Economic Development Volunteer Programs Abroad

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 155,000 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.

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!

Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) provides a wide range of program choices for people wanting to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines through our local community partners and our very own community centers. VFV endeavors to improve the quality of life of the community by providing responsive, efficient, and high-quality community service through our programs and projects that promote self-efficiency, well-being, and prosperity of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Visayas Region. VFV has initiated programs to address issues in social welfare, education, public health, and community development in rural areas surrounding Tacloban City. The design of our programs allows prospective participants of varied skills and professions to get involved with various projects. We require that all volunteers are flexible, self-motivated, open-minded, sensitive to other cultures, and desire to challenge themselves in an unfamiliar environment!

A Mexico volunteer opportunity in International Business allows candidates to gain hands-on business experience while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Examples of business placements in Mexico include accounting, social and economic business development, and graphic design, among others. Many volunteer programs in Oaxaca also focus on educating the public about critical social issues in Mexico, such as animal rights and welfare, ecological responsibility, health, disability rights, human rights, education, children, and sustainable farming. Each program placement is individually tailored based on your experience, qualifications in your chosen sector, and Spanish-speaking skills. Participating in this program will significantly enhance your resume, provide real-world business experience, and give you the opportunity to become fluent in Spanish while contributing to meaningful work.

Volunteer for wildlife in Costa Rica! This program works with three wildlife sanctuaries, in the Alajuela and Puntarenas Provinces. Many animals in the sanctuaries have been rescued from wildlife traffickers or found injured. These are nursed back to health and re-released into their natural habitat when rehabilitated. Sloths, tapirs, spider monkeys, green macaws, scarlet macaws, and different types of felines are just some of the animals rehabilitated and bred here. Volunteers play an important role in the conservation of Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and take on responsibilities that are vital to the success of the wildlife rescue center. Requirements are: - Minimum age of 18 - Minimum 3 weeks stay: 1 week orientation/Spanish course + 2 weeks at wildlife project - Minimum of basic conversational Spanish - Able to cope with remote and basic conditions - Full travel and medical insurance - Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Join our Sustainable Economic and Community Development volunteering in Ecuador. Work with local families striving to preserve their environment, culture, and values while creating a sustainable livelihood. You will take part in an NGO-supported forestry project that incorporates ecotourism, jam making, dairy processing, and organic gardening. This initiative is also supported by scientific research focused on preserving cultural specialism, fauna, and flora in the area. It is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the community and economic development. To join this program, you must: - Confident Spanish speaker (level B2 Independent User of CEFR) - Flexible and creative - Patient and understanding - Possess a can-do attitude Volunteers interested in organic gardening, horticulture, early childhood education or community development will enjoy this placement.

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.

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.

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. In the stunning Kruger region, you have the chance to take action on some of the world's most pertinent issues through immersive Community projects, and impactful Environmental work. Through our life-changing Adventure Leadership Trek you will develop skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? The Greater Kruger area is located between Mozambique, Eswatini, and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart, not to mention boasting year-round sunshine. It is a wildlife haven with natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. You'll most likely spot plenty of wildlife while you're on our environmental project and trek. You'll be with experienced guides if you're in areas with any of the big 5. Whether you are taking a gap year or want to do something meaningful in your summer, join young volunteers from across the world and a community of thousands of Raleigh Alumni.

International human rights include the right to work, to an adequate standard of living, to participate in cultural and political life, to education, and to freedom of religion. Even though Tanzania has ratified some human rights conventions, they are far from complying with them all in practice. A human rights center in Arusha run by a small, private NGO aims to provide legal aid and counseling services to poor and disadvantaged women and children in both rural and urban areas. It operates by conducting seminars, workshops, camps, and conferences as well as organizes legal aid, socio-economic support, and human rights education at the center and in the media. The Center strives to help as many people as possible but focuses primarily on women. Depending on your experience, education, and interests, you will be involved in various activities. The longer you stay, the more interesting your tasks will be. This program is open to both volunteers and interns. We welcome participants with a background or experience in law and human rights.

Calling all passionate writers who have a particular knack for persuasive and clear spoken language. Working comfortably from your home, you will be involved in various tasks that support the work of Developing Radio Partners, a nonprofit whose projects have a focus on media and enhance the reporting of important social & public health issues. As an intern your roles will include: - Fundraising research - Writing of grant applications and proposals - Creation of funding applications - Impact reporting The Remote Grant Writing Internship is a great position for someone looking to expand their writing skills, can work independently, has skills in research, and an interest in the nonprofit sector. Even though this internship takes place remotely and your work is adapted to an online environment, it has the potential to be greatly beneficial for your career.

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.

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!

This program brings a tangible impact on the lives of local youth in the town of Causeni by inspiring and challenging them positively. All initiatives are designed to create awareness and to encourage and empower them to continue making a positive change in their community for years to come. Volunteers support the local community by working closely with a local youth group. The role involves organizing and facilitating events, seminars, and workshops on cultural diversity, human rights, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, and active community involvement. They may also help raise funds for activities. Involvement in community projects can start with a new idea, and there is a lot of flexibility and scope for volunteers to put forward their ideas and work with the local team to make them a reality. Some past events have included cultural evenings, action groups, a children’s fair, youth talent festivals, sports events, and fun runs.

Empower, educate, and uplift — join our Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in India and be part of a powerful movement helping women gain confidence, skills, and independence. Through this meaningful volunteer experience with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll work closely with women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds to promote gender equality, education, and self-sufficiency. India is a country of incredible diversity and deep traditions, but many women, especially in rural and low-income urban areas, still face barriers to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. As a women empowerment volunteer in India, you’ll play an important role in helping local women build brighter, independent futures for themselves and their families. By volunteering with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll join initiatives that address these inequalities directly — helping local NGOs and women’s groups create safe spaces where women can learn, grow, and lead. These programs focus on practical skills training, language development, income-generation workshops, and confidence-building activities that empower women to become change-makers in their own communities.

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.

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Pura Vida Service (Middle School) – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

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.

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.

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.