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Summer Volunteer Abroad

Spend your summer on a Sicilian beach and you're a beach bum with a thing for spaghetti and wine. Teach kids English or research octopuses, and suddenly you’re a hero. Add a dose of altruism to your vacation by volunteering abroad. You’ll gain new skills, impress future employers, maybe learn a language, and feel great about making a difference (all while still enjoying gelato or sipping piña coladas by the sea).
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Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

755 Summer Volunteer Abroad Programs

9.5487 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guate...

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Volunteer for the Visayans

Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines

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Adelante Abroad

Volunteer in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Make a positive impact in Mexico! Adelante Abroad offers affordab...

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African Impact

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in South Africa 2025
African Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Project in South Africa

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Mexico - Under 18 Marine Conservation Expedition

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Kaya Responsible Travel

Teaching and Community Work in Zanzibar

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The Intern Group

Internships in Melbourne, Australia

Jumpstart your career with Australia’s top internships! Partnerin...

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Impact Gap Year

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

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Roots Interns

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help2kids

Inspire Young Lives with help2kids: Volunteer in Tanzania

As a volunteer with help2kids, you can choose from different educ...

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Constru Casa

Travel, Build, and Transform lives in Guatemala

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Cuba & Costa Rica – 8 Weeks Travel Adventure

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Projects Abroad

Dentistry Placements in Tanzania with Projects Abroad

As a Projects Abroad Dentistry intern in Tanzania you can work al...

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Excellence Center in Europe

Volunteer to Teach English & Study German (1-12 Weeks)

Volunteers taking part in short-term volunteer projects in German...

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Rustic Pathways

Thailand Adventures and Service with Rustic Pathways

Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, ...

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The Excellence Center in Palestine

Volunteer Projects In Palestine In 2025

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How to Volunteer Abroad This Summer

Prepare to Volunteer Abroad

Understand the benefits

Summer is a great window to try something different without overcommitting. Volunteering abroad gives you structure, purpose, and a deeper way to see a place.

  • Hands-on work. You won’t be sitting on the sidelines. Most programs get you involved from day one, whether you're supporting a local school or working on environmental projects.
  • Efficient use of your break. Summer programs are usually 2 to 8 weeks, which means you can make a real impact without missing out on other plans.
  • More connection, less surface-level travel. You’ll stay in one place long enough to actually understand it. Something you don’t get when you’re just passing through.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

When looking for ideal volunteer destinations in summer, think pleasant weather and beautiful sights. Thailand is perfect for working with elephants and then lounging by the beach in your free time. Head to South Africa to contribute to wildlife conservation and witness the Big 5. Help disadvantaged youth in Peru and end your stay with trips to historic sites such as Machu Picchu.

Yes, you can find a few free volunteer programs abroad in summer. But most placements come with a fee to cover operational or administrative costs. Many organizations also use a portion of the money to support their partner communities and provide the basic needs of participants, including housing and some meals.

No one is too old to volunteer abroad! Whether you’re in high school or already retired, you can find an international volunteer program designed specifically for your age group. If you want to make a difference with your kids, many placements are open to families. Of course, organizations take into account physical fitness and other factors, especially when offering programs to older adults.

Yes, it is safe to volunteer abroad in summer. You just need to choose the right destination to do it. In general, steer clear from countries with reported cases of heat waves and health concerns such as food poisoning and mumps. Consider your overall safety as well, since several studies have discovered that crime rate tends to increase in summer.

With summer volunteer programs abroad generally open to students on school breaks, placement durations range from one week to two months. This is the perfect time to travel, contribute to a meaningful cause, and enjoy excursions to new places.

Latest Program Reviews

Most heart-warming experience of my life

December 02, 2025by: Sidi Jut - NetherlandsProgram: Street Children & Youth Volunteer Project in Ghana
10

Volunteering with SMWEF Ghana has been one of the most meaningful and heart-warming experiences of my life, and it is something I would recommend to absolutely anyone. I volunteered with SMWEF for two months in 2025, and from the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by Naomi and Seth. SMWEF is deeply committed to giving every child a fair chance at a brighter future. The warmth and kindness these children carry with them is truly indescribable. Being able to put a smile on their faces by giving them the love, time, and attention they deserve is incredibly fulfilling. Their joy and love is so pure and heartwarming, it gave me such a different perspective. The love and passion that Seth and Naomi have for these children is equally indescribable. They give everything they have to give these children a chance at a better future. Their dedication, strength, and wholehearted commitment are truly inspiring. I have the deepest respect for their mission and the tireless work they do every day. You can see and feel the impact they make every single day you are there and they will take you along with every part of the process. SMWEF still needs all the support they can get, and every volunteer truly makes a difference. I cannot recommend SMWEF highly enough. Volunteering with them will fill your heart, broaden your perspective, and leave you with an experience you will cherish for the rest of your life.

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