Go Overseas is here to take the guesswork out of finding volunteer projects abroad.
Volunteering abroad isn’t just about helping others; it’s a chance to grow, learn, and connect with something bigger than yourself. Working alongside local communities, you’ll see firsthand how small, conscious actions can contribute to the well-being of humanity and the planet.
Go Overseas is your guide for planning a volunteer trip abroad. From helping you find ethical programs to avoiding scams, we want to make sure your volunteer journey is meaningful and impactful!
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:
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 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:
Need more inspiration? Explore our list of the 10 best places to volunteer abroad
Every program has different requirements, depending on the type of project and location. Here are some common requirements to volunteer overseas:
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!
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
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!
Go Overseas is your go-to source for trusted travel programs. Explore thousands of vetted options and get the guidance you need to feel confident and excited about culturally-immersive experiences abroad.
Here’s how to use GO to plan your next adventure:
When choosing where to volunteer abroad, you should consider the type of cause you're looking to support, your skills and interests, how long you can commit to, and of course, your budget.
For example, if you're looking to volunteer with communities and teach english or basic health practices, you may want to consider volunteering in locations like Thailand, Cambodia, or Nepal. For wildlife care and marine conservation, Australia and Costa Rica are popular countries.
It is possible to find programs that do not charge a fee to participate. However, you are usually required to cover your own costs for accommodation, food, local transportation, and more.
The cost of volunteering abroad depends on how long you're volunteering for and where. For example, if you volunteer in Peru for two weeks, you can expect to pay between $400-$900, depending on the program and its inclusions. Many programs will cover housing, transportation, in-country support, and food with the program fee.
However, in locations like South Africa and Nepal, you can expect to pay up to $5000 in program fees. You should also take into account the price of flights and visa fees when budgeting.
Volunteering in the summer allows you to get involved in shorter-term projects that don’t interfere with school schedules. Depending on the destination, it can also mean enjoying some great weather!
If you want to volunteer with a responsible (and reputable!) program, you'll likely need to pay program fees.
From logistics and orientation to in-country support, these organizations are there to make sure you get the most out of your time abroad and are there to help if you find yourself in a tight situation. Some organizations go a step further, by setting up day trips for their volunteers to explore the region.
Other organizations may include room and board with their fees. It's important to read the fine print to find out exactly where your fees will be going and what will be covered for you. You should also look into the general cost of living when comparing programs, as the fee may be adjusted based on which country you are looking at, and this could save you some money in the end.
There are many different types of volunteering projects available, all suited for different types of skills and interests. Some common project types include healthcare, teaching, wildlife and/or marine conservation, climate change research and much more!
If you're passionate about supporting a cause or using your skills to make a positive difference, then yes! Volunteering abroad allows you to travel and connect with others in a meaningful way, learn more about a different culture, and contribute to impactful projects.
