Tourism Volunteer Programs

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!

A Mexico volunteer opportunity in International Business allows candidates to gain hands-on business experience while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Examples of business placements in Mexico include accounting, social and economic business development, and graphic design, among others. Many volunteer programs in Oaxaca also focus on educating the public about critical social issues in Mexico, such as animal rights and welfare, ecological responsibility, health, disability rights, human rights, education, children, and sustainable farming. Each program placement is individually tailored based on your experience, qualifications in your chosen sector, and Spanish-speaking skills. Participating in this program will significantly enhance your resume, provide real-world business experience, and give you the opportunity to become fluent in Spanish while contributing to meaningful work.

This project is an adventure club for 12-14 year old children focused primarily on extramural surfing and swimming lessons. The adventure club provides children with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of outdoor activities from surfing and swimming to hiking and even sandboarding. An orientation in Cape Town is provided before the start of the project. There are anywhere from 5 to 20 children participating in the club every week. Volunteers are able to take free surf lessons during the school day and then help teach and lead groups of children after school. There are also opportunities to assist in community development or to help teach computer skills in schools during the day. Activities include teaching kids to swim, skate and surf, helping on hikes and running fun days and sports programs. so far over 300 children have learned to swim and over 80 have learned to surf!

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.

A volunteering experience with bite! Relocate to the incredible setting of the South African bush for the animal encounter of a lifetime, working closely with the entire spectrum of safari wildlife on a working game reserve. This special program calls for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to join the effort to protect Africa’s iconic big game species through park patrols, predator tracking, species surveys, and more. As part of its mission to study and conserve all that spectacular wildlife and support the ecosystem they habitat, the reserve operates a range of conservation projects in which the volunteer can actively participate.

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. In the stunning Kruger region, you have the chance to take action on some of the world's most pertinent issues through immersive Community projects, and impactful Environmental work. Through our life-changing Adventure Leadership Trek you will develop skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? The Greater Kruger area is located between Mozambique, Eswatini, and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart, not to mention boasting year-round sunshine. It is a wildlife haven with natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. You'll most likely spot plenty of wildlife while you're on our environmental project and trek. You'll be with experienced guides if you're in areas with any of the big 5. Whether you are taking a gap year or want to do something meaningful in your summer, join young volunteers from across the world and a community of thousands of Raleigh Alumni.

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.

The Sibuya Wilderness Experience welcomes participants from all walks of life. Volunteers, adventure-seeking travelers, gap year students, adults taking work sabbaticals... Anyone with a passion for nature conservation. This is the perfect Eco Volunteer Program if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that puts your passion for nature, environment, and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. Our unique itinerary runs on a two-week program, wherein the content is only covered twice in a month, making a four-week stay the perfect getaway to experience everything at least twice. Nowhere else in South Africa is a volunteer itinerary this diverse.

Join VWI as a volunteer and help care for elephants in Heritage City—Jaipur, India. Support the local community in taking care of these elephants and their mahouts. Volunteers will help mahouts to feeding the elephants, bathing them, cleaning the area, bringing water, oil massaging the elephants head, trimming their nails, taking elephants for walk, make bundles of hay and chapati(Indian Roti) for elephants in a mud stove to eat. You will work around 3-4 hours per day everyday in morning and in the afternoon twice a week to make chapati's for Elephants to eat. Elephant mahouts are living with their families at the project site and are responsible to give right care, fed properly & keep them healthy and fit. The program is located in the village near Amber Fort which is also known as Elephant Village. where elephants get care by their mahouts everyday. It is also one of Elephant Sanctuary in India. Elephant Village Jaipur is India’s first and the world’s third elephant village also known as “Haathi Gaon“. The area is spread in 30 hectares of land; it has stable blocks for each elephants with attached housing; it also a big man-made lake for elephants to swim and washed down.

Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist in the nursery and hatchery, join night patrols, participate in beach cleanups, and more. Cap off your experience with an unforgettable week in the lush Monteverde Rainforest, where adventure and adrenaline await!

Do you love the outdoors? Want to help protect Costa Rica’s National Parks? Our Environmental Protection programs allow volunteers to take part in vital conservation works in some of the most bio-diverse regions of Costa Rica. This inspiring conservation program works to promote and encourage sustainable agriculture practices in the Sarapiquí rainforest. Working on an organic, self-sufficient farm the program is open to all international volunteers who enjoy working in nature and with rural communities, and those who like to spend time preserving and helping the environment and all of its components. Participants will also have the chance to become immersed in the local people and culture. Volunteers who are hard-working, ecologically sensitive, willing to learn about new cultures, enthusiastic, and ready to get stuck in and help should apply today. Join us in beautiful Costa Rica and put your eco-warrior skills to the test!

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Camp Europe specializes in language teaching and adventure sports camps for children and youth throughout Europe. We offer various positions, including Language Coach, Camp Counselor, Program Area Director, and Group Leader. Camp Europe offers intensive training, providing professional instruction in various outdoor education fields – from canoeing, kayaking, and swimming to climbing, high ropes, and creative activities, as well as language coaching. Plus, you will obtain a bronze cross and first aid certification. You will earn a well-reputed diploma at the end of the training, setting you up for a memorable summer in Europe. You'll have fun in the outdoors while serving as a role model for younger generations.

The International Volunteer Program (IVP) in Armenia brings together passionate volunteers from around the world to help build, restore, and maintain sections of the Transcaucasian Trail, one of the region’s most ambitious long-distance trail projects. The program provides practical trail building and conservation experience across five diverse locations in Armenia, while immersing participants in Armenia’s culture, history, and village life. No prior trailwork background is required, our experienced crew leaders provide full training. Throughout the program, volunteers learn essential outdoor skills, support local communities, and contribute to sustainable tourism development. Days are active and rewarding, with evenings spent at camp enjoying group meals, cultural exchanges, and time to relax. If you're looking for an authentic, meaningful adventure that combines impact, learning, and exploration, IVP Armenia is the perfect place to start.

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft wild rivers, and explore ancient Mayan ruins. More than just adventure, this program invites you to live alongside local communities, learn Spanish through immersion, and engage in meaningful sustainability projects that leave a lasting impact. Designed for students and young adults seeking growth, clarity, and purpose, Pacific Discovery blends challenge with support. You’ll gain confidence traveling with a small group and experienced instructors who mentor you through guided reflection and leadership activities. Days balance cultural exchange, service, and personal exploration—so you’re not just passing through, but truly connecting. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking for an alternative to study abroad, or craving a deeper cultural experience, this program helps you grow, give back, and discover your place in the world.

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.

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.

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.