Two students volunteering overseas during university prepare for reforestation work at one of our Conservation Projects.

Volunteering Abroad for University Students

University is a time for discovery and challenge, both inside and outside the classroom. Make the most of your university years by volunteering abroad or joining an international internship and make travel part of your university experience. Whatever your motivation for travelling abroad, we can help you find the programme that works best for you. On our Flexi Trips, perfect for volunteering and interning abroad independently, you can choose when to start and how long you want to travel for. If you'd prefer being with a group, you can join a Team Trip on set dates and work with a group to achieve a goal.

Can't find what you're looking for? 

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

+353 1 571 5080

or

to start planning your project

Volunteering Overseas as an Undergraduate

Your undergraduate years are the perfect time to pursue experiences to complement your studies and grow your resume. In addition, some Irish students are required to spend a time away as part of their degree, like a Medical Elective for example. Our international volunteer opportunities guarantee you have a productive and enjoyable time, while removing the stress of organizing important details like accommodation, placements, meals, and travel and medical insurance. You can read more about our hassle-free approach here.


Alternatively, you could volunteer as part of a study tour, or work on improving the content of a school project. We have dozens of placements that complement undergraduate studies. If you are studying Ecology or Geography, volunteer on a Conservation Project and if you are majoring in English or Media Studies, join a Journalism Project.


We also run highly specialized programmes for students writing university dissertations. These programmes will meet the needs of your individual dissertation or thesis, and we can provide all the support you need to access a wealth of primary source information.


Students in the same department or club can also work together to arrange a custom group trip to fit your academic and personal goals.

Two students doing an internship abroad during university do health checks at a community outreach in the Philippines.

Summer Volunteering Abroad for University Students

Summer is often the most convenient and popular time for Irish students to pursue volunteering or interning abroad. Our flexibility ensures that we can find a great programme for any student, even if you have a packed schedule for the summer holidays. Over summer holidays, we recommend joining our Flexi Trips, where you can be independent, but still have support from our staff when you need it.


If you're travelling on your own during the summer, but want to work with a group, we recommend our Team Trips. These are short-term volunteer programmes for anyone over the age of 18, with set schedules and fixed dates. Each trip runs for two weeks. This is a great way to meet volunteers from around the world, learn and work together to give back in a short period of time.

The Benefits of Volunteering Overseas during University

There is so much to gain from volunteering or interning abroad during your college years! Many of our former volunteers talk about:


  • Deepening understanding of global issues and development
  • Gaining practical experience beyond what any textbook and classroom can offer
  • Adding new skills to CVs
  • Actively making a difference in the lives of communities in need
  • Experiencing cultural immersion first-hand and building their language skills

Our accreditations