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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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Featured Provider of the Month

55 Disaster Relief Volunteer Programs

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

10

2

Nepal - Construction and Rebuilding

Join us in Nepal to contribute to construction and rebuilding projects near Kathmandu! Volunteers on this program work on long-term projects that usually take one year to complete, so volunteers are always needed here. In 2017, volunteers built a dog shelter that has housed over 300 stray dogs. In the past four years, three schools and one center for children with disabilities were built by volunteers. Join this program and see which community building and restructuring project you can help out with!

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!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.25

8

Machu Picchu to Meaningful Projects – Volunteer in Cusco

"Looking to give back while exploring one of South America’s most iconic destinations? International Volunteer HQ’s Cusco-based volunteer programs in Peru offer an unforgettable experience where cultural immersion meets community impact. With 13 different volunteer projects to choose from—including Teaching English, Medical Support, Animal Care, Eco-Agriculture, Archaeology, and Amazon Jungle Conservation—there’s something for every interest and skill level. Volunteer placements are centered in the breathtaking Andean city of Cusco, offering access to Peru’s rich cultural heritage and nearby natural wonders. Programs run year-round, with flexible start dates and durations from 1 to 24 weeks. All IVHQ Peru programs include everything you need to feel supported from the moment you land. You’ll receive an airport pick-up, a detailed orientation, accommodation in a shared dorm, volunteer house, or welcoming homestay, plus two daily meals. Around-the-clock local support ensures you’re never on your own. Pre-departure, you’ll get expert guidance from your dedicated Program Manager and access to IVHQ’s comprehensive training resources, helping you prepare with confidence.

All Hands and Hearts

9.5

4

Hurricane Helene Relief: Disaster Relief in North Carolina

Join All Hands and Hearts’ Hurricane Helene Relief Program to make a direct impact on communities devastated by this historic storm. Volunteers will work hands-on, assisting the community and providing much-needed support to families in the hardest-hit areas. As part of our disaster response team, you’ll gain valuable experience while helping communities recover and rebuild stronger. Whether you can commit a day or a week, your time will help restore hope and provide vital assistance to those affected. This is a unique opportunity to contribute, learn, and make a difference—while joining a passionate, global community of volunteers. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something bigger. Please submit this application to register your interest in volunteering with us in North Carolina.

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

0

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Costa Rica All-in-One Program

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 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 5 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.

GoBeyond Student Travel

9.75

8

GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

American India Foundation

9.67

6

Banyan Impact Fellowship for Service in India

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.

WorldStrides

9.5

4

Community Engagement in Lima, Peru

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.

See All 2 Programs

Carpe Diem Education

9.69

13

Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challenge of reconciling urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights, free movement of nomadic peoples, and equal access to resources. This semester, walk among ancient temples, traverse mountainous jungles, and explore the clear blue water of Thailand’s beaches. You’ll explore tradition, globalization, and human rights against the backdrop of two of Asia’s most complex nations. Immerse yourself in community life through homestays and visits to remote villages. Emerge with your self-awareness and perspective forever altered. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 4

Volunteering Journeys

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2

Teaching, Women Empowerment, Medical & Animal Care in Nepal

Our volunteer abroad programs in Nepal are centered in and around Kathmandu, the fabled capital surrounded by mystical peaks, serene monasteries, blessed with a cosmopolitan culture and cuisine. Volunteer programs in Nepal directly help in remedying the socio-economic issues of the country by offering locals helping hands and also income that comes through volunteer bookings. Our key volunteer projects in Nepal are our Monk English Teaching and Women Empowerment Programs. Other programs of interest include Medical and Nursing volunteering (ideal for pre-med or pre-nursing students) and volunteering at a Dog and Animal Care shelter. Family Volunteering in Nepal is also possible for parents and children of any age group.

See All 3 Programs

Euroace

9

2

Gap Year Volunteer and Experiential Learning with Euroace

Are you looking for a chance to volunteer abroad while gaining valuable personal skills? Our Volunteer and Experiential Learning program allows you to get involved with local initiatives assisting underdeveloped communities, contributing to community service work, collaborating with local NGOs, and working with populations at risk of social exclusion, such as youth and elderly communities. It's an experience that will benefit the lives of the less fortunate and develop your skills and personal opportunities! Take your gap year further by combining volunteer work with an immersion experience. Our immersion activities include Spanish language courses to help you improve your level of Spanish in a practical learning environment. What's more, we put on cultural activities so you get a feel for the Spanish culture, enabling you to practice your language skills and experience the Spanish way of life.

Connect-123 Internship Programs

9.67

3

Human Rights Internships

Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges. Our network includes watchdog groups, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobby groups, and think tanks. Depending on your placement, you may help develop educational workshops for immigrants, conduct peer education training, monitor and evaluate community-based initiatives, research political or gender rights issues, or contribute to reports on human trafficking, child labor, and other critical topics. Each internship is tailored to your background and interests, giving you the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

Global Works

9.8

5

Puerto Rico Teen Travel Programs

Away from the tourist traps and development of the cities, you experience an island known for its food, music, salsa dancing, language, and an irresistible Latino culture infused with a laid-back island lifestyle on this teen service program. Puerto Rico is the home of Global Works' first community service trip in 1989 when we helped rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Hugo. In 2017, Hurricane Maria hit and Global Works participants got to work and have been doing hands-on home construction projects. Puerto Rico continues to have some of our most meaningful and fun service projects! Program Options: Puerto Rico: Hurricane Relief - 8-day high school travel program with hands on community service Get ready to practice your Spanish by working alongside locals in reconstruction efforts! Along with meaningful and sustainable service work, you have the opportunity to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico.

World Endeavors

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Volunteer in Indonesia with World Endeavors

World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants to experience Indonesia while meaningfully contributing to the community. Volunteers can choose from various immersive, unique, and rewarding community engagement projects like Relief & Reconstruction, Mangrove Conservation, IT Skills Training for Balinese high school students, or Komodo Dragon Conservation! Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, is home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages. It is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and jungles sheltering elephants, tigers, and Komodo dragons. Bali is an island of pristine beaches, surfing, and diving, lush mountains, never-ending rice terraces and volcanic hillsides, and spiritually infused culture.

Freepackers

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Volunteer in Fiji: Construction Project

Travel to Fiji and volunteer in a construction project, rebuilding what was destroyed in the last cyclone. Work alongside the local community and participate in restoration efforts. This project focuses on renovating schools in the area. Some of the daily activities you could be involved with include landscaping the surrounding area, painting local schools, and renovating classrooms. Building libraries and information centers is also a priority. The goal is to create high-quality buildings and structures that will last so children feel safe and comfortable in their schools. The work days are about 6 hours long, allowing you time to relax and explore the surrounding area. The project location features stunning beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and more. There is plenty to do in your free time, from surfing to shark feeding to nature hikes! Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience another way of life. Make a real positive impact on the community while helping improve the quality of life among Fijians, particularly children.

Volunteer Quest India

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Volunteer in India: Meaningful Travel & Community Impact

India, with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and diverse landscapes, is a country that captivates and inspires. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh and the royal palaces of Jaipur, every corner of India tells a story. However, beyond its beauty lies a reality where millions of people and animals need support, and that’s where volunteers like you can make a real difference. At Volunteer Quest India (VQI), we believe that volunteering is not just about giving—it's about learning, growing, and creating meaningful connections. Our programs are designed to offer structured and impactful opportunities for international volunteers to contribute to youth education, animal welfare, wellness, and conservation. Whether you’re passionate about teaching, working with animals, environmental conservation, or community development, our projects provide a unique chance to immerse yourself in local communities while making a tangible impact. Join us and discover how volunteering in India can transform not only the lives of others—but your own as well.

Pacific Discovery

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Caribbean Mini Semester | Pacific Discovery

Embark on an unforgettable six-week adventure that delves into the Caribbean's vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. This program is designed for young travelers (17-22) seeking a unique blend of cultural immersion, community engagement, and thrilling outdoor experiences. Uncover Santo Domingo's rich past, connect with local communities by contributing to rebuilding communities impacted by natural disasters, and immerse yourself in Dominican culture by experiencing the warmth and hospitality of local families through homestays. Hike through lush trails, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and witness the breathtaking waterfalls cascading through the El Yunque Rainforest. Beyond sightseeing and exploration, this program offers the opportunity to develop valuable life skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. Immerse yourself in local customs and traditions to gain a deeper cultural understanding. Step outside your comfort zone to experience personal growth and develop a sense of independence. Plus, build lifelong friendships with like-minded people from around the world.

Meiji Internships

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South Korea Internship with Meiji Internships

South Korea has a unique culture and history that has already reached far beyond Asia, impacting many parts of the Western world. In just a few decades, the Land of the Morning Calm rose to one of the globe’s richest economies and hosts many world-renowned brands from various industries - a dynamic backdrop from which to get a taste of the working world! From the hustle and bustle of Seoul to seaside Busan, there is something for everyone: ・Travel back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village ・Bibimbap, Kimchi, Patbingsu: Dive into the world of Korean delicacies ・Grasp the enormousness of Seoul at N Seoul Tower ・Go party-hopping in Hongik ・Hike Mudeungsan National Park As your gateway to Asia, Meiji Internships will accompany you throughout your journey. Kick-start your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice. We work with an extended network of 750+ partner companies in 8 countries to help pave the way for your future! You create your journey! Broaden not just your horizon, but also your professional network in the Far East!

See All 10 Programs

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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My london Internship 2025

November 20, 2025by: Salvador Paez - MexicoProgram: Internships & Volunteer Programs in London
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A once in a lifetime experience. I could not stress enough how worth this experience is. I got one of the best learning opportunities possible, made lifelong friends, had such fun weekend adventures and matured as a person.

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