Most people consider traveling abroad to be one of the most rewarding experiences they can have. Traveling overseas is a great way to broaden your horizons, worldview, and life goals. There’s a way to extend the benefits of travel even further. It’s called volunteer abroad.
We’ve put together this list to inspire you on your path of purposeful volunteering. It was compiled by Go Overseas members, who evaluated and tested the programs. You’ll find something that appeals to you among these international volunteer opportunities.
Is volunteering abroad worth it?
Volunteering abroad is worth it; we may be biased, but we believe. You will meet new people, learn about different cultures and expand your worldview by volunteering in global communities. The key to having a meaningful experience is finding the right international volunteer program.
Read More: How To Pick The Right Volunteer Abroad Program
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER ABROAD FREE OF COST?
It is possible to Volunteer Abroad for Free, but many programs charge program fees. These fees cover your accommodation, meals, project supplies, transport, and support. A portion of the costs is also returned to the program. Although it may seem counterintuitive, reputable programs ensure that your contribution is used for the most important causes.
Read More: Why you should pay to volunteer abroad.
Where is the best place to volunteer abroad?
It depends on your personal goals. Many countries offer great volunteer opportunities, but some have more in specific fields. If you are interested in volunteer work with sea turtles, then Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Sri Lanka would be the best places to go.
You can narrow down your options by identifying the type of volunteering you want.
- Best for community development: Jamaica Volunteer Programs
- Lunch is not provided, so you must budget $10-15 per day extra.
- The price of additional weeks is fixed, so the more you volunteer, the less it costs.
Jamaica Volunteer Programmes aims to empower and uplift the community by implementing various projects. There are many ways that volunteers can lend a helping hand, whether it is on construction sites or promoting youth development initiatives.
Volunteers usually work from 8 am to 3 pm with an hour lunch break. It is enough time to have an impact, but you can also explore Jamaica in the evenings or on weekends. You will be able to make life-long friends with locals and other volunteers.
My time with Jamaica Volunteer Programs has been outstanding and unforgettable. The program was well-organized and reliable. The Volunteer House has a breathtaking view and is very clean. “I felt comfortable right from the start!”
Sarah
Details of the program
SAVE Voluntary offers a variety of volunteer programs that focus on working with South African children.
SAVE helps children in Cape Town as well as in rural areas. You can choose between a project focusing on youth development and sports or one teaching preschoolers in areas of the city with a high poverty level. You can combine your love of animals and children through the Horse and Community Program. Also, there are programs for health education and skill training.
All volunteers must undergo a background check by the police to ensure children are safe. The organization is committed to Responsible Volunteering and to the principle that their projects should do more good than harm.
You will only know the impact of this program once you try it. You can’t help being happy around the children and teachers. They are very safe and great program leaders. “Highly recommended for anyone who wants to travel and volunteer!”
Maddie
Details of the program
Program: SAVE Volunteering Humanitarian ProjectsProvider: SAVE Volunteering Location: Multiple Countries Find out more about the program! Based on 116 reviews, this product has a 4.83 rating. Read Reviews
- Volunteers in the past have reported feeling welcomed, safe, and supported during their projects.
- IVHQ offers affordable programming in 7 different areas.
Cons:
- Volunteers in medical programs must have two years of experience or education.
- Some volunteers may feel more than 3-5 hours daily is needed.
IVHQ has a wide range of programs worldwide, but those that have had the most significant impact on previous volunteers are the ones in Ghana. Over 100 positive reviews have been left for their projects in Ghana, with a rating of almost five stars.
The program’s affordability and flexibility are two of its many benefits. You can volunteer for one week or up to 24 weeks. The program runs year-round, with the first and fifteenth days of each month as starting dates. Your volunteer program fees will cover most of your needs. One week costs $270. You’ll find childcare, health care, construction, and teaching projects.
This trip has changed me forever. Ghanaians and their children are some of the kindest and hardest-working people I have met. “Every person I met had a lasting impression, and I cannot wait to return to Ghana one day!!
Leyton
Maximo Nivel’s Costa Rica projects have been a favorite among past volunteers. They are highly rated for safety, programming, and fun.
Maximo Nivel’s ability to run programs nationwide is one of its most attractive features. From the thriving capital of San Jose, the coastal Guanacaste Province, and the close-knit Monteverde Community in the western cloud forests. You can find a place to call home with this wide geographical diversity.
There are also projects in all fields, from English to conservation and after-school programs. You’ll learn Spanish through an immersive experience.
