Would you like to make a difference on your gap year? Apply to volunteer abroad! You can choose between so many rewarding short and long term programs around the world. Find your perfect project and apply today.
Best Volunteering Projects Abroad
These are some of our most popular volunteering opportunities. For more options view our country guides.
Big 5 African Wildlife & Conservation
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Community Work in Cape Town
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,545
Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand
• 2-4 weeks
• Price from £1,245
Sloth & Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary in Costa Rica
• 2-10 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Community Volunteering in Zanzibar
• 2-8 weeks
• Price from £2,045
Elephant Conservation in Namibia
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,245
Amazon Shelter Volunteer
• 4-12 weeks
• Price from £1,845
Volunteer in the Galapagos
• 2-8 weeks
• Price from £1,195
Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Volunteer with Turtles in Greece
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500
Childcare Development in Fiji
• 1-12 weeks
• Price from £1,500
India Humanitarian Volunteer Trip
• 2-11 weeks
• Price from £945
Top Rated Volunteer Organisations
Global Work & Travel
See another side of the world as you travel with a purpose, and leave a lasting impact. Apply to help critical projects and causes internationally in Africa and Asia, Central and South America, Europe and the South Pacific.
GVI
Volunteer abroad with GVI and make a sustainable difference while enhancing your personal and professional experience. Choose from award winning life changing volunteer projects and join over 2000 people participating every year.
Oyster Worldwide
Oyster is one of the most well-established companies in the UK with many projects founded as far back as 2006. Oyster’s wide range of popular volunteering breaks are suitable for school leavers, gap year students, and those taking career breaks.
Gili Shark Conservation
The Gili Shark Conservation Project is an award-winning conservation and data collection program in the Gili Islands, Indonesia. Join Gili Shark Conservation and help protect sharks.
How You Can Help
These are some of the most popular ways to give back on a gap year:
• Animals
• Building
• Childcare
• Community Development
• Environment I Marine Conservation
• Medical I Medical Electives
• Sports Coaching
• Summer
• Teaching
• Under 18’s
Reasons to Volunteer Abroad
Are you wondering why you should apply? Volunteering provides an unparalleled wealth of opportunities to give back, meet inspiring people and see and contribute to good causes. You will learn a lot and be able to do something a lot more rewarding than sightseeing.
Choosing to volunteer abroad will provide you with an opportunity to have first-hand experiences of a new culture, to broaden your perspective, and to engage in pressing development issues.
Challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone while learning about yourself, your place in the world, and your privilege. Affirm your life and find personal meaning as you transition from one stage of your life to the next.
Make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate as you campaign for social justice. Short or long-term volunteering through Gap Year World is an unforgettable experience. We cater to all needs and interests and promote a range of exciting and rewarding volunteering opportunities in destinations all over the world.
Volunteer Programs for Students
If you are a student and want to obtain college credit or international work experience, you should definitely consider volunteering. In the process, you can learn a new language, make new friends, widen your horizons by gaining new perspectives, and participate in different cultural activities and meaningful volunteer work.
FAQ
If you need more information about applying to volunteer abroad find answers to popular questions below.
Requirements
Volunteer programs are open to individuals and groups of all ages. So whether you are a student looking to help, or older and keen to give back, you will be able to find an experience to match your skills and interests.
Do I Need Experience?
For most general placements, no. But you do need to want to do something out of the ordinary. You will need to be concerned about the bigger picture, willing to work enthusiastically, take on challenges, be open-minded, adaptable to new cultures and remote places, prepared to commit to respecting the local community and have a can-do attitude. It helps to have a positive attitude and a good sense of humour too.
How Long Can I Stay?
You can join projects from just a few days to 12 months and more. We recommend joining for at least 2 weeks to 1 month. If you have a flexible schedule 3 months is a perfect time to dedicate. Organisations value any amount of time you’re able to contribute and will ensure it’s rewarding and productive whatever your timeframe.
What Project to Choose?
There are so many incredible organisations and projects available all around the world and choosing the best one is difficult as they are all so different. It really comes down to what your interests are and also what you hope to achieve.
These are some of the most popular programs you can do:
• Helping elephants in Thailand
• Wildlife conservation in South Africa
• Teaching in Vietnam
• Conservation in Costa Rica
• Helping communities in rural Africa
I’m Not a Student, Can I Apply?
Yes! Whether you are planning to take some time off from work and want to do something significant during a sabbatical, you are a retiree, or looking for a project for your family, there are options for everyone. Most organisations accept all ages and backgrounds.
Why Do I Need to Pay a Fee? Shouldn’t Volunteering Be Free?
There are lots of programs around the world, some of which are free, others are paid if you are a skilled professional but for most general projects a fee is usually required to be paid.
Most organisations receive no government funding and use fees to keep projects operational throughout the year. Even though some programs can seem expensive, if you work out what is included usually they offer great value for money.
Program cost usually includes:
• Placements, pre-departure support & in-country orientation
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Airport pick up and transfers to and from projects
• Quality placement with a credible project
• Staff salaries and 24 hour emergency support
The program cost generally does not include:
• Flights
• Visa fees
• Tours
• Travel insurance
Help & Advice
We can help connect volunteers with opportunities around the world. If you need help our team will assist you in identifying a suitable volunteering placement. Working with you to identify your skills and interests, we will find a placement with a local NGO partner that is based on your preferences.
How to Apply
View our recommended programs above and arrange a life changing placement today.
