At Volunteer World, we believe that everyone can find a volunteer project that they like. Depending on what you would like to do, get in touch with the organization and see whether they will accept you as a candidate. Organizations are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are eager to help out.
By volunteering your time, effort, and skills, you are helping volunteer organizations reach their goals to support the community.
With limited to no financial costs, you can make a meaningful difference in the world and enjoy the wonderful benefits volunteering brings with it. There are more and more projects dedicated to improving the circumstances of those less fortunate and taking action to reverse the damage done to the environment. All these organizations need help. Check out affordable programs where you can make a difference without losing lots of money.
Will you be making a difference? Money is absolutely not a requirement to make a meaningful difference. The most important aspect of a volunteer program is the cultural interchange and social contact between the volunteer and the locals.
You will carry this experience with you forever and it may be the start to many more volunteer initiatives to come. It will be an experience no money can buy. Is volunteering in developing countries condescending?
Some claim that volunteering portrays a message that communities are unable to solve problems on their own. The goal of volunteer projects should always be to empower local communities and give them the support they need to take their future into their own hands. Take a very good look at the different budget-friendly volunteer programs, read the reviews, ask questions and select a program that inspires you. There are several opportunities to volunteer abroad for free or a very affordable price.
It essentially comes down to where you want to go and the type of project. High school students who want to volunteer abroad for free may take into account their passions or their future studies. College students can volunteer abroad for free and combine it with an internship. There are over projects under USD per week, in the following categories:.
Your passion and skills will determine where your international volunteer adventure will take you. Because there are plenty of affordable and free programs to choose from, the most important aspect of choosing a great program is that you do enough research on the different volunteer organizations and try to answer the following questions:.
Read about the organization and ask previous volunteers about their experience. There are wonderful organizations that are doing very responsible work which you can be part of. Be especially careful when you volunteer for projects with children.
Do your due diligence prior to signing up. There are projects out there that are doing more harm than good by taking advantage of the volunteer industry and exploiting local families. We have attempted to screen these organizations but you make the final call. Choose your program wisely and you will be in for an incredible experience and supporting a meaningful cause. Asia is probably your cheapest option when it comes to travel and accommodation.
Africa is also a low budget destination although it may be a bit more expensive in travel expenses. European volunteers can lookout for opportunities to volunteer abroad for free in Europe.
Our Croatia volunteer program is based in the popular city of Split, which is vibrant all year round, and has become iconic as the film set to a whole bunch of Game of Thrones scenes. Explore the Croatia program Apply to volunteer in Croatia. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most vibrant cultural cities in Europe.
The city is bursting with beautiful architecture, rich cultural history, incredible street art and museums. As one of the sunniest places in Europe, Lisbon benefits from balmy temperatures year-round with a lovely Mediterranean climate. This involves helping restore native forests just outside of Lisbon to help tackle climate change and protect precious ecosystems. Explore the Portugal program Apply to volunteer in Portugal.
Is the appeal of Europe drawing you in? Our Romania volunteer program is the stand-out option, with its misty mountains, vast forests and fascinating history. The IVHQ Romania volunteer program consistently gets fantastic volunteer feedback, with the in-country program support often singled out for special praise. The local team in Romaina welcomes every volunteer into community, giving you a rare insight into authentic Romanian life and culture.
There is plenty to keep volunteers busy in their downtime, with the rest of Europe on your doorstep. The program is based in the town of Miercurea Ciuc in the distinctive region of eastern Transylvania. Explore the Romania program Apply to volunteer in Romania. Take a volunteer adventure in Barcelona to discover the ins and outs of this cosmopolitan city. Explore the Spain program Apply to volunteer in Spain.
You can experience the peaceful and humble Bedouin way of life in the desert, the fascinating ancient kingdom of Petra and the progressive vibrant city of Amman - where our volunteer programs are based. Our local coordinator of this unique program was once an IVHQ volunteer herself. Explore the Jordan program Apply to volunteer in Jordan. Your Program Manager will let you know if it is not going to open in time for your chosen dates so you can change your plans for free thanks to our flexible booking policy.
Volunteer in Nepal in or and experience it all! This is a country full of color, culture, incredible landscapes and friendly people. One of the highlights of the Nepal program is just how varied the placement locations are with volunteer projects loacted in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Chitlang and Pokhara. Explore the Nepal program Apply to volunteer in Nepal. As a volunteer in Bali, you can choose from two locations: Ubud - the cultural hub of Bali, or Lovina - the laid-back coastal beach town.
Find out where you should volunteer in Bali. For travelers who want to volunteer in Indonesia, this is the perfect volunteer program for surfers, nature lovers or anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity off the beaten path. Explore the Bali program Apply to volunteer in Bali. India has captivated travelers for generations, and for good reason!
Come ready to experience India in a new light - tropical, laid back and without the hustle and bustle of the big cities. IVHQ also offers a popular range of volunteer projects in Delhi, the fast-paced and exciting capital of India. Explore the India program Apply to volunteer in India. Vietnam is known for its culture, cuisine and natural beauty. Volunteers are highly valued by the local community and the welcoming nature of the IVHQ Vietnam local team makes this volunteer program a firm favorites with Vietnam volunteer program participants.
Learn more about becoming a volunteer in Vietnam. Volunteer in Spain in a retreat in a village and focus on self-development! Volunteer in Estonia and join an organization aiming for promoting sustainable lifestyle, foraging and protecting forests! Volunteer at a peace project in Northern Ireland and learn about Irish culture, history, politics, nature and many more!
Volunteer in the Loire Valley, France. Help in a hotel in a chateau and see the stunning sights of the valley in your free time. Volunteer in Honduras in a hostel. Help for up to 20 hours a week and get to know the beautiful island of Roatan!
Would you like to volunteer in Portugal in a hostel? Join this place in Lisbon and visit the city as well as the surrounding countryside! If you speak English and Italian, you will love this volunteering opportunity in Sicily! As an intern, your responsibilities will vary, but they may include night walks to collect turtle eggs and re-bury them in protected areas thereby ensuring a higher chance of survival , working alongside the community to create awareness of turtle conservation issues, or assisting researchers to tag turtles in open water so we can continue learning about these amazing creatures habits and behaviors.
When you invest time and energy into volunteer work abroad in wildlife rehabilitation program, it will be an incredible and rewarding experience. Most wildlife rehabilitation programs aim to educate the public locally and internationally about species conservation and endangered wildlife. These rehab centers also provide a haven for unique African animal species that have been abandoned, injured, and poisoned wildlife in the area.
Some programs may also have you facilitate and monitoring the breeding of endangered species. China is well known for the giant, gorgeous Panda, but sadly this great creature faces extinction; there are only an estimated 1, left in the world.
Many factors affect the panda's survival: poaching, habitat loss, and industrialization make it hard for the Panda species to sustain their population in the wild due to their low birthing rate. This program will allow you to work directly with the pandas, helping the provide daily panda treatment, maintenance, and love in an effort to keep the panda species alive and prosperous. In most programs, you can support volunteer efforts in one of two ways. IFRE works with every individual to find the right volunteer abroad program for them.
Did any of the projects listed above speak to your heart? Contact us today to learn more about abroad opportunities. There are hundreds of volunteer agencies out there ready to help you have the best volunteer abroad experience. So, how do you know which one to choose? Selecting the volunteer abroad organization for you is extremely important because the decision affects your safety, budget and overall experience Here are few tips that should help you to choose a credible organization:.
You may also look for up-to-date photographs of previous volunteers and social media accounts where the company is actively engaging with its followers. They should be clear about where those fees go — are they supporting the local project and host families?
Do your research and see what people are saying! Try to avoid organizations which are getting a lot of negative reviews. Send an email directly to the organization and see how soon they reply. This should happen within 24 hours and they should answer your questions or concerns in a sensible and professional way. The best volunteer organizations to volunteer abroad with are always coming up with ways to help local communities, perhaps by building a playground for children, sponsoring local events, or by planting trees and gardens for nature conservation.
Look for photos and updates on their projects. If the free abroad volunteer company you are looking into has a strong presence on Facebook or Twitter or an up-to-date blog, this is a very good sign. This means that they are putting in extra effort to be part of the global world and reaching out to more volunteers.
While remembering that all volunteer organizations have their limitations, the best providers will have a good reputation with field-tested staff who care about your personal journey.
They will provide a high-quality volunteer abroad experience at a reasonable and transparent price. Most applications are very straightforward online forms, although they may take a while to complete. Sometimes organizations will ask you to do an interview or write a statement of interest. The deposit is part of the overall cost of your program. After you submit your online application, it is forwarded to your host country's main office, where the local staff will review it, assess your interest in the abroad volunteering program, and examine your educational and personal background to determine if you are a good fit for it.
It may take a little while to hear back normally between weeks , but once you are approved to volunteer in your program of choice you will receive a confirmation of your acceptance and the details of your placement.
This should include everything you need to know about pre-departure requirements , project details, itineraries and schedules, visa information, vaccination requirements, in-country office details, accommodation details, and more.
Visa :All countries with volunteer abroad programs require foreign citizens to have a visa before they can enter. In these cases, you must apply for the visa before you travel. Passport : To enter another country for volunteering work abroad you are required to hold a valid passport with at least 6, sometimes 9 , months validity.
Some require one or more pages to be blank and available for visa stamps, and most countries expect visitors to show proof of onward travel, such as a return air ticket or a bus ticket to a different country. Vaccination : When travelling abroad it is best to protect yourself against any potential health concerns. Well before your travel date be sure to consult your doctor, the website of the Center for Disease Control or an official website for your destination country about which vaccinations you may need to have.
Flight : In most cases volunteers are responsible for sourcing and paying for their own airfare for volunteering trips abroad, so start looking for great deals as soon as you can. Set up alert notifications for cheap airfare comparison sites such as Orbitz, or Kayak as well as Google Flights and Skyscanner.
Booking a round trip flight is generally cheaper, as is being flexible with your travel dates. If you need some ideas on how to pay for your volunteering program abroad there are lots of resources to draw on. You can use online funding sites such as GoFundMe , or GiveForward , as well as others for students, and large groups.
You can also look to local churches, businesses or volunteer groups for help funding your trip. Find online blogs, or travel books which focus specifically on your country of interest. Examples of travel books or blogs that focus specifically on volunteer trips abroad are Mapping Your Volunteer Vacation by Jane Stanfield and the Nerdy Nomad blog. Packing List: What to pack for volunteering abroad depends on many factors like country, season, projects, culture etc. It is good idea to travel light so traveling is easier.
While packing is a very personal process, you should ensure to pack all important travel documents, appropriate work clothing, mosquito netting, sun protection, toiletries, personal entertainment books, journal, music, etc. You are packed, have the agenda for your volunteer work abroad, and your tickets are booked. Get names, websites, email addresses, phone numbers; anything that will help you to transition easily and put your mind at ease.
Your host family is very important to your volunteer abroad experience as they will be your local contact to both the project and the community. Try and get as much information about the family as you can. Names, how many are in the household, their jobs, their address and a phone number if available.
Ask them about things like access to hot showers and laundry facilities, if you will you have a room to yourself, about the type of food and what time they eat. Check out the host families traditions and culture and the language they speak and learn a few key phrases.
Having a basic understanding of the customs, salutations, manners, and common religions of your host country will save you from unpleasant interactions and behaving in a disrespectful way.
Fortunately, the internet has an incredible wealth of information to help you out in your research. Remember that one of the main reasons that you are volunteering is because you felt it in your heart that you wanted to help to people and animals.
You also had a yearning to experience a new culture and foreign land. Embrace the challenge and change of traveling outside of your comfort zone and remember that you are doing something extraordinary not only for yourself, but for others in need.
Keeping this open-minded and heart-guided mindset will only further enhance your volunteer abroad experience. Your in-country support staff will be your lifeline on your volunteer abroad adventure. They will often be your sole contact for helping you resolve any problems or mishaps that may arise so make sure to get their information including names, email, an office address if they have one, and a phone number, and try to stay in touch at least once a week.
Before taking off for the airport make a final call to your volunteer agency to make sure all the details are clear, ask any last-minute questions, and ensure that no plans have changed. Once you land and meet with you support staff, you will receive some sort of orientation to both your accommodations and your host country. It is likely that you will experience a range of different feelings, senses and emotions.
Beautiful and diverse landscapes and vibrant cities which are complemented by the warm hospitality of the people will leave you excited and full of energy. But you will also come face to face with poverty, city slums, and homeless people of all ages, low health and hygiene standards, and people that are in desperate need of love, care, support, facilities and resources. This, on the other hand, can feel desperately sad and overwhelming. Remember these are developing countries you are going to in.
While these emotions are normal, you should also arrive mentally prepared. You may skip ahead a chapter to read more about how to cope with culture shock. Once you are in your host country the trip really begins. Below are a few tips to help you get the most rewarding experience possible:. Make sure you have all the information about the country, and program, host family, transportation, language, and safety concerns relating to your destination country before arriving at your volunteering program abroad.
Notify your country coordinator immediately about any problems you may experience. Your country coordinator is a vital lifeline and a great resource when trying to sort out any difficulties which may arise. Use it. Show up with a smile, share your skills, hobbies, and passion for people and always be of service. Learn the language, dress like locals do, eat the wonderful cuisine, respect the religions and traditions, indulge in some market shopping, art, music and festivals.
Just have fun learning about your host country. You have off-time, so what can you do? Why not explore your host country? Whether you like the idea of trekking through jungles, taking a moped ride through the marketplace, lazing on a beach, or visiting local historical sites, your trips abroad will be amazing and filled with wonder. Volunteer programs abroad in developing countries may not be able to offer the same standard of comfort in accommodation that you are used to at home, but you will always be housed in the best place they do have.
Take the opportunity to embrace an alternative way of living without worrying about the differences. It will definitely make you appreciate what you may have taken for granted in the past. Is traveling and working in a developing country actually safe? What should I do to take safety precautions? What will happen if I experience culture shock?
These questions are legitimate and so incredibly important. Once you are accepted into your program of choice, it is likely that your volunteer agency will send a specific list of safety recommendation to you for your country. When you travel to another country, especially in a third world, your daily norms will be flipped upside down. New sights, sounds, sensations, and ways of life are part of what make your volunteer abroad program so rewarding. Here are 5 ways you can mentally prepare to mitigate the initial culture shock of abroad travel :.
Talk to others who have lived in or visited that country. Familiarize yourself with its customs, history, economic situation and laws and check out the living conditions, environment, education and health systems.
While volunteering in abroad programs, your host family provides your accommodations, but they can also act as a strong support system for you. Many people are eager to learn about different cultures and lifestyles. Observe and explore!
Take it all in. Get to know residents by visiting them for tea or coffee. When you slowly digest your environment through observation and mindful interactions, you will open your mind to a different way of living. One thing I have done in the past is to listen to English music or download Netflix episodes on my phone. At the end of a long day of speaking only broken Spanish, relaxing with a little English TV or music time really helped me feel like I could reset and keep utilizing my foreign language skills the next day.
How can I continue to support my abroad volunteering program? What are some common concerns other volunteers have had? Will I have a chance to see other parts of the country? Your volunteer program abroad will be an experience to treasure forever. Remember to take lots of photos of the places you visit, your host family and the people you work with in order to keep the wonderful memories fresh. They are also a great way to share your stories with your friends and family.
Sharing your memories on social media sites, or by email to the organizations involved for them to use as a review or testimonial or adding your experiences to volunteer discussion boards will really benefit others. Talk to people from your project or volunteer organization about how you can offer remote support and help develop the program further.
Whether you are looking for good food, shopping, nightlife, history, cultural immersion, action, adventure or relaxation, you will not need to look far to find it in the country you have chosen to volunteer in. During your volunteer placement make sure you take the time to discover the many wonders your new location has to offer.
Be sure to inform your organization about your flight times and find out where you will meet each other. The number of volunteers varies from project to project and may depend on the season you volunteer in with summer being the most popular.
If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the same volunteer work abroad and be housed together? Check with your program to find out exactly what is provided. Host families want to look after volunteers in the best possible way, and they are usually more than happy to work around dietary requirements. It is best however to advise your organization and host family before arriving so they are aware of the situation and can prepare accordingly.
Most host families accommodating those who are volunteering abroad will speak some degree of English. However, you are visiting their country and living with them, so it is the perfect opportunity for you to learn or practice their language too. Yes, while volunteering it is recommended that you visit and explore as many destinations as you can. If you are placed with a host family, then bedding will be provided for you.
However, if you are joining one of the programs based in areas which experience high humidity, such as coastal areas or the rainforest, then it is recommended you take a mosquito net, just in case. That generally depends on the project you are working on. For some placements you may be able to walk , while for others you may need to use public transport. Check with your project provider about the transportation options available to you.
Check your organizations website or call them to see if they offer any networking opportunities with people who have previously been a worked with them.
If you are unable to contact anyone then use online volunteer reviews as a useful guide. This will depend on the volunteer program abroad that you have signed up to do. Project locations range from rural villages, towns and cities to remote jungles.
Check with your organization for the possible options across regions and project types. Staying with a host family probably means you will get to experience traditional dishes. Daily schedules vary from placement to placement, but the average is usually between 4 - 6 hours. Some projects may involve working early morning or late nights, so be sure to check what is expected of you with your volunteer organization. This depends on what you plan to do during your volunteer abroad experience.
When accommodation and meals are provided you only need cash to cover any transportation costs to your project , and personal expenses such as souvenir shopping, soft drinks and snacks and essential toiletries. On the other hand, if you plan to travel around the country after your project ends, go sightseeing in your free time, eat out, socialize, take part in adventure activities, go shopping or visit local attractions you should factor this into your pre-trip budgeting.
This free e-book has been written to help volunteers and should be used as a general reference or source of information, rather than as a definitive or authoritative guide. We cannot guarantee the validity of information included as any changes in the general field or individual situations will not be recorded here.
We will not be liable for any damages that might resulted from using this eBook without independently verifying the information. Call Me Back. Why volunteer abroad? Is Volunteering really for Me? What is ethical volunteering? How can you make volunteer abroad experience rewarding?
Why do I need to pay to volunteer? Departure What are popular volunteer abroad project? How can you reduce the cost of volunteer abroad? Volunteer Abroad Free Guides and Ebooks. Contribute to the growth of a part of a world by investing nothing else than your time.
Understand why organizations charge volunteers Find out how can you still make an impact by bypassing financial strains Embrace the opportunity of making your volunteering dreams come true even if apparently you cannot fund them Decide what is best for you, for your pockets, and for the communities in need Learn about organizations who connect dreamers with their free volunteering dreams, today!
You can also watch the video version of the guide or download it for free. Chapter 1: Introduction to International Volunteering What is volunteer abroad? What are the expenses associated with it? Why would you need to pay for volunteering abroad?
Chapter 2: How to find free international volunteer programs What is a free volunteer program? How can I find free volunteer abroad programs? How can I check the legitimacy of an abroad volunteer organization? Drawbacks Volunteers must make a long term commitment — 2 years plus an initial training period , which totals around 27 months. Plus Point A great chance to get directly involved with community work in several areas — education, the environment and agriculture — while gaining experience that will boost any resume.
Drawbacks Long term volunteer opportunities are restricted to professionals with relevant training and experience. Plus Point 30 month placements allow volunteers to experience true immersion in a country and project, which they are carefully matched to, based on their professional experience, abilities and background. Drawbacks Opportunities are limited for anyone without certain desirable skills or qualifications. Plus Point There are jobs available all around the world, and not all require previous experience or teaching qualifications.
Drawbacks Most jobs expect you to commit to working for 6 months, and many expect teachers to work very long hours, which may leave you short of time and energy to enjoy the country and culture you're living in. Plus Point There are thousands of positions available around the world, but specifically across Europe.
Plus Point Internships abroad provide a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and make valuable contacts without losing out financially.
Drawbacks Places on paid internship abroad schemes are very popular, so be prepared to fight off a lot of competition. Plus Point There are lots of jobs offering decent rates of pay, and many also offer related perks such as free food and accommodation, a ski pass or access to leisure facilities.
Drawbacks Seasonal workers are generally expected to work hard for several days a week, so time off may be limited or non-existent. Volunteer Abroad What is Volunteer Abroad? Chapter 5 Comprehensive mini-volunteer guide. Download Your Free Volunteer Abroad Guide Ebook This comprehensive Volunteer Abroad Guide is jam-packed with comprehensive information so you can begin your life-changing adventure without a hitch.
Chapter 2: Benefits of volunteering abroad You may be wondering why in the world people choose to work abroad without pay rather than obtaining an international job or just going on vacation?
People volunteer for a whole variety of reasons. When you volunteer, you make the world a better place When you volunteer abroad, you get the chance to make a real impact on the lives of individuals and their communities. Volunteering makes you happier When you take a break from your demanding schedule to put energy toward something that will cause a direct positive change , you will feel so rewarded.
By measuring hormones and brain activity, studies show that being helpful delivers immense pleasure.
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