Volunteer Abroad Programs

Here’s the deal—you probably can’t volunteer abroad for free. Although this immediately sounds counterintuitive, there’s actually a great reason for it, and that reason is: resources. Accommodating you during your time abroad, coordinating projects for you to work on, and buying materials for the programs you'll contribute to all takes resources! By paying for your volunteer program, you'll help contribute to the the continued efforts of the projects and organization!

Organizations that are working in areas of great need are typically strapped for funds. It’s expensive for organizations to help you find a placement, secure housing, provide support, and coordinate logistics on the ground. If a program were free, that would mean all of that money required to host volunteers would be funneled out of the local economy and away from the issues you’re there to help solve.

On that note, however, you should be wary of volunteer organizations that are primarily businesses. Before choosing a program, you’ll want to do your due diligence and ensure you’re not indirectly perpetuating harmful voluntourism practices. This can start with reading reviews about the program, and you can also look out for our GoAbroad Verified green check mark to be your signal of a vetted program.

You may know why it costs money to volunteer abroad, but that doesn’t mean you can necessarily afford it. We hear you! Believe it or not, there are scholarships for volunteering abroad. You can also try to secure funding for your trip through a Facebook Fundraiser, or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel.

The requirements to volunteer will depend on the program or organization you’re interested in volunteering through. In general though, you’ll need to fill out an application or interest form online, have an interview with a coordinator, and have a valid passport. Additionally, you’ll need to apply and pay for your visa, and purchase your flights. Your program will provide pre-departure support to assist you with the logistics and final requirements before departure too.

There are many benefits of volunteering abroad! Of course, there are the usual benefits that are involved with traveling abroad, like broadened horizons and a better understanding of the world at large. However, the primary benefit of volunteering abroad isn’t for you, but for your host community. When volunteering abroad is done right and sustainably, the work you do during your placement will have a lasting impact on your host destination.

With so many volunteer opportunities around the world, how do you choose the best one for you? First, you’ll want to narrow down your goals and plan accordingly. Which issues abroad are the most important to you? How much time can you commit to volunteering abroad? (Hint: The longer the better!)

However, the best volunteer abroad programs also come down to their impact. The best organizations are run sustainably—which means they aren’t perpetuating local issues in order to make money. That would in fact be the antithesis of meaningful travel. Do research on your top program choices to make sure they’re adhering to ethical policies, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their practices. Then you’ll know you haven’t only chosen the best volunteer program for you, but one of the best volunteer programs for the world. Here's a step by step process to help you choose the best volunteer program for you!