GoAbroad

Volunteer Abroad Programs

If you want to be a volunteer overseas, we can guess that altruism is at the heart of your goals! There’s no denying that we’ve collectively entered an era where the feeling of wanting to do good for humankind and the Earth is nearly palpable. However, it’s become increasingly important to properly vet volunteer abroad programs prior to choosing an experience, due to issues of unsustainable practices, exploitation, and a myriad of other safety concerns. That’s where we come in! Whether you’re looking for long term volunteer experiences or just want to spend your summer off making a difference, we can help you find the right volunteer project for you, thanks to our thousands of reviews, decades of experience and our compilation of some of the highest quality programs available.
Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

This Month’s Recommended Volunteer Abroad Programs

IVHQ - Volunteers
4.72203 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo
Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

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 fro...

Maximo Nivel Volunteers
4.693238 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL logo
Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Turn your passion into action with Maximo Nivel’s top-rated Volunteer Abroad programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru!Volunteering abroad is an incredible way to immerse yourself in a new culture, build essential life skills, and meet like-minded tr...

Teacher in Thailand
4.53612 reviews

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia) logo
Xplore - Buddhism Immersion: Volunteer Teach in Thailand

Xplore’s Buddhism Immersion Program offers volunteers a transformative opportunity to explore Buddhist culture and religion while making a meaningful impact. Volunteers will teach English to monks, nuns, orphaned children, migrant youth, and disadvanta...

a volunteer planting seeds
4.74144 reviews

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) logo
NEW PROGRAM! Endemic Plant Species Nursery in Galapagos

IOI plays a strategic role in supporting the conservation efforts of Isabela’s endemic flora. Volunteers on this project will have the opportunity to assist the Galapagos National Park in operating and maintaining its plant nursery in the highlands.You...

Volunteer in Barcelona
4.3813 reviews

Spanish Gap Year

Spanish Gap Year logo
Internship and Volunteer Placement Program in Barcelona

Our program in Barcelona offers students and young professionals meaningful international experience in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. It is designed to strengthen CVs, explore career pathways, improve Spanish, and immerse participants in authent...

Veterinary volunteers
4.840 reviews

Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program

Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program logo
Experience Veterinary Medicine in Italy's Top Rescues

Our Animal Care Program is a unique opportunity to explore the breadth of careers in veterinary medicine and animal science, while immersed in Italian culture and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're on the pre-vet path or simply curious about w...

How to Volunteer Abroad

Overview

How to volunteer abroad

If you want to volunteer abroad and you're not quite sure where to start, here’s exactly what you need to do:

  1. Choose which cause you want to support. Most people who decide to volunteer abroad have been inspired by a social or political issue in the world. Whether it’s climate change, LGBTQIA+ rights, refugee displacement, or beyond, it’s important to know what exactly it is you want to lend your time and effort to. There are hundreds of causes out there, but think about which one truly speaks to you?
  2. Decide where to support your chosen cause. Once you know what it is you want to do, it’s important to figure out where you’re most needed. Many organizations around the world lack the staff and resources required to do their important work, hence they promote volunteer opportunities to get more human capacity to make their missions possible. You might already have some place in mind, but don't forget to open your mind to unique options you may not have heard of before too!
  3. Find a program. Once you know what you want to do and where you want to volunteer, then it's time to find a program that can make your dreams a reality. We have vetted dozens of programs and gathered thousands of reviews through our platform to make choosing a volunteer program as easy as possible for you. Filter volunteer programs by the causes, destinations, and even duration you're looking for, and you'll narrow down your options to the programs most suited to your interests and goals.
  4. Save up for program fees. Although we'd love to tell you volunteering abroad is free, it's not that simple. It costs money to travel to the destination, and the organization will incur costs to run their programs and accommodate you during your stay. Just think of your program fees as part of your donation to the cause! In addition to saving up your own money, finding ways to fundraise for your trip is very common for volunteering abroad, since you'll be contributing to a meaningful cause that your community and personal network will likely be excited to support too!
  5. Prepare all the essentials. Once you've selected your program and start pulling together the funds for your trip, make sure you understand all the essentials you'll need for your trip. And you'll also want to prepare yourself mentally for the challenges you'll experience in a new place, culture, and maybe even language.

Why

Why volunteer abroad

It sounds cliche, but volunteering abroad will likely be a truly life-changing experience. There are a multitude of benefits of volunteering abroad, from mental health to professional growth to life experience. We couldn't possibly list out all the reasons you should volunteer abroad in this space, but we have loads of resources to help you understand the value it will have for your own life, as well as how you can make your own impact on the world too.

No matter how you decide to volunteer abroad, when you choose a reputable program and go in with the right mindset to immerse yourself in the local projects and support your chosen organization in every way you can, you are sure to walk away with memories and experience you'll never forget.

Volunteering abroad is your chance to experience the world in one of the most meaningful ways possible!

Locations

Where to volunteer abroad

No matter what cause speaks to you, there are going to be multiple locations to consider for your volunteer program abroad. First off, make sure you consider the distance you're willing to travel. Don't be surprised that flights to the other side of the planet are a little more pricey than a direct flight away. You should prepare yourself for the travel costs and actual travel time before narrowing down your top picks for where to volunteer.

There are many popular destinations for volunteering abroad, but that doesn't mean those will be the best locations for you, it all depends on what you want to do during your time abroad. You can't support sea turtle conservation in Canada or help conserve rainforests in Europe, but that doesn't mean there aren't unique places to volunteer either! Take time to research locations that have volunteer programs that align with your interests, and compare each destination to see which one will be the best fit for you. Here are a few of the top places to volunteer abroad we'd recommend giving a try:

Getting started

Need more help?

Don't worry - that's what GoAbroad was built for! We have plenty of resources, and experience, to make your volunteer abroad program planning go smoothly. Here are a few places to get started:

  • Get Handpicked Programs Matches - fill in a few quick questions and we'll automatically match you with a few of the best programs for you.
  • Read Volunteer Abroad Articles - there are hundreds of resources to answer all your questions.
  • Apply for Deals & Scholarships - by filling out one single application, you can gain access to dozens of discount offers!
  • Find Travel Essentials - whether you need a passport still, you're confused how visas work, or you're ready to secure travel insurance, we've put together a list of the best travel resources to compliment your volunteer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I volunteer abroad for free?

Here’s the deal—you probably can’t volunteer abroad for free. Although this immediately sounds counterintuitive, there’s actually a great reason for it, and that reason is: resources. 

Accommodating you during your time abroad, coordinating projects for you to work on, and buying materials for the programs you'll contribute to all take resources! By paying for your volunteer program, you'll help contribute to the continued efforts of the projects and organization!

Why is volunteering abroad so expensive?

Organizations that are working in areas of great need are typically strapped for funds. It’s expensive for organizations to help you find a placement, secure housing, provide support, and coordinate logistics on the ground. If a program were free, that would mean all the money required to host volunteers would be funneled out of the local economy and away from the issues you’re there to help solve.

On that note, however, you should be wary of volunteer organizations that are primarily businesses. Before choosing a program, you’ll want to do your due diligence and ensure you’re not indirectly perpetuating harmful voluntourism practices. This can start with reading reviews about the program, and you can also look for our GoAbroad Verified green check mark as a signal of a vetted program.

How can I find volunteer abroad scholarships?

You may know why it costs money to volunteer abroad, but that doesn’t mean you can necessarily afford it. We hear you! Believe it or not, there are scholarships for volunteering abroad. You can also try to secure funding for your trip through a Facebook Fundraiser or crowdfunding platforms like FundMyTravel.

What are the requirements to volunteer abroad?

The requirements to volunteer will depend on the program or organization you’re interested in volunteering through. In general, though, you’ll need to fill out an application or interest form online, have an interview with a coordinator, and have a valid passport. 

Additionally, you’ll need to apply for and pay for your visa and purchase your flights. Your program will also provide pre-departure support to assist you with the logistics and final requirements before departure.

What are some benefits of volunteering abroad?

There are many benefits of volunteering abroad! Of course, there are the usual benefits that are involved with traveling abroad, like broadened horizons and a better understanding of the world at large. 

However, the primary benefit of volunteering abroad isn’t for you, but for your host community. When volunteering abroad is done right and sustainably, the work you do during your placement will have a lasting impact on your host destination.

What are the best volunteer abroad programs like?

With so many volunteer opportunities around the world, how do you choose the best one for you? First, you’ll want to narrow down your goals and plan accordingly. Which issues abroad are the most important to you? How much time can you commit to volunteering abroad? (Hint: The longer the better!) 

However, the best volunteer abroad programs also come down to their impact. The best organizations are run sustainably, which means they aren’t perpetuating local issues in order to make money. That would in fact be the antithesis of meaningful travel. Do research on your top program choices to make sure they’re adhering to ethical policies, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their practices. Then you’ll know you haven’t only chosen the best volunteer program for you, but one of the best volunteer programs for the world. 

Here's a step-by-step process to help you choose the best volunteer program for you!

Latest Program Reviews

Exposure to medicine with the most kind people. Learned essential skills that I haven’t gotten the chance to practice in the U.S. yet!

September 10, 2026by: Carter Jones - United States

Program: Hospital Assistants/Allied Health Volunteering in Tanzania

5

Loved this experience, 100% recommend for everyone to do a Meditrip. The first experience gave me the chance to develop my love of medicine and return to Africa to experience the amazing culture of Tanzania.

Couldn't have wished for a better time!

September 09, 2026by: Luke Sietas - Australia

Program: IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

5

My time in Brazil was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Living and working alongside the other volunteers made it so much more than just a trip. We spent so much time together, from working in the rainforest during the day to hanging out and getting to know each other in the evenings. I met some genuinely great people who I’ll remember for a long time. A big part of what made the experience so special was Imran. He is a genuinely great guy who made everyone feel welcome and looked after us throughout our time there. His passion for the work and the people around him really stood out, and he helped make the whole experience feel like a community rather than just a volunteer program. I loved being out in the Amazon, learning about the environment and getting involved in biodiversity research, species identification and restoration work. I came away with a much greater appreciation for the rainforest, but also some great memories and friendships that I’ll take with me. I would honestly recommend the experience to anyone who wants to do something completely different and genuinely memorable.

Eye opening

September 09, 2026by: Emily Roberts - Netherlands

Program: Marine Conservation Project – Kilifi, Kenya

5

I had a wonderful experience with the Marine Conservation Volunteer Project in Kilifi, Kenya. The entire program was very well organized, and everything was clearly planned from the beginning. The team was welcoming, professional, and supportive throughout the experience. I particularly enjoyed being involved in marine conservation activities and learning more about the local environment and the importance of protecting our oceans. The project offered a great balance between meaningful conservation work and experiencing the beautiful Kenyan coast and local community. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a well-organized, impactful, and rewarding volunteering experience

Amazing and beautiful experience

September 08, 2026by: Tianna Joseph - Canada

Program: Volunteer in Turtle Conservation in Nusa Penida, Bali

5

It was so impactful, I made memories of a lifetime and learned so much about coming out of my comfort zone, protecting the turtles and the environment and the beautiful culture. I’d love to do this again ❤️❤️

Amazing Learning Experience

September 08, 2026by: Yadira Ortega - United States

Program: Volunteer to Teach English & Study Arabic in Germany

5

I came to the Excellence Center as a volunteer Photographer and was amazed to see how an establishment that started from humble beginnings has become a safe space for refugees with community and compassion at the forefront of its daily operations. You can learn either Arabic, English or German here without feeling embarrassed about any language barriers. The center provides weekly community activities in which you get to experience cultures and customs and in the end you most likely make a new friend. The staff here is amazing, very friendly, inviting, supportive and best of all, flexible! I studied Beginner Arabic here and loved the fact that the classes ranged from single to small group settings only, make the learning curve feel easier to overcome. There were opportunities to visit other German towns with a teacher as a tour guide and those were very fun and exciting to be able to join. I definitely recommend this center for anyone wanting to learn either of the languages mentioned above. The teachers here are excellent and provided so many immersion opportunities!!!

Running DayTrip to WeimarWith my teacher Muaz

Extraordinary

September 08, 2026by: Natalia Perez - Mexico

Program: Volunteer in Childcare in Arusha, Tanzania

5

My experience volunteering in Tanzania with IVHQ has been absolutely incredible and has exceeded my expectations in many ways. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, which made the whole experience much easier and more enjoyable. The staff were always available to help, answer our questions, and make sure that we felt comfortable and supported throughout our stay. Their organization and dedication made a big difference and allowed us to focus on the most important part of the experience: helping and connecting with the local community. One of the things I enjoyed the most was meeting so many amazing people. Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming, kind, and friendly, and they made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Being able to interact with local people and learn about their culture, traditions, and daily lives was one of the most valuable parts of the trip. It was a great opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, experience a completely different environment, and see things from a new perspective. During our volunteering experience, we were able to do a lot of meaningful work. It was very rewarding to see that our time, effort, and energy could contribute in a positive way. Even though some tasks were challenging, they were always worthwhile because we could see the importance of what we were doing. Working together with other volunteers also made the experience even better. We supported each other, shared responsibilities, and created great memories along the way. Another aspect that made this experience so special was the feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Volunteering gave me the opportunity not only to help others but also to learn from them. I realized that even small actions can make a difference, and that sometimes the most important thing we can offer is our time, enthusiasm, and willingness to help. The experience also taught me to appreciate things that I sometimes take for granted in everyday life. Overall, my time volunteering in Tanzania with IVHQ has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet incredible people, experience a new culture, and take part in work that felt meaningful and impactful. I have learned a lot, grown as a person, and created memories that I will never forget. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for an opportunity to make a difference while also challenging themselves, discovering a new place, and creating genuine connections with people from different backgrounds. I am leaving Tanzania with a very full heart, a greater appreciation for the world around me, and many unforgettable memories that I will carry with me for a long time.

My volunteering experience in Sri Lanka

September 07, 2026by: ANTONINO LA PAGLIA - Italy

Program: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

5

My volunteering experience in Sri Lanka with International Volunteer was truly one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. From the very first moment I expressed interest in the program, the organization supported me step by step until my departure, making the entire process smooth, clear, and stress-free. The team was always available to answer my questions, provide guidance, and ensure that I felt fully prepared for my journey. Their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout the whole preparation phase. The teaching project I participated in was absolutely wonderful. It was an incredible opportunity to work with enthusiastic students, immerse myself in the local culture, and make a meaningful contribution to the community. Every day was filled with learning, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I am extremely grateful to International Volunteer for creating such a well-organized and impactful experience. I highly recommend this organization to anyone looking for a volunteer program abroad. Their support, commitment, and the quality of the projects they offer make them an outstanding choice for volunteers. Thank you, International Volunteer, for helping me live such an amazing adventure and for making a real difference in the lives of others while also changing my own life for the better.

It was a experience I will remember for life

September 05, 2026by: Ziyi Pan - China

Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru

5

As a 16-year-old traveling alone in Costa Rica, Maximo Nivel made me feel safe, supported, and welcomed throughout my entire experience. The staff and my host family gave me all the support and guidance I needed, which made being away from home so much easier. I especially loved how Maximo brings everyone together, allowing me to meet so many amazing people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. This has been one of the best experiences of my life so far, and as my first solo trip, I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person. I gained more confidence, independence, and a new appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. I truly don’t think I would have had this experience or grown as much without Maximo Nivel.

Volunteering Abroad

September 05, 2026by: Spicer Roof - United States

Program: Medical Volunteers Needed—Work in Costa Rica!

5

Volunteering through Maximo Nivel has been one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had. The staff and my host family were incredible and I felt completely supported every step of the way during my 3 weeks. I’m sure I’ll be doing another project in the future.

I had the time of my life

September 05, 2026by: Isabella Pryde - United States

Program: Working with Kids—Volunteer in Costa Rica!

5

Everything was so fun and easy and being able to do this was one of the best experiences of my life. I made amazing friends and memories and I truly appreciate how Maximo nivel made my volunteer abroad so special.

VOICELESS MIND UGANDA experienced in understanding the community vulnerability raising from ongoing poverty and suffering,lack of resources and the daily poor living conditions of our targeted children and others in the community we serve.

September 05, 2026by: VOICELESS MIND UGANDA - Uganda

Program: Construction of the Administrative Office for VMU

5

VOICELESS MIND UGANDA slowly operates because it lacks various financial support for its operations since it's a small non profit Incorporated organization without partners to support it's poor reckless disadvantaged ambondoned suffering children as needy without access to basic education shelter advocacy livelihood home basic needs among others,as proposed here our experience is crossed experience from processing development and implementation of projects in civil engineering child personal development compassion networking learning projects toolkit social working risk management planning strategically and chronic responsible and accountable Managerial work in transparency and integrity for integration of our program to forward our children hope opportunities and vision focused to value addition for them open and achieve their goals through your funding sponsorship here.

Poor infrastructure temporary office and school classroom located on someone land needs request for organization own it's office and school classroom facilities building

This was, hands down, one of the absolute BEST experiences of my life!

September 03, 2026by: Joann Blumenfeld - United States

Program: Wildlife Conservation with IVHQ in Victoria Falls

5

I have traveled extensively and participated in many different programs over the years, but this one completely takes the top spot! You give a little, but what you receive in return is beyond words. From the moment we arrived, the staff was amazing and so deeply welcoming. We learned so much about conservation, local culture, and the country itself. Our daily routine included morning and afternoon work activities, ranging from helping out at the local school to clearing roads and removing invasive species. Age doesn't matter at all here—everyone pitches in and helps to the best of their ability! Everything is taught clearly, and you’ll learn how to use any tool needed with complete confidence. The wildlife experience is unbelievable. While we went on official safaris, literally every single drive to work felt like a safari of its own! We saw zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, antelopes, tons of bird species, and so much more—we even learned how to track animals by their footprints! Our group ranged from 18 to 70 years old, and the camaraderie was incredible. Everyone worked as a cohesive team, got along wonderfully, and had an absolute blast together! Now, let's talk about the food: I never thought of Africa as a major food destination, but the chefs were FANTASTIC! As a vegetarian, I can honestly say I ate some of the best meals of my life here. They cater seamlessly to every single dietary need. The accommodations exceeded all expectations: * **Rooms:** Simple, private, clean rooms that are refreshed daily. * **Bathrooms:** Convenient shared bathroom set up between adjacent rooms. * **Amenities:** A great pool on-site to relax by during downtime! You get a nice break every day between 10 AM and 2 PM, which is perfect for reading, playing games, or heading into town (the staff will happily help you arrange a taxi). On weekends, you have free time to explore! We took an unforgettable group trip to Victoria Falls, but you can also book extra excursions through the program or TripAdvisor. **Pro tip:** Do not miss Chobe or the Zambia side of Victoria Falls! I truly cannot say enough good things about this program, the breathtaking location, and the incredible people. Do not hesitate for a second—book it! You are going to have the absolute time of your life!

Learn from the elephants, stick together, help one another and have the best experience of your life!

Zanzibar IVHQ

September 03, 2026by: Matteo Vinicio Viccardi - Italy

Program: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

5

I had an amazing experience with IVHQ during the Coastal and Marine Conservation programme in Zanzibar. From the application process to the end of my stay, everything was well organised and I always felt supported. The application process was simple and straightforward, and the IVHQ team provided all the information I needed before travelling. Communication was clear and any questions I had were answered quickly. The pre-departure information was especially useful because it helped me understand what to expect and prepare properly for the experience. Once I arrived in Zanzibar, the local team was welcoming, friendly and helpful. The orientation was well organised and gave me a good introduction to the local culture, the area and the programme. I always felt that there was someone I could rely on if I needed help. The Coastal and Marine Conservation project was definitely the highlight of my experience. I had the opportunity to take part in activities focused on marine conservation and learn more about the importance of protecting Zanzibar’s coastal ecosystems. It was very rewarding to see how our activities could contribute, even in a small way, to the local environment. The experience was not only educational but also practical, allowing me to get involved rather than simply learning about conservation from a theoretical perspective. The accommodation was comfortable and suitable for a volunteer programme. Living together with other international volunteers was also a great part of the experience. I met people from different countries and backgrounds, and many of them became good friends. Sharing everyday life, activities and free time with other volunteers made the experience even more memorable. The meals were another positive aspect. The food was generally tasty, fresh and varied, with a good opportunity to experience local flavours and dishes. The staff were also very attentive and accommodating. I also really appreciated the opportunity to experience Zanzibar beyond the project itself. The island has incredible beaches, landscapes and a unique culture, and having the opportunity to interact with local people made the experience much more meaningful. Overall, I would absolutely recommend IVHQ and the Coastal and Marine Conservation programme in Zanzibar. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to combine travelling, meeting people from all over the world and doing something meaningful for the environment. I came home with new knowledge, unforgettable memories and a much greater appreciation for marine conservation. Thank you to the entire IVHQ team and the local staff in Zanzibar for making this such a special experience. I would definitely consider doing another IVHQ programme in the future!

Seaweed farmingMorning snorkeling to monitor the coral reefSunset at nungwi during an IVHQ weekend

I had a time of my life!

September 03, 2026by: Francesca Gritti - Italy

Program: Volunteer in Turtle Conservation in Nusa Penida, Bali

5

It was the most important and significant experience of my life which allowed me to know sides of myself that I didn't know. Contact with nature, animals and local culture is what I will remember most happily

Working with kids in the Incan Capital

September 03, 2026by: Keelin Wittkamp - United States

Program: Working with Kids—Volunteer in Peru!

5

My experience in Peru has been absolutely amazing! Working with the kids has been such a wonderful experience, not only do I get a ton of new friends but I get to learn with them. The teachers are so wonderful and are very patient with my Spanish. The kids are the sweetest ever and are so eager to learn. I get to work with the 3 year olds and it is such a rewarding experience. I am learning so much in the classroom and the kids help me with my Spanish so much. Overall, I recommend working on this project to really feel like you are part of the community and see the culture first hand. Exploring cusco has also been so rewarding. I get to take the bus to my placement everyday which is super cool because I am with all of the locals and get to see real life peru. I am grateful to be experiencing this more as a local rather than a tourist. My host family has been super kind and makes me feel like family. I have felt extremely safe and can even walk around at night by myself with no worries. My host siblings and I have also often talked about how the food has never been bad since we´ve been here. This country is so so beautiful and I cannot wait to keep exploring all that it has to offer.

My host siblings and I exploring plaza de armas.

amazing

September 03, 2026by: Giulia Orazi - Italy

Program: Medical Volunteering in Arusha, Tanzania

5

it was great! mostly because you have the chance to partecipate to more than the program you apply for and you get the chance to help even more people and do a lot more things! you also get the chance to participate to more than the program you apply for and you get the chance to help even more people!

It's once in a lifetime experience

September 03, 2026by: EU YANG LEE - Malaysia

Program: Jungle Conservation—Volunteer in Peru!

5

I didn't expect this program would positively impact me so much. My first 2 days were tough, had no internet connection (no idea what's happening to my family), high humidity, mosquitoes, muddy. However, once I got myself "dirty", I started to see the good sides of it. I slept well every night (beds were equipped with mosquito net) and woke up with birds chirping. I learnt how the forest relies on each other and how flood, predators (such as caiman, anaconda) and swamp are benefiting the forest through the explanation of the researchers who worked there. Things that were seemed dangerous or gross turned out to have positive impact to other animals or plants. Activities there were fun though exhausting sometimes. I remember holding a snake and a small caiman for my first time during our night walk! I also remember walking few hours to collect seed. Also, we played volleyball on the last day! It's definitely an eye opener trip for me.

great experience

September 02, 2026by: Jessica Paradise - United States

Program: Volunteer in Women's Education in Tanzania

5

Volunteered in Arusha, Tanzania with IVHQ and had a great experience from start to finish. Booking and pre-departure prep were clear and easy, so I knew exactly what to expect before I left. Arrival logistics were sorted, and the in-country team was responsive the whole time — any question I had got answered fast. Teaching English and math there was challenging in the best way and genuinely rewarding, and I left with a lot more than I expected to. Highly recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about it.

My best weeks

September 02, 2026by: Liel Naumov - Israel

Program: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

5

I had the time of my life. At first i was a really scared kid, afraid to even speak and then one night i sat with Sarah, my Coordinator and she let me feel that talking with other people is not that scary even if u have a thick accent. And i’ll never forget that night because it gave me the push to talk with people. Everybody were heartwarming, always listening. The day care was amazing, i cried so hard when i had to leave the school and also when i needed to leave the house it self. Best weeks of my life.

My kiddos

Best two weeks of my life!

September 02, 2026by: Jasmine McCasland - United States

Program: Volunteer on Food Rescue in Portugal with IVHQ

5

My experience was amazing. Through IVHQ I got to meet people from all over the world. I left Portugal with friends from India, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and England. I felt true my immersed in the Portuguese culture and learned so much. The staff was also super kind and helpful. I loved working with my local team at the food bank, they were very welcoming. I was nervous at first because I didn’t speak any Portuguese, but everyone was super kind! I also had a lot of free time in this program to explore Lisbon.

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Marieh Namutebi

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Lena

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I was interested in understanding aspects of well-being across different cultures, specifically in cultures across Asia. Specifically, Asia has a very...

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Arero Sora

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

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Josh Clement

Josh Clement

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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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...

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Gilberth Johan Pérez Monge

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I wanted to experience something new, to observe and feel what it is like to be in a different place, with different people doing different things. I ...

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Margaret Smith

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Kar Geno-Center for Hope, Kenya

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I have always had a strong desire to see the world and understand how people live in different cultures. I was born in Germany and left at a young age...

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I have always believed that travel becomes more meaningful when it is connected to learning and contributing to communities. As a public health lectur...

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Josephine Populin

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I was inspired to volunteer because I wanted to experience a different culture while contributing to a meaningful community project. I have always bel...

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Samantha Fei

Samantha Fei

Joinki

Alumni

I've always loved travelling, and after completing my bachelor's degree, I wanted to go on some solo adventures—especially since my original exchange ...

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Maren Kateraas

Maren Kateraas

Fundación Bolívar Education

Alumni

A desire to learn Spanish and be able to see a part of the world and experience a culture and life philosophy different from my own. My hope always wa...

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Saboor Zeeshan

Saboor Zeeshan

International Medical Aid (IMA)

Alumni

A goal of mine, ever since I developed an affinity for altruism and human compassion, has been to serve in underprivileged parts of the world. 

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XIMENA VELA ROMERO

XIMENA VELA ROMERO

International Medical Aid (IMA)

Alumni

I have always been raised in an international context in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, and the USA. Throughout my lif...

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Judy Ross

Judy Ross

Mondify

Alumni

I felt inspired to travel to Cordoba because Argentina's history of human rights activism is powerful and deeply moving. I wanted to learn directly fr...

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Razain Alhassein

Razain Alhassein

Fundación Bolívar Education

Alumni

My ultimate goal is to go to a Physician's Assistant School, and I had the opportunity to live in Ecuador for 8 months because my mom is Ecuadorian. 

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Sung Suhr

Sung Suhr

Fundación Bolívar Education

Alumni

What inspired me to go abroad was a desire to step outside familiar routines and experience life from a more grounded, human perspective. I wanted to ...

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Andrée Lambert

Andrée Lambert

Mondify

Alumni

I had been dreaming of doing a volunteering project abroad for many years. This dream probably started when I was a teenager. But perhaps like many wo...

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Lucy Felicia

Lucy Felicia

Instituto Hemingway

Alumni

The decision to go abroad was one of the most transformative choices of my life. For years, I had dreamed of immersing myself in another culture, lear...

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