Conservation volunteers working together abroad

Volunteer Overseas with a Responsible Volunteering Organisation

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

Volunteer overseas on a safe, sustainable, and hassle-free project. We offer the gold standard in volunteer abroad programs, and you can do something you’re really passionate about, like:  

  • Support children’s education
  • Work with animals and protect endangered wildlife
  • Provide basic medical services in communities without access to healthcare

Doing volunteer work overseas is an exciting way to add practical skills to your CV and get first-hand insight into global issues. It’s also a way for you to make a real difference in today’s world, with an organisation you can trust. 

As an industry leader for international volunteering, we hold our programs to a strict ethical standard. We have a responsibility toward the people and organisations 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. We’re committed to making the world a better place, one volunteer at a time. 

Whichever project you choose, you can trust in the overseas volunteer programs you do with us. You’ll be working towards achieving long-term goals guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These goals address needs identified by the local community members and organisations we partner with.

And throughout it all, we’ll be by your side to support you and keep you safe!


Seasonal volunteering abroad

Winter Volunteering Abroad

Our projects are a great fit for anyone who wants to make the most of their holiday with winter volunteer programs 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 winter volunteering abroad, then we recommend joining a Flexi Trip. You can travel over pre-set dates in the winter if you want to join up with a group, either on a High School Special or Team Trip.

Winter 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!


Benefits of being a volunteer overseas

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.

A volunteer paints playground equipment during her voluntary work overseas.

Common questions about volunteering overseas

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 programs 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 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? 

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 programs can be daunting, and we have loads of advice to help you achieve your fundraising goal. 

With us, you can: 

  • Set up a personal fundraising page through your own MyProjectsAbroad account
  • Check out our Fundraising Guide for tips and tricks on raising the money you need

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 programs are open to anyone over the age of 16. For younger volunteers, we offer specialised programs 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 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 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:

Choose a Volunteer Project

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1-3 of 91 Projects

Africa’s Big 5 and Wilderness Conservation in Botswana
See this project
  • Price: $3,970 AUD for 1 week
  • Extra Weeks: $700 AUD
  • Start Date: July and August
  • Minimum Stay: 1 week
  • Age: 16 or over
A picture of a volunteer watching a giraffe whilst on one of our wildlife conservation volunteer opportunities in Kenya.
Giraffe & Lion Conservation in Kenya
See this project
  • Price: $3,695 AUD for 1 week
  • Extra Weeks: $625 AUD
  • Start Date: Anytime
  • Minimum Stay: 1 week
  • Age: 16 or over
Children are taught by female volunteers working with children in Cambodia inside a community care centre to further their childhood development.
Volunteer with Children in Cambodia
See this project
  • Price: $3,020 AUD for 2 weeks
  • Extra Weeks: $450 AUD
  • Start Date: Anytime
  • Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
  • Age: 16 or over
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