Refugee Relief Volunteer Programs

49 Refugee Relief Volunteer Programs

Featured Provider of the Month
with International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.55
795
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.
See All 3 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
9.5
487
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!
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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1
Join us in Israel and provide humanitarian aid by lending a helping hand to the underprivileged of Tel Aviv- Yafo and Jerusalem areas. As a volunteer here, you will assist in much-needed food preparation, packaging and distribution. The Tel Aviv center was established in association with the Municipality of Tel Aviv’s Welfare Department and has been running for 25 years, operated mainly by volunteers. It was established to help put a stop to food insecurity by distributing hundreds of food packages to the homes of poor families and provides lunches to 1000 schoolchildren all over Tel Aviv- Yafo. Ther Jerusalem location works with the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture to distribute 3,000 food baskets each week in 30 different cities.
See All 2 ProgramsThe Intern Group
9.43
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The Intern Group provides you with top internships in London! Partnering with a range of great companies and NGOs, our London internship program will fulfill your career potential. We are regularly featured in mainstream international media like CNN International. Apply now to intern in the greatest city in the world and propel your career development! Visit The Intern Group's website to get all the details!
Roots Interns
8
1
Make a direct contribution to positive change by supporting local organizations working to improve lives through community-based projects. Community development internships through Roots Interns take place in diverse regions such as Malawi, South Africa, Brazil, Ecuador, Zambia, and beyond, offering hands-on involvement in grassroots initiatives that focus on education, environmental awareness, youth empowerment, and social justice. Whether you’re leading activities with local youth, supporting refugee programs, or helping launch sustainable tourism efforts, your work will have a meaningful impact. These internships are ideal for students and recent graduates looking to build practical experience in areas such as program coordination, mentorship, communication, research, or nonprofit development. With placements starting at a minimum of 4 to 12 weeks, and flexible start dates throughout the year, you'll find an internship that aligns with your academic schedule and interests. From remote options to fully immersive in-country experiences, each opportunity is tailored to match your skills and learning goals while giving you a deeper understanding of social change from the ground up.
Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure
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0
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!
See All 3 ProgramsProjects Abroad
9.41
296
At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!
Love Volunteers
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The mission of this program is to support the women of Nairobi who face abuse, neglect, and gender injustices daily. Love Volunteers and our partner in Nairobi place volunteers in various community locations such as schools, women's centers, and groups to provide support, skills, and resources. The goal is to empower women to work toward a better life. We welcome qualified and experienced volunteers who can work with women suffering from abuse. We also have opportunities for business-minded individuals who can assist with entrepreneurial initiatives. Participants without formal qualifications but are passionate about helping can work with younger children. By necessity, the program is flexible around schooling, work, and family commitments.
See All 3 ProgramsExcellence Center in Europe
9.28
110
Volunteers taking part in short-term volunteer projects in Germany will be responsible for teaching one-to-one conversational English courses to students at the Center, as well as instructing small groups (anywhere from 2 – 5 students). Students come from a plethora of backgrounds, with ages ranging anywhere from 12 – 70 years old. However, most students will be migrants or the children of migrants, hailing from various Arab countries. Volunteers will not only serve as teachers, but also as cultural diplomats who represent their home country to the community in Halle (Saale). They play an important role in helping with communal activities meant to increase cross-cultural exchanges. In addition to teaching, volunteers will enroll in German language courses (3 hours a week). The advent of additional language courses is meant to further immerse them in local Arabic/German culture, allowing them to better communicate with their students, as well as locals in Halle. The Volunteer to Teach English and Learn German language program spans anywhere from 1 – 12 weeks, with volunteers staying with local host families during their time in Halle (Saale).
See All 2 ProgramsThe Excellence Center in Palestine
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Volunteer Projects In Palestine In 2025: The Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine offers short-term volunteer programs for 2025 in Hebron, Palestine. Volunteers will work with Palestinian children, refugees, women, youth, university students, and families, helping them practice conversational English, organize workshops, and teach within the vibrant community. These programs are designed to be immersive, authentic, and comprehensive. In addition to language teaching, the Center offers programs focused on human rights, women's rights, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, the Palestinian legal system, and the political history and current situation of Palestine and Israel. These volunteer and internship opportunities are ideal for students and individuals seeking meaningful experiences in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the wider Middle East. The programs provide a unique chance to engage with local communities, learn about the region’s complex political landscape, and contribute to social causes, especially during the summer months. Whether you seek cultural immersion or to support human rights efforts, these programs offer a deeply enriching experience.
See All 2 ProgramsThe Palestinian Center - Go Palestine
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The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees program is a valuable and immersive opportunity for those who wish to work alongside and learn from Palestinian refugees living in different conditions. By engaging with the community, participants will gain unique insights into the daily lives of refugees and the challenges they face due to the ongoing occupation. Throughout the program, participants may organize and participate in various social, educational, and community activities designed to empower refugees and provide opportunities to learn new skills, connect with others, and express their creativity. Additionally, the program aims to promote education as a powerful tool for advocacy and change, encouraging refugees to fight for their rights and futures. The program focuses on engaging youth, children, and women living in refugee camps in Hebron. Despite the difficult conditions in these camps, participants will discover that the refugees are resilient and determined to improve their lives through education and community engagement.
Volunteer World
8.69
16
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.
GoBeyond Student Travel
9.75
8
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.
See All 2 ProgramsCarpe Diem Education
9.69
13
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
Connect-123 Internship Programs
9.5
4
Make a difference while experiencing one of the most breathtaking cities in the world! Connect-123’s volunteer program in Cape Town matches you with projects that align with your unique skills, passions, and goals—allowing you to give back while gaining valuable experience. Our network includes NGOs, schools, clinics, community programs, and animal refuges, offering opportunities in healthcare, education, youth mentoring, conservation, social services, and more. Whether you’re supporting underprivileged youth, helping at a public hospital, or protecting local wildlife, you’ll play a meaningful role in projects that truly matter. Outside of your volunteer placement, Cape Town offers endless adventures—from hiking Table Mountain and exploring vineyards to discovering local markets and vibrant cultural events. Our on-the-ground team is here year-round to guide and support you every step of the way, from customizing your placement to helping you settle in and make the most of your time in South Africa. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing volunteer experience in Cape Town begins on your schedule.
See All 2 ProgramsVocational Impact
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4
Gain practical legal experience while making a meaningful contribution to human rights in one of South Africa’s major cities. This programme is designed for Law, Policy, and International Relations students or graduates who want to strengthen their skills, engage in global legal work, and boost their career prospects. Work alongside a dedicated human rights and legal clinic that advocates for marginalised communities. Train with legal professionals as you learn to manage cases, communicate with clients, draft documents, take accurate case notes, liaise with institutional bodies, and assist in litigation. Take the opportunity to specialise in departments that match your interests and even manage your own cases under supervision. Throughout your placement, immerse yourself in South African culture while contributing to lasting legal and social impact.
WorldStrides
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2
Known as the "Versailles of Morocco," Meknes is home to a beautiful blend of the Arab, Berber, and French cultures that comprise modern Morocco. The city's diverse and distinct districts, such as bustling Ville Nouvelle, labyrinthine Medina, and relaxing plazas and green spaces, are the epitome of the traditional Moroccan lifestyle. We provide opportunities to serve in Meknes all year round through local NGOs, including women’s empowerment programs, at-risk youth homes, and therapy centers. Throughout your program, you will create a portfolio of assignments and activities, including individual reflective essays, logs of hours, weekly journals, and group discussions. Through service at a local organization and guided reflection activities, our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of the local language, culture, and community. Each placement is unique, so please visit our website to learn more about the specific placements and program options available. We especially recommend our Meknes program for those interested in education and youth development or women's empowerment field placements.
See All 2 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
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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.
Euroace
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2
Are you looking for a chance to volunteer abroad while gaining valuable personal skills? Our Volunteer and Experiential Learning program allows you to get involved with local initiatives assisting underdeveloped communities, contributing to community service work, collaborating with local NGOs, and working with populations at risk of social exclusion, such as youth and elderly communities. It's an experience that will benefit the lives of the less fortunate and develop your skills and personal opportunities! Take your gap year further by combining volunteer work with an immersion experience. Our immersion activities include Spanish language courses to help you improve your level of Spanish in a practical learning environment. What's more, we put on cultural activities so you get a feel for the Spanish culture, enabling you to practice your language skills and experience the Spanish way of life.
Global Works
9.5
4
Spain attracts travelers with its old-world charm and vibrant people. Explore the country in a way most tourists never will! Beyond experiencing ancient sites and modern cities, you become exposed to a beautiful and untainted Spain. Dive into an unforgettable and authentic experience through community collaboration in our partner local communities on this student travel program to Spain! Focus on environmental conservation as you connect with locals. Our Spanish adventure takes you through all the must-see places and beyond the tourist track. These are adventures you do not want to miss! Program Options: Spain: Sustainable Communities & Mediterranean Culture - 17-day high school program through Madrid, Malaga, Granada, and Barcelona
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Refugee Relief
Prepare for Volunteering
Understand the benefits
More than the experience, it’s the sense of fulfillment that will keep you wanting to volunteer again and again. What are the benefits that come with this? Take a quick read to find out:
- Pick up new skills. Volunteering helps you develop skills like time management, problem-solving, and teamwork, enhancing both your resume and personal growth.
- Experience new cultures. You’ll learn about new traditions and ways of life, making it easier to adapt and connect with others, even across language barriers.
- Make lasting connections. Working with people from different backgrounds will help you build meaningful relationships and create lasting memories.
Things to know
Volunteering in refugee relief requires preparation to maximize your impact. Here’s what to consider:
- Prepare for the challenges - Be ready for demanding and emotionally intense situations, and stay resilient.
- Language requirements - Knowing the local language, even at a basic level, can enhance your effectiveness and experience.
- Budget and costs - Research the cost of living and any additional expenses. Accommodation may be provided but other costs like food and travel may not.
- Health and safety - Stay informed about regulations, get necessary vaccinations, and have an emergency plan.
- Cultural sensitivity - Learn about local customs and societal norms beforehand to integrate and work effectively within the community.
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