GoAbroad

Volunteer Abroad for 7-12 Months

You know you have always wanted to do something good for the world... but what? If you have a passion for helping others and a passion for travel, then here’s your answer: volunteer abroad! There are many programs that allow you to volunteer abroad for 7-12 months. These programs are perfect for those who want to abandon their regular routine to seriously commit to volunteering. Committing to 7-12 months volunteer programs abroad is about more than just traveling; it allows you to forge deeper connections with the community you are helping, and can be a truly transformative experience.
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Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

531 7-12 Month Volunteer Abroad Programs

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.5

487

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

See All 16 Programs

Adelante Abroad

9.5

6

Internships in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Step out of your comfort zone with our amazing internships in Mexico, a country famous for its ancient ruins and stunning beaches! With Adelante Abroad, you will combine practical experience in your chosen field and cultural immersion through a discovery of a new country. Our internship programs in Oaxaca emphasize giving back to the community rather than pure work. Sign up for 1-12 months and choose from placements in various sectors - Arts, Social Work, Psychology, English Teaching, Culinary, Education, and more. These internships and volunteer opportunities are on a rolling basis, where assigned programs start the first week of every month! Housing will differ depending on the location of your internship, and candidates will be placed either with a local or with other international candidates. Both living options will allow you to improve your Spanish speaking level. Adelante Abroad offers internships and volunteer assignments based on the program's availability and your experience in the sector. Contact us to confirm placements in advance or inquire about other opportunities!

See All 2 Programs

African Impact

9.42

38

Internships and Volunteer Programs in Africa

Volunteering in Africa takes you one step further than the average tourist into the true character of this unique continent. To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It’s not only about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring, but also about what this magnificent continent, its warm people, and fantastic wildlife can give volunteers in return. African Impact is a multi-award-winning volunteer travel organization that runs and manages meaningful and responsible volunteer experiences and internship programs throughout Africa. Founded in 2004 in Zimbabwe, African Impact has grown into a leader in African volunteer tourism, having facilitated over 12,000 volunteers and interns in countries across the African continent. Our internship division is of great importance to us. We firmly believe that ethical internships can play a significant role in helping us achieve our mission of providing exceptional experiences that contribute to worthy causes in a meaningful way. With the nurturing of close partnerships across the continent, we have access to over 120 internship placements—all individually managed to match the applicant.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.77

77

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

See All 18 Programs

The Intern Group

9.43

58

Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

The Intern Group provides you with top internships in London! Partnering with a range of great companies and NGOs, our London internship program will fulfill your career potential. We are regularly featured in mainstream international media like CNN International. Apply now to intern in the greatest city in the world and propel your career development! Visit The Intern Group's website to get all the details!

Impact Gap Year

9

3

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement. You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island. The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

See All 4 Programs

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

10

4

IVHQ Volunteer Programs in Guatemala

Explore the heart of Central America while giving back through International Volunteer HQ’s trusted Guatemala volunteer program. Based in the colorful city of Antigua and its surrounding rural and coastal areas, this program offers a meaningful way to connect with local communities and contribute to impactful initiatives. With 12 volunteer projects available year-round including Teaching, Medical Assistance, Childcare, and Construction, we cater to a wide range of interests and skill sets. Whether you’re on a gap year, a career break, or looking for a purpose-driven trip, this is an opportunity to make a difference while immersing yourself in Guatemala’s rich culture and landscapes. Your fully hosted experience includes everything you need to feel supported: airport pick-up, an in-depth orientation, accommodation in a homestay or shared volunteer house, two daily meals, and 24/7 local support. You’ll also receive pre-departure guidance from a dedicated IVHQ Program Manager, plus access to training tools that help you feel prepared before you go.

See All 4 Programs

Instituto Hemingway

10

6

English Teaching Volunteer Program in Spain

Want to help others improve their English while you improve your Spanish? Join our exciting volunteer program in Spain! Most Spanish students start learning English at about ten years old, so your role mainly involves teaching conversational English. You'll receive assistance and guidance from the local teachers, especially with lesson preparation and content. Whilst there are typically five to fifteen students in a class, you usually have some say in the age group you teach but should maintain a flexible outlook. The students will learn so much from native speakers, including improved English language skills, which help to advance their lives and job opportunities. On the other hand, you'll find that teaching English is an extremely important and rewarding role. Together with other volunteers, you'll provide a valid and effective means of learning through: • Designing games to teach English, especially for younger children • Networking with local residents and local project staff Whilst not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial.

International Medical Aid (IMA)

9.96

160

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

See All 4 Programs

Roots Interns

10

1

Biology Research Internship in Peru

Do you dream of living and working in the Amazon Rainforest? This program is perfect for young conservationists and wildlife researchers to get the chance to work as closely with such an array of wildlife - monitor and study the flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon. During this program you’ll work as part of a conservation-focused nonprofit that takes a multi-faceted approach to protecting the rainforest - running youth empowerment and community development programs aimed at reducing the need for environmentally harmful activities as well as poverty in the area, monitoring endangered species and their habitats, organizing community outreach programs that promote sustainable practices. Your role will be to trek deep into the Amazon Rainforest where you’ll deploy camera traps, monitor habitats, and conduct surveys on specimens of mammals, birds, wildlife, fish and plants. You’ll work alongside international and national professional biologists, learn from their expertise, and receive training in the use of wildlife-monitoring equipment and biology research methods. You’ll also gain experience writing reports and corroborating your findings for informational resources.

See All 4 Programs

LET´S GO VOLUNTEER

10

3

Let's Go Volunteer - Children's Program in Colombia

We need your help! Join Let’s Go Volunteer in the beautiful community of Ibagué, Colombia. We are a small organization, with almost everyone on our staff a volunteer. We count on these passionate individuals to continue supporting the less fortunate, as we can't afford to hire and pay many staff members. Despite few resources, we are already making a positive difference and we strive to continue doing so. Our Children's Program was created to provide educational, nutritional, and emotional support and leadership skills to young children from marginalized neighborhoods in Ibagué, Colombia. Most—if not all—come from homes with only one woman as a provider and do not have the time or resources to care for them adequately. Thus, we address this pressing issue by helping care for more than 80 local children at our two centers, impacting their lives significantly. Our Children's Program aims to find support from kind-hearted people worldwide who want to join this noble cause. Volunteers primarily listen to, care for, play with, and give love to underprivileged kids.

Mente Argentina

10

5

Mente Argentina: Latin American NGO Management Position

Volunteer or intern with an NGO that strives to end poverty and gain insight into all aspects of management and structure. Be a part of an organization that supports undeserved neighborhoods with emergency housing and other basic services. Mente Argentina creates placements based on expertise and passions. Get a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes to run a successful multi-national NGO that provides impoverished communities with vital support services. Potential assignments include administrative assistance, event coordination, online and media marketing, volunteer organization and training, and fundraising and development. Participants will see their Spanish skills improve through day-to-day communication and interaction. If volunteers and interns are interested in gaining additional language experience as well as learning vocabulary that will be of use during their placement, Mente Argentina offers a short-term Spanish course at the start of the program.

See All 2 Programs

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

0

0

Cuba & Costa Rica – 8 Weeks Travel Adventure

This program offers a full 8-week "All In" experience combining adventure and cultural exchange in Costa Rica and Cuba. Spend one month in each country embracing the lifestyle, enjoying the best activities, and making a positive impact by supporting local communities. Start in Costa Rica with Spanish classes, surfing, and yoga in the beach town of Santa Teresa, as well as an overland cloud forest exploration in Monteverde. Then, travel to Cuba to continue improving your language skills, enjoy some salsa dancing, participate in volunteer projects, and travel around the country to learn all about its history and culture. This is an ideal program for those seeking a blend of education, cultural immersion, and unique activities in two of Latin America's most vibrant countries. Plus, you get the chance to stay in a “jungle surf camp,” nestled in a paradise setting surrounded by wildlife. Imagine spotting a howler monkey hanging on a tree branch!

See All 3 Programs

Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

See All 119 Programs

Love Volunteers

9.58

201

Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference - From US$175!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

9.51

49

Eco-Volunteering Research | IPBio

The Eco-Volunteer Program encompasses a range of activities conducted in a group. The majority of these tasks are field activities, making this an ideal program for volunteers who like to stay outside and who enjoy physical activities such as the following. Tree Inventory: Study the biodiversity in different areas of the reserve to assess forest well-being and understand the distribution of fruit tree species for releasing rescued native birds. Garden Days: Help out in gardening, construction, or maintenance of the reserve's grounds. This is hard but rewarding work! Mushroom Inventory: We search for new species of mushrooms to identify, photograph, and collect their spore prints, which are like a mushroom's fingerprint. In addition, we conduct searches at night to find bioluminescent mushrooms lighting up the floor in an Avatar-like fashion. Mammal Monitoring via Camera Traps: We have cameras filming 24/7 in the forest, but all the data needs sorting. Volunteers are tasked with watching the footage, organizing the photos of mammals, and identifying the species. Fish Inventory: Understand the biodiversity of species in our rivers.

See All 5 Programs

Fundación Aldeas De Paz - Peace Villages Foundation

10

33

Medicine and Healthcare Program

Acquire hands-on experience while working alongside fellow interns (or volunteers) and medical staff at a hospital or neighborhood health clinic in the Dominican Republic. Aldeas De Paz offers the Medicine and Healthcare program, which provides you insight into the daily operation and routines of local healthcare facilities. For a minimum of two weeks, you will experience the apparent contrast between the realities of health care in a developing country and Western medical practice. As clinics and hospitals in the country strive to become modernized, they face numerous challenges. You will witness medical conditions that have remained untreated, which in turn have developed to an advanced pathological stage. This project broadens your perspective by giving you real responsibilities. You will gain experience in different departments: maternity (only female volunteers), pediatric, emergency, diabetes, HIV prevention, and nursing. You could be assigned with hospital administration and management as well, wherein your tasks could include assisting with statistics and accountancy.

See All 9 Programs

GVI

9.63

67

Marine Biology Internship in the Canary Islands

Embark on an exciting and educational adventure with the Short-Term Marine Biology Internship program offered by GVI in the breathtaking Canary Islands. This hands-on program provides participants with the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of marine biology and contribute to important research and conservation efforts. Under the guidance of experienced marine biologists, interns will engage in fieldwork activities, such as reef surveys, data collection, and species identification. Through snorkeling and diving excursions, participants will explore vibrant underwater ecosystems and gain a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity. The program also includes valuable training in research techniques and marine conservation principles. By joining this internship, you will not only expand your knowledge and skills in marine biology but also make a meaningful impact on marine conservation in the stunning Canary Islands.

Volunteer World

8.69

16

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

See All 38 Programs

Connect-123 Internship Programs

9.74

101

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

See All 3 Programs

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad for 7-12 Months

Why volunteer for 7-12 months?

Any time spent volunteering is a worthwhile experience, but the advantage of long term volunteering is that you get to connect on a deeper level with the communities you are helping. Rather than swooping in for a short project, you will become a part of the community’s everyday life. Not only does this allow you to form close relationships, it also allows you to have a local travel experience as you adjust to a brand new daily life. 

If you love the idea of waking up like a local on the other side of the world, and getting up to help your new community, then taking the chance to volunteer abroad for 7-12 months is perfect for you. By the end of your experience, you will build strong relationships (with the community and with your fellow volunteers), discover a new perspective (or even a new purpose!), and maybe even open your eyes to new possible career paths.

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Latest Program Reviews

SafariStride exceeded all our expectations.

December 09, 2025by: mike knowx - United StatesProgram: Unforgettable Volunteering + Tanzanian Safari Experience
10

Our group had an unforgettable experience in Tanzania with Safari Stride. The team was warm, professional, and always ready to help. The safari was well organized, safe, and incredibly educational. We highly recommend Safari Stride to anyone volunteering and wanting to explore Tanzania’s wildlife and culture.

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