Community Development Volunteer Programs in Caribbean

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.

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!

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!

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.

Acquire hands-on experience while working alongside fellow interns (or volunteers) and medical staff at a hospital or neighborhood health clinic in the Dominican Republic. Aldeas De Paz offers the Medicine and Healthcare program, which provides you insight into the daily operation and routines of local healthcare facilities. For a minimum of two weeks, you will experience the apparent contrast between the realities of health care in a developing country and Western medical practice. As clinics and hospitals in the country strive to become modernized, they face numerous challenges. You will witness medical conditions that have remained untreated, which in turn have developed to an advanced pathological stage. This project broadens your perspective by giving you real responsibilities. You will gain experience in different departments: maternity (only female volunteers), pediatric, emergency, diabetes, HIV prevention, and nursing. You could be assigned with hospital administration and management as well, wherein your tasks could include assisting with statistics and accountancy.

Bring sunblock as you take on the diverse beauty of the Dominican Republic! Participate in impactful service projects that will positively change the communities you visit. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, plus gain unique opportunities to work on high-impact public health initiatives or get hands-on experience on marine research and conservation projects. Whether in high school or college, you’ll embark on a thrilling journey infused with adventure, service, & purpose! Island Living and Eco-Service: Sunshine, beach vibes, and impactful service projects await our teen travelers. Marine Life and Coastal Restoration: Dive into aquatic adventures and hands-on conservation work alongside NGO. Public Health in the Caribbean: Participate in local healthcare initiatives & enjoy the coast! Mountain Air and Island Service: Explore mountains and beaches while contributing to projects that benefit rural villages & local communities. Life in the Bateyes: Travel deep into the island to contribute to infrastructure projects helping underserved communities of predominantly Haitian sugarcane workers. Spring to the Dominican Republic (2025): Has a version for college students

Are you interested in learning Spanish? Study at our school/hostel in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take morning language lessons from Monday to Friday. In the afternoons, enjoy dance classes and cultural excursions. We also have weekend trips to the beach and a two-night/three-day road trip to Viñales. This is a busy program and offers the possibility of immersion into Cuban life—past and present—and the opportunity to understand what makes this amazing country so special. Our programs are for participants 18+, but we also welcome minors accompanied by an adult. Accommodation is in our licensed Casa Particulare, where you’ll share a dorm room with other students. You could also stay in a private room with an en suite bathroom for an extra fee. Couples, friends, and family who book a program together are automatically upgraded to a private room. Breakfast and lunch are included, as well as activities such as group discussion/planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings. Airport transfers can be arranged on request. Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens. Feel free to contact us for more information!

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.

Planet Aid, in collaboration with Richmond Vale Academy (RVA), is seeking passionate and motivated individuals to join the People to People Volunteer Program. This unique 10-month program offers the chance to make a real impact by addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Volunteers are trained to become effective change agents by working hand in hand with local communities to support sustainable development. Qualifications: • 18+ years old • Passionate about change: Ideal for individuals eager to contribute to global development, including poverty alleviation, gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. • Open to learning: Willingness to develop new skills, embrace diverse cultures, and navigate challenging environments. • Flexible and resilient: Ability to adapt to various circumstances and work within a diverse, international team. • No specific background required: Open to individuals from all fields who care deeply about global issues and community development.

Away from the tourist traps and development of the cities, you experience an island known for its food, music, salsa dancing, language, and an irresistible Latino culture infused with a laid-back island lifestyle on this teen service program. Puerto Rico is the home of Global Works' first community service trip in 1989 when we helped rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Hugo. In 2017, Hurricane Maria hit and Global Works participants got to work and have been doing hands-on home construction projects. Puerto Rico continues to have some of our most meaningful and fun service projects! Program Options: Puerto Rico: Hurricane Relief - 8-day high school travel program with hands on community service Get ready to practice your Spanish by working alongside locals in reconstruction efforts! Along with meaningful and sustainable service work, you have the opportunity to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico.

Embark on an unforgettable six-week adventure that delves into the Caribbean's vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. This program is designed for young travelers (17-22) seeking a unique blend of cultural immersion, community engagement, and thrilling outdoor experiences. Uncover Santo Domingo's rich past, connect with local communities by contributing to rebuilding communities impacted by natural disasters, and immerse yourself in Dominican culture by experiencing the warmth and hospitality of local families through homestays. Hike through lush trails, encounter diverse flora and fauna, and witness the breathtaking waterfalls cascading through the El Yunque Rainforest. Beyond sightseeing and exploration, this program offers the opportunity to develop valuable life skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. Immerse yourself in local customs and traditions to gain a deeper cultural understanding. Step outside your comfort zone to experience personal growth and develop a sense of independence. Plus, build lifelong friendships with like-minded people from around the world.

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

Immerse yourself in one of the most energized cultures of the Western Hemisphere. Dive into an experience far off the tourist path and impossible to create without the backdrop of more than three decades of partnerships between VISIONS and your Dominican hosts. You’re taken in like an old friend in a place where the impact of service is profound and where you’ll feel like you’re truly part of something bigger. - Spanish Immersion, Latin-Caribbean Vibrance - Socializing, Games, Beach Outing & Tours - School Construction & Work With Children - 30+ Year Legacy Of Good Times & Powerful Projects

Although home to more than 11 million people, Cuban culture has been shrouded in mystery to most North Americans because of the prolonged economic and political strain between the United States and Cuba. The Cuba People-to-people program pulls back the curtains on this Caribbean culture and gives volunteers a clear look at the beauties, struggles, and determination of the Cuban people. Cubanos are proud, educated, and often quite happy to share opinions. Isolated for years due to the "blockade" (as Cubans refer to the embargo the US imposed against the Communist state), their culture has been influenced by many, none perhaps as heavily as Spain, Africa, and the United States. Full of music, derelict buildings, joy, and sorrow, the country offers few material pleasures but immense humanitarian rewards. In stark contrast to North America, its southern neighbor also offers almost no material consumer goods. There has never been a more exciting time to take part in volunteer travel in Cuba! Imagine a culture where everyone is literate and has access to free medical care and no starving people. This is the Cuba of today.

Grenada is a small volcanic island in the Caribbean, known for its beautiful beaches, lush Grand Etang rainforest, and high production of nutmeg—earning it the nickname Island of Spice. It remains one of the most unspoiled islands in the region. Elvira's Garden has two locations in the south of the island, across two of Grenada’s six parishes: St. David’s, where the community centre is based, and St. George’s, home to our bar, restaurant, and office. Our project gives volunteers the chance to experience daily local life in Grenada while making a meaningful contribution to youth development. Volunteers help educate and build social skills among young people at our Youth Centre, learn about local agriculture, and support various community fundraising efforts. As a family-run initiative, we treat all volunteers and staff like part of the family. We aim to make your stay feel like a home away from home—full of fun, meaningful moments, and lasting gratitude.

Our teams in Puerto Rico will be helping repair and reconstruct homes affected by hurricanes near the district of Maunabo, which has a population of about 15,000 people. Maunabo is surrounded by beautiful beaches with blue and green water on one side and high mountains on the other, keeping it secluded from the rest of the island. Our volunteers will stay near the beach at the Hotel Parador Maunacaribe and work in a rural community on its outskirts called Calzada, which has 184 families, plus another 96 families in the surrounding area. We aim to invest in the long-term health of the community by making repairs to existing homes, ensuring they last longer and provide greater security for families in Calzada. Feel free to connect with us for more information!

Experience the Real Jamaica Through Community Service Discover authentic Jamaican life while making a meaningful difference in local communities. This unique volunteer program combines cultural immersion, adventure, and impactful community work in Kingston and the surrounding areas. Our Mission We partner with local churches and community organizations to serve Jamaica's most vulnerable residents, including the sick, elderly, and those in need. Our special focus on seniors helps preserve their stories and ensures they receive the care and attention they deserve. Community Service Activities: Provide healthcare support to elderly and sick community members Distribute food to pre-selected families in need Help with home renovations and community improvement projects Maintain local schools, sports fields, and community facilities Create community gardens Lead innovative programs based on your skills (murals, recycling programs, etc.) Why This Program is Special This isn't typical voluntourism. You'll see how Jamaicans really live, understand the challenges faced by local communities, and witness the joy and resilience of the people. It's a transformative experience.

Ready to experience the Dominican Republic like never before? AMIGOS DR projects offer unique opportunities to get involved and make a tangible difference. You can choose to immerse yourself in vibrant local communities through the power of sports or delve into community action and development in the breathtaking Caribbean mountains. Imagine the thrill of joining volleyball teams with local youth, practicing together and building camaraderie as you prepare for exciting, project-wide competitions! Alternatively, you could be engaging directly with local youth and residents, uncovering firsthand how their initiatives are truly transforming their communities and enhancing countless lives. No matter which path you choose, you won't just be working with your fellow volunteers. You'll also have the incredible opportunity to live a daily life with a host family, discovering Dominican culture firsthand. This unique immersion allows you to truly connect with local communities through fun, enriching activities that go beyond typical tourism. Join us to make a real connection, broaden your perspective, and contribute to meaningful, lasting change in the Dominican Republic!

Comunidad Connect is a non-profit organization facilitating community development through humanitarian year-round programs, service learning, and cultural exchange. We connect people who want to make the world a better place with tangible opportunities to do so with local communities who need the support. Together, we increase our capacity to impact the lives of others. Our Cultural Connections program takes volunteers like you to the Dominican Republic to explore and support remote communities via responsible tourism, community service, and cultural immersion. Not far from the pristine beaches and colonial cities of the Dominican Republic, lush rolling hills and the tropical climate invite visitors to picturesque hikes, abundant waterfalls, and coffee plantations. As beautiful as they are, many rural communities struggle to cover basic needs like housing, healthcare, and sanitation. While you are there and long after, you will be able to support the people who need it most. Traveling with Comunidad Connect combines tourism with community service, allowing volunteers to have fun while making a difference in the lives of others.

Come join Community Service Alliance (CSA) for a life-changing experience in the Dominican Republic through meaningful service and cultural immersion. You'll build lasting relationships with local communities while contributing to sustainable projects focused on education, health, and youth development—all in the heart of a vibrant and welcoming country. Whether you're part of a student or university group looking for an unforgettable alternative break or an individual seeking to make a difference, CSA offers hands-on programs where you'll help strengthen infrastructure, build local capacity, and support rural development. Interested in gaining professional experience? Explore internship opportunities that combine real-world skills with community impact. Want to improve your Spanish while living in and learning from Dominican culture? CSA has been leading transformative service-learning experiences for over 15 years, always in partnership with locally led initiatives. Be part of something meaningful. Click "Inquire Here" to get started!