Youth Volunteer Programs in South America

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 155,000 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.

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!

Teach English to local children in Cajamarca, Peru! This volunteer teaching project takes place at a kindergarten in Cajamarca whose goal is to begin to teach English to children at a young age. The children are between the ages of 2 and 4 at this kindergarten. Volunteers will teach English through fun activities such as playing games and leading organized activities. Volunteers will also live in an authentic Peruvian style home made of adobe and stone. To enhance your experience, take part in Culture Week to explore Peru and become immersed in its culture.

Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires has been thoughtfully designed to promote change in the communities of Buenos Aires as well as in the individuals who participant in the program. Throughout the course of the program, participants will be giving the opportunity to work on locally run projects, which will improve the environment and lifestyle of community. They will also have the chance to live like a local, build relationships with the people, and dive into the rich Argentinean culture. Marte Argentina has partnered with volunteer organizations and NGO's in order to give volunteers a variety of different opportunities. Among some of those opportunities are: working with children, education, HIV/AIDS counseling, and medical/health volunteering. No matter what program volunteers choose, they will have the opportunity to engage with the people and language of the beautiful country of Argentina and be changed by the experience.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

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.

Ecuador's vibrant culture, dense rainforests, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and picturesque beaches make it the premier destination in South America. Volunteers with World Endeavors are based near the beautiful southern Pacific Coast. By choosing one of the several volunteer projects, participants have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the people of Ecuador. Projects include teaching children, orphanage assistance, special education, deaf education, and wildlife conservation. Eligibility for this program includes English language fluency; a desire to help the people of Ecuador; flexibility and self-motivation; openness to a new culture, and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

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.

Volunteering through Road2Argentina allows you to be more than a tourist, enabling you to interact with locals and practice your Spanish while giving back to the community. We offer placements in local organizations in Buenos Aires, where you will handle hands-on assignments that truly help those who need it most. Apart from volunteering activities, you can take intensive Spanish classes further to enhance your immersion in Argentine culture and language. Please become part of our unique community of local and international volunteers, interns, and other students. * Volunteer placements in Buenos Aires that require basic Spanish: - Community soup kitchen - Recreational activities for kids - Childcare - Teaching English to children or adults - Organizing fundraising events - Environmental sustainability * Volunteer placements in Buenos Aires that require intermediate Spanish: - Continuing education for children and adults - Community center communication - HIV-affected children - PR and marketing for an NGO

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.

Spend a semester or academic year in the charismatic, sophisticated city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 22 credits through either a Latin America Studies Program, an Immersion Program, or a Certificate in Latin America Studies Program at the University of Belgrano. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. You can opt to take a 4-week Intensive Spanish Language course before the start of the semester to help you get a head start in adjusting to the new language and culture and to prepare for the placement exam for the semester. Volunteering in Buenos Aires will add a new perspective to your study abroad experience as you give back to the local community. You’ll also enjoy cultural and social activities such as guided tours of Buenos Aires and the La Boca neighborhood, a tango night at a milonga, and a visit to a soccer stadium. A day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uruguay, is included. Optional excursions include a 3-day trip to the famous Iguazu Falls and a day trip to a traditional Argentinean gaucho ranch.

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.

Discover the wonders of the "Paris of South America" while supporting grassroots organizations in Buenos Aires. This program is the perfect combination of two weeks of Spanish Immersion and two weeks of community service. Your engaging Spanish classes taught by local instructors will give you the language skills, confidence and cultural knowledge to excel in your community service placement. Volunteer placements include assisting with after-school programs for youth and working with community support groups such as soup kitchens. This program includes an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Colonia, Uruguay, spending a day with Argentine cowboys on a Gaucho Ranch, and fun tours of the most iconic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires including La Recoleta, La Boca, San Telmo, and Palermo. Immerse yourself in cultural activities including an Argentine cooking class, tango class, and tango performance. Contribute the local community, learn about yourself, and make connections to last a lifetime! This is a great program for high school students looking to complete their community service hours. A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January 2026 Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and define their own purpose. After an initial period of training, you will be placed in one of our overseas hubs as a Group Mentor and Project Implementor, you will be supporting our in-country team through coordinating group projects and supporting our project participants on their journey to becoming global citizens. Your days will be filled with exciting challenges and fulfilling experiences, including: 1. Coordinating and delivering impactful project activities with our local partners. 2. Embark on a leadership role as you guide your group of project participants through immersive and exciting cultural activities. 3. Engage your group in reflective discussions and interactive sessions to foster personal growth. 4. Reporting on the progress and success of all international project participants and community development project delivery activities.

Contribute to social missions in the fishing village of La Boquilla in Cartagena, Colombia. Join volunteer projects that address extreme poverty in local communities, choosing from the following areas: - Music workshops - Coconut and product manufacturing workshops - Community work - Animal shelters - Youth support - Food distribution - Academic support and education Connect with the community and immerse yourself in the local culture while supporting the project you are most passionate about. A coordinator will call to help you pick an area based on your skills, experience, interest, and Spanish level. Explore a village with Afro-Caribbean roots and discover another side of Cartagena apart from resorts and tourist areas. Enjoy its natural beauty and learn about the city’s fascinating history. Develop your sense of discipline, responsibility, and motivation. Broaden your perspective through this volunteer experience. Being hardworking, patient, flexible, and proactive are important qualities to ensure a positive impact.

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.

Make an impact that matters — globally. If you’re passionate about improving lives and tackling real-world challenges, Connect-123 can help you find an internship that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals while giving you the chance to grow as a global citizen. Our interns have partnered with nonprofits, hospitals, schools, clinics, and community programs on critical issues such as refugee support, women’s rights, domestic violence prevention, child welfare, poverty reduction, public health, and chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS. These aren’t hypothetical projects — they’re meaningful opportunities to contribute to lasting change. Beyond your placement, the Connect-123 program ensures your experience is seamless and transformative. From safe, comfortable housing and in-depth city orientation to regular social events and 24/7 on-the-ground support, we take care of the details so you can focus on making an impact and building your future. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

The Study and Volunteer in Cusco, Peru program of the National Registration Center for Study Abroad includes 20 hours of group Spanish classes per week and a four-week volunteering placement in a wide range of fields. It begins with four weeks of Spanish study, with the volunteers attending 20 hours per week of Spanish classes in groups of one to four other students. Each class lasts 55 minutes and English isn’t used to foster quick learning. Although volunteers may opt to study Spanish longer than four weeks, they will be placed in a volunteering position immediately after the fourth week. Placement opportunities are available in the fields of Social Services, Healthcare, Orphanage, Education, and Indigenous Community.

Travel to Córdoba, Argentina, and join our Human Rights Internship program. Here, you’ll work with communities facing challenges like domestic violence, gender inequality, and homelessness. You’ll help create solutions, run awareness campaigns, and deliver empowering workshops that inspire change. This is hands-on experience, you’ll team up with passionate coordinators, collaborate with local organizations, and split your time between dynamic office work and impactful field activities. From helping victims and conducting research to designing campaigns and leading classes, your work will matter. No prior experience? No problem. We’ll train you, guide you, and help you grow your skills in real human rights work. You’ll boost your CV, gain practical experience, make global connections, and create lifelong memories, all while making a lasting impact. Bring your passion, join a community of changemakers, and be part of something bigger. Together, we can break barriers and build a brighter future.

Eco Caminhos is a self-sufficient, sustainable eco-farm located in the peaceful mountains close to Nova Friburgo. We are a passionate international community that follows permaculture principles and works to produce our own food, energy, and building materials. We believe this is the ideal setting for humans to develop themselves as we learn to live, work, evolve, and resolve our problems together. We welcome people from all over the world to get involved in our activities and learn about bioconstruction (natural building), agroforestry (syntropic farming), renewable energy, and sustainable ways of living while taking their time to discover, explore, hike, and participate in all the many outdoor activities we usually organize. In particular, we are looking for an experienced and motivated online marketing specialist who can supervise our web design and implement marketing (CRM) tools, improve our use of Google Analytics, create Google and Facebook ads, and help our team learn how to use and manage these tools. Find more about our volunteering programs by getting in touch with us!