Community Development Volunteer Programs Abroad
The concept of community development, groups of people taking collective action to achieve a common goal, or solve a universal problem, goes back centuries. But it is in the last half-decade or so that it has become a global initiative, a major area of study and research and one of the best ways to accomplish real change through volunteer work abroad. The best community development projects benefit entire cities, countries, and regions, and often the overall environment, but the main focus of volunteering in community development is to raise the standard of living for a sub-population experiencing unique struggles or exceptional need in some way.
972 Community Development Volunteer Programs
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...
See All 73 Programs
Kaya Responsible Travel
Teaching and Community Work in Zanzibar
Come to Zanzibar and volunteer on this teaching and community dev...
See All 18 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America
Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guate...
See All 16 ProgramsVolunteer for the Visayans
Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines
Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! V...
See All 7 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
Internships in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad
Step out of your comfort zone with our amazing internships in Mex...
See All 2 ProgramsAfrican Impact
Teaching & Community Development in Zambia
Contribute to a Teaching Community Development Project in Zambia....
See All 8 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
Top Social Work Volunteer Opportunities & Internships Abroad
GoEco offers a wide variety of social work volunteer opportunitie...
See All 42 ProgramsThe Intern Group
Internships in Melbourne, Australia
Jumpstart your career with Australia’s top internships! Partnerin...
See All 2 ProgramsGVI
Marine Conservation Expedition in the Seychelles
Travel to a country known for its equatorial climate and enter a ...
See All 32 ProgramsImpact Gap Year
South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration
Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...
See All 6 ProgramsThe Real Uganda
Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda
The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety o...
See All 4 ProgramsIntercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)
Sustainable Farming & Urban Agriculture in Galapagos
The farms of Isabela Island are working in greenhouses to optimiz...
Raleigh International
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose
Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica programme is a truly unique experien...
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteer World
Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...
See All 34 ProgramsNatucate
Volunteering in Zambia – Species Conservation
Become a conservation volunteer in Zambia and help collect essent...
See All 3 ProgramsPopular Providers
Latest Program Reviews
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Community Development
Why Volunteer Abroad
There’s no better way to expand your cultural knowledge and your professional and technical skills than to complete volunteer work abroad in community development. The field is so broad, and dispersed internationally, that volunteers can easily find a location and type of project to fit their interests and ambitions in volunteering abroad. Whether helping children gain access to technology or resources, creating green spaces and wellness programs to improve health and environmental protection, working on a sustainable agriculture project, or developing a community water system in a rural village, community development volunteer programs target people who need support and direction to build a better community and future for their children.
Volunteering abroad in community development is also an excellent way to decide on a career path. Community development projects are conceived, funded, and undertaken by many different kinds of entities, governments (usually local, but sometimes national), non-profit organizations, philanthropists, international aid organizations, universities, and faith-based organizations. As a community development volunteer abroad, you’ll learn how to develop and implement projects and how organizations function to achieve success.
Societal and environmental problems are universal, but methods to tackle them are not. Seeing how other people around the world approach a community problem and how they create a solution is a valuable learning experience for any international volunteer. Volunteering in community development is of course particularly beneficial for individuals with career goals in community development, economics, politics, civil service, and other community-focused fields.
Popular Searches
to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!
