Volunteer Abroad in the United States

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27 Volunteer Programs in United States


All Hands & Hearts
4.25
55
All Hands and Hearts provides community-inspired, volunteer-powered disaster relief. With the frequency and intensity of disasters on the rise a...
See All 2 Programs

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
827
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...
See All 5 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
Love Volunteers
4.7
201
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 h
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteer World
4.29
17
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 g
See All 2 ProgramsPacific Discovery
4.71
24
Journey through Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand on a 10-week adventure that blends exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Surf volcanic coastlines, hike through lush rainforests, and volunteer on conservation projects that protect Polynesian ecosystems and honor Indigenous traditions.
See All 3 ProgramsRustic Pathways
5
9
Explore diverse travel experiences in the USA! Rustic Pathways’ USA programs are designed to offer students impactful and adventurous experiences close to home. From immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures to engaging in meaningful community service, these programs are perfect for developing le
Travel For Teens
4.5
2
Alaska is known as the last frontier, the land of the midnight sun, and the place where your life will change! This program combines the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, meaningful service work, and adventures that will have the whole family wishing they could come! You’ll visit Homer, one of Alaska’s
See All 2 ProgramsWorld Unite!
0
0
Experience impactful volunteering in one of the various sectors through our USA homestay program. Immerse yourself in American life, contribute to local communities, and gain invaluable cross-cultural understanding. You will live with an American host family while volunteering 25-35 hours/week with
Volunteers For Peace
4.56
36
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best w
Discover Corps
5
3
On this Discover Corps Vacation with Purpose, we will venture across the famed Kenai Peninsula to witness the epic beauty of the coast, mountains, and people of Alaska. Along the way, we will take you to leading organizations and introduce you to some of the most dedicated individuals working to pro
Cross Exchange
0
0
Cross Exchange is the Christian alternative to secular work-exchange platforms like Workaway and Worldpackers. Christian hosts give travelers room and board. Travelers give an agreed amount of help back: yard work, repairs, childcare, church or community projects. No money changes hands. A short-te
Natucate
0
0
This international volunteer project will give you a few months of nature excitement in California! You and other volunteers from around the US and the world will play an active role in nature conservation in the western USA, living in the heart of California's breathtaking natural landscape. The do
Centre for Advancement of Youth Empowerment (CAYE)
0
0
CAYE is a registered youth charitable organization in Mzuzu, Malawi. Established in 2014, CAYE works in the Northern Region and parts of the Central Region to empower young people, women, and small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development. CAYE focuses on yo
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in the United States
Prepare for Volunteering
Set goals
Traveling to the USA can be a huge undertaking on its own. Prepare with some questions or goals to help you focus.
- How can I be present and bring the best version of myself to this opportunity?
- Learn valuable personal and professional skills that build growth.
- Connect with people both personally and professionally while learning more about the world and yourself. In what ways are they connected?
- In what ways can I walk away from this experience and help sustain the development of the organization and myself?
Use these as inspiration or leave them here—whatever works for you!
Understand the benefits
If you decide to volunteer in the USA, get ready for a plethora of perks—no matter where!
- Incredibly sociable people. Americans have a reputation for being very open and honest! This means opportunities and experiences are available for all!
- Diverse opportunities. As one of the largest economies in the world, there are many volunteer opportunities across the country. From rural small towns to any major city, whatever you’re looking for, America probably offers it.
- Culture and outdoors. The States have an incredible amount of cultural and outdoor activities! When you’re finished for the day, it’s easy to experience anything.
Things to know
The specifics of what you’ll need to know are dependent on where your volunteer program is actually based! The US has a lot of different climates throughout the country
- Cost of living and logistics - Lodging and transportation costs vary by location, so plan ahead if your program lacks amenities. Apps can help with logistics, so ask for recommendations.
- Health and safety - Have all paperwork, including health insurance, ready before traveling. Get vaccinations and medical appointments done early to meet U.S. entry requirements.
- Visas and other important information - You’ll need a visa for an internship, with the type depending on your field. Check with your program, embassy, or airline for other required documents.
- Social expectations and etiquette - Greetings in the U.S. are casual, though regional differences exist. U.S. work culture is busy, so find a non-work outlet for balance.
Choose a Location
How do you choose in such a big country? Here are a few neat places:
New York City, New York
As a cosmopolitan, international center for business, tourism, arts, and history, NYC should be the first place you search for volunteer projects in the United States. Like any large metropolis, NYC can be expensive!
Denver, Colorado
It’s the largest city within a 500-mile radius of the Mountain West, Denver offers an appealing centrality to the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. It is also quickly growing in international renown for volunteering in the US thanks to its efforts to protect and preserve the environment.
San Diego, California
More than just a sunny beach town, San Diego has a strong community feel thanks to its rich history and geographic location. Here, you can learn about trade, exchange, and tourism at the Port of San Diego and interact with other international travelers.
Choose a Cause
If searching by location doesn’t catch your eye, take a look at these causes that may inspire you to volunteer in the US:
Environment
The United States is home to some of the most diverse landscapes and environments on the planet—from marshlands in Florida to deserts in New Mexico, you’ll find your environmental niche when you volunteer abroad in the States.
Healthcare
If you’re coming from a country where healthcare is a right, consider yourself lucky. The US doesn’t have free healthcare and many individuals live without it. Healthcare workers are always in demand.
Historic Preservation
Compared to its European brethren, the United States is a young upstart. Learn to understand and appreciate some amazing historical sites, and don’t let the age of landmarks (some less than 100 years old) fool you—they need conservation as much as any other space, and volunteers can really help the cause.
Getting Started
Embarking on a volunteer journey in the U.S. is an exciting and rewarding experience! Follow these easy steps to get started and make a meaningful impact:
1. Get matched
GoAbroad’s Online Advisor can match you with programs right now, and they will be sent to your inbox!
2. Choose a program
After matching (or finding a program that suits you) you can log on or sign up for a MyGoAbroad account and compare programs side-by-side.
3. Decide when to go
The timing of your trip will depend on the type of volunteer work you're interested in. Different seasons offer different opportunities:
- Summer. Generally, it’s a safe bet for most volunteer work throughout the States!
- Fall. A great time for opportunities in the US, especially educational-based ones. Cities quiet down for the school year.
- Winter. Between tourism and healthcare programs there are so many opportunities! Other industries offer many options to jumpstart your winter.
- Spring. As the US shakes off the last of winter, there are plenty of opportunities available! A lot of important seasonal options can start earlier in the year, including conservation efforts.
4. Funding & scholarships
If you need financial support or scholarships, there are plenty out there!
GoAbroad can help you get hooked up with opportunities specifically for volunteer programs. Just fill out our scholarship and deals application and see what’s waiting!
5. Apply
Once you've chosen your volunteer program in the U.S., you can easily apply by visiting the program page and clicking the "Apply Now" or "Inquire Here" button. A program coordinator will then reach out to guide you through the next steps.
6. Get your essentials
Now that you’ve got everything sorted, it’s time for the fun stuff—apply for your visa and passport, book your flight, and don’t forget to grab some travel insurance for peace of mind!
Popular Providers
Latest Program Reviews
AMAZING
August 13, 2026by: Daniel Abdulla - United KingdomProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I was, probably like some of you, a bit sceptical when initially applying due to the low price compared to other organisations. However, the experience I had was absolutely amazing and I have learnt so much about not only myself, but about different cultures and etiquettes. My program manager, Marissa, was absolutely fantastic at answer all of my questions and adjusting any mistakes I submitted onto my application such as flight number and pick-up time. Despite the huge time difference between Marissa and myself, she was able to reply to my email promptly and with extreme care - I was really at ease throughout the whole process and that made the experience a bunch better. Everything on my volunteering was as described on the program guide and there were no surprises when I landed, everything that happened during my week I was prepared for. I would really recommend this company and I want to thank them once more for the fantastic and truly life-changing experience they provided for me.
An unforgettable experience in Split!
August 12, 2026by: Nicole Boduch - AustriaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I had such a wonderful experience in Split! I met so many amazing people from different countries and made memories that I will definitely never forget. The Youth Support program gave me the opportunity to connect with the local community, experience a different culture and grow personally at the same time. The local team was very welcoming and supportive and I always felt comfortable asking questions or getting help when needed. I especially loved the international atmosphere and meeting people with completely different backgrounds and stories.besides volunteering, I had enough time to explore Split, enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature and experience Croatian culture. This experience helped me step outside my comfort zone, become more independent and see things from new perspectives. I’m really grateful for all the people I met and everything I experienced during my time here. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel, volunteer, meet new people and create unforgettable memories abroad. ❤️
Amazing Family Experience
August 10, 2026by: David Cannon - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
The support and organization of IVHQ was strong and great. Traveling and volunteering with a family of five, with 3 Jr High School kids but was amazing. Very comfortable and things were laid out well, we all felt extremely safe and comfortable the entire experience.
Enlightening, rewarding, with stoic gratitude, blessed
August 01, 2026by: Domenico Testani - United StatesWonderful people, caring staff, beautiful experience . Been a couple different locations, same experience, just different longitude. And the locals, and local workers part of family. I'm not sure i know 200 words, O, 200 characters, some can repeat, got it. Interaction on free time with other volunteers, enjoyable, educational. Everyone you meet knows something you don't know( especially me) so listen with passion.Looking forward to next available program.Hopi g for many natural disasters to occur, of course with no injuries or community damage, which I'm guessing could still be a program? Good luck to all, continued succes., and making the world a better place, which you have.

Preparation before trip
July 30, 2026by: Yuange LiuProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
The preparation before trip was so detailed that I don’t have anything to worry about. It got everything listed and made it so much easier to tick off what I’ve done and what they need. The communication with the manager for the volunteer was so smooth and fast, and I was able to get a reply current evening or next morning (due to different timing in different countries). I wanted to change my volunteer from rural teaching to turtle reservation, it was so fast that there wasn’t any problems with the money nor arrangements, everything just went so smoothly, really impressed. The local team there really helped a lot, the driver, the leader, everyone was just so nice, even the cook and the receptionist. This volunteer as itself also helped me a lot on raising awareness for the sea turtles, learnt a lot and really hope to help them consistently. This is such a memorable trip and I hope to do these volunteers with IVHQ next summer with my friends.
More Than a Trip: A Life-Changing Experience in Jamaica
June 23, 2026by: Steph Cink - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
My Jamaica experience was great because it allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, connect with new people, and make meaningful memories while serving others. I loved being able to learn about the culture, build relationships with the local community, and see the impact that small acts of kindness can have. The experience challenged me to grow in my faith, gratitude, and appreciation for the opportunities I have. It was rewarding to work alongside others who shared the same passion for helping people and creating a positive difference. IVHQ does a great job of creating opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful impact while also providing support and guidance throughout the experience. They help connect volunteers with local communities, organize programs, and make it possible for people to serve in a way that is safe and structured. I appreciated how they allowed us to experience the culture of Jamaica while still focusing on helping the community. Their organization made the trip feel purposeful and helped create an environment where volunteers could learn, serve, and grow.

Volunteering in Thailand
June 23, 2026by: Jaz Eccleston - AustraliaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
My experience with IVHQ absolutely exceeded my expectations and was so amazing, the staff were so friendly and really created a positive and welcoming environment, i felt safe and included by all the other volunteers, my only regret is not staying longer! I will definitely be back in the future!


Teaching, Cape Town South Africa
June 12, 2026by: Veronica Cura - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
Overall I had an amazing experience with Ivhq. I volunteered in Cape Town South Africa and I have never been so in love with a place. The culture and the people are truly amazing. I volunteered in a town ship with grade three and loved every minute of it! The kids are so kind and you can tell they truly love the help you have to offer. This experience will forever have such a big impact on me and changed me as a person. I would definitely recommend this to anyone:)

Food for the soul!
May 28, 2026by: Candice Simmons - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I have already done 3 programs with IVHQ, and this is just the beginning! Costa Rica to teach English, Fiji for childcare, and Thailand to teach. Each program has been magical! The experience is supported, from the application process through post program reflection, and everything in between. Safety, support, encouragement, insight, and perspective are all the things IVHQ provides and more! You get to meet people from around the world, and then come together for a common purpose. Already planning my next adventure, and I can't wait!

I had the best experience of my life!
May 26, 2026by: Abby Tootill - EnglandProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I havnt got any complaints from my trip through IVHQ. Every single part of the trip was perfect from the organisation to the welcoming coordinators. I’m only 17 but I felt so safe and supported through the whole process. Thank you for this opportunity!

Meaningful and rewarding experience
May 05, 2026by: Thinula Karunarathne - Sri LankaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
My volunteer experience in Thailand was truly rewarding. The program was well-organized, and the staff were supportive throughout. What stood out most was the real impact—even small contributions made a difference in the local community. It also helped me grow personally by becoming more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone considering volunteering abroad.
More than Teaching:Kindness I would never forget
May 01, 2026by: Regina Fuentes - MexicoProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
Teaching in Ubud, Bali was one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences of my life. I came expecting to help and give, but I ended up receiving so much more. The children were incredibly kind, respectful, and full of joy. What impacted me the most was how grateful they were for everything;even the smallest things. They would smile constantly, show affection in the purest ways, and even gift me candies as a way to say thank you. Those small gestures meant more than they probably realized. Every day felt special. Being able to connect with them, teach them, laugh with them, and see their excitement to learn was something I will never forget. The environment was welcoming, and the staff made everything smooth and supportive, allowing us to truly focus on making a difference. This experience changed my perspective in the best way possible. It reminded me how powerful kindness, gratitude, and human connection can be. I will always carry these memories with me, and I’m beyond grateful to have been part of something so real and meaningful.


Volunteering Florida Cleanup
May 01, 2026by: Andrew Hine - AustraliaI spent a week in Florida volunteering in hurricane cleanup relief as I travelled around America. The program was as expected with good facilities, friendly people, good after hours events but the physical cleanup work was harder and hotter than I expected!
Computer Science Engineer & Volunteer
April 29, 2026by: Mouhamed Ali Sboui - TunisiaProgram: GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad
I am motivated, responsible, and eager to learn from every experience. I am open to feedback and always ready to improve my skills. I value teamwork, communication, and adaptability, and I aim to contribute positively to any project or organization I join while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Mourning my departure from Galapagos
April 22, 2026by: Maxwell Sturm - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
The local guides informed us of a beautiful name for their islands, “The Enchanted Islands”. Given on account of their difficulty to find back in the days of ships and nautical exploration (pre-flight). Such an incredible opportunity to care for unique and endangered gentle creatures. Work was meaningful and rewarding, play time was abundant and fulfilling. One of the most beautiful places I have encountered on this Earth. IVHQ does a tremendous job preparing the traveler for what to expect.



A thorough and amazing experience
April 03, 2026by: Adriana EncarnacionProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I enjoyed meeting new people from around the world and the fact that we were in the middle of the city like a local which gave it very realistic feel. A Medical internship with Intern Abroad HQ is such a thorough and amazing experience for those who want to travel and learn in their field.
I had the time of my life!
April 03, 2026by: Jordan Washek - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
It was by far the best volunteer experience I have done I only wish I could have stayed longer. The culture and food was so amazing and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. This experience I will remember for the rest of my life and have made so many amazing friendships.
I feel I've gained valuable lessons about my independence
March 25, 2026by: Jessica UpshawProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
Having the chance to live in a completely new environment can be scary at first, but so rewarding in the end. From my experience in Australia, I feel I've gained valuable lessons about my independence, as well as met some amazing people. Karen (my Program Manager and Intern Abroad HQ) was extremely helpful and answered all my question throughout the planning process. Thank you, Karen! Anyone who is lucky enough to have my same host mom is going to be in the BEST hands! I could not thank her enough for being so kind, thoughtful, and over-the-top accommodating.
time of life
March 25, 2026by: pauline schwarz - GermanyProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
i just turned 18 and wanted to do something fun. so i looked up places to volunteer, it’s easy to find friends and explore new things, but it’s also a cheap way to travel. so i found a website where you can go volunteering in buenos aires. and i’m telling you: buenos aires is one of my fav cities now, i loved everything about the project and the people were the best i’ve met. i’ve made so many new friends from all over the world in just a short time. i experienced so many different things and saw also places you’d never go if you’d be on vacation. the accommodation was great, the breakfast was really nice and our local coordinater was really kind and chill. it was the best time on life so far!! i learned a lot about myself and grew. and that’s why i’d recommend to go alone. so please go if you’re thinking about it!! you’re not gonna regret it, i’ll promise.
I will never forget!
March 25, 2026by: Alexys Brown - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
I felt very supported while in Fiji, I had no trouble finding where I needed to be. The local staff was amazing and even with Visa changing right before my trip I had guidance through each step of the process. We were well provided for, and I had a lot of fun meeting a ton of new people while there. As someone who has never really traveled outside of the US much, especially solo, I would highly recommend!
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