For anyone looking into volunteering abroad, your findings might feel bizarre: You want to donate your time and effort to a worthy, valiant cause, but standing in your way you find a program fee that will take a small trust fund to cover. What gives?! Shouldn’t you just be able to roll up to any volunteer site around the globe and get started on being the change you want to see in the world? The demand for volunteers across all sorts of causes, countries, and political climates undoubtedly exists, after all.
You’ll forget about cost stresses once you see your first sunset halfway across the world.
Well, as you most likely already know, it’s not quite as simple as that. However, the good news is that those pesky program fees are far from a waste of money, and that there’s good reason to pay to volunteer abroad. Some of your fee, of course, goes directly to the cause itself, and helps keep the project afloat even after you’ve made your mark. The rest goes towards a lot of what we’ll call “butt-covering necessities” that are in your best interest. Need accommodation for the duration of your placement? With your program fee, your butt is covered. Rough transition to life in a developing country and looking for guidance? Again, your butt is covered. Looking for a hearty, delicious lunch after that 12-hour flight? That’s right—your butt is covered.
A lot of the time, program costs cover things that you would otherwise be paying for as a volunteer anyway, eliminating the guesswork that could potentially discourage you from moving forward with volunteering. Program fees not only make your life easier in a way, they also help add legality, security, and reliability to volunteering abroad. Sweet!
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Know this: Volunteer costs vary
You know you want to volunteer abroad and now you understand the purpose of program fees, but you don’t have a whole lot of cash to work with; or, on the flipside, you recently came into some money and now it’s burning a hole in your pocket (throw some over this way?). Just how much does volunteering abroad cost? Well, no matter what your circumstances, it will help to know the factors that determine the answer to that question.
The biggest factor is program costs will be location. For example, the cost of a two-week conservation program in New Zealand is probably just about the same as the cost of a month or more working in healthcare in Africa. Why? Remember that a big chunk of your program fee is for living costs (those butt-covering necessities); and the higher the local cost of living, the more expensive the program will be.
Have you thought seriously about what it means to volunteer overseas for free?
What kind of project you choose can play a role in overall cost as well. Low cost volunteer abroad options exist, but if you’re interested in something that requires expensive resources (think environmental or construction projects), expect a higher fee than you might see for projects with more direct involvement, like teaching or community development.
The further you go from home, the more expensive things get as well. For example, a flight from New York to New Delhi costs a heck of a lot more than a flight from Chicago to Mexico City.
[Everything You Need to Volunteer Abroad for Cheap]
Typical international volunteer program fees
The key to understanding program costs is to do your research. If you’re going to shell out for a meaningful travel experience, you want to know what you’re paying for, right? Look into the reputability and sustainability of the companies and programs you’re interested in, and how they break down their program fees.
Sometimes, a majority of your projects abroad cost will be going towards your accommodation, food, excursions, and other amenities. So, if you would prefer that most of your money go towards the cause instead, make sure you find out which programs will make that possible (and be prepared to give up some creature comforts).
Common inclusions in program fees
Program fees appear steep, but in reality, you’re potentially getting a discount on volunteer costs; often what’s covered would be more expensive if you were paying for each component individually. For example, room and board is almost always included in program fees, as well as activities and excursions during down time—quite possibly the most expensive aspects of travel. You’ll feel a lot better about the price tag when you’re posted up in a warm and cozy hostel through no effort of your own, with a weekend away in Hobbiton on the books!
Your volunteer costs will pale in comparison to the wealth of gratitude gained.
Also included in the cost is staff support. You’ll be provided an advisor who will answer your questions and guide you through the volunteering process, help you with matters regarding visas and permits, and may even help secure your flight and accommodation (or at least offer some stellar advice on how to do so yourself!). Staff support includes not only virtual help with the pre-departure travel logistics, but 24/7 on-site support as well. Arriving in a new place where you might not speak the local language can be discombobulating to say the least, so you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that there will be someone around to help when things inevitably go awry (you’ll lock yourself out of your apartment at least once if we’re being honest).
Plus, your fee goes towards placing you somewhere reputable (many companies are well-versed in avoiding scams; you might not recognize red flags, but they will!), as well as, of course, the cause or project you’re interested in supporting. Also check to see if you can swing some course credit if you’re still in school. Sounds like a lotta bang for your buck if you ask us!
[Good for the World AND Your Wallet: 10 Cheap Volunteer Abroad Destinations]
Make an estimate of your expenses
Still nervous about potential expenses? Sit down and turn your regular ol’ calculator into a volunteer calculator, and make a plan! Whether it’s a sleek Excel spreadsheet, or just on a scrap piece of paper from an old notebook, creating a well-devised budget can work wonders for those who need to remain frugal.
Once you know what your program fee will be covering, make a list of what it won’t, and estimate what those additional costs will be (pro tip: always give yourself a cushion). If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to do that research about local cost of living and exchange rates. Once you have a ballpark figure of your anticipated costs, everything will become much more manageable. If it’s a number with more zeros than you had expected (and you need a little help), don’t forget about FundMyTravel.
To save you time, here’s a handy list of a few additional volunteer expenses that are often overlooked:
- Internet fees and phone costs. It isn’t guaranteed that your accommodation will have free and/or fast wifi, especially if you’re volunteering somewhere remote. Even if you’re living in the big city, wifi is often vastly more expensive in Europe, Oceania, and Asia than in North America. Trust us: Set aside a little something extra for your Skype sessions, and then do the same for your phone. Data charges are no joke, so double-check with your service provider about using your phone overseas, and what it’ll cost you. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a local phone when you arrive!
- Location-specific clothing. Is your wardrobe at home all shorts and flip-flops, but you need something a little more professional (or culturally appropriate) for your destination? Make sure to set money aside to invest in the clothing and gear that will make you most comfortable, and least offensive to locals.
- Additional housing costs. This one will sneak up on ya. If you’re planning on sorting out your own long-term accommodation, do your research and see if you’ll need to provide a security deposit or multiple months’ rent in advance.
- Transport costs. Taxis, trains, Lyft rides, buses...none of those will be included in your program fee. Depending on where you’re volunteering, transport costs could be minimal, or they could be a hefty additional cost that you didn’t account for. Again, research the local cost of living while making your budget!
- Laundry. Yes, laundry. Mom and dad aren’t here, and now you have to figure it out all on your own. Put aside a little bit if you’re cool with going to the local laundromat every couple weeks, or put aside a lot if you will accept nothing less than dry cleaning. For the ultra-frugal volunteer, invest in some just-add-water detergent tablets, and do your laundry in the bathroom sink!
- ATM and credit card fees. Another sneaky cost that you won’t think about until it hits your bank account. Call your bank and credit card companies before departure to figure out just how much swiping and withdrawing will run you.
- For funsies budget. Bars, restaurants, local activities like shopping, shows, and festivals—all those expenses are coming right out of your pocket. While volunteering is endlessly fulfilling, it’s also quite exhausting; but if you have the energy to go out on the town every night, make sure you’re setting a little extra aside for the fun times.
Sit down & outline your expenses—a volunteer calculator might help!
4 tips to lessen your overall volunteer costs
If you’ve done the research, made your handy budget, laid out all the costs, and still feel like you just can’t swing it (or don’t want to wait to save up), there are a few more cheap ways to volunteer abroad.
1. Practice frugal living
Try to live within walking distance of your project in order to save on transport costs, or if you can’t go by foot without leaving two hours early, skip the expensive cab ride and invest in a bus pass. Also, if there are meals you’re responsible for providing yourself, cook at home or in your hostel—groceries are almost always cheaper than eating at restaurants or food stands!
2. Start good habits before you leave
Pre-departure, consider foregoing other little things that add up quickly too, like that afternoon coffee, picking up Us Weekly in the checkout line, and your Hulu subscription. If you cut costs before you even arrive, you won’t notice any difference once you get there, making it all the easier to stay responsible!
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3. DIY Volunteering
Additionally, you can try to go direct to the source rather than volunteering through a company. However, be forewarned that this route will be more difficult—you’ll be traversing the uncertain and confusing realm of visas with no guidance, sorting out your own accommodation, and it’s highly advised that you look into the legality of your actions as well; some countries have strict laws about volunteering and the particulars involved. Stay frugal, but don’t skimp so much that it adversely affects your experience.
4. Hunt for discounts
Ya heard of the International Student Identity Card? Well if not, you’re welcome. ISIC can be obtained by anyone who is considered a full-time student and is over the age of 12. It’s valid in 133 countries, and will save you heaps on things such as museums, restaurants, transportation, insurance, and more.
Directly connecting with an international organization is one of our fave cheap ways to volunteer abroad.
Now you know your volunteer costs!
You can’t volunteer overseas for free (or can you?), but meaningful travel doesn’t have to run you a fortune. You sure can make volunteering abroad a heck of a lot more affordable with a little creativity, discipline, and ingenuity. Be realistic about the financial investment of volunteering abroad, then get to work on figuring out how to fund your volunteer trip. Good luck & Happy difference-making!
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