Volunteer Abroad Program Search

How to Volunteer Abroad

If you want to give back to causes you care about and don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s how to start researching for your volunteer adventure abroad:

1. Support a project you’re passionate about: Whether you’re interested in teaching English at summer camps or assisting with disaster relief, there are so many projects available for volunteers looking to lend a helping hand! You can explore volunteer programs all over the world, right here on GO!
2. Determine how long you want to volunteer for. Most programs require volunteers to commit to at least 2 weeks of volunteering, but many volunteers opt to extend in order to make a bigger impact. You could volunteer anywhere from 2 weeks to 36!
3. Budget for costs: Though it is possible to volunteer for free if you look hard enough, many volunteer programs will come at a cost. These fees typically support both the organization and the volunteers, and cover necessary expenses such as housing, meals, and insurance. There are also plenty of available scholarships and grants for volunteers to apply for!
4. Handle the logistics: Gather your visa, passport, and insurance in advance, depending on where you plan to volunteer and for how long. Some countries may also require vaccinations.
5. Make an impact abroad! Though it will be hard work, you’re sure to make long-lasting memories, connect with new people, and help contribute to positive change – how exciting!

Keep in mind, it’s important to pick a program with a reputable and ethical program provider. Consider researching the organization’s reputation, looking into how they spend program costs (does it go back to the local community?), and review the project goals and level of community involvement. Need help? Read this expert breakdown on how to identify responsible volunteer programs.

Where to Volunteer Abroad

Where you decide to volunteer abroad will largely depend on the type of projects you’re looking to assist with and the environment you want to be in. For some, a project focused on biodiversity conservation in Ecuador is the ideal volunteer trip for them. While for others, assisting with healthcare in India better suits their passions and skills!

Start by exploring programs in these popular countries for volunteering:

• South Africa is a must-visit destination for those interested in wildlife conservation. In rural areas, you can also find volunteer work in healthcare, teaching and youth development, and construction.
• Costa Rica’s lush, tropical environment is the perfect destination for projects focused on biodiversity research, wildlife rehabilitation, and sustainable agriculture. With volcanic valleys, stunning rainforests, and clear, blue waters you’re sure to have a great time making an impact abroad.
• Thailand is a great destination for volunteers interested in youth advocacy, women’s rights, and teaching. Volunteers are needed year-round to assist with childcare, NGO training, English teaching, and more. Thailand is also a great country to explore, with delicious food, must-see floating markets, and plenty of white sand beaches.

Need more inspiration? Explore our list of the 10 best places to volunteer abroad

Requirements to Volunteer Abroad

Every program has different requirements, depending on the type of project and location. Here are some common requirements to volunteer overseas:

• Physical ability: Some assignments may demand a higher degree of physical activity. If so, they will list it to ensure you can participate.
• Valid passport & visa: In order to go abroad, you’ll need to be eligible for a passport in your home country and apply for visas as necessary.
• Language fluency: Some programs may require volunteers to speak the country’s native language if the projects involve direct communication with locals or is in a country where English isn’t widely spoken. Fortunately, there are many volunteer projects that do not have a language requirement and will even provide lessons to volunteers to help overcome language barriers. Ultimately, it always helps to brush up on your language skills or take a quick course before heading overseas.
• Field experience: If your volunteer assignment requires professional skills (like medical work) you may be required to have six months to a few years of professional experience in order to be eligible for the program.
• Positive attitude and care: While this may seem like a no-brainer, some volunteers forget this isn’t a vacation. You’ll have to be positive, adaptable, and willing to learn and work.

Can I volunteer abroad at any age?

Yes! While volunteering abroad may be popularized by young adults, it isn’t exclusive to them. Though many programs require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, others may be specifically geared to teens or families. It’s even common for older adults and retirees to take the leap and volunteer abroad, too!

Volunteer Abroad Costs & Scholarships

While some travelers would recommend you never pay a dime to volunteer, others enthusiastically encourage you to pay your way and more. Most programs are somewhere in the middle: offering you reasonable program fees while you cover flights, passport, visa, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.

In truth, fees vary by country and program. Some programs are in wealthier countries and find that welcoming volunteers at no charge pays off. Other programs, however -- especially ones that provide meals and housing for volunteers -- simply cannot afford to take on the additional expenses.

Volunteer trip costs can range from $500 - $4,000 depending on the destination, program fee, program length, flights, and visa requirements. Read more about how much it costs to volunteer abroad on Go Overseas.

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to volunteer abroad for free, the short answer is “Yes,” but just remember that free volunteer opportunities usually require you to take on all of the coordination and research. If you have limited time or need help, a fee-based program might be a better option.

Read more: How to Find a Cheap Volunteer Abroad Program on Any Budget

Scholarships and grants for volunteering

As volunteering abroad becomes more popular, financial aid options are also increasingly available. There are many scholarships and grants for volunteer abroad programs around the world, and they are generally easy to apply to. You’ll find some programs even host their own scholarships!