Volunteering is a really popular thing to do when travelling, it’s a chance to do something rewarding, meet inspiring people, learn more about great initiatives and integrate into a new culture.
Whether you want to volunteer on a gap year, or you just have a vague interest in applying, there are lots of questions to ask and things to think about when researching a volunteer trip overseas.
Before we get started with this article, you might like to check our featured gap year volunteering programs where we only promote affordable, responsible, safe, quality and fun programs around the world.
View our top recommendations how to enjoy the best time possible below.
1. Be Open to All Destinations
There are so many places you can volunteer abroad with projects located all around the world which are open to International participants. Although for example you might dream of visiting a certain destination, research all countries and you will be able to find inspiring projects in most.
For example, Africa is a really popular continent but a country like Namibia might not have been considered as a place to go compared to say South Africa. But in Namibia there are lots of amazing programs to see and help elephants, lions, rhinos and more exotic wildlife and the country is very affordable.
2. You Might Need to Pay to Volunteer
You might be surprised to know volunteering abroad is usually not paid, or even free. Sometimes you might even have to pay a fee which usually covers administrative charge, airport pickup, transport to project (if necessary), meals and accommodation during placement, and supervision.
Beware of some other costs you might need to pay are your flights, visa, vaccinations, travel insurance, your departure from the program, and airport departure taxes. You will also need to bring additional funds to cater for all your other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages and entertainment.
You can find some totally free volunteering opportunities around the world, some even pay or offer a stipend salary to cover living costs. Usually to get paid you really need to be employed long term or have a specific skill e.g. architecture, medicine, veterinary etc. If money is your only interest you might like to browse other paid gap year jobs.
3. Avoid Companies Which are Too Expensive
Some travel and volunteer companies charge literally thousands of pounds/dollars for trips which can be organised independently for a fraction of the price.
If you are thinking about taking a gap year with a company which charges high prices, ask yourself is it worth it? Where does the money go? How much goes actually goes towards helping local good causes.
This doesn’t just apply to gap year specific companies either, some agencies offering international internships don’t list prices on their websites and you might be in for a shock when you come to actually pay and the cost is in the thousands.
4. Be Wary of Companies Which Are Too Cheap
The same way you should be wary of rip off companies, you should also be very wary of companies which offer trips and programs which are too cheap.
Sometimes if something seems too cheap, and too good to be true, it usually is. Or check the small print to make sure exactly what is included, for example, the price might just include a specific experience but not flights, accommodation and meals.
5. Middle Agents
Lots of gap year companies literally just repackage other local companies experiences and charge a huge markup. Some people book with one company and then when the trip starts they find they are actually helping a completely different organisation.
This can be confusing and also frustrating when you arrive, meet your fellow volunteers and then realise you have spent way more for the same program. Be sure to always research projects and read reviews.
6. Avoid Unethical Wildlife Experiences
Some companies offer what sound like amazing volunteer trips of a lifetime but the reality can be far from this. For example, some companies offer the chance to go and volunteer with animals like lion cubs in Africa and get amazing cuddling these beautiful animals.
But did you know that most hands on wildlife volunteer programs with lions and lion cubs is linked to the barbaric hunting industry? Breeding farms and reserves breed lion cubs with human interaction and then sell them to be shot by hunters for profit.
Always be wary of captive wildlife experiences and instead choose ethical volunteer programs with animals instead. If you would like to volunteer abroad you might like to view our guide to the best volunteering companies.
7. Orphanages Are a No
Orphanages are one of the most unethical ways to volunteer and a lot of international organisations have now ended these types of projects. Although volunteering at orphanages is really popular, placements especially short term are very harmful for children.
Most orphanages how have a structure in place with locally employed long term staff aiming to avoid short term exploitation for profit from international volunteers. Some organisations still offer these types of childcare placements but usually there are restrictions in place for example only training and qualified professionals being able to apply or requiring a long term commitment.
8. Consider Popular Projects
Some of the most popular destinations to volunteer include Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and Kenya. There are so many incredible projects, you really need to see what matches your interests before applying.
Types of placements we recommend include wildlife conservation, environmental, medical and healthcare, community development, building and volunteer teaching.
Sometimes it is worth going with programs which have received a lot of participants and there is positive feedback. Applying with a little know project in a random location can be risky/taking a leap into the unknown.
9. Give a Long Term Commitment
We recommend applying for at least 4 weeks, or longer if you have the time. Short term placements can be a hinderance, for example it takes time to train new volunteers and provide information on what to do, and if there is such a high turn over of short term participants, it can take valuable time away from actually the programs themselves.
10. Check Reviews
This might sound pretty obvious, but if a company has bad reviews, steer clear. Browse portal websites which features thousands of companies and trip reviews like Tripadvisor, Facebook pages and also try to contact past participants direct. Always check feedback before booking a program.
Tips to Booking an Amazing Experience
• Find gap year companies listed on our website, we only list trips and experiences from highly rated companies
• Check reviews of companies and trips on our website or other online websites
• Try to contact past participants, Facebook pages are a good place to start
• Browse our gap year website to find volunteer, cultural and adventure experiences which are open to students, gap year travelers, career break explorers and participants looking. for meaningful trips.