Volunteering abroad

By immersing yourself in different cultures, stepping outside your comfort zone, and contributing to meaningful projects, you can gain valuable experiences, develop new skills, and make a lasting impact on the world

Why should I volunteer abroad?

Whether you're seeking personal growth, professional development, or simply a chance to make a difference, volunteering abroad can be a rewarding and transformative experience. By stepping outside your comfort zone and making a positive impact on others, you can gain an understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Professionally, volunteering abroad can enhance your skills, provide international experience, and expand your network. Additionally, you can contribute to meaningful projects, support sustainable development, and protect natural resources, making a lasting impact on your community and the planet.

Which countries are most in need of volunteers?

Many countries around the world could benefit from volunteers. The specific needs can vary depending on the region, but common areas include:

• Africa - South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania  
• Latin America- Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico  
• Europe - Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal
• Asia - India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand. Find out more about volunteering in Asia.       

For specific guidance, see our advice on working abroad.

When choosing a country, it's important to consider factors such as:

• Language - Do you speak the local language or are you comfortable learning a new one?
• Culture - Are you familiar with the country's culture and customs?
• Cost - How much can you afford to spend on your volunteer experience?
• Your interests and skills - What kind of work do you want to do?

When booking your trip, make sure to check the government's foreign travel advice for your chosen destination. Before you travel, confirm the specific entry requirements for your destination. This includes checking vaccination mandates and ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned return date. Some countries have stricter regulations, so it's essential to research well in advance.

What volunteering work can I do abroad?

Common volunteering opportunities include:

• Education - Teaching English abroad, tutoring, and supporting schools.  
• Healthcare - Assisting in clinics, hospitals, or community health programmes.  
• Environmental conservation - Volunteering with animals, conservation, and sustainability.
• Social work - Supporting vulnerable populations, volunteering with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
• Community development - Helping to build infrastructure, improve living conditions, or promote economic growth.

What is the best way to find volunteer work abroad?

 One effective way to find volunteer opportunities abroad is through online platforms. These websites allow you to research volunteer positions based on your interests, skills and desired location. You can also connect directly with organisations through their websites or social media channels.

Search for volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer organisations abroad include:

• Volunteer Forever
• Go Overseas
• Worldpackers.

 Alternatively, consider international organisations like:

• United Nations - support local volunteer initiatives and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Habitat for Humanity - work on a construction build in a partner country for a week.
• Doctors Without Borders - work overseas to carry out assignments alongside over 55,000 local staff.

These organisations offer structured programmes and support, making it easier to get involved.

Maximise your impact and immerse yourself in your volunteer destination by connecting with local communities and organisations. These groups often have specific needs and projects that align perfectly with your skills and passions.

Before you travel, research potential volunteer destinations and identify local organisations that match your interests. Reach out to them directly, expressing your enthusiasm and inquiring about current opportunities.

You can find local opportunities through:

• community foundations
• libraries
• places of worship
• schools
• hospitals.

Once you've found a voluntary position, be sure to discuss the specifics of your role, including expectations, time commitment, and any necessary training or orientation.

Do you need qualifications to volunteer abroad?

While many volunteer programmes abroad don't require formal qualifications, others do. The exact requirements can vary widely depending on the type of project.

For example, to volunteer in Delhi as a medic with International Volunteer HQ, you'll typically need to be a current or former medical or nursing student, or a licensed healthcare professional. While paramedics, lab technicians, pharmacists, and dental students might be considered, specific volunteer opportunities in these roles may be limited and often involve more general tasks.

Construction volunteer programmes vary in their requirements. Some, like GVI's construction projects in Nepal, provide on-site training, while others, like Volunteer Abroad Alliance's construction and maintenance project in Uganda, require prior construction experience. Placements with more requirements often involve not only building the facility but also managing the entire operation, requiring expertise to organise all aspects of construction and supervise local volunteers.

Teaching projects also differ in their requirements. While a qualification in teaching English abroad can be helpful, organisations such as Involvement Volunteers International are open to volunteers with no previous teaching experience but a strong command of spoken English.

Different organisations have different standards and expectations, while some countries or regions may have specific regulations or requirements for foreign volunteers.

Generally, the most important qualities for volunteering abroad are:

• passion and dedication to the cause
• open-mindedness and a willingness to adapt to new cultures
• flexibility and a positive attitude.

If you're uncertain about the specific requirements for a particular programme, start by researching the organisation. Check out their website and read reviews from past volunteers. You can also contact them directly to ask about their requirements and what kind of skills or experience they're looking for.

What is the cost of volunteering abroad?

 While many nonprofits offer free programmes, you'll likely still encounter costs for food, and lodging. Even for low-cost programmes, you should expect to pay for flights, visas, and travel insurance.

For example, if you are volunteering as an emergency medic in Tanzania with MediTrip, you'll pay an average of £194 per week depending on the length of your stay for accommodation and food. You'll also need to cover visa fees of £38, a volunteer permit fee of £151, plus a hospital contribution of £19-£38 to the Ministry of Health.

It’s important to thoroughly research the costs as some programmes have extra fees. Your living costs on Atlas Volunteer's school building project in Ghana, for instance, average £66 per week. However, you'll need to fundraise or donate to cover materials and local labour. Plus, you're expected to pay for fuel, airport parking, tolls, and airport pickup.

There are ways to reduce costs. Government programmes like the Peace Corps offer two-year commitments with travel, housing, and a stipend. Work exchanges like WWOOF provide free room and board in exchange for farm work.

Find out more

• Explore our advice on volunteering.