10 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in 2024

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Volunteer programs are an ideal opportunity to visit a place that you would not otherwise have the money for, meet new people from all parts of the world, be helpful to the local community and spend an unforgettable and different time. Volunteer camps are usually intended for young people who have enough time between exams, during their studies, to spend a couple of weeks getting to know other breathtaking countries, cultures and natural landscapes.

What exactly is that?

Volunteer programs are available to all people between the ages of 18 and 65, but there are also special teen camps, for young people ages 14 to 18. Teens need parental consent, a health report, allergy information, vaccinations, etc. to participate in the camp.

Camps are organized throughout the year, but the largest number are in summer. The most common camp duration is between 2 and 3 weeks. The number of participants in a particular camp ranges from 6 to 30 volunteers.

This is a different type of trip because they involve working in the local community, while in return volunteers are provided with free accommodation and food. You only have to pay for the trip and the participation fee. When choosing a particular location, keep in mind that you are paying for transportation and choose a destination according to your ability to pay for the plane ticket.

Skills required

Of the skills required, most require only elementary knowledge of English or the language of the country to which you are traveling. There are also few that require additional skills: arts and music camps, working with children and adults with special needs. In all other cases, you just need to speak English and be ready for a good adventure and socializing.

The jobs most often relate to the contribution to the local community but are thematically very different: from environmental and agricultural, through archeological, social, artistic, educational to historical, linguistic and cultural. The offer is very colorful and anyone can find something in line with their interests.

In this way, the volunteer is no longer just a tourist in a particular country but has the opportunity to get to know the daily life of the places he goes to better and deeper, and because of the volunteer programs, they provide a completely different experience from all the trips you have been on before!

Reasons to apply

You’re too young to get a good business opportunity. You want volunteering that can promote you. You need experience. After this experience, your CV will be significantly more complete. You will stand out from the crowd. You will have much more to offer to your future employer.

Joining a startup will give you ideas for your own business. You will learn more about your profession than you would learn at any large company.

An extremely easy way to connect with your similar ones abroad. In a few years, these people will remember you when they do further projects. It will give you the opportunity to be involved. They can be good contact from abroad. These are just some of the many benefits.

We will present some of the most famous and reliable programs.

1. AIESEC

Aiesec offers work and volunteer experience abroad and this program is called the Global Volunteer Program. It lasts from 6 to 12 weeks and currently has the most programs in Africa. You pay the down payment only if they choose you. The price includes accommodation.

All projects are linked to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

2. Inclusion through art, creativity, and social entertainment Albania

If you think you have a lot of creative energy and want to direct it to something extremely useful – this camp with the theme of empowering children and young people from vulnerable groups is the right choice for you!

Working hours are 4 to 6 hours a day and you will spend it designing and conducting interesting and fun workshops and educational activities for children and young people.

3. WWOOF

This is about working on organic farms. If you are interested in such a sphere, personally or professionally, you should not miss this opportunity. Why do you wonder? Because you get experience working on organic farms that you can later use for your own needs. After all, organic production is also your health, so if nothing else, what not to learn firsthand? You will connect with people of the same interests, but also with locals and exchange experiences.

How does the whole process work? Choose the country you want to go to and sign up for. Check visas, each country has its own rules. You work weekdays, 4 to 6 hours a day, and in return you get food and lodging. You finance the trip to the state yourself. The stay depends on the offer, it can be several days, but also, months. You can find more about similar volunteer programs at abroaderview.org

4. Help Exchange

Similar to the previous option, this one also offers work on organic farms.

5. Workaway

Do you want to help the hosts with their businesses, travel to different locations and get accommodation and food in return? Some people have traveled like this for a year or more, some have learned the language and some have decided to stay in that country. The volunteer jobs on offer are usually planting assistance, assistance on ponds, orchards and generally, domestic help. There’s absolutely everything!

6. Rotary Clubs

This is a global organization that calls for constant change around the world. They are engaged in the promotion of peace, the fight against various diseases, education, provision of water. They have programs that protect mothers and children. Rotary already exists in many countries around the world and you can find out about any application and functioning questions on their site. There are many options that take a shorter or longer time and also a multitude of different programs.

7. Global Citizenship Workcamp Hong Kong

This camp is the right choice if you are interested in Hong Kong’s education system and culture. In collaboration with 7 secondary schools, SCI Hong Kong is implementing a Global Education project, which aims to teach and develop Hong Kong students’ capacity for active citizenship and belonging to the global community.

Volunteers will assist in conducting workshops and preparing food during project training.

8. Farming Community Finland

Here you will learn all about the concept of partner agriculture and a shared city garden that is available to all Helsinki residents.

With the help of experienced gardeners, you will gain both theoretical and practical experiences.

9. Medieval Castle of Blâmont

Together with volunteers from around the world, you can work to preserve a medieval castle in the east of France, maintain vegetation and restore the interior of old towers. Through practical work you will learn a lot about the importance of the existence and maintenance of national monuments, the preservation of the culture and heritage of this small town in France.

10. Children Summer Camp Czech

This camp also invites anyone interested in working with children, as well as those with experience working with children with autism.

Volunteers will first do physical work in the form of preparing a summer children’s camp before the arrival of children (moving furniture, cleaning, landscaping), while during the camp the work is more focused on organizing and conducting workshops, as well as helping children participate and enjoy all the activities of the camp.

Conclusion

We hope that we have brought you closer to all these programs and that you will decide to spend your time helping others and improving yourself.