GoAbroad

Volunteer Abroad for 7-12 Months

You know you have always wanted to do something good for the world... but what? If you have a passion for helping others and a passion for travel, then here’s your answer: volunteer abroad! There are many programs that allow you to volunteer abroad for 7-12 months. These programs are perfect for those who want to abandon their regular routine to seriously commit to volunteering. Committing to 7-12 months volunteer programs abroad is about more than just traveling; it allows you to forge deeper connections with the community you are helping, and can be a truly transformative experience.
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Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

524 7-12 Month Volunteer Abroad Programs

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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4

IVHQ Volunteer Programs in Guatemala

Explore the heart of Central America while giving back through International Volunteer HQ’s trusted Guatemala volunteer program. Based in the colorful city of Antigua and its surrounding rural and coastal areas, this program offers a meaningful way to connect with local communities and contribute to impactful initiatives. With 12 volunteer projects available year-round including Teaching, Medical Assistance, Childcare, and Construction, we cater to a wide range of interests and skill sets. Whether you’re on a gap year, a career break, or looking for a purpose-driven trip, this is an opportunity to make a difference while immersing yourself in Guatemala’s rich culture and landscapes. Your fully hosted experience includes everything you need to feel supported: airport pick-up, an in-depth orientation, accommodation in a homestay or shared volunteer house, two daily meals, and 24/7 local support. You’ll also receive pre-departure guidance from a dedicated IVHQ Program Manager, plus access to training tools that help you feel prepared before you go.

See All 5 Programs

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.51

503

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica 2026
Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

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 16 Programs

Adelante Abroad

9.5

6

Internships in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Explore Internships and Volunteer Programs in Mexico with Adelante Abroad Mexico is a country renowned for its ancient ruins, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. With Adelante Abroad, you’ll gain practical experience in your chosen field while fully immersing yourself in Mexican life and culture. Our internship programs in Oaxaca focus on giving back to the community while developing your professional skills. Choose placements in sectors such as Arts, Social Work, Psychology, English Teaching, Culinary, Education, and more. Programs run from 2 to 6 months, and new placements begin the first week of every month, making our volunteer opportunities in Oaxaca flexible and accessible year-round. Housing options vary by location. Interns can live with local families or other international participants, both of which provide excellent opportunities to improve their Spanish skills while experiencing life like a local. Adelante Abroad tailors each placement to your experience, skills, and program availability. Contact us to confirm your internship or volunteer program in Mexico and explore additional opportunities designed to boost your resume and cultural understanding.

See All 2 Programs

African Impact

9.42

38

Internships and Volunteer Programs in Africa

Volunteering in Africa takes you one step further than the average tourist into the true character of this unique continent. To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It’s not only about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring, but also about what this magnificent continent, its warm people, and fantastic wildlife can give volunteers in return. African Impact is a multi-award-winning volunteer travel organization that runs and manages meaningful and responsible volunteer experiences and internship programs throughout Africa. Founded in 2004 in Zimbabwe, African Impact has grown into a leader in African volunteer tourism, having facilitated over 12,000 volunteers and interns in countries across the African continent. Our internship division is of great importance to us. We firmly believe that ethical internships can play a significant role in helping us achieve our mission of providing exceptional experiences that contribute to worthy causes in a meaningful way. With the nurturing of close partnerships across the continent, we have access to over 120 internship placements—all individually managed to match the applicant.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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77

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

See All 18 Programs

The Intern Group

9.42

62

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in England 2026
Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

Step into London, one of the world’s leading business, finance, and cultural capitals, with an international internship designed to accelerate your career. This program blends hands-on professional experience, global networking, and cultural immersion, equipping students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals with the skills and connections to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Internships are available across sectors including business, marketing, finance, PR, technology, entrepreneurship, and NGOs, with placements tailored to your career goals. Through partnerships with 3,000+ leading companies, start-ups, and NGOs, you’ll gain meaningful experience that strengthens your résumé and prepares you for future opportunities. Alongside your internship, you’ll benefit from mentorship, professional development workshops, and networking events. Please note: If you solely hold a UK passport and have lived only in England & Wales for the past five years, you must join a program outside the UK. Whether you’re exploring your path, taking a gap year, or advancing your career, our London program offers an unmatched blend of growth and global experience.

Instituto Hemingway

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6

English Teaching Volunteer Program in Spain

Want to help others improve their English while you improve your Spanish? Join our exciting volunteer program in Spain! Most Spanish students start learning English at about ten years old, so your role mainly involves teaching conversational English. You'll receive assistance and guidance from the local teachers, especially with lesson preparation and content. Whilst there are typically five to fifteen students in a class, you usually have some say in the age group you teach but should maintain a flexible outlook. The students will learn so much from native speakers, including improved English language skills, which help to advance their lives and job opportunities. On the other hand, you'll find that teaching English is an extremely important and rewarding role. Together with other volunteers, you'll provide a valid and effective means of learning through: • Designing games to teach English, especially for younger children • Networking with local residents and local project staff Whilst not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial.

International Medical Aid (IMA)

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165

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

See All 4 Programs

AMANI HOSTEL

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Medical Healthcare Program in Arusha, Tanzania

Most clinics and hospitals only accept certified professionals in the medical/healthcare sector, or interns. If you are looking for valuable hands-on medical experience, there are possibilities in the hospitals in Arusha. You will also be able to work at rural health posts and community clinics. Participants spend the majority of their internship/work period working as an assistant to a doctor/healthcare professional. Work responsibilities vary with your education, skills, and previous experience. Interns must have health care certification, such as an ID as a medical student, EMT or paramedic certification, or nursing or physician's credentials. Medical interns without credentials are not allowed to work in this programme because of the potential liability risk. Job responsibilities of interns vary with education, skills, experience and qualifications. Interns measure blood pressure, temperature, height, weight, as well as assist doctors. Interns may also help in health camps, distribute medication, advise patients about health, nutrition and sanitation as well as counsel patients and possibly participate in the treatment of minor injuries and wounds or maintain journals.

See All 13 Programs

Roots Interns

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1

Reforestation and Biodiversity Internship in Portugal

If you have a passion for biodiversity and environmental protection, we have the perfect opportunity waiting for you. Over the course of this reforestation and biodiversity internship, you’ll become a green-fingered wizard, building up a repertoire of skills in the field. The main goal of this exciting project is to reforest an area of land spanning 27 hectares. You’ll be in charge of looking after the forest and monitoring the species of trees, plants, and animals found there. The data you collect will form part of the monthly reports and will help to shape the content for the organization’s communications and TV show. You’ll be part of a passionate, driven team of nature enthusiasts, finding ways to create a beautiful, thriving natural environment rich in biodiversity.

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LET´S GO VOLUNTEER

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3

Let's Go Volunteer - Children's Program in Colombia

We need your help! Join Let’s Go Volunteer in the beautiful community of Ibagué, Colombia. We are a small organization, with almost everyone on our staff a volunteer. We count on these passionate individuals to continue supporting the less fortunate, as we can't afford to hire and pay many staff members. Despite few resources, we are already making a positive difference and we strive to continue doing so. Our Children's Program was created to provide educational, nutritional, and emotional support and leadership skills to young children from marginalized neighborhoods in Ibagué, Colombia. Most—if not all—come from homes with only one woman as a provider and do not have the time or resources to care for them adequately. Thus, we address this pressing issue by helping care for more than 80 local children at our two centers, impacting their lives significantly. Our Children's Program aims to find support from kind-hearted people worldwide who want to join this noble cause. Volunteers primarily listen to, care for, play with, and give love to underprivileged kids.

Mente Argentina

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5

Mente Argentina: Latin American NGO Management Position

Volunteer or intern with an NGO that strives to end poverty and gain insight into all aspects of management and structure. Be a part of an organization that supports undeserved neighborhoods with emergency housing and other basic services. Mente Argentina creates placements based on expertise and passions. Get a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes to run a successful multi-national NGO that provides impoverished communities with vital support services. Potential assignments include administrative assistance, event coordination, online and media marketing, volunteer organization and training, and fundraising and development. Participants will see their Spanish skills improve through day-to-day communication and interaction. If volunteers and interns are interested in gaining additional language experience as well as learning vocabulary that will be of use during their placement, Mente Argentina offers a short-term Spanish course at the start of the program.

See All 2 Programs

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

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Cuba & Costa Rica – 8 Weeks Travel Adventure

This program offers a full 8-week "All In" experience combining adventure and cultural exchange in Costa Rica and Cuba. Spend one month in each country embracing the lifestyle, enjoying the best activities, and making a positive impact by supporting local communities. Start in Costa Rica with Spanish classes, surfing, and yoga in the beach town of Santa Teresa, as well as an overland cloud forest exploration in Monteverde. Then, travel to Cuba to continue improving your language skills, enjoy some salsa dancing, participate in volunteer projects, and travel around the country to learn all about its history and culture. This is an ideal program for those seeking a blend of education, cultural immersion, and unique activities in two of Latin America's most vibrant countries. Plus, you get the chance to stay in a “jungle surf camp,” nestled in a paradise setting surrounded by wildlife. Imagine spotting a howler monkey hanging on a tree branch!

See All 3 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.

IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

9.51

49

Eco-Volunteering Research | IPBio

The Eco-Volunteer Program encompasses a range of activities conducted in a group. The majority of these tasks are field activities, making this an ideal program for volunteers who like to stay outside and who enjoy physical activities such as the following. Tree Inventory: Study the biodiversity in different areas of the reserve to assess forest well-being and understand the distribution of fruit tree species for releasing rescued native birds. Garden Days: Help out in gardening, construction, or maintenance of the reserve's grounds. This is hard but rewarding work! Mushroom Inventory: We search for new species of mushrooms to identify, photograph, and collect their spore prints, which are like a mushroom's fingerprint. In addition, we conduct searches at night to find bioluminescent mushrooms lighting up the floor in an Avatar-like fashion. Mammal Monitoring via Camera Traps: We have cameras filming 24/7 in the forest, but all the data needs sorting. Volunteers are tasked with watching the footage, organizing the photos of mammals, and identifying the species. Fish Inventory: Understand the biodiversity of species in our rivers.

See All 5 Programs

Fundación Aldeas De Paz - Peace Villages Foundation

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Medicine and Healthcare Program

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.

See All 9 Programs

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine

9.97

32

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Palestine 2026
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees

The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees program is a valuable and immersive opportunity for those who wish to work alongside and learn from Palestinian refugees living in different conditions. By engaging with the community, participants will gain unique insights into the daily lives of refugees and the challenges they face due to the ongoing occupation. Throughout the program, participants may organize and participate in various social, educational, and community activities designed to empower refugees and provide opportunities to learn new skills, connect with others, and express their creativity. Additionally, the program aims to promote education as a powerful tool for advocacy and change, encouraging refugees to fight for their rights and futures. The program focuses on engaging youth, children, and women living in refugee camps in Hebron. Despite the difficult conditions in these camps, participants will discover that the refugees are resilient and determined to improve their lives through education and community engagement.

Volunteer World

8.69

16

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

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 38 Programs

Connect-123 Internship Programs

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149

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

See All 3 Programs

Terra Sylvestris

9.4

15

Kalamos and Kastos Sustainable Development Program

Are you interested in collaborating with a local community, focusing on the development of a permaculture initiative as well as protection of biodiversity in an off-the-beaten location known for its global importance? In that case, sign up for a Sustainable Development Program - a field volunteer program that aims to help educate and inspire people from around the world about sustainability and nature conservation. It is based in the Kalamos Island biological field station, and you will work according to a pre-agreed plan. Throughout the program, you will immerse in one of the few grassroots biodiversity conservation projects in Greece, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. You will gain hands-on experience in monitoring wildlife and plant populations as well as in the field of permaculture and sustainability in a Mediterranean but also international context.You will also get to see how it is like to be part of an organization working towards achieving a variety of sustainability goals and be part of a multicultural environment and at the same time be a member of the local community of our islands.

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad for 7-12 Months

Why volunteer for 7-12 months?

Any time spent volunteering is a worthwhile experience, but the advantage of long term volunteering is that you get to connect on a deeper level with the communities you are helping. Rather than swooping in for a short project, you will become a part of the community’s everyday life. Not only does this allow you to form close relationships, it also allows you to have a local travel experience as you adjust to a brand new daily life. 

If you love the idea of waking up like a local on the other side of the world, and getting up to help your new community, then taking the chance to volunteer abroad for 7-12 months is perfect for you. By the end of your experience, you will build strong relationships (with the community and with your fellow volunteers), discover a new perspective (or even a new purpose!), and maybe even open your eyes to new possible career paths.

Latest Program Reviews

Best place to get to know people from different realities (and some construction techniques too)

February 19, 2026by: Diego Gil - Venezuela

Program: Volunteer with Engineering Without Borders Argentina

10

I volunteered with Engineering Without Borders Argentina (ISF-AR) for a long time, and it was a wonderful experience—one I’d recommend to anyone who wants to meet local people, give something back to communities working to make the world a better place, or learn to build things with their own hands (or all three at once). You’ll find top-notch organization and preparation for day-to-day operations, visit underserved communities beyond the usual tourist destinations, meet so many people from different backgrounds, and take part in different teams depending on your interests. Along the way, you’ll very likely form some great friendships too. Overall, an excellent experience. Kudos to everyone who makes this possible. get to know so many people that come from so many different places

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