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Affordable Volunteering with Love Volunteers

Love Volunteers

4.69 Rating
144 reviews
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Why choose Love Volunteers?

We are a group of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who thought we could do a better job. We work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to return as much money and skills to the local communities where we operate. We can offer the lowest possible fees, but also ensure that you are immersed in the local culture and are actually making a difference!

Website
www.lovevolunteers.org
Founded
2010

Frequently asked questions

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Community Photos

A goodbye letter
Touring a nearby vinyard
The mother of my host family, and me
At a folk festival near the town in which our program was located
Two older adults of my host family, and me
The statue of Lenin outside the "Soviet" (legislative assembly) in Transnistrian Tiraspol.
The fortress in Bender, Transnistria
The father of my host family, and me
Group photo in their new temple, Matepani Gumba

Reviews

Marvin VannGriffith Profile Picture
Marvin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Make a REAL difference in Moldova with Love Volunteers!

Teaching in Moldova

Aug 22, 2026

My experience volunteering in Moldova at the Center for Developing International Relationships / Edugolux school, arranged through Love Volunteers, was fantastic. I could not have had a better program director or host family. The experience has changed me and is one I will treasure forever.

I had the great blessing of being placed with a family that included me in their weekly Sunday excursions. The first full Sunday, the father of my host family, took me to the Mary and Margaret Monastery, then to Bender and Tiraspol, Transnistria (the pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova), where we joined his daughter and son-in-law at a large public pool. It was like a trip to the former Soviet Union, and was absolutely fascinating.

On the second Sunday the whole family visited the ancient, partially underground Orthodox Church in the center of the town where our program is based, went out to lunch, then visited a winery near the River Nistria. On our third Sunday, we all went to a very fancy wine festival southwest of Chișinău. After my stay, I spent several days in Chișinău, but the father of my host family picked me up at my BnB there on Sunday morning for a day at the monastic and natural wonder of Orheiul Vechi, including attending the rock/folk Festival Lupilor.

My host family were exceptionally hospitable, but such hospitality is perhaps not unusual in Moldova. I found people very welcoming, curious, and willing to help. That said, Moldovans' public face might be described as "slavic tough and stern." But that is just until you have even a small reason to develop some sort of relation with them. Another note: Not that many people speak English. It is well worth any volunteer's efforts to learn some Romanian and/or Russian. I think my experience would have been much harder and less enjoyable had I not started learning Romanian eight months before my arrival.

Svetlana, the founder, director, chief promoter and engine of the school and its related Center for Developing International Relationships, is an amazingly energetic and creative person. She is passionate about increasing her students' opportunities and providing them with an educational and experiential "step-up," not least for those from backgrounds who might place them "at risk."

What was your funniest moment?
Our host father asked what I thought of our excursion, on my first full weekend there, to a nearby monastery, fortress, and swimming pool in Transnistria. I intended to answer that I felt very happy with the whole experience, using the Romanian word, "fericit." But I got confused and used the word "frumos," instead. Basically, I said, "I feel really good-looking." Gheorghe looked confused, then burst out laughing when I finally reached for the right word.
Pros
  • The local program director was remarkably flexible and encouraging. She helped me with planning, structuring lessons to best fit the students, but also encouraged me to come up with and implement plans on my own.
  • The host family was incredibly gracious, welcoming, patient, and helpful. They went out of their way to include me in family events, and were patient with my stumblings in Romanian.
  • Living with a family in a smaller Moldovan town game me a much more accurate sense of what life in Moldova is like than had I been based in a larger city such as Chișinău.
What other participants should know
  • I was not told specifics about my lodging and the volunteer work I would be doing until a week before I arrived.
  • The folks at Love Volunteers were always responsive, but not especially proactive about checking in to see how I was doing. Luckily, I was doing great and did not need extra support.
  • Many students leave town to spend time with out-of-town family during the latter half of July. This was also when the director left town for conferences. I was once left without much support for dealing with computer & printer glitches.
The father of my host family, and me
The fortress in Bender, Transnistria
The statue of Lenin outside the "Soviet" (legislative assembly) in Transnistrian Tiraspol.
Two older adults of my host family, and me
At a folk festival near the town in which our program was located
The mother of my host family, and me
Touring a nearby vinyard
A goodbye letter
Gabriel
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Make a REAL difference in Nepal with Love Volunteers!

Special Experience Connecting with Monks in Nepal!

Aug 10, 2026

Love Volunteers does a great job getting you prepared for the trip and their local staff are so welcoming and helpful. The experience of living on-site and teaching English at a Buddhist monastery/orphanage was so unique and eye-opening. I felt honored to spend so much time with the kids, eat meals together, play soccer, go on adventures, etc., and connect deeply with the school's principal, Man Gurung, and guru. On the last day, I was invited to attend a 6-hour Buddhist prayer ceremony and it was magical! Would recommend this to anyone interested in Buddhism, teaching, or wanting to explore Nepal outside of Kathmandu (Pokhara is a gem!).

What was your funniest moment?
Drinking Coca-Cola and eating Masala Lays with the monks as part of the Buddhist prayer ceremony.
Group photo in their new temple, Matepani Gumba
Avril
Female
Mexico
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer in Environmental Conservation with Love Volunteers

Great!!

Jul 21, 2025

It is an actual organization that really helps you. They are always caring about you and also trying to help you if you have a problem. I have a great time here in Barcelona. I highly recommend this experience.

It was amazing to experience this while I was in high school, as it can open New Doors and also help you grow as a person. You also open your mind, and that's what happened to me. I am really grateful about it. I would recommend being always respectful of the culture and being open to meeting new people on these types of trips.

What was your funniest moment?
Everything was fun. Mostly making friends
Pros
  • Two meals per day
  • Learning new things
  • Knowing new people
What other participants should know
  • Just be careful
  • Always aware
  • The price
Andrew
Male
Belgium
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Make a REAL difference in Bosnia with Love Volunteers

Life-Changing Experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Jun 27, 2024

Being a part of the youth development program in the city of Brcko was a watershed moment in my life. While I fully expected to go and add value in terms of previous work experience, I left completely astounded at how much I had learned about a new culture and myself as a person.

I would strongly recommend the program to anybody capable of travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina by themselves because it is a perfect blend of personal discovery, contribution to society and learning about one of the most fascinating regions of the world.

In addition, the support staff at the local organisation are incredible people that have all forsaken better opportunities elsewhere because they have a strong commitment to what they are doing with the local people and that is perhaps the most inspiring part of all of this. Give everything of yourself and you will make friends for life.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely be more conscious of the schedule faced by the young people with whom I worked. Things that I took for granted during my education, e.g. having a firm examination schedule, are NOT guaranteed for the participants at the program and this gave me a unique perspective on my own luck as well as a firm learning opportunity for the future.
Pros
  • Extremely warm-hearted people throughout the country
  • Excellent value for money
  • A legitimate chance to make an overnight change in peoples' lives
What other participants should know
  • Not always the easiest place to travel - consider driving, if possible
Corly
Female
Canada
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Make a REAL difference in Thailand with Love Volunteers!

Never too old to volunteer

Dec 5, 2023

When I was calculating how many years left before I retire, I was thinking about what kind of birthday present I would like to give myself this year: I want to have a meaningful vacation. I had chosen to volunteer in the Women Empowerment project for 4 weeks in Chiangmai, Thailand, with Love Volunteer organization. When I arrived Chiangmai, before I started my project, we had a 2 days volunteer orientation where I received more updated information about my project. We also have a bit of language and culture lesson and sightseeing time lead by the local staff. Since my project site was about 30 minutes ride from my accommodation, the local host (Friends for Asia) offered me daily drop off/pick up. This really ease the pain of finding my ride to the site.
My project site is Wildflower Home for single mothers with children. The director of the site had a short interview with me to find out what can my strength be the best support for them there. I worked at the daycare to support a staff in the morning and helped the director with her office work in the afternoon. (Other works I did include painting a mural for them and taught the mothers to make earrings to sell.) Overall, the interaction with the children and mothers was very present. I really treasure the time I spent there with other volunteers, staff, mothers and children. I met 3 other senior volunteers at the local volunteer house and we had a lot of fun together. I also made a few new friends with other volunteers and staff. I think I might go back to volunteer again next time. I had a positive and wonderful time during my 4 weeks stay. This was a sweet memory for me to treasure.

What was your funniest moment?
Children can really surprise you in many and unexpected ways. So much fun and laughter!
Pros
  • Flexible work areas; e.g. Gardening, construction, childcare, English, craft cooking and clerical.
  • Nice and friendly environment
  • Bring what you can to best support the staff, mothers and children.
What other participants should know
  • Some language barrier
  • Expect low hygiene standard
  • Hot & humid weather
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 25

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Loren Irene Sandoval Arteaga

Program
Make a REAL difference in Morocco with Love Volunteers!
At the age of 19 Loren has lived in five different countries. A travel addict, a coffee lover, and sunset chaser, you can never find her still in one place.
Loren Irene Sandoval Arteaga

Why did you choose this program?

As a woman that grew up in Mexico I was witness to the inequalities between men and women in my society. These abuses often let me angry, frustrated and wishing that I could have an active role in stopping it.

The program in Morocco attracted me even more because no only was the organization working with women but with indigenous women that had even less opportunities and political voice in a country that is still prominently male dominated.

The idea that I was able to make a change and contribute to the world gave me motivation to take this opportunity.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Love Volunteers was a great mediator between me and my organization. They took care of contacting the NGO and arranging the accommodation in Rabat.

All of my questions were answered quickly and they made sure I had all the necessary information. The only thing I had to do for myself was find the flight and get medical insurance/vaccines.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I think the most important thing is not to have expectations. Most of the time, things never go as we imagine and that leads to disappointment.

Being prepared for the idea that you might be working in an office and doing logistical work, rather than hands on work, is also helpful. If you are hesitant about volunteering abroad, don't be. It is one of the greatest, most profitable experiences one could ever have.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

A normal day consisted on going to my organization around 10 am and working at the office translating documents, organizing workshops or looking up information.

At 16:00 I would be out of the office and be able to wander around the city and grab a coffee, walk along the beach, or visit one of the many touristic sites in Rabat.

I would often meet friends as well and go out to explore the Medina and ruins near the city. In the evening I would go back to the volunteer house to meet with the rest of the volunteers, have dinner and talk for a while before going to bed.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was without doubt the religious difference between Morocco and my own country. The media has spread stereotypes about Islam that have really affected the way we see Muslim countries and sometimes family members are not very encouraging.

However, once I was living there I found it ridiculous that it was my fear before coming. Once I started immersing myself in the culture and interacting with the people I realized that there was nothing to be afraid of and felt at home in a matter of days.

How is it for a woman to travel alone in Morocco?

This is one of the questions I was asked the most. I think that traveling as a woman in Morocco has its own challenges but at the same time was very empowering.

It is normal for men to cat call women walking on the streets and approach them with inappropriate comments and questions. It is not something to be afraid of, and the best thing to do is simply ignore them and keep doing your own thing. However, it can be a little scary for those of us who are not used to the attention.

On the other hand, being able to travel alone and be independent in a country where the society is mostly male dominant, can give a woman a lot of self confidence.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Karen Stead

Program
Make a REAL difference in Thailand with Love Volunteers!
Job Title
Volunteer coordinator
Karen works as part of the compassionate team at Love Volunteers and has been with the team since 2016.
With a background in travel, customer service, and education, Karen brings a unique blend of experience to her role, offering exceptional support, care, and insight to volunteers from all backgrounds. She works closely with our local overseas partners to coordinate meaningful programs that are both rewarding for volunteers and beneficial to the communities they serve.

Staff Spotlight: Karen

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is the time I spent with our partner in Zambia, Africa. Our programs are based in a small rural village, where I had the opportunity to connect with local families and witness firsthand the warmth and happiness of the community—especially the children. Despite having very few material possessions, and in many cases no electricity or running water, their joy was contagious and humbling. It made me reflect on how the conveniences we rely on to make life easier often bring added stress and complexity instead.
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since working for the company, I feel I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Being part of Love Volunteers has deepened my appreciation for cross-cultural connections and the meaningful impact that volunteer work can have. I’ve strengthened my communication and problem-solving skills, particularly through coordinating with partners across different countries and cultures.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

While it’s hard to choose just one story, what stands out most to me are the volunteers who return to the same location or stay in regular contact with our partners and their families. Those ongoing connections are really special. Some past volunteers have even continued to support the programs from home, and I love hearing how their contributions continue to make a lasting difference in the local communities. It is great that these experiences can have an impact, not just during the placement, but even after it ends.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to visit our partner in Thailand and volunteer on the Education Support Program in Chiang Mai. With my background in education, it would be an incredible opportunity to experience a school environment in Thailand and see how things are done differently there. Thailand itself is such a beautiful country, and I’d love to immerse myself in the culture—especially the food, rainforests, local villages, and the warmth of the people. Our past volunteers have shared incredibly positive feedback about their experiences there, which makes me even more excited about the possibility.
 

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Love Volunteers is a small, close-knit team with a genuine passion for supporting both our programs and the volunteers who make them possible. I’m proud of our team’s integrity and commitment — they’re not afraid to make tough decisions when a program needs improvement, always with the goal of delivering meaningful, responsible volunteer experiences."
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in being a successful volunteer travel company is building trust through meaningful, ethical, and sustainable programs that create real value for both the volunteers and the communities they serve. Success comes from ensuring that every placement is carefully planned, culturally respectful, and genuinely beneficial to local partners. Strong relationships—with overseas partners, volunteers, and local communities—are key. Equally important is transparency, good communication, and a commitment to responsible travel. When volunteers have life-changing experiences and communities feel supported and empowered, long-term success naturally follows.