Volunteer Abroad with a Responsible Volunteering Organisation

Join our international volunteer programmes and become part of ongoing efforts to empower developing communities

It’s time for volunteer abroad programmes that really leave a lasting impact. We offer the gold standard in international volunteer placements, with safe, sustainable, hassle-free, and life-changing projects. 

We’ve paired more than 130,000 volunteers with international projects they’re passionate about, so they can help us make a genuine difference in the world.

Find your ideal volunteer programme, designed for anyone excited by things like:

  • Strengthening children’s education
  • Protecting endangered wildlife
  • Providing essential medical assistance

As an overseas volunteer, you’ll do meaningful work that’s aimed towards the long term development of the communities you live in. We’re there to support you while you contribute towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As your volunteer abroad programme draws to a close, you’ll also feel transformed by your travels. You’ll have new skills for your CV and friendships to last a lifetime. By putting your safety at the heart of everything we do, we give you the space to focus on making that positive impact.

As champions of Responsible Volunteer Travel, all our overseas volunteer placements meet a strict ethical standard. This has helped us to build exceptional levels of trust over more than 30 years.

An international volunteering placement with us will be hard work, but it’ll be an exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable experience, that leaves the world - and you - a little better off!


Seasonal volunteering abroad

Summer Volunteering Abroad

Our projects are a great fit for anyone who wants to make the most of their holiday with summer volunteer programmes abroad. You can travel with us on a volunteer holiday at any point over June, July, or August, from as little as one week. 

If you want to choose your own dates for summer volunteering abroad, then we recommend joining a Flexi Trip. You can travel over pre-set dates in the summer if you want to join up with a group, either on a High School Special or Team Trip.

Summer is a popular time of year for voluntary work abroad, especially for high school students, recent grads, and university students. We recommend applying early to make sure you get a spot on the project you want. This is especially important if you’re applying for a trip with fixed dates, as those projects fill up quickly!

Christmas Volunteering Abroad

Celebrate the spirit of giving by giving back to communities who need extra support! With Projects Abroad, you can volunteer overseas for Christmas through one of our Team Trips. 

Our Team Trips take place on set dates throughout the year, and several of these trips have dates over Christmas and New Year. Learn more about our Christmas volunteering opportunities. 

Overseas voluntary work caters to people from all walks of life, no matter what your motivation is for volunteering abroad. No matter your age, level of experience, or where you’re from, you can make a difference with Projects Abroad!

On a summer volunteer program abroad, a volunteer teacher takes a photo with her Samoan students.

Where can I volunteer abroad?

If you’re asking yourself “Where should I volunteer abroad?” we can help you find the answer! 

Choosing where to go is a tough choice, especially with so many places to choose from. Your destination depends on what you want to get out of the experience, and we can help you pin that down. Our Project Experts are always available to help you decide where to go. You can also read more about where we work below.

Africa Volunteer Programmes

In the continent of Africa, we work in several countries. You can volunteer with wildlife, work with children, and more in countries like:

Asia Volunteer Programmes

Experience a different side of Asia when you volunteer abroad and immerse yourself in the local community and culture. You can protect coral reefs, teach English, and more in countries such as:

South America Volunteer Programmes

We have volunteer opportunities in South America in three different countries:

Interested in volunteering in other Latin American countries? We also offer projects in Mexico and Jamaica

Europe Volunteer Programmes

Stick close to home and actively make a difference by volunteering in Romania. In Romania, we have several projects, from digging into the past on our Archaeology Project, to working with children at a kindergarten.  

Torn between different countries? Combine multiple countries and projects for the ultimate volunteering abroad experience!


What are the benefits of volunteering abroad?

You may be asking yourself, “What do I gain from volunteering abroad?” There are numerous benefits of volunteering in developing countries. You can do things like:

  • Learn new skills
  • Get voluntary work experience
  • Add soft skills like communication to your CV
  • Grow as a person and learn about the world firsthand
  • Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself
  • Make a tangible difference at a service project
  • Make lifelong friends and become part of our alumni network

In addition, the skills you gain from volunteering abroad can also help you improve your employability

Ultimately, the benefits of volunteering abroad also depend on you, and what you want to get out of the experience. Read our blog to learn more about what you stand to gain from international volunteering.


Common questions about volunteering abroad

We get a lot of questions about volunteering abroad, which we answer for you below. 

Is volunteering abroad safe?

At Projects Abroad, your safety is our number one priority. We have several protocols in place to ensure your time abroad is safe, productive, and enjoyable, such as: 

  • All of our staff are screened and trained to high standards
  • Our in-country staff are available 24/7 to help you with any problems that arise, or if you fall ill
  • Our host families are carefully chosen to ensure security, comfort, and friendliness
  • We carry out thorough risk assessments to ensure that all of the countries we work in are safe and politically stable
  • We have an in-house medical advisor who is available to consult with you and your GP before you leave, so you can discuss any health concerns to make sure you're feeling confident about your upcoming volunteer trip

Want to know more about how we keep our volunteers abroad safe? Read our blog that explains all the ways we keep you safe in greater detail

How much does it cost to volunteer abroad?

All volunteer abroad programmes with reputable organisations come with a cost. For Projects Abroad, we charge a fee because we’re an independent organisation that doesn’t rely on fundraising or government funding to achieve sustainable, long-term goals. We get all of our funding from the fees our participants pay.

In exchange for paying to volunteer overseas, we provide you with a world-class, hassle-free experience, with all the support you need. You can also be 100% certain you are part of an ethical, guided project that makes an actual difference on the ground.

We’re clear about what our programme fees cover, and there are no hidden costs. Read more about how our prices work, and how your programme fees are used.  

Can I volunteer abroad for free? 

This is a question we often get asked. The short answer is “no”, and there are several reasons why it’s important to pay for volunteering work abroad. Read more about why we ask our volunteers to pay a fee. If you still have questions after you read our article, get in touch! Our Project Experts are to help and answer your questions. 

How can I raise money to volunteer abroad?

We understand that the cost of volunteer abroad programmes can be daunting, and we have loads of advice to help you achieve your fundraising goal

With us, you can: 

You can also read our blog post where we talk about the creative ways previous volunteers raised money for their projects.  

Which countries need volunteers?

Simply put, all of the countries we work in need volunteers. It’s the reason why we’re there in the first place! 

Wherever you choose to travel with us, you can be assured there’s a real need that you’ll be helping to address. It’s the way we’ve structured our projects, and it’s reflected in our approach to responsible volunteer travel. Every volunteer project that you read about on our website will explain why we’re there, and what goals we’re working towards. 

How old do you have to be to volunteer abroad? 

The majority of our volunteer abroad programmes are open to anyone over the age of 16. For younger volunteers, we offer specialised programmes with constant support and supervision, ideal for first-time travellers. 

You may be asking yourself, “Am I too old to volunteer abroad?” Our answer is: not at all! Our programmes have no official age limit. You can join any volunteer project as long as you meet the requirements and can do the work. 

What has motivated you to volunteer abroad?

This is an important question, and it’s something we feel our alumni are best placed to answer! It’s often a life-changing experience, and each of our alumni was motivated by different reasons to volunteer abroad. You can read reviews by our alumni, or contact us to see if we can put you in touch with former volunteers.  

Can I volunteer abroad without a degree?

With Projects Abroad, it’s possible to volunteer abroad without a degree. At each volunteer project, you work side-by-side with experienced professionals to guide you, and we provide extensive training. Your work will always be appropriate for your age and skill level. We’ll never ask you to anything you’re not comfortable with or trained to do. 

Do you need a visa to volunteer abroad?

It depends on where you want to volunteer abroad, and for how long. We have an in-house visa team who can help you with this process once you’ve applied. They have all the up-to-date visa information you need, and can guide you through the visa process.


How to volunteer abroad

Interested in learning more about how to be a volunteer overseas? You can read about how to start volunteering, or look at more detailed information below about our opportunities for:

You can also read more about voluntourism, another way of talking about how to combine volunteering around the world with travel, and volunteering overseas over Christmas and New Year

Choose a Volunteer Project

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1-3 of 93 Projects

Children line up with their backpacks outside their classroom in Nepal
Volunteer with Children in Nepal
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  • Price: £1,300 for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: £205
  • Start Date: Anytime
  • Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
  • Age: 16 or over
Projects Abroad Conservation volunteers build an eco-wall using recycled plastic in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Giant Tortoise & Sea Lion Conservation in the Galapagos Islands
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  • Price: £1,745 for 1 week
  • Extra Weeks: £305
  • Start Date: Anytime
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Age: 16 or over
A Childcare volunteer in Ghana offers a child a high five for successfully completing an educational task.
Volunteer with Children in Ghana
See this project
  • Price: £1,625 for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: £255
  • Start Date: Anytime
  • Minimum Duration: 2 weeks
  • Age: 16 or over
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