Make the most of your winter break by volunteering abroad! Not only will you be making a positive difference in people’s lives, but you’ll also be discovering more of the world, making new connections, and gaining real-world experience that you’ll be able to highlight on your resume and college or work applications.
There are many types of opportunities available to those looking to make the most of their winter break, from animal welfare and conservation programs to educational and community development programs. You’ll also be able to choose from a wide variety of destinations—how does sitting at a beach in Costa Rica or photographing wild animals in an African national park during your free time sound?
Volunteer over winter break for one, two, or more weeks and create lifelong memories! By taking advantage of your free time and giving back, you’ll spread a bit more joy this holiday season and beyond.
Should I volunteer over winter break?
Whether you work with kids, communities, conservation efforts, or anything in between, you’ll make a difference when you volunteer over winter break.
Volunteer over winter break to take the path less traveled. Your friends may be focused on sleeping in and binge-watching their favorite shows, but there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored!
There are a wide variety of winter break volunteer abroad programs in bucket-list-worthy destinations across the globe for you to choose from based on your interests, skills, budget, and time available. You’ll return from your experience rejuvenated, fulfilled, and inspired.
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12 Ways to Volunteer During Winter Break
Volunteering over winter break is the perfect way to see the world, make an impact—and maybe go somewhere warm!
When searching for winter break volunteer programs, consider what you’d like to learn more about, get hands-on experience in, and practice in real life. While your time abroad may be limited, you can learn a lot in a short period of time when fully immersed in a volunteer program abroad. You’ll also be discovering a new culture, language, and people, regardless of your winter break volunteer program destination.
1. Volunteer for Animal Welfare with GoEco
Why? Volunteer over winter break with a top animal welfare program! With GoEco, you’ll know that the projects you’re involved with are sustainable, ethical, and have a lasting positive impact. You could be volunteering at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves, and animal shelters. There are a variety of program types, some of which come with academic credit. If you’re an animal and/or nature lover, this is a great choice for you!
Where? Multiple countries
What? Animal sciences, zoology and wildlife sciences, marine science, ecology, environmental studies, parks and recreation
2. Explore Meaningful Travel and Learning Opportunities with Maximo Nivel
Why? With local field managers and staff, Maximo Nivel is a well-connected organization offering authentic cultural experiences. If one of your objectives in traveling and volunteering abroad is to see the world from a new perspective, this is a great option with a variety of fields to choose from! Plus, you may be able to add a scuba certification or surf lessons to your volunteer itinerary.
Where? Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru
What? Ecotourism, education, health care, community development, childcare and children
3. Help Empower Women in India with Volunteering Journeys
Why? Are you passionate about women’s rights and making sure women and girls have access to resources and opportunities? If you’d like to learn more about initiatives to empower women and aid women’s empowerment programs in India, check out this opportunity from Volunteering Journeys. Experience daily life in Kolkata and Kerala while interacting with disadvantaged local girls and women, helping to build their skills and confidence and further their education.
Where? India
What? Gender issues, community development, youth development, teaching, human rights
Read Volunteering Journeys reviews
4. Help and Protect the Wildlife in Zimbabwe with Kaya Responsible Travel
Why? Many travelers to Africa are enamored with the wildlife and take home thousands of photos from their safari adventures. However, you can take home much more after participating in a Kaya Responsible Travel program. You’ll return with a better understanding of conservation issues in Africa, hands-on experience in wildlife research, and a knowledge that you helped protect majestic animals and their habitat. This program is sure to inspire you for a lifetime!
Where? Zimbabwe
What? Animal welfare, conservation, veterinary science, wildlife
Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
5. Learn and Discover Cambodia with Projects Abroad
Why? A first visit to Southeast Asia is unforgettable! With its ancient temples, charming cities, delicious cuisine, and great weather during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months, Cambodia is a must-see destination. A Projects Abroad volunteer program lets you stay with other international volunteers so you can make strong connections and expand your global network. Your volunteer work will be highly structured and weekend excursions are included, making this a great fit for those who value organization and pre-scheduled activities!
Where? Cambodia
What? Linguistics, medicine, social work, physical therapy
6. Homestay Volunteering in Peru with United Planet
Why? Volunteer during winter break in tropical Peru with United Planet! During this type of volunteer program, you’ll live with a local host family, who will welcome you into their home and introduce you to Peruvian customs and culture. You’ll also learn more about economic and political issues facing your host community, which will directly relate to your volunteer project(s). Try cuy (guinea pig), explore Cusco, and visit local markets and museums in your free time!
Where? Peru
What? Community centers, community development, English teaching, health education
7. Join Disaster Relief Programs with All Hands and Hearts
Why? Even if you’ve never been impacted by disaster, you’ve probably seen the devastation that affects individuals and communities on TV or social media. This devastation has a long-lasting impact, and volunteers are needed to assist with relief efforts around the world. All Hands and Hearts provides training, tools, and three meals per day during your time with them, and the only things you need to bring are a willingness to learn and compassion.
Where? Mexico, Philippines, Ukraine, Brazil, U.S. (Florida and Hawaii)
What? Building and construction projects, community development, disaster relief
Read All Hands and Hearts reviews
8. Volunteer for Wildlife Photography with Volunteer Encounter
Why? Make a difference and add to your portfolio with this volunteer opportunity over winter break. You’ll aid conservation efforts in Zambezi National Park through observation, research, and documentation. The best part? Photographs you take may be used for marketing and educational purposes, furthering the reach of the project while providing you with amazing content to use both personally and professionally.
Where? Zimbabwe
What? Media, photography, conservation
Read Volunteer Encounter reviews
9. Pre-Med Internships for Global Health with IMA
Why? If you’re a medical student or interested in the healthcare field, an international internship with IMA is one of the best volunteer opportunities over winter break. You’ll gain real-world experience under the guidance of experienced medical professionals and learn more about healthcare systems around the world. With 24/7 support, IMA delivers high-quality, meaningful internships.
Where? Kenya, Peru
What? Health sciences, biology, medicine, health administration
Read International Medical Aid (IMA) reviews
10. Leave a Positive Footprint in Uganda with The Real Uganda
Why? With The Real Uganda, you’ll get just that—a taste of the real Uganda. This authentic volunteer experience includes working directly with Ugandans in rural communities, learning about their diet, and ensuring community food security. In your free time, you can participate in adventures like zip lining through the rainforest, tracking primates, and white water rafting on the Nile. Experience Ugandan culture while leaving a positive footprint!
Where? Uganda
What? Agriculture, conservation, organic farming, tree planting
11. Support Local Communities with Volunteer for the Visayans
Why? This homestay volunteer program will have you connecting with locals, supporting grassroots initiatives, and using your skills to make a lasting impact. The Philippines is known for its beautiful islands and crystal clear waters—what better way to spend your winter break? You’re also sure to make lasting friendships with Filipinos and fellow volunteers.
Where? Philippines
What? Creative writing, social work, media, sustainable development, food science and nutrition
Read Volunteer for the Visayans reviews
12. Volunteer and Conserve in Costa Rica with World Endeavors
Why? From teaching and orphanage assistance to ecotourism and conservation, there are many types of volunteer experiences available with World Endeavors in Costa Rica! Costa Rica is home to white sand beaches, volcanoes, and biologically diverse forests. You can teach, volunteer with elders, dedicate yourself to community development projects, and more while being surrounded by refreshing natural beauty. Engage with your host community, participate in tico life, and discover the meaning of pura vida.
Where? Costa Rica
What? Childcare and children, community development, senior citizens, youth, teaching
Explore ALL 1-2 Week Volunteer Abroad Programs
Make the most of your winter break!
Traveling internationally, especially when volunteering, is a life-changing experience and a great way to spend your winter break. You’ll be leaving a positive mark on the community you volunteer in while experiencing personal and professional growth. Maybe you’ll pick up a bit of the language, make a lasting friendship, or decide to return later in your life—the endless possibilities! Volunteer over winter break and close the year (or start a new one) with an invigorating yet restorative experience.
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