3-6 Months Special Needs Volunteer Abroad Programs

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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!

Medical and healthcare placements in Mexico are some of the most rewarding programs. Volunteer as a medical or healthcare professional in Oaxaca, Mexico, to build your resume for when you return home. Adelante Abroad can place both students and university graduates. Keep in mind that some positions may require previous experience in the medical field. All Adelante volunteers will improve their Spanish in a 2-week language course at the beginning of the program. This will help both in and out of the workplace. From there, the volunteers will dive into their internship. Program placement is based on experience and interests. Volunteer candidates might get the opportunity to work in dental and medical clinics, providing low-cost healthcare to local communities. Other placements include companies providing emergency ambulance services or even with the Red Cross. More advanced and fluent Spanish speakers can get the opportunity to work in research labs.

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 local communities overall. A few examples of our social work programs include our Girl Empowerment in Cape Town, South Africa, our Community Aid in Rajasthan program in India and our Social Work Internships program in San Jose, Costa Rica. We also offer programs that help those with special needs, in both Israel and Chile. No matter which program you choose, your social work will make a difference both to these individuals and in these communities.

Use your creativity and artistic skills to help children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The Integrated Music, Dance and Art Therapy for Children with Special Needs in Ecuador project was launched more than two decades ago to provide support to kids who are often unsupported in society. The center offers a range of services, from early stimulation for those with learning difficulties to language therapy. To date, the project serves around 80 children and young adults each day, providing activities like daycare, therapeutic care, and academic art. With the number of programs available in the integrated therapy center, you can help in different areas and take on varied tasks. You could support children aged 12+ in arts, music, and academic disciplines or focus on life skills and developing autonomy for young adults. You could also work on the musical artistic development of kids under 12 years old. If you join in July, you could assist with the summer program.

Step into London, one of the world’s leading business, finance, and cultural capitals, with an international internship that elevates your career. This program combines hands-on professional experience, global networking, and cultural immersion, giving students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals the skills and connections to excel in the global job market. Internships span a variety of sectors, including business, marketing, finance, PR, technology, entrepreneurship, and NGOs, with placements tailored to your career goals. Partnering with 3,000+ top companies, start-ups, and NGOs, we ensure you gain meaningful experience that enhances your résumé and prepares you for future career opportunities. In addition to your internship, you’ll receive mentorship, development workshops, and networking events, helping you grow both professionally and personally while living in London. Whether you’re exploring your career path, completing a gap year, or seeking to advance your professional journey, our London program provides the perfect combination of career growth, international experience, and cultural immersion in one of the world’s most energetic cities.

Volunteers assist our partners with a variety of public health improvement activities that help Ugandans stay healthy and make good decisions for their families. They talk to people in schools, village meetings, private homes, and churches about health care issues directly affecting them. They also design seminars based on topics such as household hygiene, malaria prevention, HIV prevention and AIDS care, safe sex, family planning, maternal and child health, and nutrition. Other activities such as teaching, youth mentoring, and community gardening may be on offer by the host organization. Basic training and educational materials are on site, but volunteers are encouraged to bring new materials as well. This project involves walking long distances in the sun; volunteers are encouraged to bring a sleeping bag, hat, and walking shoes. As you’ll be working off-the-beaten track, expect to ride to work on the back of a motorcycle. These are the requirements to join: - Be 18 years or older - Be able to walk distances up to 2 kilometers daily - Obtain a police check from home country prior to volunteering - Sign a general waiver of liability - Have a positive and outgoing personality

International Medical Aid's (IMA) Physiotherapy Internships were created for aspiring and established physical therapists. Designed by IMA, a not-for-profit organization founded at Johns Hopkins University, this program bridges the gap between academic study and practical, hands-on experience in some of the most underserved regions of East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Whether you're an undergraduate, a graduate student, or a practicing clinician, our internships offer a platform to hone your skills and make a tangible difference in the health and well-being of communities in need. Our commitment extends beyond healthcare delivery; we immerse you in the local culture and breathtaking landscapes through adventure-filled programs, guided by experts who ensure a safe and enriching experience. Join us in shaping a healthier future for underserved populations while advancing your career through invaluable clinical exposure and graduate school admissions support. Embark on an IMA physiotherapy internship and embrace the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, contributing meaningfully to global health initiatives.

Forge meaningful partnerships with teachers to develop and present compelling educational content, sparking remarkable changes in the lives of children facing developmental challenges. Provide them with support and guidance to foster an inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. Embarking on a special education internship offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the dynamic and rewarding field of special needs education. As an intern, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting children with diverse developmental challenges, ranging from Down syndrome to autism spectrum disorders, as well as visual and hearing impairments. Collaborating closely with teachers and specialists, you’ll provide invaluable assistance to students, aiding in their education journey and fostering an inclusive learning environment. From designing individualized educational plans to implementing effective teaching strategies, you’ll contribute to the holistic development of each child, empowering them to reach their full potential. This will provide a rich learning experience for students with backgrounds in special education, psychology, social work, or related fields.

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 in the nursery and hatchery, join night patrols, participate in beach cleanups, and more. Cap off your experience with an unforgettable week in the lush Monteverde Rainforest, where adventure and adrenaline await!

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Acquire hands-on experience while working alongside fellow interns (or volunteers) and medical staff at a hospital or neighborhood health clinic in the Dominican Republic. Aldeas De Paz offers the Medicine and Healthcare program, which provides you insight into the daily operation and routines of local healthcare facilities. For a minimum of two weeks, you will experience the apparent contrast between the realities of health care in a developing country and Western medical practice. As clinics and hospitals in the country strive to become modernized, they face numerous challenges. You will witness medical conditions that have remained untreated, which in turn have developed to an advanced pathological stage. This project broadens your perspective by giving you real responsibilities. You will gain experience in different departments: maternity (only female volunteers), pediatric, emergency, diabetes, HIV prevention, and nursing. You could be assigned with hospital administration and management as well, wherein your tasks could include assisting with statistics and accountancy.

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med volunteer abroad programs specifically for school leavers who are considering studying medicine in the future. We also offer customised placements for those seeking medical electives or medical internships abroad. Most of our medical electives abroad placement require that you spend 5-7 hours at our partner hospital or clinic as an observer of the daily routines of medical staff. You will be assigned a doctor or a department who will mentor you and may call upon you to assist with basic tasks such as taking vitals and treating minor wounds under the supervision of the local doctors. Our medical electives are offered in developing countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru and Costa Rica.

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.

Make an impact that matters — globally. If you’re passionate about improving lives and tackling real-world challenges, Connect-123 can help you find an internship that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals while giving you the chance to grow as a global citizen. Our interns have partnered with nonprofits, hospitals, schools, clinics, and community programs on critical issues such as refugee support, women’s rights, domestic violence prevention, child welfare, poverty reduction, public health, and chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS. These aren’t hypothetical projects — they’re meaningful opportunities to contribute to lasting change. Beyond your placement, the Connect-123 program ensures your experience is seamless and transformative. From safe, comfortable housing and in-depth city orientation to regular social events and 24/7 on-the-ground support, we take care of the details so you can focus on making an impact and building your future. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

The Philippines is a stunning archipelago of over 7,000 islands, known for its secluded beaches, pristine coves, vibrant marine life, world-class diving, surfing, hiking, and breathtaking turquoise waterfalls. Island hopping is a top attraction, with each island offering its own unique charm. Despite this natural beauty, the Philippines faces significant economic challenges and remains one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia—where volunteering can make a meaningful impact. Volunteer with IVI for authentic, affordable, and life-changing experiences in the Philippines. With over 35 years of experience as a registered charity and non-profit organization, we are deeply committed to supporting communities in need. Our projects serve underprivileged communities across the Philippines. Opportunities include nutrition and medical outreach, education, animal shelter assistance, construction, programs supporting street children, and more. Your contribution can help transform lives and create lasting change.

Are you looking for hands-on work experience to help launch your professional career? One of the best ways to impress prospective employers is to complete an international internship! Students appreciate the unique opportunity the Spanish Institute provides through our internship program. With the option to intern at a wide selection of companies or non-profit organizations, you will have the chance to gain invaluable work experience in the field of your choice. You’ll also get to practice Spanish, make new contacts and friends, and get to know beautiful Seville, famed for its deeply historic and cultural roots. Spanish Institute's orientation gives students vital information about adapting to life in Spain, the program, schedule, safety, activities, transportation, and internship placement. Spanish Institute's program includes an intensive two-week Spanish Course for all placements, which run for two months or longer. Each day comprises four-hour morning classes and afternoon activities. During this time, students get to know the city, its transportation system, and its cuisine – all while improving their Spanish skills.

The study program includes 20 hours per week of Spanish lessons. Participants will be grouped depending on their current level of Spanish. These 50-minute classes will be based on the four language skills: listening, grammar, oral, and written comprehension. After the minimum four-week study program, students will be placed in a volunteering position in the community for another four weeks. Participants will work with people with disabilities, such as Down Syndrome and Language Delays, or work with the elderly.

Apart from the normal struggles of living with a disability, social stigma and discrimination surrounding disabilities mean that People With Disabilities (PWD) face even greater challenges. In many instances, PWDs are not afforded the same opportunities as regular members of society, and this, in turn, means they are often unable to contribute productively to their communities. Your role will be based in a local care centre, which provides social activities, food, assistance with day-to-day life, and vocational training. You will work alongside centre staff, assisting them and taking on responsibilities as your skills and experience allow. As a volunteer, you will help with daily activities that involve: Social interaction Income generation through the creation and sale of arts and crafts Vocation and skills-based training Kitchen work and gardening to provide nutritious meals This project is located in Hout Bay, a bus ride away from central Cape Town with all the city has to offer tourists. Accommodation is at a lodge located right by the beach and with a bus stop just outside. Project work is from Monday to Friday, with the weekends free to explore and have fun.