By immersing yourself in different cultures, stepping outside your comfort zone, and contributing to meaningful projects, you can gain valuable experiences, develop new skills, and make a lasting impact on the world
Why should I volunteer abroad?
Each year, around 1.6 million people volunteer abroad, tackling community development, education, conservation, and healthcare projects worldwide. Offering your time for free can help you both personally and professionally.
By working in new and sometimes challenging environments, you'll:
- build global networks
- contribute to sustainable, community‑led development
- enhance your CV with practical, hands‑on experience
- strengthen your cross‑cultural communication skills.
Many volunteers also find that the experience reinforces their commitment to ethical, socially responsible work.
Which countries are most in need of volunteers?
There's no single country 'most in need' - instead, look for programmes that are genuinely community driven and sustainable. Popular destinations include:
- Africa - South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania
- Asia - India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
- Europe - Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal
- Latin America - Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico.
Before choosing a country, think about:
- cost - what can you realistically afford?
- culture - are you prepared to adapt to local customs and norms?
- language - can you speak it, or are you willing to learn the basics?
- your skills - which projects match your interests and strengths?
Learning key phrases and researching local customs - such as greetings, dress codes, and holidays - helps you prepare respectfully.
You should also check government travel advice, and understand visa, health, vaccination, and passport requirements.
What volunteering work can I do abroad?
Volunteer roles vary, with placements ranging from one‑week taster experiences to multi‑month or multi‑year commitments.
Common options include:
- community development - infrastructure, sanitation, and economic development projects
- education - teaching English, tutoring, classroom assistance
- environmental conservation - animal care, habitat protection, sustainability work
- healthcare - supporting clinics, outreach programmes, or medical teams
- social care - assisting children, older people, or adults with disabilities.
Across all placements, personal qualities such as enthusiasm, cultural openness, and adaptability are just as important as formal qualifications or experience. Discover what skills employers want.
It's important to bear in mind the ethics of your work. This means avoiding roles that replace local workers and ensuring your work supports community needs to provide sustainable, long‑term outcomes. Most reputable companies explain their ethical standards clearly on their websites, so take time to review these before you commit.
How do I find volunteer work abroad?
With organisations like International Volunteer HQ enabling more than 150,000 volunteers to support projects in over 50 countries, there's no shortage of opportunities if you're keen to travel and contribute to meaningful work overseas.
A good starting point is to use online platforms that let you filter placements by country, project type, or required skills, such as:
You can also apply through established organisations offering structured, reputable programmes:
- Doctors Without Borders - specialised placements for medical professionals
- Habitat for Humanity - building homes alongside local communities
- Raleigh International - expeditions focusing on community and environmental projects
- United Nations - supporting projects linked to the Sustainable Development Goals
- VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) - long term placements in education, health, and livelihoods.
If you prefer a more personal approach, consider reaching out directly to:
- community groups
- foundations
- hospitals
- libraries
- places of worship.
Before committing to a placement, make sure you understand the organisation's expectations, the time commitment, and any required training or preparation.
Do you need qualifications to volunteer abroad?
Requirements depend on the type of work. Many roles don't require formal qualifications, but others may ask for relevant experience or training.
For example:
- construction roles - some organisations offer full on‑site training, making roles suitable for beginners, while others require professional skills.
- medical placements - you may need to be a medical or nursing student, or a qualified healthcare professional.
- teaching - a TEFL qualification can be useful, but many organisations accept volunteers with strong spoken English and an interest in education.
To give you an idea of what this looks like in practice:
- GVI runs projects in Nepal where you receive full on‑site training, meaning you can take part even without previous experience.
- Volunteer Abroad Alliance's programme in Uganda requires volunteers who already have construction expertise.
- International Volunteer HQ's medical volunteers in Delhi will need relevant medical or nursing training.
- Involvement Volunteers International welcomes English‑teaching volunteers without formal teaching backgrounds, provided you have confident spoken English.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible for a particular placement, check the organisation's website or contact them directly - they can explain exactly what they're looking for and help you assess whether the role is a good fit.
What is the cost of volunteering abroad?
Even low cost placements involve expenses such as accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and visas. Costs vary depending on destination and the level of support provided.
Typical weekly costs include:
- accommodation with in‑country support - £150 to £250
- basic accommodation and meals - £60 to £100
- full support or specialist placements - £300 or more.
Some programmes charge package fees - for example, a two‑week placement with accommodation and 24 hour support volunteering with children in Nepal through Projects Abroad costs £1,500, with additional weekly fees for longer stays.
To reduce costs, consider:
- crowdfunding - platforms like GoFundMe, JustGiving, or social‑media‑based fundraising allow you to raise money
- grants and scholarships - through educational trusts, and international development organisations
- university funding - through your global opportunities office, careers service, or student funding pages.
It’s also worth looking into work‑exchange schemes, like Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), which offer food and accommodation in return for labour.
What do I need before travelling?
Depending on the country, you might need:
- a volunteer visa
- a work or residence permit
- registration with local authorities.
Volunteering on a tourist visa is illegal in many countries, so always confirm the correct documentation. Your host organisation can guide you, but it's ultimately your responsibility to comply with local laws. For details, see our working abroad guides.
You should also plan for:
- health insurance that covers volunteering and emergencies
- reliable communication (SIM cards, Wi‑Fi access)
- safe, suitable accommodation
- transport arrangements and airport transfers.
Explore how to plan your gap year.
How can I stay safe when volunteering abroad?
Your safety and wellbeing come first. Reputable organisations will have safeguarding policies for both you and those you'll volunteer with. Check that the company:
- carry out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and police checks
- offer local support and emergency contacts
- provide pre‑departure or in‑country training.
You should also check any country specific regulations related to your work, particularly if it involves teaching, healthcare, or working with vulnerable groups.
Volunteering abroad can sometimes feel emotionally demanding - you may experience culture shock, homesickness, or difficult situations. Building a support network and practising self‑care can make a big difference.
What could my career look like after volunteering abroad?
International volunteering helps you demonstrate adaptability, cultural awareness, and initiative. These skills are valued across sectors including:
- charity
- education
- environmental conservation
- healthcare
- international development
- non government organisation (NGO) work.
To make the most of your experience:
- choose placements related to your academic or career interests
- record what you learn and achieve
- reflect on the skills you develop and how they apply to the workplace.
Many volunteers continue supporting their host communities after returning home or use the experience to guide later study or career choices. Discover how to get a charity job.
Find out more
- Explore our advice on volunteering.