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Social Work Volunteer Programs Abroad

Have you ever had an altruistic calling to help those in need? Maybe it's time you look into social work volunteer opportunities abroad. Social workers worldwide support children and adults in need, especially those facing one or more layers of disadvantage in society. Those who volunteer in social work abroad will be able to help those who have been affected by physical abuse, mental illness, civil war, disease outbreaks, and many more social issues.
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Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

413 Social Work Volunteer Programs

Volunteer for the Visayans logo

Volunteer for the Visayans

9.5

2

Volunteer in a Child Care Facility in the Philippines

Volunteer for the Visayans places volunteers in several orphanages around the city and surrounding towns. Each orphanage is home to around 45 and over 100 abandoned and unwanted children, many of whom come from impoverished families and have suffered from malnutrition or neglect. Living with just the necessities and few toys, these children only have a limited staff to care for them. Caregivers appreciate the extra help our volunteers can offer them, like tutoring the children, organizing arts and crafts or sports activities, and helping with basic chores such as feeding the kids and folding laundry. This is a meaningful way to learn firsthand the hardship most children face and give back to the underprivileged children growing up in a Third World country. Volunteers don't necessarily need caregiving experience. All we ask is that you come with energy, enthusiasm, an open mind, and an open heart. With little staff, we ask the volunteers to organize recreational activities such as sports, educational exercises, or arts and crafts. With few resources at the orphanages, it helps if the volunteer can bring educational resources, art supplies, or tapes with children's songs.

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Kaya Responsible Travel logo

Kaya Responsible Travel

0

0

Education Outreach for Child Workers in Ecuadorian Markets

RECRUITING FOR 2023 Come and volunteer in Quito, and help address the sad reality of children in Quito. These kids, often as young as three years old, are already working up to 10 hours a day in the markets, streets, and countryside of Ecuador to support their financially struggling families. The Education Outreach is a proactive intervention program and, together with a local team, you’ll travel to the markets around greater Quito. Approach children and their parents, and talk about the importance of early childhood development and education. Set up tents and create opportunities for thematic early childhood education, including health/hygiene and recreation. Volunteers should be open, flexible, patient, caring, creative, and come with a spirit of collaboration and solidarity. Interest in social work, early childhood education, community development, and social justice are a plus. Basic Spanish speaking skills are required for this project to enable you to communicate with the children but can be gained by attending Spanish classes during your placement. As the project involves different locations, volunteers should be prepared to use public transport.

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.5

487

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

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!

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Adelante Abroad

9.5

6

Internships in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Step out of your comfort zone with our amazing internships in Mexico, a country famous for its ancient ruins and stunning beaches! With Adelante Abroad, you will combine practical experience in your chosen field and cultural immersion through a discovery of a new country. Our internship programs in Oaxaca emphasize giving back to the community rather than pure work. Sign up for 1-12 months and choose from placements in various sectors - Arts, Social Work, Psychology, English Teaching, Culinary, Education, and more. These internships and volunteer opportunities are on a rolling basis, where assigned programs start the first week of every month! Housing will differ depending on the location of your internship, and candidates will be placed either with a local or with other international candidates. Both living options will allow you to improve your Spanish speaking level. Adelante Abroad offers internships and volunteer assignments based on the program's availability and your experience in the sector. Contact us to confirm placements in advance or inquire about other opportunities!

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African Impact

9.2

50

Teaching Volunteer Projects in Africa

Venture to Zambia or Zanzibar to soak up African cultures and make a lasting impact on local communities through education. As a volunteer teacher, you will be a teacher assistant at rural primary schools in Zambia or Zanzibar, working with young and curious children at under-resourced pre-schools. No matter what, volunteering as a teacher in Africa will contribute to sustainable education initiatives that uplift young children in underdeveloped communities. We have placements in these destinations: - Livingstone, Zambia - Jambiani, Zanzibar

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.9

10

Indonesia - Education and Community Work in Bali

Travel to the beautiful island of Bali and work directly with an impoverished community. You will be assisting in the development of local villages through various work projects. Volunteers have the chance to pick from a selection of projects such as construction work and health care education. This is an amazing project to volunteer in because you will witness the transformation of communities as your work progresses. As a rural and secluded community, Ubud has difficulty accessing assistance and support in developing their neighborhoods. From teaching English to young children, to construction work in the local villages, to educating about health and hygiene, this project aims to help Ubud build a strong infrastructure and improve their education and healthcare systems. This project is divided into several categories, all designed to provide security to the members of this impoverished community.

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The Intern Group

9.43

58

Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

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!

Impact Gap Year

10

3

6-Month Gap Year Adventure

Join the 6-month Gap Year, an extraordinary six-month journey of learning, adventure, and making a difference. This gap year program is the perfect blend of excitement and enrichment, offering a language and culture study course in Spain, environmental initiatives, and addressing social and economic issues in South Africa, turtle conservation in Sri Lanka, and a community preservation, building and gardening volunteering in Cambodia. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Broaden your horizons and nurture a deep sense of cultural appreciation that will extend beyond the end of the program. Visit our website and inquire today to get specific details about this program.

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

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—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 11 Programs

The Real Uganda

9.81

16

Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between these locally requested interventions: Public health and clinical work: Volunteers work in rural clinics providing testing, treatment, counseling services, and prevention education. Nutrition, vegetable gardening, and community sanitation programs are also ongoing. We aim to support rural public health in Uganda. Teaching and childcare: Volunteers work in rural classrooms, choosing what ages and topics to teach. Art and sport are the most popular. Traditional teaching in Uganda is rote learning and memorization. We aim to encourage teamwork, fun, creativity, literacy, and general knowledge in primary schools. Organic farming: Volunteers work alongside women and community members to maintain gardens. Depending on the season, volunteers prepare the soil, plant seeds, spread mulch, weed, harvest, and chase birds and other pests. Learn from Ugandan farmers, and share your ideas as well. We aim to teach efficient land use, organic pest control, and nutrition.

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Instituto Hemingway

9.81

32

Volunteer Programs in Spain

The volunteer program at Instituto Hemingway is a unique opportunity to live and work in Spain from the perspective of locals. At the same time, you will build a cultural bridge between Spain and your country of origin while giving back to a community. Beach Cleanup Support this project by setting a good example and encouraging people to get involved in protecting the local environment through simple actions, such as collecting their rubbish after a day on the beach. Work together to keep the waters healthy and nature green! Animal Shelter Contribute in a number of ways to stop the abuse and neglect of animals. At the same time, provide hands-on care to animals in need. The need for adequate care and education among the public in and around the area is huge. Social Entrepreneurship This project offers volunteers hands-on experience as well as the opportunity to help behind the scenes with administrative tasks including social media, fundraising and promotional efforts, sourcing new alliances, and drafting maps. Teaching English to Disadvantaged Children You can contribute to the education of growing children. Make a significant impact in their lives.

Roots Interns

9.5

8

Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

Gain practical social work experience during this exciting internship program in Cape Town, South Africa. You'll be part of a community center in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of the city that provides a safe and stimulating space for up to a hundred children every afternoon. Many of these children have experienced different levels of trauma, and as an intern, you'll assist the program in providing stimulating activities and counseling sessions for groups of children when needed. This internship is a great opportunity for getting practical experience in social work while supporting an important social development program. Your tasks will include offering individual or group counseling sessions to children with troubled backgrounds; helping create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children in the aftercare program; and helping cook for and feed the children at the center, among others. Preferably you'll have an academic background or experience in sociology, social work, community development, education, pedagogy, or something similar.

See All 41 Programs

Bucara Voluntours

10

24

Social Impact Adventure in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Bucara Voluntours offers a meaningful way to connect with communities while exploring the vibrant culture of Bucaramanga, Colombia. This program combines social engagement with adventure, allowing participants to support local foundations while experiencing the best of Colombian life. Whether playing games with children, participating in language exchanges, or spending time at a dog rescue, every activity fosters genuine connections and cultural understanding. Participants can volunteer for as many days as they wish, engaging in sports, table games, or English classes with local youth. Beyond volunteering, the program offers outdoor activities such as hiking, paragliding, and cultural excursions. Spanish lessons with certified teachers help enhance communication skills, making the experience even more immersive and effective. From visiting coffee farms to learning Latin dances, this program offers a balance of social impact, education, and adventure in one of Colombia’s most welcoming cities.

Penda Photo Tours

9.75

8

Humanitarian Photography Workshop, South Africa

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

Mente Argentina

10

5

Mente Argentina: Latin American NGO Management Position

Volunteer or intern with an NGO that strives to end poverty and gain insight into all aspects of management and structure. Be a part of an organization that supports undeserved neighborhoods with emergency housing and other basic services. Mente Argentina creates placements based on expertise and passions. Get a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes to run a successful multi-national NGO that provides impoverished communities with vital support services. Potential assignments include administrative assistance, event coordination, online and media marketing, volunteer organization and training, and fundraising and development. Participants will see their Spanish skills improve through day-to-day communication and interaction. If volunteers and interns are interested in gaining additional language experience as well as learning vocabulary that will be of use during their placement, Mente Argentina offers a short-term Spanish course at the start of the program.

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Volunteering With India

9.6

5

Orphanage Volunteer Program in India

Looking for Volunteer in India Orphanage ? Orphange Volunteer Program run by Volunteering With India is located in the heart of Rajasthan, which capital of Jaipur. Volunteering With India offers a program aimed at orphans. The center helps children who have no parents or who are lost. Some were kidnapped by criminal gangs. The organization endeavors to provide accommodation, food, games, and an educational facility. As a volunteer, you will be involved in all the activities that have been developed to support the growth of these kids. If you are interested in joining this initiative, please send us an inquiry message. The purpose of our Volunteer in India program is to find people that are able and willing to help children in orphanages.

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Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

0

0

Cuba & Costa Rica – 8 Weeks Travel Adventure

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!

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Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

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!

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Love Volunteers

10

2

Working with Children in Pokhara, Nepal

The mission of this essential program is to care for some of the most impoverished children in the city of Pokhara. The children in this program require a lot of care, attention and most importantly, companionship. Volunteers spend their time caring for the children, helping with their education, playing games and arranging fun activities during leisure time. Attention and companionship is what the children on this program crave the most. For volunteers who truly want to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children, this program serves to protect and care for those who need it most. This project aims to take these children off the streets and provide them with quality care and education, saving them from a life of abuse and neglect. Volunteers supply much-needed labor to support at-risk kids with care, attention, education, and most importantly, love.

See All 17 Programs

GVI

9.39

31

Volunteer Healthcare Project in South Africa

Volunteer on a program in a colorful township just outside Cape Town, educating child-minders, parents, and children on the importance of eating well and general hygiene practices to prevent the spread of germs. These fun and interactive workshops are set up in an informal environment, with topics like the identification of symptoms for general childhood diseases such as chickenpox, mumps, diarrhea, dehydration, colds, and flu. Approximately 75,000 children in South Africa die before the age of 5. This program aims to target as many people in local communities as possible in an attempt to increase the levels of knowledge about healthy eating and general hygiene practices.

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A Guide to Volunteering in Social Work Abroad

Prepare for Volunteering

Understand the benefits

Social work volunteering abroad is more than just an opportunity to help. It’s a deep dive into the realities of social issues, an eye-opening cultural experience, and a chance to grow in ways you never expected. Here’s why it’s worth it:

  • Make a real difference. You’ll apply your knowledge and skills to support vulnerable communities, helping improve lives where social services are most needed.
  • Expand your perspective. Facing unfamiliar challenges will push you to adapt, think on your feet, and strengthen your ability to communicate across cultures.
  • Challenge yourself. You’ll have to let go of assumptions, stay open-minded, and respect different ways of doing things. It’s personal growth that will stay with you long after your experience abroad.

Things to know

Volunteering in social work abroad is rewarding, but it’s not always easy. Before you go, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Culture shock is real. You’ll likely encounter ways of life, beliefs, and social norms that are completely different from what you’re used to. The key? Stay open-minded, listen more than you speak, and don’t assume your way is the “right” way.
  • You won’t change the world overnight. The work you do will matter, but real change takes time. Focus on learning, contributing where you can, and supporting long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.
  • Emotional challenges come with the job. Social work often means witnessing hardship, injustice, and difficult situations. Take care of yourself, lean on your support system, and remember that even small efforts can make a difference.
  • Flexibility is key. Plans will change, resources may be limited, and things won’t always go as expected. Embracing uncertainty and staying adaptable will make your experience far more fulfilling.

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Latest Program Reviews

A life changing experience

December 13, 2025by: Irene Neal - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
9

I was looking for an escape from my comfortable lifestyle at home in Canada. I wanted to share my passion helping others less fortunate than myself. I searched international volunteering programs, have volunteered in four countries in 2025, and can truly say these experiences have changed my life. How do you feel when an elderly person in a old people's home in Zambia begs you to stay with them and share stories and smiles? What happens to you when the school children in Ghana hug you so tight you lose your breath? What overtakes your mind when you introduce positive ideas to women in an impoverished village in Sri Lanka, and see them take possession of new personal empowerment? Let me tell you. It grabs you by the heart and nourishes your soul. It makes you want to come back again and again. Which is exactly what I plan to do in 2026.

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