Drug & Alcohol Recovery Volunteer Programs Abroad


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with International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
63 Drug & Alcohol Recovery Volunteer Programs
MAXIMO NIVEL
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Join healthcare and medical projects, and gain practical experience in hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other related facilities in Costa Rica. You’ll work alongside doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals. Depending on your medical experience and Spanish language skills, you’ll take on various responsibilities. These could include shadowing a doctor or nurse, assisting with general check-ups, running medical campaigns, assisting with triage and vaccinations, taking vital signs, organizing patient records, and assisting during mealtimes. This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It’s designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year. NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of Record. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. We require background checks and proof of medical insurance.
See All 3 ProgramsVolunteer for the Visayans
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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!
Adelante Abroad
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Make a positive impact in Mexico! Adelante Abroad offers affordable volunteer programs in a wide variety of fields and sectors in Oaxaca, Mexico. Put your time towards helping those in need. Volunteer in sectors such as ecology, social work, arts, or NGO, just to name a few. Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse areas in Mexico, known for the craftwork of local artisans. It is also home to warm-spirited people, and there are plenty of opportunities to give to the community. If you're looking to make a difference, volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico, with Adelante is the perfect opportunity! Volunteers can choose to go abroad for 1 to 6 months. Programs are offered year-round with customization options. You'll be paired with organizations in need of specific skills while allowing you to reach your volunteer goals. Eligibility for this program is: * 18 years of age or older and possess a desire to learn about and live in another culture * Some Spanish is helpful, although we can place beginner Spanish speakers * Applicants can be Gap Year students, enrolled in a university, or college graduates. Visit our website for more information.
Kaya Responsible Travel
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RECRUITING FOR 2023 Come and volunteer in Quito, and help address the sad reality of children in Quito. These kids, often as young as three years old, are already working up to 10 hours a day in the markets, streets, and countryside of Ecuador to support their financially struggling families. The Education Outreach is a proactive intervention program and, together with a local team, you’ll travel to the markets around greater Quito. Approach children and their parents, and talk about the importance of early childhood development and education. Set up tents and create opportunities for thematic early childhood education, including health/hygiene and recreation. Volunteers should be open, flexible, patient, caring, creative, and come with a spirit of collaboration and solidarity. Interest in social work, early childhood education, community development, and social justice are a plus. Basic Spanish speaking skills are required for this project to enable you to communicate with the children but can be gained by attending Spanish classes during your placement. As the project involves different locations, volunteers should be prepared to use public transport.
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
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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 East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Focused on bridging the gap in mental health access, IMA's internships confront cultural stigmas and enhance community well-being through comprehensive public health initiatives and education. This hands-on experience not only furthers interns' practical skills but also integrates them into meaningful projects that combat the root causes of mental illness. IMA's dedication to ethical, sustainable solutions and its substantial investment in local communities set these internships apart, ensuring a safe, enriching experience backed by 24/7 support. Participants emerge from the program with enhanced clinical acumen, a deeper understanding of global mental health issues, and a fortified application for graduate schools, enriched by unique cultural immersions and professional mentorship.
Volunteering With India
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Volunteering With India offers various opportunities to extend a helping hand in Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan and one of the safer locations throughout the country. Jaipur is accessible from most of the popular cities in India and is near the capital city of Delhi. Volunteering With India offers the following: - Elephant Volunteer Project - Volunteer with Children - Teaching in Rural Areas - Orphanage Volunteer Work - Theater Volunteer Program - Women Empowerment Program Qualifications We don't have any specific qualifications to volunteer in India, but the minimum age is 17.
Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure
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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!
See All 2 ProgramsLove Volunteers
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This program provides additional staff to a medical clinic in a small coastal town. The local community welcomes volunteers with a wide range of experience, from pre-med and med students to practicing personnel. Individuals without relevant training can apply as well. Joining this volunteer project helps students for a medical career, provided they are enthusiastic and eager to assist in Ghana's health sector. Medical volunteers undertake duties according to their interests and areas of expertise. They may shadow local doctors and nurses, learning a great deal while assisting and observing work in the clinic. They may also provide direct assistance and gain invaluable hands-on experience. Volunteers play a vital role in delivering quality healthcare to the local community.
See All 10 ProgramsConnect-123 Internship Programs
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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.
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
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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.
See All 2 ProgramsSpanish Institute for Global Education
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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.
Projects Abroad
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Projects Abroad is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world. Each year, we send 10,000 volunteers to 28 various developing countries around the world. The Nutrition project in Peru is aimed at reducing malnutrition rates among children and adults of rural communities. Interns will do house-to-house visits and help with workshops to educate the communities about healthy eating. This project has components relating both to medicine & healthcare as education. Interns are not required to have experience in the field, only a strong interest and a desire to learn. Basic Spanish is strongly recommended for a successful and worthwhile experience.
See All 2 ProgramsAll Out Africa
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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.
Vocational Impact
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Are you a Psychology or Mental Health student looking for a 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 professional development in a global setting. Our volunteer programmes provide essential, practical experience while allowing you to make a real impact in developing communities in India’s ‘pink city’! Gain experience under doctors and psychiatrists in the psychiatry and deaddiction units of a hospital, work with children on their mentoring and wellbeing, and head into the community to work on community development and women's empowerment — all while immersing yourself in Indian culture!
United Planet
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Peru is one of United Planet’s most popular volunteer destinations. Join participants from around the globe for 1-12 weeks in this diverse nation with friendly people, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient ruins. Discover a society that is as complex as the handwoven tapestries you find in the market. Stay with host families in Cusco, where you’ll gain a firsthand look at the economic and political issues affecting locals on a daily basis. Whether it’s your first overseas volunteer experience or the nth time, the locals’ warm welcome and kindness will make you feel at home. As a volunteer in Peru, you’ll help break the cycle of poverty by working at community centers. You could also partner with orphanages, after-school programs, youth organizations, and women’s shelters. In return, you’ll build relationships and leave a lasting impression on the lives of those you meet.
Meiji Internships
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South Korea has a unique culture and history that has already reached far beyond Asia, impacting many parts of the Western world. In just a few decades, the Land of the Morning Calm rose to one of the globe’s richest economies and hosts many world-renowned brands from various industries - a dynamic backdrop from which to get a taste of the working world! From the hustle and bustle of Seoul to seaside Busan, there is something for everyone: ・Travel back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village ・Bibimbap, Kimchi, Patbingsu: Dive into the world of Korean delicacies ・Grasp the enormousness of Seoul at N Seoul Tower ・Go party-hopping in Hongik ・Hike Mudeungsan National Park As your gateway to Asia, Meiji Internships will accompany you throughout your journey. Kick-start your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice. We work with an extended network of 750+ partner companies in 8 countries to help pave the way for your future! You create your journey! Broaden not just your horizon, but also your professional network in the Far East!
See All 6 ProgramsMagister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers
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You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore a new culture, or acquire compulsory work experience in another country. Whether you seek an internship or a volunteering opportunity, Magister will help you realize that dream trip to South Africa. At Magister South Africa, we have matched and placed participants in various programs – from internships in companies to volunteer projects with local communities – since 2000. Besides offering a wonderful experience, we guarantee safety and security as well as immersion through regular events and activities. If you are seeking a challenging internship or simply wishing to experience a cosmopolitan lifestyle while contributing to a good cause, we can definitely lead you in the right direction!
See All 2 ProgramsHope Children's Foundation
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Help save lives in Uganda by volunteering with our nonprofit organization. We aim to reach marginalized children and youths such as orphans, school dropouts, refugees, and members of poverty-stricken families. Today, we bring together over 300 children from the outskirt districts of Kampala, Mubende, Kasanda, Wakiso, Luwero, and West Nile regions to provide them with necessities: education, shelter, food, clothing, and health care. Share your time, skills, and talents to make a tremendous difference in the lives of underprivileged children and youths. This volunteer program empowers young Ugandans through education. Your role involves teaching nursery and primary classes, assisting children with their daily tasks, providing administration support, fundraising, writing, and carrying out activities in your areas of interest. We offer volunteers comfortable accommodation, tasty local food, assistance, and an introduction to the local culture.
PLATFORM for the NEEDY
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PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE) is passionate about the adolescents and youth of Uganda. We are seeking generous, passionate doctors and nurses to volunteer in this Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Education Project in Uganda. We also welcome interns seeking practical experience in the medical field. PLANE initiated this program after realizing that many children were dropping out of school, some teens were forced into marriages by their parents and relatives, and many teenage girls got pregnant. Most Ugandan youth, especially girls, are not aware of their rights. They tend to keep quiet when married off or forced into sexual acts. Thus, under this program, we organize youth conferences and discuss topics on career guidance, sexual reproductive health rights, financial literacy, IT tools, and profitable use of social media. Volunteer doctors and nurses, as well as interns, work in different schools to talk to students and tackle relevant issues such as family planning, delayed marriage, and self-esteem. The program offers a great opportunity to counsel local Ugandan students about their reproductive health and future.
Bugeme Initiative for Development (BID)
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The Bugembe Initiative for Development (BID) is an action-oriented, community-based organization dedicated to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable individuals. Formed in 2011 with its base in Bugembe, Jinja District, the Bugembe Initiative for Development (BID) is an action-oriented, community-based organization dedicated to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable individuals through a holistic, socio-economic approach. Diseases, literacy, unemployment, poverty, ignorance, wars, and natural disasters in Uganda have resulted in situations of vulnerability and moral degeneration. The most affected people are the children, women, youth, and the elderly. Many current community initiatives fall short in coping with the ever-increasing number of poor women, needy youths, and vulnerable children. BID Uganda was born out of the need to reach out to these neglected, forgotten, HIV/AIDS sufferers, orphans, abandoned street children, homeless, and those in extreme poverty within the communities and our society who are hurting in life. At BID Uganda, we are always looking for volunteers to help us administer our programmes and get involved in the community.
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Rehabilitation
Prepare for Volunteering
Understand the benefits
Volunteering in rehabilitation gives you real-world experience that not only changes lives but also deepens your understanding of global health and recovery. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Making a direct impact. You’ll help individuals overcome addiction, often in places where treatment options are scarce or nonexistent, giving them a second chance at life.
- Building cross-cultural skills. Addiction doesn’t look the same everywhere. You’ll learn to support recovery efforts in ways that respect and reflect local cultures and community needs.
- Expanding your professional toolkit. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, social work, or public policy, you’ll gain valuable, transferable experience working at the intersection of public health, poverty, and recovery.
Things to know
Volunteering in economic development is a meaningful experience, but it helps to understand what you’re stepping into before you go.
- Know the context. Understanding the country’s economic challenges will help you show up informed. Research how globalization, poverty, or local industry affects the region you’re heading to.
- Language matters. Fluency isn’t expected, but learning key phrases in the local language shows respect and makes everyday interactions smoother.
- Budget for everything. Beyond program fees, factor in flights, local transport, meals, travel insurance, and personal spending. Some areas are more affordable than others, so plan accordingly.
- Expect diverse tasks. You could be helping someone launch a business, leading financial literacy sessions, or assisting with local marketing strategies. Flexibility is key.
- Bring useful skills. Skills in project planning, communications, finance, or entrepreneurship are valuable. That said, being a good listener and willing to learn goes just as far.
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