Volunteer Programs in Turkey

Set goals

Before diving into a volunteer program, pinpoint your goals to ensure an enriching experience that aligns with your skills and aspirations.

• Define your purpose. Are you looking to gain experience, make a difference, or explore a new culture?
• Challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone, adapt to new environments, and grow personally and professionally.
• Immerse yourself in a new culture. Engage with local traditions, languages, and ways of life to broaden your global perspective.

Understand the benefits

Volunteering in Turkey offers unique personal and professional rewards that can enrich your life. Discover these key benefits here:

• Cultural Exchange. Engaging with Turkish traditions, customs, and local communities offers a deep, immersive experience of the country’s history, language, and way of life.
• Skill Development. Whether you’re teaching, working in conservation, or supporting community projects, volunteering fosters adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving skills, valuable in any field.
• Travel Opportunities. With its rich history and diverse landscapes, Turkey offers endless adventures or travel easily to neighboring countries.
• Networking. Volunteering builds lifelong relationships with fellow volunteers, local organizations, and communities, expanding your global network.

Things to know

While preparing for your volunteer experience in Turkey, you might want to consider keeping these basics in mind:

• Religion. Turkey is predominantly Muslim, and religion plays a significant role in daily life. Respect for local customs will help you integrate more smoothly into the community.
• Culture Shock. Daily life in Turkey can be quite different from what you’re used to, particularly in terms of bureaucracy and administrative processes. Things may take longer than expected, so embracing flexibility and patience will enhance your experience.
• Language. While many Turks in major cities speak English, learning basic Turkish greetings and expressions of gratitude can create a more welcoming experience.

Turkey’s cities offer unique experiences for volunteers. Choose a location that aligns with your interests and goals.

Ankara

As the capital of Turkey, Ankara is a hub for political, commercial, and cultural activities. Volunteers can get involved in education, orphan care, construction, conservation, and agriculture. The city’s rich history, including Roman and Byzantine landmarks, makes it an exciting destination.

Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest and most vibrant city, straddling Europe and Asia. With a bustling economy and rich cultural heritage, volunteers can find opportunities in teaching, social services, and community development. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar, make it an unforgettable place to volunteer.

Bursa

Bursa, located in the lush northwest, is known for its strong education system and economic growth. The city provides volunteering opportunities in conservation, restoration, archaeology, and teaching. Its proximity to farmlands and culinary traditions makes it an ideal location for volunteers interested in sustainability and culture.

Your volunteer work may differ from your career, but what is important is your desire to make a difference. Consider these key areas for volunteer work:

Education & Teaching

Teaching English is one of the most sought-after volunteer opportunities. Schools and community centers need volunteers to help improve language skills, which can open new opportunities for local students.

Conservation & Environment

Turkey’s diverse ecosystems offer conservation opportunities in forests, coastal regions, and agricultural areas. Volunteers can contribute to sustainable farming, wildlife preservation, and environmental awareness campaigns.

Community Development

From supporting at-risk youth to working with refugees, community development programs provide meaningful engagement. Volunteers can help with social work, women’s empowerment, and urban development initiatives.

As you prepare to provide a helping hand, here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip to Turkey:

1. Get matched

Contact our Online Advisor to find volunteer opportunities in Turkey that fit you. You will receive a list of possibilities straight into your inbox!

2. Choose a program

Sign in or create a MyGoAbroad account to compare and bookmark programs that interest you. This allows you to see your options in one location and select the best fit for your needs and tastes.

3. Choose how long to stay

• 1–4 weeks: Ideal for a brief yet immersive experience. This allows volunteers to contribute to projects without long-term commitment while still gaining valuable cultural insights.
• 3–6 months: A great choice for individuals seeking deeper engagement with local communities. Volunteers can develop meaningful relationships and enhance their professional and personal growth.
• 6–12 months: Recommended for those looking to make a lasting difference. Spending an extended period provides the chance to fully integrate into the culture, gain expertise in your field, and see the long-term results of your efforts.
• 1+ year: Best suited for professionals or individuals committed to significant change. Perfect for those who wish to become part of a community, take on leadership roles, and create sustainable, long-lasting impact.

4. Funding & scholarships

If you are seeking for financial assistance, please complete out our scholarships and deals application to see what is available.

5. Apply

Once you've found positions that interest you, go ahead and apply. The program coordinator will contact you to discuss the next steps.

6. Get your essentials

The most crucial things to remember are securing your passport and visa, booking your flight, and arranging travel insurance. Once everything is in place, you can relax and look forward to your volunteer experience!