Refugee Relief 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.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Spain with GoEco's diverse volunteer programs. Whether you are passionate about marine life or community development, these programs offer a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. In Barcelona, dive into the Mediterranean Sea and contribute to marine conservation efforts, protecting the diverse marine ecosystem from pollution. Alternatively, engage in community empowerment in Barcelona's multicultural neighborhoods, where you can combat food waste and support local hunger relief initiatives. These programs allow you to give back significantly and provide a platform for cultural exchange, personal growth, and skill development. As you explore Spain's rich heritage, from the architectural marvels of the Sagrada Familia to the historic Alhambra, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the local community and environment. Join us for an unforgettable experience where your contributions leave a lasting impact on the places and people you encounter.

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.

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.

Volunteers taking part in short-term volunteer projects in Germany will be responsible for teaching one-to-one conversational English courses to students at the Center, as well as instructing small groups (anywhere from 2 – 5 students). Students come from a plethora of backgrounds, with ages ranging anywhere from 12 – 70 years old. However, most students will be migrants or the children of migrants, hailing from various Arab countries. Volunteers will not only serve as teachers, but also as cultural diplomats who represent their home country to the community in Halle (Saale). They play an important role in helping with communal activities meant to increase cross-cultural exchanges. In addition to teaching, volunteers will enroll in German language courses (3 hours a week). The advent of additional language courses is meant to further immerse them in local Arabic/German culture, allowing them to better communicate with their students, as well as locals in Halle. The Volunteer to Teach English and Learn German language program spans anywhere from 1 – 12 weeks, with volunteers staying with local host families during their time in Halle (Saale).

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 looking for a chance to volunteer abroad while gaining valuable personal skills? Our Volunteer and Experiential Learning program allows you to get involved with local initiatives assisting underdeveloped communities, contributing to community service work, collaborating with local NGOs, and working with populations at risk of social exclusion, such as youth and elderly communities. It's an experience that will benefit the lives of the less fortunate and develop your skills and personal opportunities! Take your gap year further by combining volunteer work with an immersion experience. Our immersion activities include Spanish language courses to help you improve your level of Spanish in a practical learning environment. What's more, we put on cultural activities so you get a feel for the Spanish culture, enabling you to practice your language skills and experience the Spanish way of life.

Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges. Our network includes watchdog groups, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobby groups, and think tanks. Depending on your placement, you may help develop educational workshops for immigrants, conduct peer education training, monitor and evaluate community-based initiatives, research political or gender rights issues, or contribute to reports on human trafficking, child labor, and other critical topics. Each internship is tailored to your background and interests, giving you the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

Spain attracts travelers with its old-world charm and vibrant people. Explore the country in a way most tourists never will! Beyond experiencing ancient sites and modern cities, you become exposed to a beautiful and untainted Spain. Dive into an unforgettable and authentic experience through community collaboration in our partner local communities on this student travel program to Spain! Focus on environmental conservation as you connect with locals. Our Spanish adventure takes you through all the must-see places and beyond the tourist track. These are adventures you do not want to miss! Program Options: Spain: Sustainable Communities & Mediterranean Culture - 17-day high school program through Madrid, Malaga, Granada, and Barcelona

Spend a semester or academic year interning in the classic capital of England with AIFS Abroad! You’ll earn up to 15 credits per semester through an internship placement and courses taken at our Global Education Center (GEC) in London. Courses are taught in English. AIFS Abroad Internship Program provides vital insight into a career field, experience in the global workplace, practical exposure to the demands of specific jobs, and the development of professional and personal skills. Placements are available in a wide range of companies and institutions in advertising, art, design, art history, fashion, international business, marketing/market research, media, journalism, politics and government, PR/communications, psychology, theater, and more. In addition to participating in the internship, students will take Contemporary British Culture and elective courses. Enjoy cultural and social activities including: • Guided city tours • Theater performances • Music concerts • Visit to an English soccer game • Day trips to Cambridge, Stonehenge, and Salisbury

Help refugees from a nearby camp find essential clothing and toiletries in our 'free shop'. We run a pop-up shop outside the camp for unaccompanied minors, which is a top priority. This project has had a positive impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in the camp. Refugees can select non-food items such as clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and blankets in our free shop. Children under 2 years old can also receive strollers. Additionally, we provide services such as printing and laminating important documents. A detailed induction will follow the general orientation, explaining the system and various roles in the free shop. The shop opens with a minimum of 5 volunteers and closes every Friday if the coordinators deem it necessary. Our warehouse is divided into four areas: storage, free shop, office, and local shop-plastic area. It serves as our central hub for sorting, storing donations, and running operations.

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 way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

Become part of our global community of more than 1,000 volunteers and help transform lives in as short as two weeks! Treat refugees with dignity and play an instrumental role in our efforts to help rebuild their lives. Spend a transformative and life-changing time with us while supporting a range of activities from the day you arrive and every day after that. We are currently focusing our efforts on the UK, Greece, and Cyprus. And you’ll volunteer where you can make the biggest impact. We will also set up an operation in Moldova, on the Ukrainian border. Click on “Visit Website” or inquire now to get updates. Our volunteer opportunities are open to everyone from all walks of life. You don’t need any qualifications to join; you just need to smile. We ask for a minimum commitment of two weeks.

Assist migrants and asylum seekers in rebuilding their lives through hands-on support, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. Partnering with local organizations, you’ll provide direct support to refugees, helping them integrate, acquire essential skills, and navigate their new realities with dignity and hope. As a volunteer, you will help bridge the gap between struggle and opportunity, offering education, social support, and hands-on assistance. Your daily tasks will include: - Guiding and accompanying refugees to crucial services, including legal aid and healthcare - Organizing fun and educational activities for children and adults to uplift spirits and foster growth - Connect with refugees in informal settings, providing emotional and social support Why Volunteer? - Create lasting change and be a force of positivity in the lives of refugees rebuilding their futures. - Gain hands-on experience by developing valuable skills in humanitarian work, education, and social services. - Immerse yourself in Greek culture, and discover the stunning landscapes, warm communities, and rich history of Lesvos.

Our Volunteer Abroad Quests in Italy encourage you to grow as a global citizen while discovering this European country of coastlines and mountains, robust art and deep history, charming cities and storybook villages. You have the choice among the northern, southern and central regions of Italy, in addition to working with local volunteers to help young children, the elderly, and to support the disabled and disadvantaged people. Project Areas Include: - Working with Children - Working with the Elderly - Family Support - Support for the Disabled The age requirement for most of the projects in Italy is over 18.