Volunteer Programs in North America

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.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

Join All Hands and Hearts’ Hurricane Helene Relief Program to make a direct impact on communities devastated by this historic storm. Volunteers will work hands-on, assisting the community and providing much-needed support to families in the hardest-hit areas. As part of our disaster response team, you’ll gain valuable experience while helping communities recover and rebuild stronger. Whether you can commit a day or a week, your time will help restore hope and provide vital assistance to those affected. This is a unique opportunity to contribute, learn, and make a difference—while joining a passionate, global community of volunteers. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something bigger. Please submit this application to register your interest in volunteering with us in North Carolina.

At the heart of this program is the belief that every child has the right to education, thus supporting the right of indigenous youth to a culturally appropriate education. It was created to provide impoverished children in Oaxaca with a solid education and ensure their well-being with additional resources such as nutritious meals, medical care, and extracurricular activities. All these aim to give a solid foundation for growth, helping them break the poverty cycle and ultimately lead enriched lives. The project center serves as a place of extracurricular learning for the children and an intercultural exchange between international students and volunteers. This diverse program allows individuals and groups from all backgrounds to participate. While qualified teachers are ideal, especially for longer-term placements, any contribution is valued and beneficial, with all volunteers contributing in their unique way.

If you are passionate about international development and relations, this is the perfect project for you! Volunteer with several local NGOs that aim to empower and support local underprivileged communities. Depending on your interests and skills, you can focus on issues like immigration, transport and mobility, human rights, or empowerment of women. By working across many areas of the organizations you will gain a well-rounded view of how NGOs work and the challenges they face in achieving their goals.

Earn your PADI divers and coral reef research qualifications as you assist in preserving local ecosystems, coral reefs, and endangered species as well as join initiatives for ocean floor and beach waste collection efforts. You’ll be supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) while having the opportunity to dive into the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, one of the largest coral reefs in the world. Collaborate with GVI staff and local organizations to assist with reef recovery efforts as you grow coral in laboratories to transplant onto the reef. You’ll also engage in marine waste management and data collection efforts to ensure ocean floors and beaches are clear of plastic pollution. At the same time, assist to preserve the endangered hawksbill sea turtle relying on local beach fronts for nesting. In this expedition, you’ll live alongside local community members and volunteer with like-minded international participants. Learn about different cultures and languages and taste traditional cuisines in the port city of Puerto Morelos.

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.

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft wild rivers, and explore ancient Mayan ruins. More than just adventure, this program invites you to live alongside local communities, learn Spanish through immersion, and engage in meaningful sustainability projects that leave a lasting impact. Designed for students and young adults seeking growth, clarity, and purpose, Pacific Discovery blends challenge with support. You’ll gain confidence traveling with a small group and experienced instructors who mentor you through guided reflection and leadership activities. Days balance cultural exchange, service, and personal exploration—so you’re not just passing through, but truly connecting. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking for an alternative to study abroad, or craving a deeper cultural experience, this program helps you grow, give back, and discover your place in the world.

Program formerly known as "Cultural Crossroads in Health in Oaxaca, Mexico." Oaxaca, where CFHI students can explore a different culture and way of life while learning about the region's healthcare system through clinical rotations, is truly a crossroads where different cultures and healthcare practices intersect. Oaxaca City, one of the most unique cities in Mexico, is steeped in history, tradition, and the influences of a vibrant indigenous culture. Students will be immersed in the region's language and rich culture while learning about contemporary social issues facing the local population. Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico, and many of its inhabitants, especially those of the large indigenous population in rural areas, have limited access to even rudimentary healthcare services. Participants will be exposed to various elements of Oaxacan healthcare: public and private, urban and rural.

Join a life-changing Volunteer Build Week with Global Impact Homes and help construct homes for those in need. We currently offer Impact Builds in several destinations, including Puducherry, India; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Granada, Nicaragua; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a volunteer, you’ll participate in or lead a one-week build. You’ll collaborate with local communities, providing essential housing. At the same time, enjoy cultural immersion activities and foster connections with like-minded individuals. This rewarding experience includes all on-the-ground expenses, such as meals and travel medical insurance, allowing you to focus on making a lasting impact. Your participation will help uplift disadvantaged families, providing a safe and stable environment for generations to come.

On this Discover Corps Vacation with Purpose, we will venture across the famed Kenai Peninsula to witness the epic beauty of the coast, mountains, and people of Alaska. Along the way, we will take you to leading organizations and introduce you to some of the most dedicated individuals working to protect the wildlife and resources of the 49th state. Learn about puffin conservation at the Alaska Sealife Center, explore creatures of the docks by way of 'belly biology, take a boat to a remote scientific field station, visit an oyster farm (and try the oysters!), and experience the Alaskan dog sledding, riding with a local family that has dedicated their life to this tradition. The Great Exploration across this region of Alaska will show you a side of Alaska that few others experience and provide a deeper sense of what is being done to protect it for future generations.

Explore diverse travel experiences in the USA! Rustic Pathways’ USA programs are designed to offer students impactful and adventurous experiences close to home. From immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures to engaging in meaningful community service, these programs are perfect for developing leadership skills and broadening perspectives. Whether you’re helping rebuild communities in New Orleans or exploring the pristine waters of Hawaii through surf and snorkel adventures, each program is packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and unforgettable memories. Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii – Join local organizations in preserving Hawaii's biodiversity and enjoy activities like hiking, beach relaxation, and surfing in your free time. Rebuilding New Orleans – Work with local organizations to rebuild homes and join community-building initiatives.

Alaska is known as the last frontier, the land of the midnight sun, and the place where your life will change! This program combines the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, meaningful service work, and adventures that will have the whole family wishing they could come! You’ll visit Homer, one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets near Kenai Fjords National Park. Our Older Teen programs are carefully crafted with 11th and 12th graders in mind. We do not just take our standard programs and open certain dates to an older age group without changing the itineraries. Instead, we understand that older teens require a different type of program, and need itineraries with more challenges and independence to help them grow and encourage even more confidence in traveling. These programs are designed to nurture older teens and teach them to be more savvy travelers. Because as you grow, your interests and needs do too. So get ready to explore the very best the 49th State has to offer, connect with nature and local communities, and learn how to be an independent traveler!

Travel to Hawai‘i’s Big Island for a hands-on middle school service program rooted in the Hawaiian value of Mālama ʻĀina—caring for and honoring the land. Explore the lush rainforests and waterfalls of Hilo, hike through volcanic craters and lava tubes in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and snorkel with manta rays along the Kona coast. Work alongside local organizations restoring native ecosystems, learn traditional practices, and experience the island’s extraordinary biodiversity, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

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.

Experience impactful volunteering in one of the various sectors through our USA homestay program. Immerse yourself in American life, contribute to local communities, and gain invaluable cross-cultural understanding. You will live with an American host family while volunteering 25-35 hours/week with non-profits. Our host families are mostly middle-class households providing internet, transportation, free time activities, and a welcoming environment across 18 states. For your volunteer work, you can choose from diverse fields like museums, healthcare, youth centers, community radios, and more. You may also do two volunteer placements. You do not need any prior experience, and at the end of the program, you’ll receive a participation certificate. Your placement with a family and volunteer job is assigned based on your preferred volunteer activity, a detailed questionnaire, a personality test, and a self-introduction letter. For your safety, we are partnering with Cultural Homestay International, which has 40+ years of experience, ensuring participant safety. Furthermore, all host families undergo thorough screening, including interviews, home inspections, and background checks.

This internship provides fieldwork experience in a Latin American healthcare setting. Interns should have taken upper-level courses in their field and have an intermediate level of Spanish. This program will develop language skills and medical vocabulary and will provide insight into the cultural similarities and differences between Mexican and American healthcare systems. Qualifications * Must be at least 18-30 years old * Must have at least an intermediate level of English and Spanish * Must have a flexible and positive attitude * Must be accepting of other cultures * Must be willing to learn * Must commit to fulfilling job duties for the entire duration of the program * Must obtain a valid Passport to participate

This exciting program is located in Malinalco, located only 50 km southwest of Mexico City, the capital. Because of its colonial character, it is one of the Pueblos Mágicos (Magic towns). Aldeas de Paz has established a collaboration with a grassroots NGO, one of the most prestigious civil society organizations in the municipality of Malinalco, in central Mexico. This extraordinary and successful NGO was created in 2007 with the aim of promoting community participation to preserve and protect the town's natural, social, historical, and spiritual heritage. Through its programs, FCM activates, builds capacities, accompanies, and finances projects to strengthen the diversity of communities living in Malinalco. The central aim of this joint volunteering program is to be able to enhance peace culture and conflict transformation processes in the forestry field, as well as to strengthen the activities and goals of the Forestry Culture Program of the FCM in the region.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.