Volunteer Abroad in the United States

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41 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
824
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
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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
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
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0
Join Operation Paws for Homes (OPH) to make a significant impact on the lives of rescued dogs and cats. Volunteers support a range of activities, from adoption coordination and event support to fostering and fundraising. This program is perfect for individuals passionate about animal welfare and com
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0
Join Paws With A Cause as a group volunteer to support their mission of providing assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities. Groups can engage in a variety of projects such as constructing equipment, assisting with cleaning, office work, and creating enrichment opportunities for dogs. This pr
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
0
0
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation engages communities and partners across the United States to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources within the National Marine Sanctuary System. Through its volunteering program, the Foundation offers opportunities to contribute to conservati
Marine Life Studies
0
0
Join Marine Life Studies (MLS) to support marine wildlife research, conservation, and education. Volunteers play a crucial role in various programs including animal care, research, education, and outreach initiatives. Volunteers receive comprehensive training in marine research techniques, animal
0
0
Become an ASPCA Advocacy Volunteer to help improve laws for animals and mobilize your community. Volunteers work behind the scenes to lobby for animal-friendly legislation, engage in public policy, and support the ASPCA’s mission to protect animals. This program is perfect for those passionate about
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Experience a rewarding and team-building volunteer opportunity at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Located in the stunning red rock canyons of southern Utah, the sanctuary is home to up to 1,600 animals. Volunteers support various projects essential for maintaining the sanctuary grounds and ensuring t
National Marine Life Center
0
0
Join the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) to support the rehabilitation and release of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Volunteers are essential to the success of our mission, contributing to animal care, education, administration, fundraising, and facility maintenance. Volunteers gain
Humane Society of the United States
0
0
Join the Humane Society of the United States as a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader to advance crucial federal, state, and local animal protection legislation. Volunteers build professional relationships with legislators, submit comments on regulations, and mobilize their communities to advocate for an
0
0
Join The Grey Muzzle Organization in their mission to support senior dogs through volunteer opportunities. Volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of elderly dogs, providing them with the care and support they need. This program is ideal for dog lovers who want to make a meaningful imp
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0
Join Wags and Walks in their mission to rescue and rehome dogs in need. Volunteers play a vital role in various aspects of the organization, from direct animal care to supporting events and administrative tasks. This program is perfect for animal lovers who want to make a meaningful impact on the li
Marine Rescue Rockingham
0
0
Marine Rescue Rockingham (VMRS) invites dedicated individuals to join their team to enhance maritime safety and provide vital emergency response services. Volunteers can engage in various roles including radio operations, rescue missions, and equipment maintenance. Marine Rescue Rockingham is staffe
The Animal Foundation
0
0
The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas offers a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities to help save and improve the lives of lost and homeless animals. Volunteers can participate in numerous tasks, such as walking dogs, cleaning kennels, socializing timid animals, and assisting with events. The fo
Animal Assisted Happiness
0
0
Animal Assisted Happiness (AAH) operates entirely with the help of volunteers and is actively seeking youth and adult volunteers. If you have a passion for youth and animals, there's something for you to do. From caring for and socializing our animals to assisting youth in interacting with them, mai
The Bond Between
0
0
Help make a difference in the lives of rescue animals with The Bond Between's volunteer program in the USA. As a volunteer, you will support the organization in providing care, love, and rehabilitation for animals in need. The program offers a hands-on experience that allows you to contribute direct
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!
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All Hands & Hearts
My parents live in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. After hearing about the damage and the struggles on the island, I had to give back to my people in their time...

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