Youth Volunteer Programs


Featured Provider of the Month
507 Youth Volunteer Programs

Kaya Responsible Travel
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Participate in a sports and community volunteering project in Zam...
See All 6 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
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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 8 ProgramsVolunteer for the Visayans
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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.
See All 6 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
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Teaching in another country shows leadership and communication skills that will benefit any resume. By taking on an Education or Teaching English program in Oaxaca, Mexico, participants experience a unique culture and a career building opportunity. Adelante Abroad candidates will have the choice to teach in a public primary school, government office, boys juvenile hall, or to artisans who want help marketing their work. Beginner Spanish speakers welcome! Teaching English in Mexico is one of the only programs where we do not require Spanish speaking experience. Teachers will have supervisors native to Mexico at their work placements as well as an English speaking Adelante Abroad Director living in Oaxaca. Help make a difference by teaching English in Oaxaca, Mexico through Adelante! Placements are tailored individually based on a combination of requirements, experience and qualifications in your chosen sector, and Spanish speaking skills. Participation in this program will massively improve your resume and provide you with the opportunity to improve your Spanish.
African Impact
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Travel to Zambia, where you will provide children and youth with much-needed sports coaching. Put your skills and passion to good use while answering the need for skilled trainers. As a volunteer, you will coach kids of different age groups and help develop essential skills – including communication and teamwork. You will also teach physical education, which includes fitness and healthy habits. Other than these, you will assist local communities in their initiatives – education, gender empowerment, and many more. You won’t just spend your entire stay working; there will be time to enjoy and relax as well. Immerse in rich cultural heritage through tours and local village visits. Or, pump up your adrenaline with outdoor activities like bungee jumping and open-air flying! Get the chance to witness Africa’s majestic wildlife as well by going on safari trips.
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.8
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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.
See All 27 ProgramsThe Intern Group
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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!
Impact Gap Year
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Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Costa Rica, where you will work with local communities in addressing social and economic challenges. You will then travel to South Africa to help lead sports development, followed by a summer of learning and practicing the Spanish language in Spain. Finally, you will volunteer in teaching and community building and development in Thailand and Cambodia while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities you will serve. Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about this program.
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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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 67 ProgramsThe Real Uganda
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The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between these locally requested interventions: Public health and clinical work: Volunteers work in rural clinics providing testing, treatment, counseling services, and prevention education. Nutrition, vegetable gardening, and community sanitation programs are also ongoing. We aim to support rural public health in Uganda. Teaching and childcare: Volunteers work in rural classrooms, choosing what ages and topics to teach. Art and sport are the most popular. Traditional teaching in Uganda is rote learning and memorization. We aim to encourage teamwork, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge in primary schools. Organic farming: Volunteers work alongside women and community members to maintain gardens. Depending on the season, volunteers prepare the soil, plant seeds, spread mulch, weed, harvest, and chase birds and other pests. Learn from Ugandan farmers, and share your ideas as well. We aim to teach efficient land use, organic pest control, and nutrition.
Instituto Hemingway
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The volunteer program at Instituto Hemingway is a unique opportunity to live and work in Spain from the perspective of locals. At the same time, you will build a cultural bridge between Spain and your country of origin while giving back to a community. Beach Cleanup Support this project by setting a good example and encouraging people to get involved in protecting the local environment through simple actions, such as collecting their rubbish after a day on the beach. Work together to keep the waters healthy and nature green! Animal Shelter Contribute in a number of ways to stop the abuse and neglect of animals. At the same time, provide hands-on care to animals in need. The need for adequate care and education among the public in and around the area is huge. Social Entrepreneurship This project offers volunteers hands-on experience as well as the opportunity to help behind the scenes with administrative tasks including social media, fundraising and promotional efforts, sourcing new alliances, and drafting maps. Teaching English to Disadvantaged Children You can contribute to the education of growing children. Make a significant impact in their lives.
Roots Interns
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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.
See All 11 Programshelp2kids
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As a volunteer with help2kids, you can choose from different educational projects in Tanzania! Make a difference in the lives of local children through various ways: * Teach small and big groups of students * Spend one-on-one time with a child * Assist teachers * Supervise children in the class and during break time * Help the cook with the preparation and distribution of porridge and lunch * Teach basic computer skills Connect with children through teaching, playing, and listening. Our dedicated team of local and international staff supports volunteers to help children excel in school and build a path to success. You will stay at our secure and welcoming Volunteer House on the scenic help2kids campus. Here, you’ll live alongside fellow participants and staff members, fostering community and collaboration. We offer dormitory-style accommodation with options for single and double rooms, daily breakfast and lunch, a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living room, and a spacious outdoor area for socializing. We also provide visa administration assistance to ensure a smooth experience. If you need more information about our program, please feel free to contact us.
Mente Argentina
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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 3 ProgramsPenda Photo Tours
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Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, South Africa. As a photographer on this program, you'll learn how to document the work of local nonprofit organizations effectively, and you'll put that knowledge into practice during photographic assignments. You'll be tutored by a professional humanitarian photographer with extensive experience and a deep passion for nonprofit photography. Through personal guidance, you'll be sure to grow both in skill and confidence as a photographer. This workshop is a wonderful way to make an impact through your lens and experience South Africa in a unique way. During your stay in Stellenbosch, your accommodation, transport, and meals will be taken care of. You'll be based in a comfortable lodge in the city center, allowing you to easily explore some of the many highlights Stellenbosch and Cape Town have to offer. To qualify for this NGO photography program, you'll need to have basic camera skills and some photographic experience. The workshop runs several times a year, and you can join us for 2 to 4 weeks.
Volunteering With India
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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
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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 ProgramsProjects Abroad
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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 42 ProgramsLove Volunteers
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This meaningful program was created to hone the English-speaking abilities of some of Phnom Penh's poorest residents. Education is key to breaking this seemingly endless poverty cycle, yet sadly, having access to native-speaking teachers is (more often than not) a luxury only available to children of wealthy parents. In collaboration with our local partner agency and international participants, Love Volunteers aims to change that by giving access to English-speaking teachers and classroom assistants. This project works with schools to reach over 1,000 children ages 6 to 12, hoping they ultimately take the first step toward a life free of poverty. Volunteers share their English knowledge and skills, making a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of some of Cambodia’s poorest youth.
See All 35 ProgramsWorld Endeavors
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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.
See All 11 ProgramsA Guide to Youth Volunteering Abroad
Prepare for Volunteering
Understand the benefits
Youth volunteer work abroad provides significant rewards for both children and personal growth.
- Empower youth through education, play, and mentorship. Help kids build confidence by leading lessons, organizing activities, or being a supportive presence.
- Support underserved communities with hands-on help. Your contribution could reduce class sizes and provide consistent care in overwhelmed youth centers.
- Gain experience in fast-paced environments. Develop problem-solving, creative thinking, and adaptability for any career path.
- Make a meaningful impact in a child’s life. Your efforts can improve a child’s outlook, help them stay in school, and foster a brighter future.
Things to know
Working with youth abroad is incredibly rewarding and uniquely challenging. Be prepared and informed to make the most of your experience.
- Expect high energy and unpredictable days. Be flexible—youth programs are fast-paced and ever-changing.
- Facilities are often under-resourced. You might be doing more with less as some organizations need all-around support.
- Children may need extra patience and attention. Trauma, instability, or lack of structure can affect behavior. Patience and positive reinforcement go a long way.
- Local staff often rely heavily on volunteers to keep programs running. Volunteers help ease workloads and expand program reach.
- Language barriers can be overcome through games, music, and smiles. Even if you don’t speak the local language fluently, kids respond to warmth, creativity, and connection in ways that transcend words.
Popular Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Many countries offer youth volunteer programs abroad, including Costa Rica, Ghana, Nepal, Thailand, and Peru. These programs often focus on community development, education, wildlife conservation, or environmental work. Explore platforms like GoAbroad to find projects that match your interests and goals.
Youth volunteer programs abroad include teaching English, community building, wildlife conservation, environmental clean-ups, healthcare support, and working with children or refugees. Programs vary by region, so you can choose one that aligns with your skills and the impact you want to make.
To qualify for youth volunteer opportunities abroad, you usually need to be at least 16–18 years old, have a good attitude, and be open to cultural exchange. Some programs may ask for specific skills, language basics, or background checks, but many offer training, so passion and commitment matter most.
Volunteer opportunities for youth are available year-round, but peak times are usually during summer and winter breaks. Some programs follow school calendars, while others accept rolling applications. It's best to apply early, especially for projects that require travel prep, visas, or limited slots.
Youth volunteer programs abroad boost community development by supporting education, healthcare, and local skills training. Volunteers often help build infrastructure, raise awareness on important issues, and empower residents. This creates lasting benefits by strengthening local capacity and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
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