5 of the Best Volunteer Abroad Programs

Adding a volunteer component to travel abroad offers participants the opportunity for affordable travel that will make a positive impact in communities all over the world. We have pulled together five of the best volunteer abroad programs that will allow you to learn about other cultures while giving back.

5 of the Best Volunteer Abroad Programs

1. GVI USA

GVI USA provides people starting at 14 years of age (with a guardian) and up with the opportunity to volunteer abroad for more than 150 volunteer projects. Causes for projects include wildlife conservation, women’s empowerment, teaching, healthcare, youth sports coaching, construction, and more. Since 1998, GVI has been coordinating volunteering travel programs in 21 locations in 13 countries on five continents.

What makes GVI stand out are its 10 ethical commitments that focus on sustainability and empowering communities. All programs are locally driven and created in collaboration with the communities, so volunteers can rest assured that the communities get what they need when they need it.

2. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Travel and Build builds homes for those in need globally. Programs include an itinerary that also allows for a day to explore the local food and culture during the trip. Program costs are inclusive of all expenses except for airfare, and they accept applicants 16 and older. There are projects in nearly 70 countries, including Argentina, Kenya, Portugal, and Thailand. Programs are all physically strenuous, so volunteers will need to be prepared to work up a sweat.

3. International Volunteer HQ

International Volunteer HQ has helped nearly 93,000 people volunteer abroad since 2007. With their reputation as the most affordable traveling volunteer organization, people who have a thirst for seeing the world have nearly 40 programs to choose from, even if they are on a budget. Programs in locations such as Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Pacific start at just $295 plus fees, airfare and expenses, and volunteers can do a wide range of projects, such as childcare, teaching, wildlife conservation, construction, and more.

4. Love Volunteers

Love Volunteers promises life-changing cultural experiences for an affordable price, with the opportunity to do family and group volunteer projects, everyone will find a volunteering travel experience to meet their expectations. With more than 40 programs in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean, Love Volunteers offers programs for people with a variety of experiences.

Some programs may require credentials or a resume, such as medical volunteer opportunities, but many offer training on-site. Love Volunteers offers a comprehensive help section and clear breakdowns of all fees and other costs associated with all of their programs. Programs start as low as $279, plus fees, airfare, and expenses, and volunteers can fundraise to help with their costs through fundmytravel.

5. Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers 28 volunteer abroad locations and 19 program types to traveling volunteers who want to experience a new culture while changing the world. One major differentiator of Projects Abroad is that the volunteer chooses the dates of their program, rather than selecting programs with set dates. Costs of each program are all-inclusive minus airfare and Visa costs (where applicable).

Projects Abroad has volunteer and internship programs for those ranging from age 4-14 (with parental supervision) to high school age to professionals in areas such as teaching, care, conservation & environment, medicine & healthcare, journalism, law & human rights, international development, business, and more.

 

If you would like to volunteer abroad, any of these organizations would be a reputable place to get in touch and ask questions to make sure you find the right program for you. All programs offer support to volunteers so they can get the volunteering travel experience they are looking for.