Counseling Volunteer Programs

Filter Results

Featured Provider of the Month
with GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
140 Counseling Volunteer Programs
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.17
12
Trusted by over 155,000 volunteers worldwide, IVHQ provides life-changing volunteer opportunities in Kenya and over 50 other incredible destinations. Select from a wide range of impactful projects—Teaching, Childcare, Special Needs Care, Sports, and Women’s Education, designed to match your passion
See All 2 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
9.53
547
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 Healthca
See All 3 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
9.5
6
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
See All 2 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.8
40
GoEco offers a wide variety of social work volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide. These programs provide support to children and adults in need, especially those facing one or more layers of disadvantage in society. Our programs aim to support these children and adults, as well as the lo
The Real Uganda
9.81
16
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,
See All 2 ProgramsThe Intern Group
9.42
76
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
International Medical Aid (IMA)
10
11
International Medical Aid (IMA) pioneers impactful mental health internships worldwide for undergraduates, graduates, and licensed mental health professionals. Through these programs, developed at Johns Hopkins University, participants provide vital mental health services in underserved regions of E
Vocational Impact
9.09
11
Are you a Psychology, Mental Health, or Social Work student looking for hands-on experience that will enhance your studies and career prospects? This unique opportunity is ideal for university students, graduates, and master's students seeking field experience, research opportunities, and professio
See All 5 ProgramsJakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure
0
0
Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist
See All 2 ProgramsLove Volunteers
10
2
The mission of this essential program is to care for some of the most impoverished children in the city of Pokhara. The children in this program require a lot of care, attention and most importantly, companionship. Volunteers spend their time caring for the children, helping with their education,
See All 15 ProgramsCamp Europe
8.99
134
Camp Europe offers a volunteering opportunity as a Summer Camp Counselor in Europe. This program is designed to allow university students to travel to Europe, meet like-minded people from different countries, benefit from intense first-class Outdoor Education training, and acquire a few certificatio
Connect-123 Internship Programs
9.82
150
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:
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
9.95
22
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 unde
See All 5 ProgramsKar Geno-Center for Hope, Kenya
9.15
13
Join our volunteer program in Kisumu, Kenya, where you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of women affected by HIV through a transformative tailoring initiative. Volunteers will support women in learning vital skills, from sewing to entrepreneurship, while also helping impro
See All 2 ProgramsChild Family Health International
8.73
11
Become a part of the community in Kabale, a town located in southwestern Uganda, and learn about their groundbreaking, integrated approach to addressing and improving maternal and child health. Due to insufficient government infrastructure and funding, nonprofit organizations have taken the lead in
See All 3 ProgramsWorldStrides
9.75
4
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are coastal sister cities 68 miles northwest of Santiago. A city of seafaring traditions and grand hilltop views, Valparaíso is known as “the Jewel of the Pacific.” It functions as the primary commercial harbor, naval base, and seat of political power for the country and
See All 7 ProgramsCarpe Diem Education
9.92
12
Pulling the best of all our programming, Latitudes is a sequential, growth-oriented experience for students looking to see the landscape before diving deeper. It is an immersive gap year experience combining a group travel semester and an individual volunteer placement. As a Latitudes student, you’l
Euroace
9
2
Are you looking for a chance to volunteer abroad while gaining valuable personal skills? Our Volunteer and Experiential Learning program allows you to get involved with local initiatives assisting underdeveloped communities, contributing to community service work, collaborating with local NGOs, and
UCESCO Africa
10
1
Mental health remains one of the most overlooked needs in Kenya's underserved communities. Poverty, loss, trauma, and addiction affect thousands of people—yet access to professional psychological support is nearly nonexistent. UCESCO Africa's mental health and psychology volunteer program in Nairo
Roots Interns
9.5
8
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 th
See All 8 ProgramsA Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Counseling
Prepare for Volunteering
Understand the benefits
Volunteering abroad can make a significant impact on both the organization you're helping and yourself. Here are some of the ways it can benefit you:
- Cultural immersion. You'll get to live and breathe a new culture, seeing daily life, traditions, and values up close. It’s a great way to expand your view of the world.
- Skill development. This will give you the chance to hone your counseling skills with hands-on experience and real challenges you might not face back home.
- Impactful contribution. Your work will address mental health issues and support those in need, making a lasting difference and offering you a deep sense of fulfillment.
Things to know
Before you pack your bags and embark on your counseling volunteer adventure, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Language skills - Learning the local language will enhance your ability to communicate and connect with the community, allowing you to provide more effective support and form meaningful relationships.
- Cultural sensitivity - Approach different cultures with respect and openness. Understanding local customs, traditions, and social norms will help you avoid misunderstandings and build trust with those you're assisting.
- Health and safety - Stay informed about necessary vaccinations and health precautions, and familiarize yourself with safety guidelines. Have an emergency plan, know the nearest medical facilities, and keep a list of essential contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteering in counseling abroad allows you to support mental health initiatives, gain cross-cultural experience, and make a meaningful impact by helping individuals and communities build emotional resilience.
Look for placements with NGOs, schools, or health centers in countries like Nepal, South Africa, and Costa Rica. Opportunities often come through global health nonprofits, volunteer networks, or university-led outreach programs. More importantly search for various online platforms like GoAbroad.com to get more information.
Counseling volunteers build hands-on experience, develop cultural competence, enhance communication skills, and contribute to improving mental health access in underserved communities around the world.
Volunteer counselors may assist with emotional support, lead group activities, promote mental wellness, support crisis response, and work alongside professionals to create safe spaces for healing and growth.
Most roles require a background in psychology, social work, or education. Some programs accept students in training, while others need experienced counselors. Good listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and a flexible attitude are essential.
Latest Interviews

Arero Sora
Go Volunteer Africa
Many people are inspired to go abroad for different reasons, and these motivations often shape their personal and professional journeys. One of the ma...

Josh Clement
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
We were inspired to go abroad because we wanted to combine travel with something more meaningful. Instead of just visiting a new place, we were lookin...
Popular Searches
Apply for Scholarships & Deals
Submit a single application on MyGoAbroad to get exclusive discounts on travel programs!

Travel Tools
Recent Volunteer Abroad Articles





















