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Disaster Relief Volunteer Programs

When tragedy strikes and the news becomes smothered with disastrous images, many people wonder, “how can I help?”, and becoming a volunteer relief worker abroad is the answer. If you decide to volunteer abroad in disaster relief you will likely work long hours in less than perfect conditions, and by the end of the day you may find yourself reevaluating what it means to be exhausted. However, when you close your eyes at night, you’ll see the faces of all the people you helped andl know that you have literally made a difference in the world. Though relief work may be difficult and challenging to say the least, it may just be the most rewarding way to volunteer abroad

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65 Disaster Relief Volunteer Programs

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.297 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Affordable Volunteering in Cusco: Costs from USD320

Trusted by 120,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's most popu...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
102 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Nepal - Construction and Rebuilding

Join us in Nepal to contribute to construction and rebuilding pro...

The Intern Group
9.3645 reviews

The Intern Group

Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

The Intern Group provides you with top internships in London! Par...

Projects Abroad
9.41296 reviews

Projects Abroad

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose....

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All Hands and Hearts
8.5652 reviews

All Hands and Hearts

All Hands and Hearts | Disaster Relief Nonprofit

All Hands and Hearts provides community-inspired, volunteer-power...

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Pacific Discovery
00 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Caribbean Mini Semester | Pacific Discovery

Embark on an unforgettable six-week adventure that delves into th...

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure
00 reviews

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

Costa Rica, Cuba & Guatemala – 12 Weeks Latin American Trip

Join us on a 12-week adventure through Costa Rica, Cuba, and Guat...

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Love Volunteers
9.58201 reviews

Love Volunteers

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

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love V...

GoBeyond Student Travel
9.758 reviews

GoBeyond Student Travel

GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and...

Carpe Diem Education
9.6913 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the...

ISA by WorldStrides
9.54 reviews

ISA by WorldStrides

ISA Service-Learning in Lima, Peru

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pa...

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Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers
96 reviews

Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers

Internships & Volunteer Positions in Cape Town, South Africa

You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore...

Euroace
92 reviews

Euroace

Gap Year Volunteer and Experiential Learning with Euroace

Are you looking for a chance to volunteer abroad while gaining va...

Freepackers
101 reviews

Freepackers

Volunteer in Fiji: Construction Project

Travel to Fiji and volunteer in a construction project, rebuildin...

Eatl Tour Company
00 reviews

Eatl Tour Company

Volunteer in Tanzania

Eatl Tour offers a Volunteer package to all people around the wor...

Latest Program Reviews

Time of my life

by: Candice Alvarez - United StatesProgram: Hurricane Helene Relief: Disaster Relief in North Carolina
10

I was nervous at first to start my first volunteer assignment, but the welcoming people at the North Carolina area made all that go away the first day. The staff and volunteers were very welcoming and very informative.

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Disaster Relief

Why Volunteer Abroad

It’s hard to miss news reports about countries around the world being torn apart by disasters and the subsequent stories of survivors in need of relief and support. Disasters unfortunately hold a constant presence in news broadcasts, online newsfeeds, and newspapers. In some cases it is better to stay at home and make a financial contribution to disaster relief organizations, in an effort to “let the experts” do their job. However, when it is time for volunteer assistance, you will find that your efforts are much more impactful than a simple donation.

Relief workers play a pivotal role in recovery efforts following natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes, forest fires, and hurricanes. Natural disasters threaten public safety, leaving many people displaced and in desperate need of assistance, whether through temporary shelter construction, relief goods, or medical care. As a volunteer relief worker, you will be placed “amidst the ruins” to a certain extent, giving you the opportunity to help rebuild infrastructure, offer psychosocial support to survivors, and work to safeguard communities from future disasters. Without relief volunteers, those affected by disasters would be left to fend for themselves.

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