about this warm culture. Those who want to get off the beaten track, can opt for a program with the Bedouins in the desert or head up to Finland to discover the Nordic wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities to discover some of the greatest parts of the world while you leave an impression on the local community and help where you can. Volunteer tourists will find several types of voluntourism which will make their hearts beat faster.

Top 5 benefits of Voluntourism

It’s hard to name drawbacks when talking about travel and volunteering overseas even if it’s for a short period of time. It’s almost always associated with feelings of positivity. Both travel and volunteering allow people to get out of their usual environment and open up to new experiences. Volunteer and travel and you will be helping the communities of your travel destination. Let’s take a look at some other benefits voluntourism may have in store for you:

1. Valuable Learning Opportunities

Choosing to volunteer and travel will open up a new world. You will learn about the country and culture and interact with the local community . This will ensure a deeper understanding of the people and their situation. Depending on your volunteer activities, you will gain valuable insights in teaching and other activities. Learn some new skills and witness the opportunities that will unfold. Whether it's for valuable work experience or a way to spend your gap year. Meaningful travel opportunities await you.

2. Meet new people

You will meet other volunteers and travelers who share your taste in activities and interests. You’ll be connecting with like-minded fellow volunteers and of course locals. This will be a wonderful opportunity for meaningful relationships and cultural interchange. Meet other volunteering tourists that share your love for travel and value for giving back to the community.

3. New Experiences

This is a brilliant way to expand your perspective on life. Issues that seemed huge problems before, may seem trivial after your volunteer experience. New life experiences make you stronger and will empower you for the future. Voluntourism is a great way to experiment and see if volunteering is something you’d like to do more of in the future.

4. Health Improvements

Traveling and volunteering are two ingredients that practically guarantee happiness. Research has proven that traveling is beneficial as it puts people in a completely different environment allowing different parts of the brain to be used . Nature, which is usually a big part of going on a trip, is a wonderful healer for those under a lot of pressure and suffering from stress. On top of that, providing some kind of support, however small, will give you a sense a purpose which is a major happiness influencer. Happy people tend to be healthy people. Volunteer and travel and notice the effects it has on you!

This is your chance to explore and discover some of the most interesting places the world has to offer. You’ll be doing this while contributing to a meaningful cause . What are you waiting for? Get out your luggage and start packing for your adventure abroad as a volunteer tourist!

How do I get started as a Voluntourism Volunteer?

You’re ready to start your voluntourism adventure but you’re not quite sure where to start? First of all, have a look at the different programs across the globe, and pick a few that have caught 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 do voluntourism abroad:

• Check whether there’s a match between you and the voluntourism project by looking at their requirements.
• Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be a location you are excited about.
• Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and your schedule 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 even 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 you have a valid passport considering the requirement of the host country.
• Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application

That’s it! You’re ready to explore the world and start your own personal voluntourism adventure. Get ready for a life-changing experience that no school can ever prepare you for. Africa, Asia, and Latin America are waiting for your support. Discover what these projects have in store for you. We believe it will open you up to many more volunteering adventures in the future.

Retire Early for Adventure: Travel and Volunteer

Editor’s note: "How to Retire Early for Adventure" is part four of an ongoing series throughout this year focused on how to retire early and the FIRE movement. The introduction to the series is  How to Retire Early in Six Steps . The second article is  How to Retire Early by 40 ; the third is How to Retire Early by 50 .

Don't feel bad if you spend many of your work hours daydreaming about quitting and going on an adventure. Blame your ancestors.

For 99% of human history , our nomadic lifestyle linked movement with survival. Our brains evolved to derive pleasure from discovering the new and unfamiliar. Research even suggests the existence of a “ wanderlust gene ” that may predispose individuals to crave adventure.

In other words, adventure is in our DNA. It’s no wonder, then, that “travel” was the most frequent last wish of those suffering from a terminal illness in a 2022 study .

Simply put: Adventure offers excitement and purpose not found in an office. This is why travel and volunteering are often among the ways people plan to spend their free time upon retirement . And those in the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement want to do them sooner rather than later.

Contrary to popular belief, people who achieve FIRE status aren’t pursuing a cliched sedentary lifestyle, tanning on the beach or playing golf. Read FIRE-themed forums or books and you’ll see that financially independent individuals often seek greater purpose and meaningful “work” to enrich their lives.

Linking travel to volunteering exposes you to new cultures and perspectives and provides an ideal opportunity to give back.

Benefits of early retirement for adventure

If the benefits of travel and adventure could be distilled into a pill, we’d all be addicts.

Travel has been shown to improve health , lower stress, enhance creativity , and increase happiness and life satisfaction . Similarly, studies indicate that volunteering and contributing to your community positively impact health by reducing stress and increasing positive emotions, thereby decreasing the risk of physical and mental health conditions. 

Combine the two, and you have a recipe for an enriching life.

You might be thinking, “Can’t you simply travel and volunteer while still holding a job? Isn’t that what vacation days are for?”

That’s true, and we should all consider traveling and volunteering more. However, many FIRE advocates see early retirement as a unique opportunity to redefine what retirement means. Instead of seeing it as an end, it becomes a new beginning filled with possibilities.

With no job tying you down, early retirement allows you to travel extensively, whether it’s backpacking through Europe or exploring Asia. Experiencing new cultures and environments fosters personal growth, broadens perspectives, and can lead to new hobbies and interests. 

Moreover, early retirees can travel off-peak, enjoying destinations without the crowds and at a lower cost. They can choose to stay longer in places they love, allowing more time to engage in volunteer assignments without the pressure of limited vacation time.

Most importantly, doing this at a younger age means having better health to travel and engage in adventurous or highly active activities.

Travel destinations and volunteering opportunities abroad 

If retiring early and seeking adventure aligns with your goals, you can find destinations that cater to both your adventurous and altruistic sides.

Kick the tires

Many companies can match you to the kind of volunteering experience you want. For example, the top destinations abroad offered by Volunteering Solutions include countries ranging from India to Australia. These trips offer breathtaking landscapes, rich histories, and diverse volunteer programs, such as teaching, conservation and community development. You could help elephants in a Thai village or provide medical services in Peru.

But should you? Before signing up for a volunteer program abroad, ensure it is ethically managed. International Volunteer HQ provides guidance on how to tell if a program is above board. For example, volunteers' work should not replace local jobs, and programs should be audited regularly and conducted with input from the local community. If helping elephants is your passion, for example, be sure you understand how to distinguish between an ethical operation and an elephant orphanage created for tourists. And any program working with children should have a Child Protection Policy, like Projects Abroad .

How to get started

Traveling to new places can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the customs, don’t speak the language or don't know anyone at first. So, it's important to organize your international volunteering through a reputable and reliable resource.

If you'd like an experience tailored to retirees, check out these suggestions by Volunteer Forever . 

In addition to Volunteer Solutions, another popular resource is GVI , a U.S.-based organization that connects people to extensive volunteer and work programs worldwide.

If you belong to a religious community, you might be interested in their work programs abroad. Again, tread carefully, as the quality and professionalism of these programs varies widely.

If you have a background in agriculture, accounting, marketing or related fields, you could share your skills through the Farmer to Farmer program. Volunteers can spend as little as two weeks abroad working with local farmers — a great way to dip your toe in international volunteering.

Doctors, nurses, therapists and dentists also have rewarding volunteer opportunities abroad, even if they are retired. Relief organizations like The Red Cross also take volunteers.

For a deeper commitment, the Peace Corps trains and places volunteers in more than 60 countries for two-year stints. These volunteers work in their host countries across an array of areas, from education and environmental work to agriculture and economic development. The Peace Corps has a specific program for retirees and people over 50 . You'll get three months of training, financial counseling and medical support. Interested candidates need to apply. 

If two years seems like too long a commitment, Peace Corps Response places volunteers abroad for three to 12 months. 

The hybrid approach

Want to blend positive impact with more of a vacation vibe? Some wonderful programs combine these two approaches. For example, Earthwatch leads expeditions that pair volunteers with academics to conduct scientific research. You could study killer whales in Iceland as part of a twelve-day expedition. Other non-profits, such as Audubon or Natural Habitat Adventures , offer tourism that supports local communities or wildlife. These trips vary widely in cost, amenities and how physically demanding they are, so be sure to research more than one group.

Planning and preparation

 Whether you’re looking to head overseas to feed your adrenaline cravings or help feed those in need, extended time abroad requires careful preparation. Here are a few key planning steps to ensure a smooth experience.

Financial Planning: Create a detailed budget that includes travel and living expenses. Secure a local bank account to avoid potential delays and issues with international banking services. For international money transfers, use services like Wise for low fees, and review your credit card’s foreign transaction fees, opting for cards that do not charge currency conversion fees. Some of the best travel rewards credit cards will offer no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance and other benefits.

Visa and Entry Requirements: Research visa requirements for each destination. Ensure you have the correct visa for your intended activities, whether a tourist visa or a working visa for long-term volunteer programs. Be aware of new requirements for Americans traveling to Europe . And consider applying for NEXUS, Global Entry or related certifications to make your customs experience less of a hassle.

Safety and Political Stability: Stay informed about your destination's safety and political stability by registering with your home country’s embassy for travel alerts and updates. 

Health Considerations : Before leaving, get your vaccinations up to date and schedule a health check-up. Investigate the healthcare system of your host country to understand its coverage, functionality, and quality. It may make sense to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal liability.

Retiring early doesn’t have to be an exit from work but rather an entryway to adventure, exploring the world and making a difference. It offers many benefits, including a renewed sense of purpose. One could even argue that we’re born for it.

• How to Retire Early in Six Steps
• How to Retire Early by 40
• How to Retire Early by 50
• The 10 Safest Countries to Visit
• Medical Travel Insurance: Here's What You Need to Know

Sporting Club Grants Program

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria.

Important dates

Close: 20 March 2024

Program guidelines

About the program.

Access to this funding helps grassroots clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.

This program assists organisations to:

• acquire uniforms and equipment that are essential for participation , first-aid and safety
• attract, build the capability and retain a skilled workforce – both volunteer and paid
• increase equity, diversity and inclusiveness
• implement good governance practices
• increase participation of individuals and communities who participate less
• create opportunities so Victorians can participate in ways that suit them
• build a robust sector that responds to current and changing community needs
• support athletes to achieve success in their sport at the highest level.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet  all 9 eligibility criteria listed under  Section 4: Who Can Apply of the  Program Guidelines .

Applications are only accepted from community-based organisations involved in the delivery of sport and active recreation in Victoria.

Applicants must be non-government, not-for-profit, operating in Victoria and registered as one of the following entities:

• an incorporated association
• a company limited by guarantee
• an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.

Program dates

Funding is available for projects commencing, items purchased or travel taking place from 21 March 2024.

• Applications open: Tuesday 20 February 2024
• Applications close: 4 pm Wednesday 20 March 2024
• Notification of outcomes: May 2024

Funding Categories

In 2023-24, there are 4 funding categories.

Eligible applicants can only submit  one application in  one of the following 3 categories:

Category 1: On-field Uniforms or Equipment

Up to $1,000 to purchase on-field playing uniforms, participation equipment for competitors and active participants, safety, injury prevention and first-aid equipment.

Category 2: Volunteers and Officials

Up to $2,000 for projects that provide practical improvements to strengthen volunteering and officiating.

Category 3: Access and Engagement

Up to $1,000 to assist with funding for tools and resources that improve accessibility, governance and strengthen engagement with members and participants.

Up to $4,000 to plan and deliver a new sport or active recreation program.

Eligible applicants can submit  one or more applications in the following category.

Category 4: Competitors

Up to $750 towards the costs of travel, accommodation and event registration fees for individual athletes selected to attend representative competition, selection trials or training camps.

Funding notes for Round 2

All categories.

Organisations that are not eligible to receive funding in Round 2 of the 2023-24 Sporting Club Grants program are:

• Grant recipients from the 2022-23 Sporting Club Grants program (with the exception of applying in Category 4: Competitors); and
• Grant recipients in Categories 1, 2 or 3 from Round 1 of the 2023-24 Sporting Club Grants program.

Before applying, please check the list of previous grant recipients available below.

Categories 1, 2 or 3

Eligible applicants can only submit one application across Categories 1, 2 and 3.

If multiple applications are submitted by the same applicant, the first application submitted (by date and time) will be considered and all subsequent applications will be ineligible.

Organisations that are not eligible to apply or receive funding through Category 4: Competitors, in Round 2 of the 2023-24 Sporting Club Grants program are:

• Organisations the received $2,250 or more in total funding through grants received in Category 4 in Round 1 of the 2023-24 program. These organisations are not eligible to receive additional funding through Category 4 in Round 2.

All other applicants can submit one or more applications in Category 4: Competitors

• Applications can only be submitted by eligible organisations on behalf of athletes - we do not accept applications directly from individuals.
• Organisations need to submit a separate application for each athlete they are requesting funding to support. Team applications are not eligible through this program.

Application questions and guidance

The Application Questions and Guidance document is intended to assist applicants prepare the information they will require to apply for funding.

Outlined in the document will be:

• the questions you will be asked
• details you will need to provide
• tips to submit your application online through the DJSIR grants portal.

All applicants must submit a completed online application via the DJSIR grants portal before 4pm on Wednesday 20 March 2024. You cannot submit an Application Question and Guidance document as your application.

You can download the Application Questions and Guidance documents here:

What's new for the program in 2023-24?

This year, the Sporting Club Grants program provides funding for athlete travel.

Funding is only available for individual athletes, attending events taking place from 21 March and before 25 September 2024.

Please note

• Organisations seeking funding for multiple athletes, must submit a separate application on behalf of each individual athlete. Each application must include all necessary information in relation to competition and costs.
• Assessment questions in Category 4 are directed at the athlete that funding will support and must be answered by the athlete. Answers must be in their own words. These questions are on page 19 of these Program Guidelines.

We will only accept one application per athlete. This includes attending a different competition over the event period, or if the athlete is competing for a separate organisation or in another sport.

Applicants should review all details under Section 5: Funding Categories of the  Program Guidelines .

Applicants must submit a completed application via the DJSIR Grant Portal before 4pm on Wednesday 20 March 2024.

You must apply for funding within the category for which your project is supported. Applications submitted in the incorrect category will be ineligible for funding.

Below, please select the category you wish to apply for then click  Start a new application to commence your application. When prompted, applicants need to create a new account or log-in using an existing account on the  Grants Portal .

• Category 1: On-field Uniforms or Equipment (applications closed)
• Category 2: Volunteers and Officials (applications closed)
• Category 3: Access and Engagement (applications closed)
• Category 4: Competitors (applications closed)

Additional information

See the following resources for more information:

• Victorian Government funding requirements for Services to Children

Sporting Club Grant Program recipients 2023-24

Previous recipients, frequently asked questions.

Below are some FAQs. For more detailed information, please refer to the Program Guidelines.

Can I submit a separate application in all four categories?

No. Applicants can only submit one application, across Categories 1, 2 and 3.

If multiple applications are submitted by the same applicant, the first application submitted will be considered and all subsequent applications will be ineligible.

All applicants can submit one or more applications in Category 4.

Our organisation received a grant in 2022-23, can we apply again this year?

Organisations that received a grant from the 2022-23 Sporting Club Grants program are not eligible to receive funding in 2023-24 through Categories 1, 2 or 3. Before applying, please check the list of previous grant recipients below.

All eligible organisations can apply for funding through Category 4: Competitors.

Our organisation received a grant in Round 1 of the 2023-24 program, can we apply again in Round 2?

Grant recipients in Categories 1, 2 or 3 from Round 1 of the 2023-24 Sporting Club Grants program are not eligible to apply or receive funding in Round 2, with the exception of applying in Category 4.

Organisations that received $2,250 or more in total funding through grants received in Category 4 in Round 1 of the 2023-24 program, are not eligible to receive additional funding through Category 4 in Round 2.

Can I use an Auspice Organisation?

If the applicant is not an incorporated association, a company limited by guarantee or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation, it must nominate an Auspice Organisation to receive and auspice any grant funds paid in the event of a successful application. The applicant must attach a letter from your Auspice Organisation to their application, to confirm they agree to act as your Auspice Organisation.

Will you contact me if there are problems/questions about our application?

Applicants will not be contacted during the assessment phase to clarify or request further information. Applications are assessed on the details submitted, to maintain fairness and the integrity of the application process.

When do I need child abuse insurance?

Child abuse insurance of $5 million, exclusive of public liability insurance is required for Category 2 or Category 3 projects, where funds will be directly used to deliver activities or services to persons under the age of 18 on a recurring basis.

Written advice must be provided by the insurance provider and included in the application.

Child abuse insurance is not required for all Category 1 or Category 4 applications.

For further clarification on child insurance requirements for this program, please contact Sport and Recreation Victoria prior to submitting your application.

Contact information

For preliminary information on this grant program please call 1800 325 206 or contact us.

Join the Sport and Recreation Victoria Mailing List

Keen to be informed about upcoming grant programs and initiatives at Sport and Recreation Victoria? To join our mailing list, visit our subscribe to newsletters page .

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is collecting your personal information to provide you with a subscription to a SRV Grants newsletter and to help us identify who is reading our newsletter.

Your personal information will be stored on secure databases located in Australia and the United States of America. Any personal information collected, held, managed, used, disclosed or transferred will be held in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and other applicable laws. You can email the department’s Privacy Unit at  [email protected] for:

• access to your personal information, or for other concerns regarding the privacy of your personal information
• if you have any concerns with your personal information being stored outside of Australia
• a copy of the department’s privacy policy.

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Work isn't simply about earning a paycheck. It’s the way you pursue interesting professional challenges, seek new rewards, and help change the world. If you want to work for a company that offers job mobility, a strong growth outlook, and opportunities to make a difference in the world, join us at THe African Union. At African Union, innovation is more than just developing top-notch software – it’s creating technologies that open up new possibilities. We know this doesn't happen by accident, so we provide a working environment that promotes free thinking and agility. And of course, having the resources of a major global organization to nurture good ideas doesn't hurt either. The result? Constant innovation, and the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes from making a difference in the real world.

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• Annexation of Crimea
• Main Cities

Simferopol, the Capital of Crimea

Simferopol, the capital of Crimea.

Simferopol is the capital and the largest city of Crimea. It is the business, administrative and cultural center of the peninsula. It has about 360,000 inhabitants.

Brief history

Simferopol was the capital of the Scythian State, known as Scythian Naples, during the 3 rd century BC. During the 1 st century the Tartats built their settlements at Ak-Mosque and became the residence of Kalga Sultan, the governor of the Crimean Khanate. The name Simferopol has been used since 1784 when the city was annexed from the Crimean Khanate to the Russian empire  led by Catherine II. Simferopol is a Greek word meaning “city gatherer” or “good city”. Since October 1921 Simferopol has had the status of Capital of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, first as part of the Soviet Union, then from 1991 to the first quarter of 2014 as part of Ukraine. After the Annexation of the peninsula by the Russian Republic, Simferopol remained the capital of Crimea.

Administrative, economic and cultural center

The capital is divided into three districts: Railway or Zaliznychnyi in the north and northeast, Tsentralnyi or Central located in the center and west, and Kyivskyi or Kiev in the south and southeast of the capital.

  Train station in Simferopol

The parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the Council of Ministers, known as the Verkhovna Rada, are located in Simferopol. The city is also the administrative center of the Simferopol Region.

Its major industries are car manufacturing and agriculture. Volga, a major Russian car manufactures has a plant in the capital producing Volga Cars and Gazelle minibuses. Agriculture is a major employer in the region producing wine, juice, canned and fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and other Mediterranean climate produce.

Transportation

Simferopol is known as the “Gate of Crimea” because it is where all the roads, leading to each corner of the peninsula, meet.

The Simferopol International Airport is located in the outskirts of the capital. It is the largest in the peninsula and receives flights from all over the world. It was constructed in 1936.

The main railway station serves its inhabitants as well as the millions of tourists the city receives every year. During the summer Simferopol’s population more than doubles. The bus service connects the capital to every corner of the peninsula. The trolleybus is the longest trolleybus line in Europe. It connects Simferopol with Alushta in one hour and Yalta in two and a half.

Tags: capital of Crimea , Crimea International Airport , Featured , parliament , Simferopol , tourism , transportation

Category : Main Cities

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The apartment has been recently decorated and renovated up to western standard. It is a perfect accommodation for a couple or family, and sleeps 4 Max. FREE Airport pickup (when you stay a week of more) . Free WiFi

A luxury spacious apartment near Gagarin Park in Simferopol, away from the hustle and bustle of the central area. It is extremely well furnished with top quality furnishings. The apartment benefits from air-conditioning, broadband Internet , washing machine, kitchen appliances. Ideal for families or larger groups of friends looking for comfort and convenience in Simferopol.

Great location, super apartment...and more This spacious 2-bedroom apartment is in the best location, right downtown Simferopol. It is surrounded by fine dining, entertainment and all the major attractions at your doorstep. Save money on taxi and be near everything! The apartment consists of a spacious lounge area and two separate bedrooms, kitchenette and a bathroom. FREE Airport pickup (when you stay a week of more) . Broadband Internet is available as an optional extra.

Simferopol , Ukraine, is the heart and capital city of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea situated in the Crimean peninsula. With more than 340 thousand people living in this city, it makes Simferopol a great place to start your business in or to live here admiring the city architecture of Ukrainian style or just to visit your friends living in Simferopol for a couple of weeks and enjoy the sightseeing programs and tours. Speaking of accommodation, it is well-known that renting an apartment rather than staying in a hotel you can get a much better deal with all amenities you need included in the price of rent with no additional charge. Whether you are travelling alone, with your family, friends, girlfriend or even four-legged friend, you can always find an apartment in Simferopol you and your travel companions will find cozy and reasonable for the price paid. If you are travelling alone and looking for just 1-bedroom solution for your living needs, you can rent a comfortable studio apartment fully equipped with everything you need for your everyday life and a nice view from the window. It is also really affordable as prices start at just $29 a night with all utilities included, such as a washing machine, kitchen appliances, fast and reliable Internet access and clean towels and bed linen changed on a regular basis. If you are looking for a little bit more spacious apartment in Simferopol, but still for 1-2 persons maximum, then 1-bedroom apartments with lounge will be a perfect solution for you. You will have a lot of space, a lounge with a comfortable sofa to rest on and a bedroom to sleep in. Usually bedrooms are appointed with double-sized beds that can sleep a couple or two singles. Wondering how much it’s going to cost you? Prices for 1-bedroom apartments start at only $50 per night. Sounds much better than a hotel as they would charge twice as much for a double room or suite meant for two people. But what if you and the person you are travelling with prefer to sleep apart from each other? That's an easy problem solved by a 2-bedroom apartment that consists of two bedrooms and a lounge. Just from $75 a night you will feel comfort and coziness cuddling on a comfy bed and watching TV – just like at home! Needless to say that most rental apartments are located in the central area of Simferopol and it would take you only 5-10 minutes or even less to walk to the nearest grocery store or visit such places popular among locals as Lenin Square, Central Market, Silpo Supermarket and Pushkin street. Plus, if you stay in Simferopol over a week and longer, the apartment owner may provide you with a free pick-up service from Simferopol International Airport or train station on the day of your arrival. This complimentary service is available only for certain apartments though. - by Alex Shale