Eco-Tourism Volunteer Programs in Western Europe

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 project aims to protect and preserve the vulnerable baby sea turtles that hatch on the beaches of Greece. The project runs from June to September and closely follows, monitors, and protects the nesting season of the Loggerhead sea turtle to ensure the maximum success rate of turtle hatchlings. Your specific duties as a volunteer will vary from month to month throughout the season. May/ June: the work focuses on identifying new nests, and protecting them from any environmental hazards. July/August: this is hatching season so the work involves monitoring and recording the hatchlings from each nest. September: may see the end of hatching season, but the focus will be on nest excavations to study the success rate of each nest.

Step into London, one of the world’s leading business, finance, and cultural capitals, with an international internship that elevates your career. This program combines hands-on professional experience, global networking, and cultural immersion, giving students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals the skills and connections to excel in the global job market. Internships span a variety of sectors, including business, marketing, finance, PR, technology, entrepreneurship, and NGOs, with placements tailored to your career goals. Partnering with 3,000+ top companies, start-ups, and NGOs, we ensure you gain meaningful experience that enhances your résumé and prepares you for future career opportunities. In addition to your internship, you’ll receive mentorship, development workshops, and networking events, helping you grow both professionally and personally while living in London. Whether you’re exploring your career path, completing a gap year, or seeking to advance your professional journey, our London program provides the perfect combination of career growth, international experience, and cultural immersion in one of the world’s most energetic cities.

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.

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.

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

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.

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.

Are you interested in learning about whales and dolphins and observing them in their natural habitat while contributing to our conservation efforts? Join our unique conservation program in Lanzarote, where you can actively contribute to our mission of making whale-watching trips completely noise and emission-free. Over 1 to 6 weeks, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of whale and dolphin species, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and gain hands-on experience working alongside the dedicated WeWhale team. Be part of a movement that creates a better future for marine life — while making memories to last a lifetime!

Take part in the development of a green tourism project in the South of France while experiencing the French lifestyle. You live in hamlets, farmhouses and sites in the heart of breathtaking landscapes. You share the daily life of a host family and in exchange for accommodation and meals, you give a hand for a minimum of 20 hours per week (maximum 30). Through your daily work and interactions with your host-family and the local community, you’ll have the opportunity to practise your French and meet new people. You’ll also learn a lot about yourself, as you take on the challenge of living and working in a completely new environment. Participative Tourism is based on the concepts of respect and authenticity; It enables the exchange and sharing between the guests and the local population. The local projects aim to provide a tourism that respects the environment. Tourists stay in the wilderness and enjoy the rich nature of this region through ecological activities such as hiking, trekking with donkeys, horse-riding.

The Doctors in Italy Pre-Vet Fellowship Program is a unique experience to appreciate the breadth of opportunities that a degree in Veterinary Medicine can offer while immersed in Italian culture and stunning natural landscapes. By shadowing veterinary professionals specializing in different disciplines, you will learn about animal welfare and behavior, basic clinical examination skills, animal nutrition, zoonotic diseases, the importance of human-animal interactions, and many other topics. You’ll spend time with cats, dogs, cows, sheep, horses, boars, rabbits, a spunky llama, and several other animals. From daily care and feeding to special needs, hand rearing, and veterinary checks ─ be in the midst of the action. You will assist veterinarians in clinical settings and during fieldwork in animal sanctuaries and wildlife rescue centers. You will be exposed to various species such as equids, large and small ruminants, wild and domestic pigs, rabbits, llamas, wildlife, birds, dogs, cats, and exotic animals—learning how to approach and care for them.

Are you looking for hands-on work experience to help launch your professional career? One of the best ways to impress prospective employers is to complete an international internship! Students appreciate the unique opportunity the Spanish Institute provides through our internship program. With the option to intern at a wide selection of companies or non-profit organizations, you will have the chance to gain invaluable work experience in the field of your choice. You’ll also get to practice Spanish, make new contacts and friends, and get to know beautiful Seville, famed for its deeply historic and cultural roots. Spanish Institute's orientation gives students vital information about adapting to life in Spain, the program, schedule, safety, activities, transportation, and internship placement. Spanish Institute's program includes an intensive two-week Spanish Course for all placements, which run for two months or longer. Each day comprises four-hour morning classes and afternoon activities. During this time, students get to know the city, its transportation system, and its cuisine – all while improving their Spanish skills.

This exciting adventure will take our students to some of the best destinations on the Greek islands and mainland Greece, introducing them to one of the oldest, richest, and most awe-inspiring cultures of the world. Our students will marvel at the natural beauty of Crete and the Cycladic islands, washed by the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea, the colorful seaside villages, and some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches. They will learn about Greek history, mythology, and culture in a fun and engaging way, based on our Experiential Learning Method. The students will also participate in community service projects with our Greek partners, protecting animal habitat and fighting deforestation, sea pollution, and climate change. Key Details: Dates: July 10 - July 24 Locations visited: Crete, Santorini, Naxos, and Athens Housing: Hotels and student apartments

Located in northwest Spain, the beautiful city of Salamanca is known for its charming plazas, stunning churches, and diverse student population. We work in diverse service fields, and throughout your program, you will participate in various reflection-based assignments to add depth to your experiences. Our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of the local language, culture, and community. Each placement is unique, so visit our website to learn more about the specific placements and program options available. We especially recommend our Salamanca program for those interested in Community Enrichment through the Arts, Community Health Education and Support, and Environment and Conservation.

The Animal Protection Program in Lisbon is perfect for those passionate about animal welfare. As a volunteer, you'll engage in sustainable tourism while supporting abandoned dogs and cats. You'll assist non-profit shelters by playing, socializing, feeding, and cleaning the shelters of rescued animals. You'll also support adoption events, take photos and videos to help promote adoption, and spend time with dogs and cats daily. These shelters are often overcrowded, and you play an essential role in giving time and love to animals to support their adoption. Our project is intended for ages 16 and up, but we also welcome families with children four years and older.

Adventure, Culture, and Purpose: Grow, Connect, and Explore the Mediterranean Sail the Aegean, wander ancient cobblestone streets, and awaken your sense of purpose on this six-week journey through Greece and Croatia. Island-hop among sun-soaked shores, explore ruins that tell the stories of ancient civilizations, kayak hidden coves, and immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures. Learn traditional crafts and cuisine alongside locals, practice teamwork while sailing between islands, and reflect on your growth with a close-knit group of like-minded peers. This program blends adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning to build confidence, resilience, and clarity about your path forward. Whether you’re taking a gap year, seeking an alternative to study abroad, prioritizing ethical travel, building skills and leadership, or craving authentic cultural experiences, this journey meets you where you are—helping you grow, connect, and discover meaning. This isn’t just travel—it’s a transformative experience that shapes your story.

Each year, more than 130,000 seals, whales and dolphins are killed by the trash found in our oceans. This project aims to tackle ocean pollution off the coast of Portugal through diving. Volunteers complete daily dives in various dive sites near Lisbon, with the aim of removing debris from the reef and ocean bed. Volunteers to date have helped to remove almost 3000kg of fishing nets, as well as tyres, fridges, laptops, cell phones and of course, plastic. This project has been running since 2016, and since then a noticeable increase in biodiversity has been seen in the ocean around the dive sites. Volunteers can take part for one week to four weeks. You are provided with full training once in Portugal. We recommend a minimum stay of two weeks for people without prior dive experience. Volunteers live in an eco-guest house in Lisbon with other volunteers. Three meals per day are provided.

The Synergy Village association manages a large property in Feldbach, ZH, located near Lake Zurich. The former farm has been transformed into a cultural center and meeting place for local and international visitors. The beautiful surroundings feature an enchanting grotto with a waterfall, idyllic gardens with secluded lounges, and a lookout at the top of the property. Synergy Village runs a café, a guesthouse, and an event venue, and organizes cultural public events. Our property features the “KREIS-Haus”, a nearly self-sufficient tiny house that operates as a field lab in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Synergy Village collaborates with international volunteers and local association members to manage and maintain the property. Synergy Village aims to be a "Place of Inspiration" where people can be creative, try new things, and learn from each other. By doing so, we follow the principles of a future-oriented and sustainable way of working and living.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!

Our Social Cooperative Enterprise (SCE) focuses on creating tangible examples of sustainable practices in the protected area of Apano Meria. Our policy and law team conducts comparative research on legal and policy provisions and practices related to environmental issues (protected areas, renewable energy, endangered species, etc.) in various countries worldwide. As a volunteer, you will conduct research, with the outcome contributing to the creation of an open-access scientific database regarding issues of the Cycladic ecosystem, as well as publications of informational materials and policy proposals. You will also have the freedom to propose new research topics, thus supporting your own research projects.