Orphanage Volunteer Programs Abroad


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182 Orphanage Volunteer Programs
MAXIMO NIVEL
9.5
487
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 2 ProgramsVolunteer for the Visayans
9.5
2
Volunteer for the Visayans places volunteers in several orphanages around the city and surrounding towns. Each orphanage is home to around 45 and over 100 abandoned and unwanted children, many of whom come from impoverished families and have suffered from malnutrition or neglect. Living with just the necessities and few toys, these children only have a limited staff to care for them. Caregivers appreciate the extra help our volunteers can offer them, like tutoring the children, organizing arts and crafts or sports activities, and helping with basic chores such as feeding the kids and folding laundry. This is a meaningful way to learn firsthand the hardship most children face and give back to the underprivileged children growing up in a Third World country. Volunteers don't necessarily need caregiving experience. All we ask is that you come with energy, enthusiasm, an open mind, and an open heart. With little staff, we ask the volunteers to organize recreational activities such as sports, educational exercises, or arts and crafts. With few resources at the orphanages, it helps if the volunteer can bring educational resources, art supplies, or tapes with children's songs.
Kaya Responsible Travel
0
0
This is an ideal volunteer opportunity for individuals who love spending time with children. Join this project and work at a free preschool attended by underprivileged children, particularly those who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. The daycare centers provide them with a safe shelter, two nutritious meals per day, early years education, and the promise of a better future. As a volunteer, you will take on a varied role that includes working alongside the local staff, accompanying children in the playground and during mealtimes, and participating in regular activities. You will help teachers implement the curriculum as well as organize craft sessions. You will also support primary children from a sponsorship program with their homework. No specific skills are required for this project, but enthusiasm and energy are important for working with children. Those with previous teaching experience are highly valued as the teachers need support with delivery of the curriculum. Bring your stories, games and songs, and bring joy to the classrooms.
Adelante Abroad
9
9
Make a positive impact in Mexico! Adelante Abroad offers affordable volunteer programs in a wide variety of fields and sectors in Oaxaca, Mexico. Put your time towards helping those in need. Volunteer in sectors such as ecology, social work, arts, or NGO, just to name a few. Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse areas in Mexico, known for the craftwork of local artisans. It is also home to warm-spirited people, and there are plenty of opportunities to give to the community. If you're looking to make a difference, volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico, with Adelante is the perfect opportunity! Volunteers can choose to go abroad for 1 to 6 months. Programs are offered year-round with customization options. You'll be paired with organizations in need of specific skills while allowing you to reach your volunteer goals. Eligibility for this program is: * 18 years of age or older and possess a desire to learn about and live in another culture * Some Spanish is helpful, although we can place beginner Spanish speakers * Applicants can be Gap Year students, enrolled in a university, or college graduates. Visit our website for more information.
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.68
37
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.
See All 2 ProgramsThe Intern Group
9.43
58
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!
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.55
794
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.
See All 14 ProgramsThe Real Uganda
9.72
18
The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of classroom activities. Because local education is largely by rote, we want volunteers to feed these hungry little brains! Volunteers create interactive learning experiences and provide children with a loving and creative environment. Volunteers choose the age and topics to teach. Lesson plans are created based on student interest and national curriculum. Arts and crafts, sport, team building, and public health are popular. The aim is to encourage team work, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge. This is a challenging and rewarding program for volunteers experienced in organizing children, such as camp counselors, day care workers, and people who generally love kids. Bring your games, songs, and enthusiasm to the village! Other activities such as women empowerment and community gardening may be on offer by the host organization. Volunteers should dig in and try everything. The exchange of ideas and culture is highly valued in Uganda. School terms vary annually but generally fall within these dates: • Feb 1 to Apr 30 • May 1 to Aug 15 • Sept 15 to Nov 30
See All 2 ProgramsRoots Interns
9.5
8
Gain practical social work experience during this exciting internship program in Cape Town, South Africa. You'll be part of a community center in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of the city that provides a safe and stimulating space for up to a hundred children every afternoon. Many of these children have experienced different levels of trauma, and as an intern, you'll assist the program in providing stimulating activities and counseling sessions for groups of children when needed. This internship is a great opportunity for getting practical experience in social work while supporting an important social development program. Your tasks will include offering individual or group counseling sessions to children with troubled backgrounds; helping create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children in the aftercare program; and helping cook for and feed the children at the center, among others. Preferably you'll have an academic background or experience in sociology, social work, community development, education, pedagogy, or something similar.
Mente Argentina
9.86
7
Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires has been thoughtfully designed to promote change in the communities of Buenos Aires as well as in the individuals who participant in the program. Throughout the course of the program, participants will be giving the opportunity to work on locally run projects, which will improve the environment and lifestyle of community. They will also have the chance to live like a local, build relationships with the people, and dive into the rich Argentinean culture. Marte Argentina has partnered with volunteer organizations and NGO's in order to give volunteers a variety of different opportunities. Among some of those opportunities are: working with children, education, HIV/AIDS counseling, and medical/health volunteering. No matter what program volunteers choose, they will have the opportunity to engage with the people and language of the beautiful country of Argentina and be changed by the experience.
See All 2 ProgramsVolunteering With India
9.81
16
Volunteer abroad in India and help deprived, underprivileged children living in the worst conditions on the streets of Jaipur. These kids suffer from abuse and lack of health care. Join Volunteering With India and help them gain self-respect and dignity while growing up healthy and educated. Project activities: - Teach English at a local school - Support and help teachers improve their methods - Work on the pronunciation and communication skills of children - Encourage families regarding their children's regular attendance in class - Promote basic hygiene awareness to children and their families
See All 4 ProgramsJakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure
0
0
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!
See All 2 ProgramsLove Volunteers
10
2
The mission of this essential program is to care for some of the most impoverished children in the city of Pokhara. The children in this program require a lot of care, attention and most importantly, companionship. Volunteers spend their time caring for the children, helping with their education, playing games and arranging fun activities during leisure time. Attention and companionship is what the children on this program crave the most. For volunteers who truly want to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children, this program serves to protect and care for those who need it most. This project aims to take these children off the streets and provide them with quality care and education, saving them from a life of abuse and neglect. Volunteers supply much-needed labor to support at-risk kids with care, attention, education, and most importantly, love.
See All 4 ProgramsProjects Abroad
9.4
10
Peru is an amazing destination to work with children in kindergartens and care homes in South America. Located on the Pacific Coast of South America between Chile and Ecuador, Peru is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America. Exports such as coffee, potatoes, and gold have done much to improve unemployment, but low wages mean that many families still live in poverty, and especially in more rural areas, there is a real need for volunteers to help with caring for children. You will assist the class supervisor in all kinds of play-work activities, such as arts and crafts, painting, and teaching reading and writing. You may wish to develop projects with the children using your interests in music, sports, or drama, take a more observational role, or lend the children support by providing friendship and assistance. Volunteers work alongside local teachers to develop resources and classroom activities to make the lessons more interesting. We aim for volunteers to contribute to the resources at the kindergarten during their placement, building up a bank of information that the teachers can use in their lessons.
See All 25 ProgramsFundación Aldeas De Paz - Peace Villages Foundation
10
26
Aldeas de Paz - Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives - Welcome to Aldeas de Paz's Community Attention Center (CAC) in Samana, where we uplift underprivileged communities through dedicated support. Our local team of teachers, therapists, social workers, and a pedagogue fosters community care for youth, combining recreation, therapy, and education. Education and inclusion are paramount. Committed volunteers play a crucial role in providing one-on-one attention, tutoring, and participating in our Football for Peace project. Together with our local team, we care for beneficiaries at the center and during home visits. Many Dominican children struggle due to poor study habits or lack of personalized support. Our warm learning environment fosters success through encouragement and praise. Join us at Aldeas de Paz to be part of a transformative journey, empowering individuals, and enriching lives. Holidays - Summer Holidays are from June 17 until June 28 and July 29 until August 18 as well as Christmas Holidays from December 16 until January 06, 2025. During holidays there might be some activities going on but there are no children attending!
Volunteer World
8.69
16
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 11 ProgramsPacific Discovery
9.55
31
Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!
American India Foundation
9.67
6
The Banyan Impact Fellowship (formerly AIF William J. Clinton Fellowship) is a fully funded 10-months program in India. By facilitating exchange and collaboration between young professionals from India and the U.S., the program aims to shape the next generation of leaders committed to positive and sustainable change and creating a lasting US-India relationship. Fellows serve with civil society organizations in various thematic areas including environment protection, climate justice, public health, education, livelihoods, arts, culture, and more. Fellows receive a stipend, health insurance, language training, mentoring, professional development, international networking and career opportunities. Fellows benefit from in person conferences, and they engage in workshops, reflection exercises, and skill building activities. Apply by February 20, 2024.
Involvement Volunteers International
9.67
3
Volunteer in this orphanage project at a local children's home. Your main responsibility is to help care for kids (under supervision), from newborns to young adults up to 20 years old, with some awaiting adoption. Since children need to experience consistency, permanent staff members care directly for them (e.g. bathing and changing diapers). Thus, your role involves helping with chores (like cooking and doing the laundry), playing games with toddlers, and assisting older kids with homework. You can also support any activities in line with your field of specialty if you possess special skills or a professional qualification (e.g. as a teacher, special education, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist). Please state these in your application so our staff will know which areas you can contribute (when needed). Established over 13 years ago, the orphanage is a home with a strong local presence and reputation for serving the community and providing love, care, and support to orphaned children of all ages.
See All 3 ProgramsConnect-123 Internship Programs
9.5
4
Make a difference while experiencing one of the most breathtaking cities in the world! Connect-123’s volunteer program in Cape Town matches you with projects that align with your unique skills, passions, and goals—allowing you to give back while gaining valuable experience. Our network includes NGOs, schools, clinics, community programs, and animal refuges, offering opportunities in healthcare, education, youth mentoring, conservation, social services, and more. Whether you’re supporting underprivileged youth, helping at a public hospital, or protecting local wildlife, you’ll play a meaningful role in projects that truly matter. Outside of your volunteer placement, Cape Town offers endless adventures—from hiking Table Mountain and exploring vineyards to discovering local markets and vibrant cultural events. Our on-the-ground team is here year-round to guide and support you every step of the way, from customizing your placement to helping you settle in and make the most of your time in South Africa. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing volunteer experience in Cape Town begins on your schedule.
See All 3 ProgramsA Guide to Orphanage Volunteering Abroad
Best Locations
Opportunities for volunteering abroad in orphanages are most frequently found where there is a high birth rate, high levels of disease, and a high number of families living below the poverty line. Orphanage volunteering abroad is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and Latin America as well as Eastern Europe.
In Asia, volunteers can easily find placements working with orphans in China, Thailand, India, and Nepal. Almost all orphanages in Nepal are located in Kathmandu and Pokhara, while the ever-increasing populations of China and India lead to a larger distribution of orphanages throughout these countries.
Volunteering at orphanages in Latin America provide volunteers with the chance to not only spend time working with children but also expand their Spanish language skills. Mexico, Costa Rica, and Peru are specifically popular countries for Latin American orphanage volunteer work. Although orphanage placements are offered across Mexico, placements are focused in the cities of San Jose in Costa Rica and Cusco in Peru.
The extreme level of poverty, periodic times of civil strife, and overwhelming number of deaths from HIV/AIDS in Africa has led to an almost incomparable population of orphans in Africa. The majority of African nations provide opportunities to volunteer with orphans, from Uganda and South Africa to Ghana and Kenya.
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