Volunteering abroad is more than just a trip, it’s an unforgettable learning experience and a chance to see the world from a completely different perspective.
We've been doing this since 1992, so we know that you'll have lots of questions. Keep reading for all the information you need, or get our Ultimate Guide to Volunteer e-book right here.
Claim your free Ultimate Guide e-book >
However, we understand you might be anxious when trying to organise your adventure.
Finding the right project can feel overwhelming, but with the right provider, there’s nothing to worry about. Projects Abroad have been the responsible travel experts since 1992, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Step 1 | Define your goals and impact
Before you pack your bags, think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to build your CV and skillset for your education or career, or do you want to contribute to long-term community initiatives?
Read more: The personal growth behind international volunteering
At Projects Abroad, every project is designed specifically for collaboration. That means you’ll work alongside local communities on a project that is both sustainable and addresses real local needs.
Volunteer and intern projects are available worldwide in a huge variety of industries, including wildlife conservation, medicine, teaching, business, and more.
This is also a good time to think about where you want to go. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to visit Japan, see the savannahs of East Africa, or marvel at Machu Picchu. Volunteering abroad is a great way to blend learning and adventure.
Your choice of project will depend on what is most important to you. Think about whether you are primarily looking for:
- Experience - for university, your career, or just to try something new
- Passion - for animals, medicine, law, childcare… the list goes on
- Location - do you want to stay by the beach, in a city, the mountains, or a rainforest?
- Culture - is there a particular culture you want to live in and experience first-hand?
Whether you are interested in a Medical Internship in Nepal or a Conservation Project in Peru, you should choose a program that aligns with your passions and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Step 2 | Carefully choose your provider
Not all volunteer organisations are created equal. To ensure that you get the best experience possible and your time makes a genuine difference, look for a provider that has a proven track record. Keep an eye out for:
- Relevant accreditations: search for accreditations that are relevant to the industry or your interests, like a BS 8848 for UK-based companies or an international equivalent.
- A proven safety record: ensure the provider has 24/7 in-country support and independent safety reviews.
- Ethical standards: look for a Certified B Corporation. This proves the organisation puts people and the planet before profits.
- Local expertise: make sure that the projects are deeply rooted in the local community, relying on local knowledge and employing local staff on fair and ethical wages.
- Excellent reviews: trust the views of those who have gone before you, with independent review sites like Trustpilot the best way to get unbiased opinions.
- No hidden fees: understand the full cost of your project before you apply, ensuring your provider is open and honest about the price up front with no nasty surprises, like application or admin fees.
Indicators like these give you the best chance of finding a reliable, safe, and trustworthy provider.
Step 3 | Understand the logistics
One of the biggest hurdles to volunteering abroad is the planning, especially when the country is unfamiliar.
For 73% of our teen participants too, it’s their first time travelling overseas on their own.
Read more: Navigating the airport solo: a first-time traveller’s guide
A truly hassle-free experience should be all-inclusive and handled for you. Let your provider handle:
- Accommodation: somewhere clean, safe, and comfortable to call home for the duration of your stay, be it a host family or hotel.
- Meals: three meals a day covered in the cost, so you can try the local cuisine worry-free with recommendations from our staff. Plus, clean drinking water whenever you need it.
- Pre-departure support: expert advice on visas, packing, and cultural training before you even leave home, making sure you’re as prepared as possible.
- Airport pick-up: a friendly staff member waiting for you the moment you land, so you don’t have to stumble around half-asleep and book a taxi.
- Local staff who speak English: helping you navigate your new environment and providing 24/7 support.
If you’re aged 15 to 18 and choose to join a dedicated High School Special, you could get these additional benefits:
- Fully supervised: while 24/7 support comes as standard on all our projects, teen participants will have staff members physically with them at all times.
- Exciting excursions: on structured projects, you’ll also get thrilling excursions to popular tourist areas to give you a well-earned break from your project work.
Our number one priority is the safety of our volunteers, and all our support is centred around that fact.
Step 4 | Prepare for your departure
Once you’ve booked your place on a project, the fun truly begins.
You might be feeling a lot of things, but excitement and nervousness are two of the most common. Your provider should be there to answer all your questions in the run up to your adventure, helping you stay calm and managing your expectations.
Read more: What to expect on your first day volunteering abroad
You will be assigned a Destination Expert who will help prepare you for the culture, project work, and daily life that you’ll encounter abroad. They’ll frequently check on you before your project starts and make sure you’re packed and fully prepared before you fly.
Remember, you’ll be supported throughout your entire experience, from the moment you apply until you return home.
For even more information on volunteering abroad, or to discuss your options, get in touch with a Project Expert!
Speak to a Project Expert
Our team is always happy to answer your questions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to volunteer abroad?
In most cases, no! We provide all the training and guidance you need to make sure our projects are accessible for anyone. A few of our more specialist internships do require a year of study or prior experience, but this is rare.
Is it safe to volunteer abroad solo?
Absolutely. We only work with host families and accommodations that we have comprehensively vetted, and have staff in every destination who are available 24/7. You'll be part of a supportive community of fellow participants from the moment you arrive. Find out more about our comprehensive safety procedures.
Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
Your fee covers all the essentials for your stay, including your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, and 24/7 support from our staff. Our project prices are carefully calculated to ensure that we reinvest in the communities we work with and pay our staff in every destination a fair, living wage.
Read about exactly where your money goes when you travel with Projects Abroad.
Want more informative articles like this?
Sign up to our newsletter and receive offers, updates, and blogs like this sent straight to your inbox every month.
Our accreditations
