Grassroots Organization Volunteer Programs Abroad

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 155,000 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!

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!

A volunteer placement in International Business will enable candidates to gain both business and international experience while in Oaxaca. Examples of business-related internships can include accounting, business (social and economic) development, and graphic design, to name a few. Some volunteer programs also focus on teaching the public about a variety of social issues apparent in Mexico, including animal rights and welfare, ecological responsibility, health, disability rights, human rights, education, children, and farming. Program placements are tailored individually based on a combination of your requirements, your experience and qualifications in your chosen sector, and your Spanish speaking skills. Participation in this program will massively upgrade your resume and provide you with the opportunity to become fluent in Spanish.

Discover the wonders of wildlife conservation with your family in Costa Rica's Family-Friendly Animal Rescue and Conservation program. This program offers a practical and educational experience working with a respected wildlife organization. Participants engage in activities like preparing food for over 100 animals, maintaining animal enclosures, and supporting local conservation efforts. It's an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife care and learn about environmental challenges in a diverse ecosystem. Ideal for families seeking an active and educational vacation, this program combines wildlife conservation with a unique chance to learn about Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Engage in meaningful work, contribute to vital conservation efforts, and enjoy a unique family experience in one of the world's most biodiverse countries.

The education system in Morocco faces significant challenges. Challenges include low daily attendance, teacher absenteeism and low literacy rates. Drop out rate is very high, and only 53% of students enrolled in primary schooling continue onto secondary schools. Access to education and under-resourced schools is at the core of the challenges. There are simply not enough teachers for the number of children. Volunteers strengthen the capacity of teachers and contribute to supporting and caring for vulnerable children in Morocco. It improves the children’s prospects for the future giving them a more solid education. It also gives impoverished children compassion and a sense of hope. Both the volunteers and the locals benefit from this inter-cultural exchange. This is a great project for anyone trying to discover a new culture while learning a new language and helping the local community’s children. You will be exposed to the educational system in Morocco, as well as contribute by assisting local teachers and being a role model for children.

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-career professionals with the skills and connections to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Internships are available across sectors including business, marketing, finance, PR, technology, entrepreneurship, and NGOs, with placements tailored to your career goals. Through partnerships with 3,000+ leading companies, start-ups, and NGOs, you’ll gain meaningful experience that strengthens your résumé and prepares you for future opportunities. Alongside your internship, you’ll benefit from mentorship, professional development workshops, and networking events. Please note: If you solely hold a UK passport and have lived only in England & Wales for the past five years, you must join a program outside the UK. Whether you’re exploring your path, taking a gap year, or advancing your career, our London program offers an unmatched blend of growth and global experience.

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, and prevention education. Nutrition, vegetable gardening, and community sanitation programs are also ongoing. We aim to support rural public health in Uganda. Teaching and childcare: Volunteers work in rural classrooms, choosing what ages and topics to teach. Art and sport are the most popular. Traditional teaching in Uganda is rote learning and memorization. We aim to encourage teamwork, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge in primary schools. Organic farming: Volunteers work alongside women and community members to maintain gardens. Depending on the season, volunteers prepare the soil, plant seeds, spread mulch, weed, harvest, and chase birds and other pests. Learn from Ugandan farmers, and share your ideas as well. We aim to teach efficient land use, organic pest control, and nutrition.

This project is part of a Galapagos Government Council project seeking to strengthen small, local entrepreneurs through social networks to generate a greater reach for their project or service. As a volunteer, you'll help local community members & their businesses get their products and message on social media or public by other means (flyers, brochures, etc.). Your responsibilities will depend on your skills and experience, as well as on the needs of IOI or the business you'll work with. Tasks may include generating footage (photo, film) and text that accurately and meaningfully capture the nature of IOI or the business and its product. You could also design a flyer or social media strategy. The possibilities will vary! IOI encourages long-term participation to optimize benefits for both locals and volunteers/interns by offering huge discounts for each additional week of stay. The minimum duration is two weeks. This program is ideal for those with: * Social media experience * An understanding of camera equipment * A passion to drive fundraising and engagement campaigns using the latest digital marketing techniques * The ability to work independently as well as in a team

Do you have a talent for arts and crafts? Are you knowledgeable about income generation activities? No matter your skills and expertise, you would be a big help to this project. We welcome both volunteers and interns. The HBC program provides care to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. It operates in 3 regions across Tanzania and currently supports an average of 730 patients. Trained HBC workers visit beneficiaries regularly to provide all types of support – relevant information (such as HIV/AIDS education and nutritional advice), finances, and cleaning. This care program has seen a significant improvement in the health of many patients. Our placements are based in Arusha and surrounding Maasai villages. Volunteers arrive on either the first or third Sunday of each month and stay for 2 weeks up to a year. We don’t ask for specific requirements and qualifications to join this program. But any skills in artwork, beading, and crafts are highly appreciated. It helps to learn some basic Kiswahili/Maasai language to communicate effectively with the locals. A volunteer coordinator assists you with this upon arrival.

If you're a keen photographer and you'd like to use your skills for a good cause, this is an exciting opportunity! This humanitarian photography project allows you to document the work of grassroots organizations doing important social impact, environmental, or animal welfare work. It's a flexible program that allows you to focus on your passion, explore what photography can achieve, and explore this wonderful part of the world. You'll start your program with a one-week workshop by Anna Lusty, a professional humanitarian photographer. You'll learn how to approach nonprofit photography in a culturally sensitive way, and how to document projects in a way that will be most beneficial to the cause. From the second week, you'll start your one-week assignments. You'll be matched with grassroots nonprofits doing work you feel passionate about, and you'll spend a week learning about and documenting their projects. You can join this program for 2 to 4 weeks, and there are regular start dates. You'll need to: - Have basic photography skills and a good camera - Be passionate about using your photography for a good cause - Be keen to learn

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, South Africa. As a photographer on this program, you'll learn how to document the work of local nonprofit organizations effectively, and you'll put that knowledge into practice during photographic assignments. You'll be tutored by a professional humanitarian photographer with extensive experience and a deep passion for nonprofit photography. Through personal guidance, you'll be sure to grow both in skill and confidence as a photographer. This workshop is a wonderful way to make an impact through your lens and experience South Africa in a unique way. During your stay in Stellenbosch, your accommodation, transport, and meals will be taken care of. You'll be based in a comfortable lodge in the city center, allowing you to easily explore some of the many highlights Stellenbosch and Cape Town have to offer. To qualify for this NGO photography program, you'll need to have basic camera skills and some photographic experience. The workshop runs several times a year, and you can join us for 2 to 4 weeks.

Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires has been thoughtfully designed to promote change in the communities of Buenos Aires as well as in the individuals who participant in the program. Throughout the course of the program, participants will be giving the opportunity to work on locally run projects, which will improve the environment and lifestyle of community. They will also have the chance to live like a local, build relationships with the people, and dive into the rich Argentinean culture. Marte Argentina has partnered with volunteer organizations and NGO's in order to give volunteers a variety of different opportunities. Among some of those opportunities are: working with children, education, HIV/AIDS counseling, and medical/health volunteering. No matter what program volunteers choose, they will have the opportunity to engage with the people and language of the beautiful country of Argentina and be changed by the experience.

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!

Join our Summer Volunteering Program in Jaipur, the Pink City of India. We welcome participants who are eager to volunteer abroad and gain a meaningful travel experience. This is an ideal opportunity for college students looking to broaden their global views. Stay for three weeks to work on initiatives in a range of areas: Child Care, Women Empowerment, and Elephants. The program also includes a Golden Triangle Tour, taking you to places like Jaipur, Agra-Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Abhaneri, Sikandra, and Delhi. The project runs every year, from May to August. You will live with an Indian host family who will introduce you to their culture and traditions as well as prepare you purely vegetarian food. During the tour, you will stay in a hotel in Agra and Delhi.

Volunteers play a crucial role in this program, delivering vital services to address the challenges facing drug users and the community in Diani Beach. They work alongside a local team of volunteers running a drug awareness community center, which carries out daily outreach walks in areas where drug users are known to spend time. This project is not for the faint of heart; it requires a high level of maturity and strength. Volunteers are desperately needed to help keep users and non-users safe, raise drug awareness, and assist with other program initiatives. Our international participants must be aware that they will work hands-on with users of hard drugs and WILL witness people injecting drugs during the daily outreach walks. Thus, a strict minimum age of 21 is necessary to join this program. Volunteers do not need a medical background, though nurses, doctors, and pre-med students are welcome.

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 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.

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.

Are you interested in collaborating with a local community, focusing on the development of a permaculture initiative as well as protection of biodiversity in an off-the-beaten location known for its global importance? In that case, sign up for a Sustainable Development Program - a field volunteer program that aims to help educate and inspire people from around the world about sustainability and nature conservation. It is based in the Kalamos Island biological field station, and you will work according to a pre-agreed plan. Throughout the program, you will immerse in one of the few grassroots biodiversity conservation projects in Greece, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. You will gain hands-on experience in monitoring wildlife and plant populations as well as in the field of permaculture and sustainability in a Mediterranean but also international context.You will also get to see how it is like to be part of an organization working towards achieving a variety of sustainability goals and be part of a multicultural environment and at the same time be a member of the local community of our islands.