How to Volunteer to Help Refugees

There are over 82 million people worldwide who have been forcibly displaced. Expelled from their homes due to conflict, war, religious, or political persecution, there are now refugees who are facing an uncertain future. Not only do refugees need to hurdle economic and logistical obstacles, but they are also forced to do so while learning how to live in a new place, often struggling with language and cultural barriers.

Refugee relief is not a volunteer project to take lightly.

This is why volunteering with refugees, whether abroad or in your own community, is so critical. There is a myriad of volunteer opportunities available; you may have just the right skills to significantly improve the lives of those enduring, and overcoming, loss and hardship.

How to volunteer to help refugees

Do you want to volunteer abroad with refugees? Doing so will often require you to be qualified in certain skills, or have work experience in special fields like social work. Here are the steps to going abroad to work with refugee populations:

1. Choose a destination

Refugee relief efforts are taking place all over the world. Most likely, there are refugees arriving in your own community. You’ll want to determine whether your skills and experience will have the greatest impact at home helping refugees resettle, or at a refugee camp improving the quality of life of individuals and families.

If you choose to travel abroad to volunteer, keep in mind that it would be helpful to already know the nation’s language or the language refugees and staff at the camp are speaking. You’ll also want to choose a location based on the needs of the organization you’ll be working with.

For example, a refugee camp in Somalia may need assistance with medical care. If you have medical training, that type of volunteer opportunity may be a great fit. However, a camp in Afghanistan may need volunteers with language skills, and being able to translate could be a requirement.

READ: How to Provide REAL Relief When You Volunteer in Refugee Camps

2. Select an organization

Identifying an organization to volunteer with goes hand in hand with choosing a destination. Some organizations require only that you are culturally sensitive and physically fit enough to assist with handing out food or blankets. Other organizations may be looking for specific skill sets in their volunteers or require long-term commitments.

When choosing an organization, read reviews from past volunteers, review their annual reports or other impact documents, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Organizations like the UNHCR and the International Rescue Committee can lend a helping hand if you’re not sure where to go or who to volunteer with.

3. Secure travel documents

Obtaining a visa to provide refugee support abroad could be more difficult than a usual tourist visa.

Depending on your destination, you’ll need travel documents, including a passport and visa. Start early on any necessary applications—getting a visa to many of these destinations could take a considerable amount of time. Your selected volunteer organization may provide assistance with obtaining travel documents.

4. Prepare for your service

Volunteering to help refugees can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. You’ll most likely be working with people who have suffered traumatic experiences. Your organization should provide pre-departure and on-site training on how to help refugees, specifically in terms of the program you’ll be on. Sensitivity, empathy, experience traveling abroad, and open-mindedness are useful traits to have as a volunteer.

You should research the region you’ll be working in, the people you will be providing aid to, the language(s) you’ll be using, and the needs of both the organization and displaced persons. Prepare what you’ll need to show up mentally and physically ready; this is paramount to being able to help others.

READ: The Refugee Crisis & How International Volunteers Can (or Can't) Help

5. Think long-term

In some cases, there may be short-term opportunities available for crisis situations. This is usually true for displacements due to natural disasters. However, long-term volunteers are often the most skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced, and therefore have the greatest positive impact.

Consider volunteering for more than just a few weeks! If you’re not able to be abroad for a long period of time, you could find a local volunteer opportunity helping to resettle refugees, helping them adjust to their new homes and lives.

Where to volunteer with refugees

Volunteers are needed all around the world.

A minority of refugees are able to return home. Most stay in temporary refugee settlements in surrounding countries. Most displaced individuals and families permanently relocate, either outside of the settlements or far from their homelands. Therefore, help is needed worldwide. Here are some countries where you could lend relief to those most in need:

1. Lebanon

• Why? Lebanon has an increasing need for international volunteers. The country takes the most refugees in the world each year, most of which are Syrians fleeing the conflict in their home country, and Palestinians, who often live in extreme poverty in refugee camps.
• Explore volunteer programs in Lebanon

2. Germany

• Why? Germany has a long history of welcoming refugees to start a new life in their country. Germany is also the second-largest donor to the UN Refugee Agency. From advocacy work and organizing community events to working directly with those displaced, there are programs for any type of volunteer.
• Explore volunteer programs in Germany

3. Kenya

• Why? Kakuma and Dadaab Refugee Camps are home to the largest populations of refugees in Africa. The numbers of refugees in the camps are only rising as drought and starvation grip the country. Volunteers are needed to be teachers, fundraisers, service providers, and more.
• Explore volunteer programs in Kenya

4. Greece

• Why? Greek refugee camps face overcrowding and disease, which means skilled, long-term volunteers are needed. Skilled volunteers can offer services such as legal guidance or medical attention.
• Explore volunteer programs in Greece

5. The United Kingdom

• Why? Volunteers working with refugees in the United Kingdom can offer support with accommodation and integration. Refugees and asylum seekers in the UK most likely need housing, mental health services, medical services, and assistance finding a job. Learning a new language may also be a barrier volunteers could contribute to tackling.
• Explore volunteer programs in the United Kingdom

Get matched with 5 refugee relief programs abroad with our Online Advisor

6 ways to help refugees

Be sure to choose a program that offers volunteers 24/7 support.

You can volunteer to help refugees through trusted program providers. You’ll know you are making a positive difference and offering real aid. Check out these programs for inspiration!

1. African Impact: Hospital and Clinic Medical Support in Kenya

• Program highlights: Learn, give back, and explore the world in this program with African Impact. No experience is necessary to provide support to the nurses and doctors at the healthcare centers located in rural Kenya. You’ll gain valuable experience while providing assistance to those with medical knowledge. You may also be involved with various community programs, tailored to your prior experience and knowledge.
• Location: Rural areas in Kenya
• Read African Impact reviews

2. Excellence Center in Europe: Volunteer with Refugees in Germany (1-12 Weeks)

• Program highlights: The Excellence Center “works as a meeting point between internationals, locals, refugees, and immigrants.” By teaching English or life skills, writing about the refugee crisis, or organizing events for the refugee community, you’ll be contributing to building sustainable peace in a situation often riddled with discord.
• Location: Halle, Germany
• Read Excellence Center in Europe reviews

3. United Planet: Support Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova

• Program highlights: United Planet is one of the few providers who are able to connect volunteers with opportunities to support Ukrainian refugees. With an established organization, you’ll have the training and support you need to truly be an asset. English skills are sufficient on this program, but Russian and Ukrainian language skills are a plus.
• Location: Chisinau, Moldova
• Read United Planet reviews

4. ELI Abroad: Service for Immigrants and Refugees in Valencia

• Program highlights: Refugee and immigrant relief support with ELI Abroad isn’t limited to volunteering—you could also intern with organizations providing direct support to refugees and gain incredible hands-on experience. If volunteering with refugees is also a career goal, this may be a great fit for you.
• Location: Valencia, Spain
• Read ELI Abroad Programs reviews

5. Care4Calais: Support Refugees in the UK

• Program highlights: This program is designed to help refugees settle into life in the United Kingdom. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome. Duties include assisting refugees in finding financial or legal support, teaching and practicing English, and supporting fundraising efforts.
• Location: United Kingdom, Online
• Read Care4Calais reviews

6. Khora: Volunteer with Khora in Athens, Greece

• Program highlights: Khora needs flexible volunteers who are willing to use their skills in a helpful, enthusiastic way! If you have construction, bookkeeping, language, IT, social media, or cooking skills, this may be the place for you. With a minimum stay of 4 weeks, volunteers looking into this opportunity should be committed to helping refugees in a more long-term structure.
• Location: Athens, Greece
• Be the first to review this program!

Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

You’ll make a huge difference when you volunteer to help refugees

Change a life, give back, and gain perspective as a refugee relief volunteer.

Volunteering with refugees in your community or abroad can make a lasting impact on the life of one or many. Choosing a destination based on your skills and interests will ensure you have the best experience and provide the most help possible. The global refugee crisis seems insurmountable, but volunteers worldwide, like you, are making strides toward relief and change.

Explore ALL Refugee Relief Programs Abroad on GoAbroad.com