Two sisters playing with a skipping rope with a child on the Projects Abroad Childcare Programme in Fiji

Family Volunteering Overseas

TRAVEL TO A DEVELOPING COUNTRY AND PARTICIPATE IN A FAMILY VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY

Introduction

Our family volunteer opportunities abroad are ideal for any family looking to do something different and learn and grow together. We can accommodate any type of family, from families with young children, to those looking for mother-daughter volunteer opportunities.  

This is what you can expect from our family volunteer holidays:

  • Work with and learn from diverse groups of people around the world
  • Gain or improve valuable life skills, like communication and teamwork
  • Work on long-term, sustainable solutions, not quick fixes, and show your children the power of helping others
  • Get a unique insight into different cultures and traditions

On family volunteer opportunities abroad, we also offer: 

  • A hassle-free experience, where we take the lead with planning all the details of your trip
  • 24/7 support and guidance from our trained, in-country staff
  • Ethical projects, where you will be responsible and make a real impact

Every child learns from watching their parents and the people around them. Go a step further and help your family learn and grow together by doing family volunteer work abroad!  

What volunteer opportunities abroad can I do with my family?

On one of our activity holidays abroad for families, you’ll roll up your sleeves and get right to work on a project designed to benefit local people or the environment.

Some of our projects are more family-friendly than others. Here are our most popular and suitable projects for families volunteering abroad: 

  • Conservation: Work in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, help protect endangered giraffes in Kenya, or care for and release baby turtles into the ocean in Mexico. We have several conservation programmes around the globe that focus on protecting endangered species and environments. This is also a great option if you want a family volunteer holiday with animals.  
  • Childcare: As a family, you can support local teachers and caregivers by caring for and teaching kids. Plan fun activities, read stories, teach children games from your home country, or help with mealtimes. As the saying goes, many hands equal light (and fun) work! 
  • Sports Coaching: Sports are a global language and have the power to bring people together. Share your family’s passion for sports with local kids and young athletes, and help encourage people to have fun keeping fit. 

For a full list of our family volunteer abroad programs, take a look at our product snippets below. Projects Abroad is a secular organisation and our non-religious family mission trips aren’t affiliated with any specific religion. If you have any other questions, you can also speak to our Project Experts, who can advise you on which project will best fit your interests and goals. 

Interested in family gap year working holidays abroad? Our projects are safe and entirely flexible, and you can choose how long you want to travel. We can also organise different types of projects in multiple countries. Read our popular blog post about the Fatan family who did just that!

How does it work for children?

We also support families with children of various ages: 

  • We can accept volunteers aged four years and older with their families. Contact us if your child will be under the age of four at the time you want to travel and we can discuss the options available. 
  • Ages 4-14: Children between 4-14 years old can be accommodated and work with their parent(s) for a reduced fee.
  • Ages 15+: If your child is aged 15 or older, he/she may volunteer without the accompaniment of a parent at the standard per person price.
  • We can usually arrange family volunteer abroad opportunities in all destinations except China and Costa Rica. 
    • In Jamaica, families are welcome. However, children cannot go to work with their parents here, so one parent needs to look after the children, or childcare can be arranged.

How will we be supported on a family volunteer holiday abroad?

With dedicated in-country staff in every country where we work, we can provide your family with a hassle-free experience. We provide:  

  • Visa advice
  • Accommodation
  • Three meals a day
  • Project activities
  • Airport pick-ups and drop-offs 
  • Ground transportation to and from your project

Read more about how we facilitate family-friendly, hassle-free volunteer trips in our blog

A family volunteering abroad together enjoy an afternoon meal after finishing their work for the day in the Galapagos Islands.

What are the benefits of volunteering abroad as a family?

There are multiple benefits to families volunteering overseas. It’s not just an opportunity for your family to have an exciting holiday. It’s a chance for your family to realise more of their potential and build meaningful connections across the world. 

Here are the benefits of family volunteer work abroad: 

  • Take part in cultural exchange and see how people live: You’ll stay with a host family or in comfortable accommodation organised by our staff. You’ll work with local people and become part of the community for a short time. 
  • Share a love of travel with your family: For families with young children, volunteering overseas is an opportunity to guide your children safely on their first trip and develop a love of travelling. A trip like this will open their minds to the beauty of our world, but also the different challenges that other families have across the globe. 
  • Take part in experiential learning: Encourage your children to learn by doing. Teach them how to adapt to different environments, learn from people they meet, or how to learn from their own observations. A family volunteer holiday lets you make the world your children’s classroom. 
  • Bond with your family: A family volunteer abroad program is the perfect opportunity to deepen your bonds while in a new environment. You’ll create lasting memories filled with exploring and wonder. Family volunteer work abroad has a busy schedule meaning your family will have less time to spend in front of the TV or on their phones!
A mother and daughter doing family volunteer work abroad, help paint a classroom in Tanzania, Africa.

Can't find what you're looking for?

We’d be happy to talk about creating a custom family volunteer opportunity abroad for you and your family. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re well placed to answer your questions, big or small.

08 7130 3970

or email:

to start planning your project

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