Conservation volunteers working together abroad

Volunteer Abroad with a Responsible Volunteering Organization

Join our overseas volunteer programs and become part of ongoing efforts to empower developing communities

Are you seeking an opportunity to travel the world? Are you interested in cultivating meaningful experiences with new friends? Would you like to learn new skills and create positive changes around the world? Then Projects Abroad is ready for you!

Here at Projects Abroad, we make your travel dreams come true. With 30 years experience in volunteer abroad programs, we provide the gold standard in international volunteering so you can participate in something you’re truly passionate about, like:

  • Support children’s education
  • Protect endangered wildlife and ecosystems
  • Provide medical services to communities without access to healthcare
  • Advocate for human rights and facilitate equal opportunity for all people

Volunteering overseas will elevate your travel experience to its highest potential. Volunteer work abroad will contribute to both your own personal growth and the development of communities around the world. From Africa to Asia to South America, our volunteer abroad programs take place in breathtaking destinations, that will enrich your sense of adventure and sense of purpose.

Why choose Projects Abroad?

Projects Abroad is the industry leader in safe, sustainable and hassle-free volunteer projects. 

We manage everything from airport transfer to lodging and meals, so your energy can focus on your volunteering experience. From the moment you arrive in your chosen destination, we’ll be available to ensure your trip is safe, secure, and unforgettable. 

Our volunteer travel programs are culturally-rich, where often you’ll live with a host family and work alongside local people. You’ll be working with other volunteers from around the world where you will gain practical skills and first-hand insight into global issues. It’s a way for you to make a real difference in today’s world, while visiting new destinations and making new friends.

As an industry leader for volunteer abroad opportunities, we hold our programs to a strict ethical standard. We have a responsibility toward the people and organizations we work with, as well as our staff and volunteers like you, and we hold their - and your - trust in high regard.

It’s why we champion Responsible Volunteer Travel, and work with an extensive checklist that guides all of our efforts in developing countries. You’ll be working towards achieving long-term goals guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These goals address needs identified by local community members and the organizations we partner with, and they rely on your contributions to create a lasting impact.

We’re committed to making the world a better place, one volunteer at a time. All we need is you to make a difference!


Winter and Summer Volunteering Abroad

Summer Volunteer Programs Abroad

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

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

Our summer volunteering opportunities are popular, 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!

Winter Break Volunteer Programs

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

Our Team Trips take place on set dates throughout the year, and several of these trips have dates through the holiday season. Learn more about winter break volunteering abroad.

Overseas volunteer 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!


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 tough, 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 Programs

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 Programs

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 Opportunities

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 Programs

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

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


What do you gain from volunteering?

You may be asking yourself, “What are the advantages of volunteering?” There are numerous benefits of volunteering abroad. You can do things like:

  • Learn new skills
  • Get volunteer work experience
  • Add global competencies like communication to your resume
  • 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 program
  • 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 overseas, 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 programs with reputable organizations come with a cost. For Projects Abroad, we charge a fee because we’re an independent organization 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 in other countries, 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 program that makes an actual difference on the ground.

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

Can I volunteer abroad for free? 

We often get asked if we offer free volunteer trips. The short answer is “no”, and there are several reasons why it’s important to pay for volunteering 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 programs can be daunting, and we have lots of advice to help you achieve your fundraising goal

With us, you can: 

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 programs are open to anyone over the age of 16. For younger volunteers, we offer specialized programs with constant support and supervision, ideal for first-time travelers. 

You may be asking yourself, “Am I too old to volunteer abroad?” Our answer is: not at all! Our programs 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 around the world. 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?

At 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 overseas

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 our winter volunteer programs

Interested in traveling with us on short notice? Read more about last minute volunteering abroad.

Choose a Volunteer Program

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1-3 of 92 Projects

Volunteers clean a beach with sea lion on it
Take a Gap Semester Abroad in South America
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  • Price: $7,895 USD for 8 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $300 USD
  • Start Date: Throughout the year
  • Minimum Duration: 8 weeks
  • Ages: 17-24
Conservation in the Amazon volunteers in Peru
Rainforest Conservation Spring Break in Peru
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  • Price: $2,100 USD for 1 week
  • Extra Weeks: $400 USD
  • Start Date: Over Spring Break
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Ages: 18 or over
A Projects Abroad volunteer on her Spring Break Project coloring books with the children at her Childcare placement in Jamaica
Volunteer with Children for Spring Break in Jamaica
See this project
  • Price: $2,100 USD for 1 week
  • Extra Weeks: $400 USD
  • Start Date: Over Spring Break
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Ages: 18 or over
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