Special Needs Volunteer Programs

Use your creativity and artistic skills to help children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The Integrated Music, Dance and Art Therapy for Children with Special Needs in Ecuador project was launched more than two decades ago to provide support to kids who are often unsupported in society. The center offers a range of services, from early stimulation for those with learning difficulties to language therapy. To date, the project serves around 80 children and young adults each day, providing activities like daycare, therapeutic care, and academic art. With the number of programs available in the integrated therapy center, you can help in different areas and take on varied tasks. You could support children aged 12+ in arts, music, and academic disciplines or focus on life skills and developing autonomy for young adults. You could also work on the musical artistic development of kids under 12 years old. If you join in July, you could assist with the summer program.

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!

Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) provides a wide range of program choices for people wanting to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines through our local community partners and our very own community centers. VFV endeavors to improve the quality of life of the community by providing responsive, efficient, and high-quality community service through our programs and projects that promote self-efficiency, well-being, and prosperity of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Visayas Region. VFV has initiated programs to address issues in social welfare, education, public health, and community development in rural areas surrounding Tacloban City. The design of our programs allows prospective participants of varied skills and professions to get involved with various projects. We require that all volunteers are flexible, self-motivated, open-minded, sensitive to other cultures, and desire to challenge themselves in an unfamiliar environment!

Medical and healthcare placements in Mexico are some of the most rewarding programs. Volunteer as a medical or healthcare professional in Oaxaca, Mexico, to build your resume for when you return home. Adelante Abroad can place both students and university graduates. Keep in mind that some positions may require previous experience in the medical field. All Adelante volunteers will improve their Spanish in a 2-week language course at the beginning of the program. This will help both in and out of the workplace. From there, the volunteers will dive into their internship. Program placement is based on experience and interests. Volunteer candidates might get the opportunity to work in dental and medical clinics, providing low-cost healthcare to local communities. Other placements include companies providing emergency ambulance services or even with the Red Cross. More advanced and fluent Spanish speakers can get the opportunity to work in research labs.

GoEco offers a wide variety of social work volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide. These programs provide support to children and adults in need, especially those facing one or more layers of disadvantage in society. Our programs aim to support these children and adults, as well as the local communities overall. A few examples of our social work programs include our Girl Empowerment in Cape Town, South Africa, our Community Aid in Rajasthan program in India and our Social Work Internships program in San Jose, Costa Rica. We also offer programs that help those with special needs, in both Israel and Chile. No matter which program you choose, your social work will make a difference both to these individuals and in these communities.

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!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Volunteers assist our partners with a variety of public health improvement activities that help Ugandans stay healthy and make good decisions for their families. They talk to people in schools, village meetings, private homes, and churches about health care issues directly affecting them. They also design seminars based on topics such as household hygiene, malaria prevention, HIV prevention and AIDS care, safe sex, family planning, maternal and child health, and nutrition. Other activities such as teaching, youth mentoring, and community gardening may be on offer by the host organization. Basic training and educational materials are on site, but volunteers are encouraged to bring new materials as well. This project involves walking long distances in the sun; volunteers are encouraged to bring a sleeping bag, hat, and walking shoes. As you’ll be working off-the-beaten track, expect to ride to work on the back of a motorcycle. These are the requirements to join: - Be 18 years or older - Be able to walk distances up to 2 kilometers daily - Obtain a police check from home country prior to volunteering - Sign a general waiver of liability - Have a positive and outgoing personality

International Medical Aid's (IMA) Physiotherapy Internships were created for aspiring and established physical therapists. Designed by IMA, a not-for-profit organization founded at Johns Hopkins University, this program bridges the gap between academic study and practical, hands-on experience in some of the most underserved regions of East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Whether you're an undergraduate, a graduate student, or a practicing clinician, our internships offer a platform to hone your skills and make a tangible difference in the health and well-being of communities in need. Our commitment extends beyond healthcare delivery; we immerse you in the local culture and breathtaking landscapes through adventure-filled programs, guided by experts who ensure a safe and enriching experience. Join us in shaping a healthier future for underserved populations while advancing your career through invaluable clinical exposure and graduate school admissions support. Embark on an IMA physiotherapy internship and embrace the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, contributing meaningfully to global health initiatives.

Forge meaningful partnerships with teachers to develop and present compelling educational content, sparking remarkable changes in the lives of children facing developmental challenges. Provide them with support and guidance to foster an inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. Embarking on a special education internship offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the dynamic and rewarding field of special needs education. As an intern, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting children with diverse developmental challenges, ranging from Down syndrome to autism spectrum disorders, as well as visual and hearing impairments. Collaborating closely with teachers and specialists, you’ll provide invaluable assistance to students, aiding in their education journey and fostering an inclusive learning environment. From designing individualized educational plans to implementing effective teaching strategies, you’ll contribute to the holistic development of each child, empowering them to reach their full potential. This will provide a rich learning experience for students with backgrounds in special education, psychology, social work, or related fields.

Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist in the nursery and hatchery, join night patrols, participate in beach cleanups, and more. Cap off your experience with an unforgettable week in the lush Monteverde Rainforest, where adventure and adrenaline await!

Join our Summer Volunteering Program in Jaipur, the Pink City of India. We welcome participants who are eager to volunteer abroad and gain a meaningful travel experience. This is an ideal opportunity for college students looking to broaden their global views. Stay for three weeks to work on initiatives in a range of areas: Child Care, Women Empowerment, and Elephants. The program also includes a Golden Triangle Tour, taking you to places like Jaipur, Agra-Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Abhaneri, Sikandra, and Delhi. The project runs every year, from May to August. You will live with an Indian host family who will introduce you to their culture and traditions as well as prepare you purely vegetarian food. During the tour, you will stay in a hotel in Agra and Delhi.

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!

Love Volunteers partners with a specialist home and daycare in this program that aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the lives of infants and children with disabilities. Volunteers contribute their time and energy, ensuring that kids with special needs receive physical therapy, stimulation, care, attention, and love. The specialist home caters to infants and children, from 0-14 years old, who come from families with insufficient financial resources. Its services are geared toward treatment for chronic and incurable diseases and rehabilitation. It has a daycare center and kindergarten, where children receive therapy, food, and medical and psychological attention. Without volunteers, the home and daycare center's sustainability wouldn't be possible. International participants provide vital free labor to ensure children can continue to receive quality care and compassion.

World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants to experience Costa Rica while contributing meaningfully to the community. Volunteers can choose from various projects, including teaching, orphanage assistance, environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, and community development. World Endeavors volunteers live in Atenas, a small, relatively prosperous farming town in the central highlands of Costa Rica where coffee, sugarcane, and fruit are grown. Life here revolves around family and community, and the nightlife consists mostly of family gatherings, barbecues, and shared meals. Residents can often be found browsing the colorful farmer’s market for fresh produce, enjoying a cup of local coffee at a café, or strolling in the park in the city center. Atenas is renowned for its climate, which keeps the city warm in the daytime and cool at night. Public pools and hiking trails make Atenas an appealing destination for those who wish to spend time outdoors, and the town’s location, less than an hour from the capital of San José and the international airport, makes it easily accessible for arriving volunteers.

Live and volunteer in India to lead exercise sessions with individuals with physical disabilities, illnesses or injuries. There are a number of sessions you will get involved in, including massage, yoga and rehabilitative activities. There will also be opportunities to take educational and exercise workshops with children with special needs. The sessions you will lead offer them exposure to the English language in a fun learning environment, so you will be helping both the physical and educational development of children. How this program makes a difference: Resources and facilities for people requiring rehabilitative support are limited in India. The workshops you will lead help improve the overall health of individuals with physical disabilities, injuries, and illnesses.

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.

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med volunteer abroad programs specifically for school leavers who are considering studying medicine in the future. We also offer customised placements for those seeking medical electives or medical internships abroad. Most of our medical electives abroad placement require that you spend 5-7 hours at our partner hospital or clinic as an observer of the daily routines of medical staff. You will be assigned a doctor or a department who will mentor you and may call upon you to assist with basic tasks such as taking vitals and treating minor wounds under the supervision of the local doctors. Our medical electives are offered in developing countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru and Costa Rica.

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.

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pacific along the Rímac River. This large, international city balances both modern and traditional influences, which evolved from Peru's history as the home of the Inca and numerous other civilized cultures dating back as far as 2000 BC. Opportunities vary from rehabilitating marine life to working with disabled or at-risk youth to creating environmental protection campaigns. By partnering with community-based organizations and following a structured, reflection-based curriculum, you will learn how local experts address these issues with available resources while developing intercultural and leadership skills in a real-world context. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so visit our website to learn more about your options. Although all our programs are great, we especially recommend Lima for students who are interested in marine biology or human rights.