Summer Community Development Volunteer Abroad Programs

Join the Childcare program in San José, Costa Rica with International Volunteer HQ and help support children in under-resourced communities while experiencing city and cultural life in this vibrant Central American capital. Volunteers assist at local childcare centres and community projects providing support with early education, playtime supervision, meal assistance, and daily care for children. This placement is ideal for gap year travellers, students, or anyone looking to give back through meaningful volunteer work abroad. Your hosted volunteer experience includes airport pick-up, a comprehensive orientation, shared volunteer house or homestay accommodation depending on placement, two meals per day, and 24/7 local support from the team on the ground. You will receive pre-departure guidance from your IVHQ Program Manager along with access to helpful training tools so you feel prepared to start. Programs begin every Monday. Volunteers join an international community and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Costa Rica’s culture, urban life, and surrounding natural beauty while making a positive impact in children’s lives.

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!

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.

Make a difference in Zambia by stepping into classrooms where every helping hand counts. Based in the vibrant town of Livingstone—near the world-famous Victoria Falls—this volunteer teaching program places you at the heart of rural schools filled with eager students and passionate local teachers. You’ll support learners who benefit immensely from extra time, attention, and encouragement. Teaching here goes beyond the classroom. From guiding a phonics lesson to helping with math clubs or organizing outdoor reading games, your impact will be direct and lasting. Afternoons are filled with community outreach projects, offering a rewarding balance of classroom support and hands-on involvement. No prior teaching experience is needed—just strong English skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in education. This is a chance to support future generations while learning more about yourself along the way.

Join the Barcelona Food Rescue and Community Empowerment program in Spain, where you can make a significant impact in one of Europe's most vibrant cities. This initiative, ideal for volunteers aged 16-80, focuses on uplifting a culturally diverse and underserved migrant neighborhood in Barcelona. You'll be at the forefront of combating food waste and addressing hunger, distributing surplus food to those in need. The program also includes community-building projects, weekly training sessions, and workshops on cross-cultural understanding and volunteer management. Engage in daily community workshops like yoga, meditation, and martial arts, and explore Barcelona's stunning Mediterranean beaches and coastal towns during your weekends. Stay in shared rooms at a cultural center or apartments, fostering a supportive community environment.

Come to Zanzibar and volunteer on this teaching and community development project located on the island. The project works with a number of different schools and community institutions where you will be volunteering and doing a variety of different task. Volunteers will work in a range of different schools including preschools, primary and secondary schools where you will support local teachers in educating and playing with children. You will also have the opportunity to work with adults by teaching life skills at the local tourism institute. Volunteers may also have the chance to get involved with the local beach and marine conservation programme. The activities you undertake will depend on the time of year of your visit, school holidays and the needs of the project, but there is always plenty to do. This project is ideal for volunteers with a keen interest in education and who work well with children. For volunteers who wish to lead lessons, a teaching qualification will be needed, such as a TEFL or TESOL certificate.

Jumpstart your career in Australia. Partnering with leading companies and NGOs, our Melbourne internship program provide students, graduates, and early-career professionals with international work experience, professional skills, and global networking opportunities. Intern in Melbourne, one of the world’s most livable cities, known for its vibrant business scene, innovative industries, and rich cultural life. Gain placements across business, finance, marketing, PR, tech, entrepreneurship, and NGOs, tailored to your career goals. Participants also benefit from professional development tools, mentorship, cultural events, and expert guidance, helping build a standout résumé and advance your career. Whether you’re a student, graduate, or early-career professional, our Melbourne internship program provides the ultimate pathway to international experience, career growth, and global opportunities.

The farms of Isabela Island are working in greenhouses to optimize production year-round in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. The highland town of Tomás de Berlanga is about 10 miles uphill from the coastal part of town, where IOI headquarters, your accommodations, social life, and the beach are located. Nestled on the side of Volcano Sierra Negra, the highlands are fertile, lush lands with rich volcanic soil - perfect for agriculture! Volunteers will learn local techniques for sustainable tropical agriculture and help create food sovereignty, reduce the carbon footprint of island life, reduce waste from shipping materials, lower the cost to local consumers, increase local income, and increase the nutritional content of the food available in Isabela. Requirements for this program: - Some ability to speak and understand Spanish is beneficial - Genuine passion for the outdoors and conservation of nature - Physical ability for hands-on construction work and laborious gardening-type jobs outdoors with potential allergens and sun and temperature exposure - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Basic knowledge of non-motorized tools and their safe usage

Gain practical social work experience during this exciting internship program in Cape Town, South Africa. You'll be part of a community center in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of the city that provides a safe and stimulating space for up to a hundred children every afternoon. Many of these children have experienced different levels of trauma, and as an intern, you'll assist the program in providing stimulating activities and counseling sessions for groups of children when needed. This internship is a great opportunity for getting practical experience in social work while supporting an important social development program. Your tasks will include offering individual or group counseling sessions to children with troubled backgrounds; helping create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children in the aftercare program; and helping cook for and feed the children at the center, among others. Preferably you'll have an academic background or experience in sociology, social work, community development, education, pedagogy, or something similar.

Join Constru Casa and become part of a life-changing mission to build safe and affordable homes for families living in poverty. This volunteer program is based in stunning Guatemala, where vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm communities provide an unforgettable backdrop to your experience. No prior construction experience? No problem! Our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and valued. As a volunteer, you’ll work with local families and professional builders to construct sustainable, durable homes. Your efforts will directly improve the lives of families by giving them access to safe shelter, reducing health risks, and creating opportunities for a better future. Beyond the construction site, you’ll have the chance to connect with the families you’re helping, explore Guatemala’s rich traditions, and make memories that last a lifetime. By joining our program, you’re not just building houses—you’re building hope, stability, and brighter futures. Make a tangible difference in the world and be part of something truly meaningful!

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!

Volunteers taking part in short-term volunteer projects in Germany will be responsible for teaching one-to-one conversational English courses to students at the Center, as well as instructing small groups (anywhere from 2 – 5 students). Students come from a plethora of backgrounds, with ages ranging anywhere from 12 – 70 years old. However, most students will be migrants or the children of migrants, hailing from various Arab countries. Volunteers will not only serve as teachers, but also as cultural diplomats who represent their home country to the community in Halle (Saale). They play an important role in helping with communal activities meant to increase cross-cultural exchanges. In addition to teaching, volunteers will enroll in German language courses (3 hours a week). The advent of additional language courses is meant to further immerse them in local Arabic/German culture, allowing them to better communicate with their students, as well as locals in Halle. The Volunteer to Teach English and Learn German language program spans anywhere from 1 – 12 weeks, with volunteers staying with local host families during their time in Halle (Saale).

Volunteer Projects In Palestine In 2025: The Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine offers short-term volunteer programs for 2025 in Hebron, Palestine. Volunteers will work with Palestinian children, refugees, women, youth, university students, and families, helping them practice conversational English, organize workshops, and teach within the vibrant community. These programs are designed to be immersive, authentic, and comprehensive. In addition to language teaching, the Center offers programs focused on human rights, women's rights, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, the Palestinian legal system, and the political history and current situation of Palestine and Israel. These volunteer and internship opportunities are ideal for students and individuals seeking meaningful experiences in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the wider Middle East. The programs provide a unique chance to engage with local communities, learn about the region’s complex political landscape, and contribute to social causes, especially during the summer months. Whether you seek cultural immersion or to support human rights efforts, these programs offer a deeply enriching experience.

Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm people. Our programs take you off the beaten path for an unforgettable journey through Thailand. This includes: Thailand Adventurer – Travel from the mountains to the beach and Chiang Mai to Bangkok as you go rock climbing, snorkeling, and rafting. Plus, interact with Asian elephants. Thai Elephant Conservation Project – Learn how to be an elephant trainer while doing hands-on tasks at an animal sanctuary. Come with Nothing – Dive into service projects at three remote villages in Northern Thailand, and then spend time with your host families as you learn about local life in this culturally immersive program.

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

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.

Eco Caminhos is a sustainable eco farm that follows the principles of permaculture and works to produce our own food, energy, and building materials. Our international community in Brazil is located in the peaceful and stunning mountains of Nova Friburgo, Rio Janeiro. Here, we learn to co-live, co-work, evolve, and resolve our problems together. This program is meant for those who have a limited amount of time and still want to experience a sustainable and community life, and learn about bioconstruction (natural building), agroforestry (syntrophic farming), and renewable energy through hands on training. Throughout the week volunteers have free time to go sightseeing, relax, and deepen their connection with nature. Volunteers can choose to focus on permaculture or bioconstruction or have a wider experience participating in all the projects we run. It's generally a hands-on experience for three days each week and plenty of organized activities to choose from (such as Portuguese classes, outdoor activities, trekking, and mountain biking) on other days. This program doesn’t require any experience; only the motivation to learn, enjoy, and get your hands dirty.

Our Volunteer programs in India are based in Kerala, Southern India. Despite a fast growing economy owing to the Dot Com revolution in the late 90’s, a large portion of the Indian people are impoverished and in need of basic human necessities. Access to clean water, sanitation facilities and quality health facilities still remain a distant dream for many – All this coupled with issues concerning women’s rights and education offers a great volunteer opportunities for you to truly make a difference in the upliftment of the country and its people. Volunteering Journeys Volunteer Programs in India are based in South India’s tropical gem Kerala, famously known as ‘God’s own Country’. The best part is mingling with an eclectic a mix of locals living in harmony mainly Catholics, Muslims and Hindus, giving you a true flavour of the myriad of culture, religion and life in India. Our most popular program is our women's empowerment and teaching children program. If you are pre-med or medical student you can also join our medical work experience. We encourage you to join us in India as this will truly be an experience of a lifetime.

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.