Any opportunity to volunteer abroad is going to change you. The perspectives you gain, the friends you make, the impact you create, the adventures you have—all of it combined will make the person you are becoming richer for having taken that leap.
The experience of seeing the world while contributing to local causes and communities is a huge part of why meaningful travel appeals to people who seek to expand their horizons by sharing their time and talents with others.
The skills you gain are also extraordinary, from learning new languages (or perfecting ones you already study) to seeing new places, eating new foods, and creating new relationships. So, with a world waiting to meet you, when it’s time for you to consider the best places to volunteer abroad, deciding where to start might seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be!
If you start with a list that helps you narrow your choices and then move on to explore some of the best countries to volunteer in right now, your next program choice is sure to emerge!
How to choose where to volunteer abroad
While there are countless places for you to go to volunteer abroad, from Albania to Zimbabwe, the best places to volunteer abroad will be the locations that offer you opportunities to expand your skill-sets while sharing your energy, knowledge, and experience with others.
If you’re trying to narrow down that list, and finding it difficult, the helpful suggestions below might factor into your decision-making.
1. Find a location that excites your senses
This might seem like an odd suggestion, but remember that people experience the world through their senses. If the smell of the sea or the calling of bells or the beauty of the countryside are things that excite you, the best places to volunteer are those that make you feel alive in your daily life—not just those that have called you to be of service.
2. Choose a program that will enhance your education and experience
Pre-med students can volunteer abroad to get practical experience before med school. (Photo credit: International Medical Aid)
Perhaps your long-term goal is to be a chef who travels the world cooking for others, work on innovations in health care that will support the most vulnerable in global communities, or teach music to children healing from the damages of war.
Whatever you seek to do, you will find a program and a location that is suited to help you enhance your education and experience in those fields. The best countries to volunteer in will be those that help you grow.
3. Go somewhere that will offer you big adventures
If you’ve always dreamed of diving off the coral reef, traveling on horseback across high terrain, or learning flamenco dancing but haven’t had the ability (or courage!) to do it, the best places to volunteer could involve those that include adventures!
Many (if not most) volunteer abroad programs include all kinds of fantastic social opportunities and recreational programs in exchange for your service.
4. Go somewhere that will take you out of your comfort zone
Whether you’re a homebody who rarely ventures beyond your local limits, a city-dweller who rarely spends time in nature, or someone who likes routine, that’s perfectly fine. It’s important to be yourself!
It’s also great to spread your wings and consider someplace that feels like a stretch when you consider volunteering abroad in order to get the most out of your experience.
5. Pick a place you might not otherwise be able to see on your own
Volunteer in a place that’s hard to travel solo.
Going to Vietnam to work with youth development initiatives might be high on your list of opportunities, but likely isn’t something that you could do without the support of a program.
Choosing locations that might be otherwise difficult to visit for solo travel or independent outreach will help you make a short list of some of the best countries to volunteer. After all, the program you select should be one that challenges you—but also offers an advantage.
This list is just the beginning! The selection you make to volunteer abroad should provide you with an opportunity that you won’t forget, all while helping you learn, give, and grow.
With that in mind, consider some of the locations listed below, as they offer opportunities and high demand for volunteers. The list includes affordable destinations that are great for building skills and providing exceptional experiences.
16 best places to volunteer abroad
1. Costa Rica
Visit Costa Rica’s many lush jungles when you’re not volunteering!
Why? The country that offers Pura Vida (“pure life” or the simple life) to all is also one of the best places to volunteer abroad. This is an excellent choice for those interested in issues ranging from progressive politics and public policy to biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Your efforts will find you in the company of people who are committed to these causes, but also to the importance of balance and well-being.
- Recommended program: Máximo Nivel
2. Australia
Why? Australia offers something for everyone. You can complete volunteer work in the midst of the city of Sydney, or make your way along the Sunshine Coast offering volunteer service to those interested in eco-tourism along the waterways. And, if animal conservation is your idea of a great way to share your talents, you will find ample opportunities here, making it one of the best places to volunteer for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Recommended program: GoEco - Wild Animal Sanctuary
3. Japan
Why? Japan has long been an incredible location to volunteer, especially if your interests are in education, business, or culture. But it’s also suitable if you’re curious about programs that include opportunities to volunteer with more unique programs focused on festivals, gender issues, and trail-building. The combination of tradition and ultra-modern experiences make this location one of the best countries to volunteer.
- Recommended program: World Unite! Japan
4. South Africa
During your downtime in South Africa, you could go on an ethical safari.
Why? South Africa remains a country in transition. With a complicated history and a focus on change, the opportunities to add value to the programs here make it a top choice among the best countries to volunteer. Opportunities here range from agriculture to healthcare, to business development, just to name a few. Plus, being of service while exploring mountains, beaches, and photo safaris guarantees even more fun!
- Recommended program: African Impact Programs
5. India
Why? India is one of the best places to volunteer, in part, because of the wide range of opportunities, experiences, and needs. The same country that boasts the Taj Mahal and beautiful beaches is also known for issues of providing for street children, addressing gender-based violence, and human rights, all of which are in great need of volunteer support. Choosing an opportunity in India will be sure to offer you as much as you give, or more.
- Recommended program: GVI - Women's Empowerment Project in India
6. Nepal
Why? As you research where to volunteer abroad, you’re likely to find Nepal on just about every recommendation list. Well-known for its beautiful landscape, it's also a country that offers multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multilingual exposure and experiences. Volunteers can work on many critical causes, including community development, refugee relief, and the environment, with many budget-friendly options.
- Recommended program: International Volunteer HQ - Affordable Options in Nepal
7. Peru
Find a reason to smile while helping out the locals.
Why? If you’re interested in historic preservation, archeology, environmental recovery, or disaster relief, Peru should be on your list of the best places to volunteer abroad. Whether you choose to interact with indigenous communities, or lend a hand and work in the Amazon rainforests, Peru will offer you amazing experiences, incredible beauty, and plenty of connections to historical and natural wonders.
- Recommended program: Volunteer Abroad in Peru - United Planet
8. Thailand
Why? With its beautiful landscape and return to eco-tourism, it’s no surprise that Thailand is once again becoming one of the most popular destinations for meaningful travel experiences—and one of the best places to volunteer abroad. You can practice your teaching skills, work with wildlife, or, get your SCUBA certification on-site and work with marine conservation causes in need of support.
- Recommended program: GVI - Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand
9. Kenya
Why? The program opportunities in Kenya make this one of the best places to volunteer. This is especially true for causes that include childhood education, sports, wildlife, drug and alcohol recovery, general healthcare, and AIDS / HIV research and treatment. The impact of poverty in Kenya is substantial and the dedication to conservation is significant. This combination provides opportunities as diverse as the landscape itself.
- Recommended program: ELI - Orphanage and Youth Center Programs in Kenya
10. Fiji
Explore the reefs while working on conservation projects in Fiji.
Why? Fiji’s cluster of over 300 islands offers an extraordinary natural location for anyone looking for a volunteer experience in a tropical paradise. The natural beauty is exceptional and the need for support is strong as this developing nation continues to address systemic poverty that impacts issues from childcare to marine conservation and eco-tourism, making this a best place to volunteer abroad.
- Recommended program: Fiji - Diving and Marine Conservation Expedition
11. Greece
Why? Greece is known for eco-tourism, arts, and architecture, but it’s also known for its poverty-related causes in need of volunteer attention. If you’re interested in making a difference working in economic development, conservation, or even refugee relief (offering education, food relief, and even basic healthcare to refugees), this could be an excellent opportunity for you to work in one of the best places to volunteer abroad.
- Recommended program: Bright Light Volunteers - Global Service-Learning Program
12. Uganda
Why? The long list of causes connected to wildlife and conservation make Uganda one of the best countries to volunteer for anyone seeking to develop their skills while having exceptional experiences in the ten national parks or in a world-renowned gorilla sanctuary. This country also prioritizes work in community development, conflict resolution, and human rights given its complicated history and war-torn past.
- Recommended program: The Real Uganda
13. Guatemala
Collect and roast the beans for your morning coffee in Guatemala.
Why? Guatemala offers an exceptional opportunity for those who want to work on causes related to the environment. It’s also an ideal location for volunteers interested in agriculture, especially coffee production! Some of the other options that make Guatemala one of the best places to volunteer include working with Mayan cultural heritage programs, providing support to childcare organizations, and education.
- Recommended program: Integrated Learning Experiences - INLEXCA
14. Ecuador
Why? As you consider where to volunteer abroad, you could be researching mountain landscapes or coastal shores, developing cities or rural landscapes. If you choose to volunteer in Ecuador, you can experience all of these! From the mountain city of Quito to the coastal resort town of Salinas, volunteers are needed to teach English, work with street children, and work on conservation issues like reforestation and organic farming.
- Recommended program: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center - Galapagos Islands in Ecuador - Intercultural Outreach Initiative
15. Belize
Why? What could be better than when one of the best countries to volunteer also happens to be a wildly popular Central American vacation spot? If you choose Belize, you can work not only on conservation but also on economic development and infrastructure. And, while the environment might be ideal, issues affecting women’s equality and public health are not—and greatly in need of volunteer energy and support.
- Recommended program: POD Volunteer Programs - Caribbean Wildlife Centre Belize
16. Online
Why? Your ability to make an impact through volunteering abroad is not limited to the places you physically visit. Opportunities to provide support can offer you the best places to volunteer abroad without ever leaving your home. You can teach English to children in Palestine or work on programs for female empowerment in Zambia. The list of new programs continues to grow as global needs continue to emerge.
- Recommended program: Institute for Global Learning - Environment, Science, Youth Leadership + Development in Vietnam
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Where will you be headed to volunteer abroad?
There are so many destinations where you can give back AND have an adventure!
With so many opportunities ahead of you, the next step is to think about what attracts you the most. If you’re looking for topic-specific choices, you will find those included in your volunteer abroad options. If the goal is to get to take off as quickly and affordably as possible, you will find the best places to volunteer are those with flexible duration and prices.
And, if you’re hoping to offer real impact around the world while remaining right where you are, there are plenty of online programs to choose from. No matter what you’re hoping to find, it’s important to remember that the best place to volunteer abroad is out there.
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