Volunteer abroad: develop your skills with overseas volunteering

Are you looking for a way to travel the world, make a difference, and gain invaluable experience?

International volunteering could be the perfect opportunity for you. With a wide range of volunteer abroad programmes available, you can find the perfect fit for your interests and skills.

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What volunteer work abroad can I do?

We offer volunteer programmes abroad in a variety of fields, including animal and marine conservation, childcare, building, and more. You could help endangered species, support local teaching efforts, or advocate for human rights in 25+ countries around the world.

All our international volunteering projects are safe, sustainable, and unforgettable, designed for people at any and all stages of life. Our volunteer abroad programmes are guided by local experts, so you know we are always tackling real issues at the heart of their communities.

Looking for experience in a professional setting in fields like medicine, journalism, or business? Head to our intern abroad page instead!

What are the benefits of volunteering abroad?

Volunteering abroad is an excellent way to build your skills, see the world, and contribute to positive, local initiatives.

Volunteer work abroad can:

Teach new skills: Get hands-on experience in your area of interest. Improve your confidence, communication, and adaptability while boosting your CV with new skills and experiences. Even more on that below!
Make a difference: Contribute to meaningful projects that address social, environmental, or economic challenges, led by local experts.
Expose you to new cultures: Live in a different country, discover local customs, and expand your worldview.
Build international friendships: Meet like-minded people from around the world and become part of a global community.

For younger people, volunteering abroad is a great way to stand out in competitive university or job applications. For adults, volunteer work abroad can facilitate a career change, build a sense of purpose, or tick a few more places off your bucket list.

How volunteering abroad can prepare you for the future

We regularly survey our participants and have found that:

96% feel more confident interacting with people from different cultures
94% reported that they have a better understanding of global challenges
93% think the skills and knowledge they developed will help them in future
91% are more confident in handling life’s challenges

How do I know that my volunteer abroad project is ethical?

Every overseas volunteer opportunity with Projects Abroad is fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This means that our work is informed by strict international guidelines.

Plus, our international volunteer programmes are led by local experts in-destination. This allows us to focus our efforts to support existing initiatives that tackle the key issues within their communities.

Why do I need to pay to volunteer abroad?

Paying to volunteer abroad allows us to organise everything on your behalf, allowing you to enjoy an experience that is safe, rewarding, and impactful. You’ll get three meals a day, your accommodation, domestic transportation, and 24/7 support from our staff.

Our pricing varies between projects and will depend on how long you want to go for. If you are a teenager, the price will also include social activities and excursions.

The best bit? You can take advantage of our flexible payment plans. We understand that paying in one go isn’t always possible. That's why we just ask for an initial deposit. Then, you can pay as much or as little as you like in a series of small instalments.

We’re completely flexible, but the full fee does need to be paid in full before you leave for your project.

Read what others have to say about their experiences with Projects Abroad and find out why we’re rated ’Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

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. For teenagers looking to volunteer during the winter break, we also run fixed-date High School Specials.

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 and throughout the summer.

This is often our busiest time for Australian volunteers given the extended school break, and we run several dedicated High School Specials around this period. Get in touch with a Project Expert to discuss your options!

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!

How to get started with volunteering abroad

Explore our programmes: Browse this website to see the volunteer abroad options available to you. Choose the volunteer programme that aligns with your interests.
Contact Us: Get in touch with a Project Expert to discuss your goals and preferences. We'll help you choose the right programme and guide you through the application process.
Pre-departure support: Once you're booked, get ready to embark on a life-changing journey! We'll provide you with all the information and support you need to prepare for your international volunteering experience.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join the thousands of volunteers who have made a positive impact through Projects Abroad. Start your volunteer abroad journey today and discover the power of international volunteering.