Recreation Volunteer Programs

Trusted by over 147,000 volunteers worldwide, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) provides life-changing volunteer opportunities in Kenya and over 50 other incredible destinations. Select from a wide range of impactful projects including Teaching, Childcare, Special Needs Care, Sports, and Women’s Education, designed to match your passion and skillset. Our popular Kenya programs range from 1 to 12 weeks, allowing ample time to make a meaningful impact and immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures. Volunteers are based throughout various communities including Nairobi, Nakuru, Mlolongo, Thika, Naivasha, Maasai, Nanyuki, and surrounding rural villages. Outside your volunteer work, enjoy breathtaking adventures, exhilarating tours, and explore the captivating landscapes of Africa. Your IVHQ volunteer experience in Kenya is fully hosted, offering comprehensive support including airport pick-up, orientation, comfortable accommodation, nutritious meals, and reliable 24/7 in-country assistance. You’ll stay either in a welcoming homestay or a volunteer house alongside other enthusiastic, purpose-driven travelers from around the globe.

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!

Volunteer at one of the largest & most successful wildlife rehabilitation/release centers in Africa! Participants on this project work with a range of animals; anything from chimpanzees to baby cheetahs. Experience beautiful Zimbabwe all while making a positive impact on the delicate African ecosystem. The orphanage is a haven for animals with little hope for survival in the wild; these are creatures that have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity, or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. Additionally, it is home to an increasing number of animals confiscated from illegal wildlife traffickers. The orphanage has been featured in countless documentaries & is now world renowned for its pioneering work as well as famed as one of Africa's largest & most successful wildlife rehabilitation/release centers. Eligibility: - Good level of English - Vaccinations (please consult doctor) - Age 18+ (exceptions for 17 year olds if there are more than 2 volunteers wanting to come)

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

Do you have a passion for Theatre, travelling and helping young children? With VWI we offer people like you the fantastic opportunity to teach underprivileged young children living in the iconic Pink City of Jaipur. During your time on the programme you will be placed in a local school or orphanage where you’ll have the freedom to create and organise your very own programme. You will be giving training to help children for their local performance such as teaching theater, to improve focus, making the set, design them, music selection, making the masks and organize the program for children. We don’t need an expert actor, director or an artist. We just want our volunteers to offer love to children, to make them good theater actors and to help the ones that are talented but they are shy or just not able to bring it out. Volunteers in the past have put on plays, taught dance routines, made masks/puppets, and facilitated scenes from well-known scripts. You may also consider teaching the children core performance techniques (acting, singing, dancing), scenes from musicals, or how to make their own costumes.

This program offers a full 8-week "All In" experience combining adventure and cultural exchange in Costa Rica and Cuba. Spend one month in each country embracing the lifestyle, enjoying the best activities, and making a positive impact by supporting local communities. Start in Costa Rica with Spanish classes, surfing, and yoga in the beach town of Santa Teresa, as well as an overland cloud forest exploration in Monteverde. Then, travel to Cuba to continue improving your language skills, enjoy some salsa dancing, participate in volunteer projects, and travel around the country to learn all about its history and culture. This is an ideal program for those seeking a blend of education, cultural immersion, and unique activities in two of Latin America's most vibrant countries. Plus, you get the chance to stay in a “jungle surf camp,” nestled in a paradise setting surrounded by wildlife. Imagine spotting a howler monkey hanging on a tree branch!

This wonderful project was created to improve the educational opportunities for young children in Mwandi. It focuses on teaching English, an essential language in the area and crucial for securing future employment. Introducing English at a formative age greatly increases children's chances of gaining a high level of fluency in later years, allowing them to pursue further education opportunities and seek alternative employment where English is an advantage. Volunteers can also share their passion for sports, arts, crafts, music, and games. Participants work alongside local teachers in a small community school, which opened in January 2019 and expanded to cater to students from preschool to grade 3. The school relies on fundraising and donations to remain operational. Local teachers and children greatly appreciate the assistance of international volunteers!

Camp Europe offers a volunteering opportunity as a Summer Camp Counselor in Europe. This program is designed to allow university students to travel to Europe, meet like-minded people from different countries, benefit from intense first-class Outdoor Education training, and acquire a few certifications along the way. Camp Europe will provide you with an intense training through which you can obtain professional instruction in many outdoor education fields, from canoeing, kayaking, swimming, archery, climbing, and high ropes, passing through field sports and creative activities to language coaching and team building. You will also obtain a bronze cross and first aid certification. Volunteers travel, enjoy, and relax, and then show up at their designated campsite to act as role models, spend time playing outdoors like children, experience working in a team-based environment, and have the time of their lives.

Camp Europe specializes in language teaching and adventure sports camps for children and youth throughout Europe. We offer various positions, including Language Coach, Camp Counselor, Program Area Director, and Group Leader. Camp Europe offers intensive training, providing professional instruction in various outdoor education fields – from canoeing, kayaking, and swimming to climbing, high ropes, and creative activities, as well as language coaching. Plus, you will obtain a bronze cross and first aid certification. You will earn a well-reputed diploma at the end of the training, setting you up for a memorable summer in Europe. You'll have fun in the outdoors while serving as a role model for younger generations.

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.

This versatile NGO management & administration experience and observation program gives insight into all aspects of running the Aldeas de Paz Foundation. It's geared toward participants interested in starting their own charity or who want hands-on experience in the day-to-day running of a grassroots NGO. Volunteers and interns observe and assist the coordinator and director with office work, as well as in-community project support, administrative work, and the coordination and supervision of community programs and participating volunteers. The NGO management volunteers and interns also help ensure the well-being of our volunteers and their coordination and full integration into various programs offered, as well as into the social life of the community. The foundation relies on NGO volunteers and interns to ensure smooth operations and therefore requires flexible and dedicated volunteers. Direct work with our primary beneficiaries is an essential part of the work of Aldeas de Paz, so NGO volunteers and interns are also expected to participate in foundation-wide events and activities involving our beneficiaries.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pacific along the Rímac River. This large, international city balances both modern and traditional influences, which evolved from Peru's history as the home of the Inca and numerous other civilized cultures dating back as far as 2000 BC. Opportunities vary from rehabilitating marine life to working with disabled or at-risk youth to creating environmental protection campaigns. By partnering with community-based organizations and following a structured, reflection-based curriculum, you will learn how local experts address these issues with available resources while developing intercultural and leadership skills in a real-world context. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so visit our website to learn more about your options. Although all our programs are great, we especially recommend Lima for students who are interested in marine biology or human rights.

Give back and gain practical childcare experience at the same time! This is a wonderful way to volunteer with disadvantaged children at a kindergarten or care centre. As a volunteer, you’ll become part of our ongoing efforts to support children in Cambodia. You’ll do this by planning and running fun, educational activities to promote early childhood development. For example, you can play a ball game to help kids improve their hand-eye coordination. You’ll be based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital city, and live in an apartment with other volunteers. In your free time, make the most of your time here, and do as much as possible!

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challenge of reconciling urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights, free movement of nomadic peoples, and equal access to resources. This semester, walk among ancient temples, traverse mountainous jungles, and explore the clear blue water of Thailand’s beaches. You’ll explore tradition, globalization, and human rights against the backdrop of two of Asia’s most complex nations. Immerse yourself in community life through homestays and visits to remote villages. Emerge with your self-awareness and perspective forever altered. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 4

Understand what’s happening in Cuba while enjoying a broad range of activities in this one or two-week cultural immersion program based in the heart of Old Habana! Our volunteer placements will help you connect with Cuban people, understand their culture and history, and turbocharge your Spanish language tuition. Start dates usually fall on the first Sunday of each month, though you are welcome to arrive early or extend—we are open 365 days a year! Accommodation is in our licensed Casa Particulare, where you’ll share a dorm room with other students. You can also stay in a private room with an en suite bathroom for an additional fee. Couples, friends, and families who book a program together are automatically upgraded to a private room. Airport transfers are arranged on request. Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens. Please learn about Support the Cuban People permitted travel category (100% legal/compliant!). Contact us for more information.

Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, and open opportunities for children and adults across Peru, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a certified teacher, or simply a fluent English speaker looking to make a difference, teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to global education while immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. In many developing regions, English proficiency opens the door to education, employment, and better economic opportunities. However, limited resources and teacher shortages often leave students without access to quality English education. By joining Volunteering Journeys’ teaching programs, you’ll help bridge this gap. You’ll work in local schools, community centers, or after-school programs — improving English literacy, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness.

Experience hands-on field research related to the conservation of savannah ecosystems in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly called Swaziland). Although savannahs are well-represented in African conservation areas, they are subjected to increasing degradation as a result of human influences, including land use and climate change. Well known for large charismatic game such as elephants, rhinos, and lions, there are a variety of smaller species that are threatened and are arguably more critical to the functioning of savannahs. Depending on priorities and active studies at the time of participation, volunteers may study vegetation, bats, hyenas, small predators (like mongoose, genets, and jackal), rodents, ungulates (such as giraffe and antelope), reptiles, birds, and other plant and animal life in Eswatini’s Lubombo Conservancy. They will examine the interface among commercial agriculture, rural communities, and protected areas in this Southern African region and learn from our experienced conservationists. They will be based at our Savannah Research Centre and camp in the private Mbuluzi Game Reserve, working at the Mlawula Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park located nearby.