Most of our participants are independent travellers and you will become part of a group of people from around the world here. It is fine to travel with friends or as part of a small group too however- more the merrier!

Safety is of paramount importance to us on all of our projects. Before your departure you will be given a full briefing and will be given information on how to stay safe through your personalised portal. We have chosen programmes in areas which do not have safety concerns, but we do monitor the situation and follow advice from the UK/US government. There are excellent staff members on the ground who ensure that our volunteers stay safe.

WHAT IS OYSTER'S POLICY ON ETHICAL/ANIMAL VOLUNTEERING ?

Oyster assesses projects carefully to ensure that they offer high standards of animal welfare and environmental practice. We also check that volunteers understand key points of good practice before working with animals. To find out more, check out our website by clicking the Visit Website button.

HOW DO WE CHOOSE OUR PROJECTS?

The relationship that we have with our projects is of the highest importance to us. With both paid work and volunteering projects, it is important to us that our participants can work hard, contribute well and feel happy in their roles. This is why we have taken the utmost of care in building long lasting and rewarding relationships with our local teams on the ground.

Oyster is a family-owned business that specialises in arranging paid and ethical voluntary work abroad for individuals from around the world. Quality is important to us and we pride ourselves on the excellent support we offer before, during and after the project. We are one of the longest running organisations of our kind and one of the most experienced. All of our UK staff have travelled extensively, taken a gap year or lived abroad!

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Oyster Worldwide

Oyster Worldwide

9.8 (214)Verified38 Programs

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Why choose Oyster Worldwide?

Since 2006, we have remained the premier choice for individuals seeking transformative gap year experiences, career breaks, volunteer opportunities, and adventurous family journeys worldwide. Offering over 70 meticulously curated programs spanning 25 captivating destinations, we are committed to tailoring unforgettable experiences to match your passions and interests. Our extensive experience spanning over a decade ensures that you can trust our expertise in facilitating life-changing journeys. Choose from a diverse selection of over 80 volunteer and paid opportunities, designed to cater to every type of traveler. Benefit from our strong partnerships with host countries, guaranteeing seamless experiences and meaningful interactions. Our dedicated team of passionate travelers provides pe...

Oyster Worldwide Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.8

Total Reviews

214

Leave a Review

Grateful for the Opportunity: Enjoying My Job on a Cattle Farm and Looking Forward to Traveling!

March 16, 2026by: Greg Walsh

Program: Farm Work in Australia

Hi Georgie, I just wanted to say a big thank you for all that you have done to get me over here and have a job. I have been at my job nearly four weeks and I am really enjoying it. Not sure if I told you or not but it is a cattle farm around 4 hours west of Brisbane and I have been doing lots of cattle work and learning lots of new skills. My boss is real nice too which makes it better still. Not really sure how long I will be here. I am thinking until the end of April before starting my travelling and making my way back home eventually to rainy England. Was nice to meet you at the training farm and put a face to a name! Thanks once again, Greg

Unforgettable Experience in Australia: From Sydney to Surf Camp and Sunshine Coast – 10/10 Would Recommend!

February 14, 2026by: Bailey Britt

Program: Paid Work in Sydney, Australia

Having the best time ever. My introductory week in Sydney was amazing met so many nice people, that I will be lifelong friends with. Surf camp was also so much fun oh my goodness. I am now at Sunshine Coast to celebrate Christmas and new years with family friends. I have also just handed in my CVs at the Sunshine Coast cafes so hopefully should hear something soon. But overall 10/10 experience would recommend this to anyone.

Unforgettable Experience at Surf Camp and Coastal Conservation: Friendships, Adventure, and Duke of Edinburgh Gold

February 14, 2026by: Anna Agnarsson

Program: Marine Conservation in Portugal

I had a great time on my trip to other country, made so many friends, and enjoyed everything the program offered. I also completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential section. Highly recommend this experience!

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Media Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Sophie Macc

Participated in 2019

Alumni

Sophie Macc teaches Kindergarten in Oman in the Middle East. She is originally from a town near Manchester in the UK. Growing up she spent every summe...

Sophie Macc

Participated in 2019

Alumni

I have always traveled from a young age with my family. Once I reached university I spent my holiday and most of my student loan, unfortunately, on traveling. I love to experience new cultures and places. I never make a plan, just book flights and go. I find I always come back with a new view of the world.

Show Full Interview

Georgie Collcutt

Interviewed in 2018

Staff

Georgie joined the team in 2016 following six years running Oyster's outback farm programme in rural Australia. She manages the Australian and New Zea...

Georgie Collcutt

Interviewed in 2018

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

What inspired you to work in international education?

Show Full Interview

Anne Smellie

Interviewed in 2018

Staff

Anne is slowly working her way around the world, finding amazing animal welfare and conservation projects that Oyster volunteers can help with. From b...

Anne Smellie

Interviewed in 2018

Staff