Volunteering abroad can be a life changing experience and there are so many incredible programs available to join around the world.
Short and long volunteer opportunities are available for anyone looking to give back, so whether you plan to apply solo, as a couple, with friends or family, you can find perfect programs. There are also options for teenagers, groups and seniors.
But with so many companies now offering volunteering programs, how do you choose where to go, what to do and which organisation to apply with?
To help we have put together this definitive guide with everything you need to know about volunteering overseas.
View our top recommendations for making a difference around the world and check out our top rated destinations, programs, projects and organisations to apply with.
Top Reasons to Volunteer Abroad
If you are totally new to the idea of going to volunteer, here are some of the benefits of applying
• Learn about amazing work being done
• Improve your knowledge and skills
• Meet inspirational people making a real difference in the world
• Make new friends with likeminded people
• Integrate into a new country and culture – be far more than just your average sightseeing tourist
• Make a difference and help worthwhile causes
Best Places to Volunteer Abroad
You can find placements in countries all around the world, each location is different and has totally unique experiences. These are some of the best destinations which we highly recommend:
• Thailand
• Costa Rica
• South Africa
• Kenya
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Greece
Top Rated Volunteering Programs
You can find thousands of short and long term projects worldwide. Most are open to general applications but if you have any specific skills or experience this will be really beneficial. These projects are what we recommend apply for this year:
• Wildlife conservation
• Environmental protection
• Community development
• Building and construction
• Teaching English
• Medical and healthcare
• Refugee assistance
These types of placements can be joined in most countries, especially in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America where help is needed most.
Popular projects we recommend include:
• Helping elephants in Thailand
• Medical volunteering in Kenya
• Coaching sports in South Africa
• Helping refugees in France and Greece
• Building in Puerto Rico
• Teaching in Vietnam
• Sloth and animal care in Costa Rica
• Marine conservation in Mexico
Where you go and what you do really comes down to your interests, skills and also preferred destination. Most programs require a minimum of 2 weeks participation, but some might offer taster sessions where you can help for as little as a day.
If possible we recommend participating for a minimum of 4 weeks, it takes time to learn new skills and get training, so long term placements are much more effective for both volunteers and organisations.
Best Volunteer Abroad Organisations
Do a quick search for volunteering abroad and you will realise there are hundreds of organisations now offering volunteer trips overseas. These include local grassroots NGO’s, large international volunteer sending agencies and charities.
To help give you some ideas of where to go and what to do we have put together a list of the most highly volunteer websites to check out to book a dream volunteer trip. There are a diverse range of opportunities available from helping people, children, refugees, educational efforts, animals and the environment.
One World 365
One World 365 is a website which was set up to help people to find volunteer placements around the world. This website is very easy to use and helps direct you to meaningful projects which are in desperate need of help. You can find programs by country or project or read past participant reviews which can help you to find the most highly rated opportunities.
Global Work & Travel
With Global Work & Travel you can find voluntourism experiences where you’ll play a vital role in creating sustainable and positive change to humanitarian projects, local communities, animal rehabilitation or rescue centres, the natural environment, or helping genuine charitable causes around the world. Find projects in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Europe and the South Pacific.
GVI
Founded in 1998, GVI runs volunteer programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world. GVI welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how GVI achieve their mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
Fronteering
If you are looking to volunteer off the beaten path, Fronteering offers so many different volunteer abroad opportunities! Fronteering arranges volunteer abroad projects, expeditions and adventure travel trips in countries like Canada, USA, Guyana, Panama, Brazil and Belize! From helping wildlife, caring for huskies, training to become a tour guide in the Amazon rainforest, and working to improve conservation around the globe, there is so many options.
All Hands and Hearts
When a natural disaster strikes, All Hands and Hearts work to address the immediate and long-term needs of affected-communities. They recruit volunteers helping families and communities recover by building safe, resilient schools, homes and other community infrastructure.
All Hands and Hearts have been working around the world for 15 years providing disaster relief support to over 1.2 million people and there are lots of active programs around the world today in places like the USA, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Nepal, Mexico and Peru.
Oyster Worldwide
Oyster is one of the most well-established volunteering companies in the UK with many projects founded as far back as 2006. Choose between projects which meet environmental standards and are worthwhile, ethical and planet conscious projects. Programs are life-changing for participants, but at the same time, give you the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the places you go and people you meet.
Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center located near Chiang Mai, Thailand. This is one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand and there is the option to visit to learn more about elephants, or dedicate time to volunteering helping elephants and other animals. This really is a special experience where you can learn more about elephant conservation efforts and get your hands dirty to help.
Care4Calais
Care4Calais are an inspiration company set up to help refugees in Calais, northern France. Care4Calais deliver emergency aid to refugees in Calais and areas affected by the European migrant crisis. If you are looking for a really rewarding experience to volunteer and help refugees Care4Calais are recommended.
Gap Year World
If you are interested in taking a gap year or going backpacking and need help planning the ultimate trip then Gap Year World is the number one website to check out. This is one of the best gap year websites for volunteering abroad as you can find highly rated short term opportunities around the world.
VSO
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is the world’s leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to empower communities in developing countries. If you are an experienced professional of any age, you can apply to join projects in Africa and Asia including: medical and healthcare, teaching and education, business, management and IT, engineering and technical, community and social work, agriculture and natural resources, communications and fundraising, advocacy, policy and research.
The Peace Corps
If you’re an American citizen, Peace Corps is one of the most well known fully-funded government organisations which have been offering life changing trips for decades. Peace Corps send volunteers to over 60 countries with the main mission of creating world peace and friendship.
To serve with the Peace Corps, you must be a college graduate or a specialist in a certain area of work with skills to offer. The Peace Corps have projects in health, agriculture, environment, community economic development, education, and youth development.
It is also essential for volunteers to participate in pre-service training, and often in-service training. Volunteers must be 18 years old and a US citizen.
Volunteering overseas can be a really inspirational and eye opening experience where you get to play a small role in helping some amazing organisations. Hopefully our guide will hep you to plan the ultimate trip. You might also like to view our guide to the best things to do on a gap year.
