Service is the rent we pay for existing, right? And you’re getting the sweetest deal on paying rent to our landlord (this big ol’ ball of dirt we call home). You’re volunteering abroad. As many times as you’ve spun the globe and pointed a finger, you still haven’t quite landed on a destination that catches your fancy. You want a spot that is the perfect combination of: a community in need, a project that you have the skills to make a real impact on, and a country you’ve always dreamed of seeing.
With so many places to volunteer, you don’t even know where to begin. Well, start here.
Your finger must have just clandestinely missed these places to volunteer every time you took a spin of the globe or closed your eyes to point at the world map on your wall. But, not to worry. We’ve laid them all out for you to find your perfect program in the perfect place for you.
Places to volunteer in Asia
1. In a Ger in Mongolia with Projects Abroad
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If you’re looking for a far corner of the Earth, you’ll find it as a volunteer in Mongolia.
Volunteer as a child care worker in Mongolia, helping to relieve the workload of local staff while having a ball. You might find yourself over the Steppe with a local nomadic tribe in a Ger. You’ll see Thursday happy hours in a totally new light, so raise a glass of airaag (fermented milk), and cheers to volunteering abroad in Mongolia.
Related: Read reviews of Projects Abroad
Not quite right?: Browse all volunteer programs in Mongolia
2. At a Community Center in the Philippines with Volunteer for the Visayans
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Pro tip for volunteers in the Philippines: drink all the mango shakes.
No two days will look the same as a volunteer in the Philippines, but every day will be met with a smile and laughter. As a volunteer in the BLISS community center in Tacloban, Leyte, volunteers will work closely with children and families in the community helping with coordination of a number of projects, from women’s empowerment, to microfinance, and working directly with children and teens in the community.
Related: Read reviews of Volunteer for the Visayans
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in the Philippines
3. Trekking In the jungles of Malaysia with GoEco
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You might not find Mowgli, but your personal journal will be its own kind of Jungle Book as a volunteer in Malaysia.
Malaysia is one of the best places to volunteer with animals around the globe. Future Dr. Doolittles rejoice! With a diverse array of animals, from the majestic tiger in the jungle to our favorite turtle friends under the sea, Malaysia is a menagerie of opportunities to volunteer in conservation. With GoEco, you’ll be engaging with indigenous tribes in the jungles of Malaysia and on the seashores to help with endangered animal conservation.
Related: Read reviews of GoEco
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Malaysia
4. With local NGOs in Cambodia with IVHQ
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Gain a deeper understanding of Cambodian history and culture as a volunteer.
Whether you’re looking for opportunities in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or more rural Cambodian communities, IVHQ works with a vast network of NGOs to place you in the best volunteer project for your skills set. With a variety of volunteer opportunities and a community in need, do not hesitate to lend your hands and your heart to this beautiful country and resilient community.
Related: Read reviews of IVHQ
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Cambodia
Places to volunteer in Africa
5. Discover Ethiopia and lend a hand with GivingWay
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Red skies by night are a volunteer’s delight!
Coffee lovers rejoice— drinking three cups a day isn’t a “bad habit,” it’s a tradition in Ethiopia. And as you work closely with Bamboo’s partners in Addis Ababa as a mentor and tutor for local children, you’ll certainly need that extra caffeine boost.
Related: Read reviews of GivingWay
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Ethiopia
6. Help Save the Desert Elephant in Namibia with African Impact
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Don’t forget your sunscreen as a volunteer in Namibia— seriously.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room… This unique volunteer project will have you playing a very important role in fighting the eradication of the Damaraland Elephant population and ending human-elephant conflict over limited resources in the region. It’s sure to be an African adventure you (and the elephants) will never forget.
Related: Read reviews of African Impact
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Namibia
7. Teaching and Community Works Projects in Zambia with Kaya Responsible Travel
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It’s hard not to smile as a volunteer in Zambia, especially with such sunny colors all around.
Assist local teachers as a teaching and community works volunteer in Zambia. Work with local children in after school tutoring programs, help with piles and piles of grading, and have a direct impact on the lives of your students. You’ll also be lending a hand wherever needed in other community-based projects.
Related: Read reviews of Kaya Responsible Travel
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Zambia
8. Surf in South Africa with GVI
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The sun may set on Cape Town, but it won’t ever set on your fond memories of volunteering abroad.
Hang 10 with some 10-year-olds in the famous surf surrounding Cape Town, South Africa. Work as a surf and sports instructor for children from local townships. Help kids channel their energy on the rugby pitch and in the water and make a tangible impact in their lives while offering support to local teachers and child care workers.
Related: Read reviews of GVI
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in South Africa
9. Tangible Change and Tagine in Morocco with Cross Cultural Solutions
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What do you get when you cross section Islamic culture, Spanish, AND French colonial influence? A beautiful cross-section of culture, the best tagine around, and a great volunteer experience.
Warm spices and warm smiles await you as a volunteer in Morocco. Work alongside locals to help solve the country’s most pervasive social issues as you learn more about the beautiful and storied history of Islam and its impact on local culture. Haggle in the massive markets of Marrakech or sleep under the Saharan desert stars, either way you’ll never forget your time volunteering in Morocco.
Related: Read reviews of Cross Cultural Solutions
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Morocco
Places to volunteer in the South Pacific
10. Travel and Teach in Fiji with Vinaka Fiji
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As a volunteer in Fiji you’ll get up close and personal with the clearest, bluest water, and all the fishies (big & small.).
Live in a remote village, volunteer teach in a community school, and make lifelong memories in Fiji. Volunteer for as little as one week or for up to two months at a time. Develop personally and professionally while having a lasting impact on your own students. Fiji is a volunteer’s paradise.
Related: Read reviews of Vinaka Fiji
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Fiji
11. Get involved with a variety of projects in Samoa with Projects Abroad
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You’ll keep coming back for Samoa as an international volunteer.
You no longer have to pretend your bathtub is a canoe on the open seas as you belt the Moana soundtrack. Whether you want to work with building or construction projects, as a volunteer teacher, in community development, health, health education, or eco-tourism, there’s an opportunity for you to volunteer with GapXperience.
Related: Read reviews of Projects Abroad
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Samoa
12. Volunteer in a Koala Sanctuary in Australia with Volunteer World
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No, little Joey, how YOU doin’?
What more could you be looking for as a volunteer on Kangaroo Island. Yes, you read that correctly: KANGAROO ISLAND. Work with your favorite cuddly creatures in the Australian bush and enjoy a sky full of stars every night.
Related: Read reviews of Volunteer World
Not quite right?: Browse all volunteer programs in Australia
13. Serve in local NGOs in New Zealand with International Studies Abroad (ISA)
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There’s more than one program to rule them all, but don’t worry, your time in New Zealand will definitely be precious.
Work with Wellington-based NGOs in New Zealand and experience all the beauty of Middle Earth with none of the elvin melodrama. Just a quick ferry-ride away from the adventurous South Island, you’re sure to have a sweet as time as a volunteer in NZ.
Related: Read reviews of ISA
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in New Zealand
Places to volunteer in Europe
14. Volunteer Teach in The Czech Republic with PremierTEFL
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It couldn’t hurt to Czech out programs in Prague, right?
Kill two birds with one stone as you earn your TEFL certificate and kick off your future career as an ESL teacher in the Czech Republic with PremierTEFL. With this scholarship program, you’ll receive hands-on teaching instruction, gain in-classroom experience, and walk away with your teaching certificate.
Related: Read reviews of PremierTEFL
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in the Czech Republic
15. Work on Environmental Policy in Germany with ELI Abroad
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In Germany they mean green. Perfect for environmental volunteers.
Are you an Environmental Warrior looking to save our planet from greenhouse emissions? Gut. The German government has started an initiative to establish programs that work to reduce greenhouse emissions and promote alternative energy solutions. You’ll get to experience small town Germany while you work to leave this world a little better than when we all started.
Related: Read reviews of ELI Abroad
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Germany
16. Share Your Love Amidst Ethnic Conflict Within Communities in Bosnia & Herzegovina with Love Volunteers
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Bosnia and Herzego-what-a, you ask? You’re welcome for this serious travel tip off. We don’t usually share our favorite spots with just ANYONE.
Get involved in local communities still bouncing back from the Bosnian war in the 90s. Use education and arts projects to create connections between young students in the community struggling to overcome their history of ethnic conflict in Bosnia. Fill a need. Make an impact.
Related: Read reviews of Love Volunteers
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Bosnia & Herzegovina
17. Shadow Professional Doctors in Hungary with Atlantis
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You know what joke we’re about to make… it’s the Budabest one in the book…
Spruce up those med school applications as you learn tricks of the trade shadowing doctors in Budapest for 20+ hours a week. Discover Hungary as you discover yourself— is medicine the right path for you? You’ll sure find out quick as a medical volunteer abroad.
Related: Read reviews of Atlantis
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Hungary
Places to Volunteer in North America
18. Volunteer on a Husky Ranch in Canada with Fronteering
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Might be a little cold in the great North, but there’s always Tim Horton’s to help with that (though, maybe not in the wilderness… Sorry aboot it.).
Yes, a husky ranch. As in— the cutest, fluffiest, borkiest huskies. If you can brave the cold (and, who wouldn’t for husky cuddles?), this project in the most remote corners of Canada could just be for you. Dogsled by day, stare in awe at the Northern Lights by night. What more could you ask for?
Related: Read reviews of Fronteering
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Canada
19. Tutor Students in Mexico with Volunteer World
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Cross Continental programs are tailored to the individual volunteer’s skills, goals, and needs. Lend a helping hand with homework and mentoring as a tutor in Mexico, work on your Spanish, and leave a lasting impression on your host community. Not much more to taco bout with this one, right?
Related: Read reviews of Volunteer World
Not quite right? Browse all volunteer programs in Mexico
20. Volunteer on a Reservation in the United States with Global Volunteers
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Get up close and personal with those purple mountains majesty in the U.S.
For U.S.-based volunteers, maybe you’re looking for opportunities a little closer to home. Or, maybe you’re looking to come make a difference in local communities across all 50 states. Get to know the rich (and not always pleasant) history of these United States as a volunteer on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana as you work in a very underserved community, making a true and lasting impact.
Related: Read reviews of Global Volunteers
Not quite right?: Browse all volunteer programs in the U.S.
Places to Volunteer in Latin America
21. Get a Warm Family Welcome in Brazil with GeoVisions
See the real Brazil when you live with a host family as a live-in English tutor.
Spend your weeks tutoring a local family in conversational English, and your weekends exploring the vast beauty of Brazil. Living with your host family will not only help them learn English, but will give you the opportunity to pick up a little Portuguese, maybe learn some sweet new dance moves, and definitely fall in love with Brazilian life.
Related: Read reviews of Geovisions
Not quite right?: Browse all volunteer programs in Brazil
22. Make an Impact Working with Kids in Peru with Maximo Nivel
Explore every corner of Peru as a long-term volunteer.
As a volunteer in Peru with Maximo Nivel, you’ll work with at-risk children in the historic city of Cusco, Peru. You could be working in rural schools as a tutor or mentoring kiddos in after-school programs in a local community center, with the ultimate goal of providing shelter, food, and education.
Related: Read reviews of Maximo Nivel
Not quite right?: Browse all volunteer programs in Peru
23. Go Where You’re Needed in Guatemala with API
Your mid-afternoon coffee break will be next level in Guatemala.
Whether you’re a regular Tim Taylor looking for building and construction projects, a hopeful Amal Clooney interested in Social Justice, or sweet as Ms. Honey looking for teaching placements, volunteer programs with API in Antigua, Guatemala are guaranteed to be tailored to your skills and goals.
Related: Read reviews of API
Not quite right?: Browse all volunteer programs in Guatemala
24. Work on HIV Awareness and Public Health Campaigns in Honduras with A Broader View
Learn some seriously specialized Spanish vocab as a volunteer in Honduras.
Still on the road to development, Honduras is a country that benefits from dedicated volunteer love. Working in education and prevention, you can help reduce the stigma of being HIV positive within the community, and hopefully help to educate locals about sexual safety. You will need a pretty strong grasp of Spanish to make this placement work for you, but the rewards are well worth the extra time studying conjugations and finding a good language partner.
Related: Read reviews of A Broader View
Not quite right?: Browse all volunteer programs in Honduras
Places to Volunteer In Antarctica (yeah, you read that right)
25. Volunteer with Researchers AND Earn Credit with AUIP Antarctica
Don’t worry Jack, there will be no jumping on this icy volunteer trip.
You’re just THAT extreme. You’re ready and willing to travel to one of the most remote areas on the planet to learn more about this misunderstood, permanent winter wonderland. Earn credit, attend lectures, and help researchers trying to solve some of the biggest environmental issues in the region. Just don’t forget your parka, it’s a little chilly out there!
Related: Read reviews of AUIP Antarctica
Being the change: Next steps to volunteer abroad
Here’s just a little extracurricular reading to ensure that you’re ready to embark on this adventure, and to ensure your experience volunteering abroad is the best it can possibly be.
- Make a MyGoAbroad account to save and compare volunteer programs
- Have an Online Advisor match you with a few stellar programs to start your search
- Start a FundMyTravel campaign to fund your volunteer abroad adventure
- First time volunteer? Download our free Ebook with helpful content curated just for you!
- Find out if You Have What it Takes to Volunteer Abroad
- Learn what the Best Way to Volunteer Abroad is
Can’t get enough? Check out all of our expert volunteer abroad articles
DO volunteer work
No, don’t just do volunteer work. Do GOOD volunteer work. No— GREAT volunteer work abroad. Whether you end up lending a hand in one of these 25 places to volunteer abroad, or your dream destination not included on this list, make sure you’re ready, willing, and able, to give 110 percent to your project and your host community.
Take your experience into your own hands. Ask tough questions. Do a ton of research. Make sure your volunteer organization and project is operating ethically and sustainably. It’s going to be a lot of work before, during (obviously), and after your time volunteering abroad. But, remember, that’s the rent we pay for living.