You’re never too old to challenge yourself, and you’re certainly never too old to travel. In fact, a growing number of people over 50 are opting to volunteer abroad for a more rewarding international experience.
Whether travelling on holiday, as part of a career break, or to welcome in retirement, experiencing new cultures and learning new skills is something you should do at any age.
Read on to find out what we think are the best volunteer abroad opportunities for over 50s in 2027.
Volunteering abroad over 50: the essentials
There are several things to consider when volunteering abroad later in life. Your health and safety are extremely important.
We ensure you have the following when you travel with us:
- 24/7 support from our fully-trained local staff
- Comprehensive pre-departure support to help you prepare
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- All accommodation and meals provided
- Access to medical care if you are ill or injured
All you need to do is relax, dive into your volunteer work, and enjoy your travels! We’re here to address all your concerns about volunteering over the age of 50.
If you want a true worry-free experience while also getting the opportunity to travel with other volunteers your age, the first three projects in this article are trips dedicated entirely to over 50s. That means a fixed two-week itinerary with the opportunity to meet and travel alongside like-minded volunteers, where we handle everything for you.
1) Conservation and Community Work in Ecuador for Volunteers over 50
Have you ever wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands? Maybe get up close and personal with the Galapagos Giant Tortoise? Travel to the islands that sparked Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution with a dedicated Galapagos volunteer project for over 50s.
You will gain exclusive access to the Galapagos National Park on a two week excursion, supporting the protection of the endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoise. You’ll also survey local populations of sea lions, sea birds, and marine iguanas and walk the dogs in a local animal shelter.
Plus. experience life in the town of San Cristobal to engage in community development work, including teaching in a local school and playing games with the children. You’ll even see sea lions lounging around on beaches, benches, and in town!
2) Rhino Conservation and Community Development for Volunteers over 50
Head to the home of the most stunning mountains on Earth and split your time between conservation and community work. Spend one week in Kathmandu, the unique capital city, and one week in the luscious Chitwan National Park.
In Kathmandu, support the education of local children by both leading English lessons and renovating learning environments. You’ll get the chance to immerse in this incredible city, also learning about Buddhism and visiting some incredible sights, like the Monkey Temple.
In Chitwan, turn your attention to the protection of the once critically endangered Greater One-horned Rhino, one of the greatest conservation successes in our lifetimes. Keep your eyes peeled for vultures, crocodiles, and the elusive Bengal Tiger, too!
3) Volunteering with Animals in Botswana for Over 50s
Disconnect from modern life and lose yourself in the African bush, gaining exclusive access to Botswana’s largest private game reserve: the Tuli Block. Track herds of elephants, set up camera traps to see elusive nocturnal life, and conduct anti-poaching patrols.
All your work will go towards maintaining the reserve and protecting the creatures within it. You’ll prevent soil erosion, build waterholes for local creatures, maintain roads, and clean solar panels to ensure that the reserve is always operating at peak efficiency.
Your two weeks will be spent disconnected from modern life, and you will truly lean into country living. You’ll learn crafts from the locals, try a traditional African BBQ, take scenic sunset walks, and even spend a night sleeping under the stars.
4) Live and work with a Nomad family in Mongolia
Looking to be even more detached than the African bush? Seize the opportunity to truly break away from the world you know. Exchange cityscapes and offices for wide-open plains, endless blue skies, and a completely different way of life on the steppes.
Live with a traditional nomadic family in a ger on our Nomad Project in Mongolia. You’ll become part of their everyday life. Help herd cattle on horseback, milk animals, make cheese and butter, and teach English to your host family.
Basic modern amenities, like a phone signal and even electricity, are not guaranteed on this project – the perfect escape! Every two weeks, a Projects Abroad staff member will arrive to take you back to Ulaanbaatar to reconnect and explore the sights.
5) Protect wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest
Another common bucket list destination is the Amazon Rainforest, and it’s easy to understand why. This hub of biodiversity is one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, and while we don’t have a dedicated project there for over 50s, you can travel there any time.
Live in the heart of the rainforest, waking up to the sounds of the jungle and working alongside wildlife experts. You’ll contribute towards vital rehabilitation and reforestation efforts in the area, planting trees, collecting data, or setting up observation cameras.
Volunteers over 50 on the rainforest conservation programme often highlight the natural, secluded surroundings and enjoy working to help indigenous plants and endangered wildlife thrive. Join them and find out what you love about the Amazon Rainforest!
Not convinced? Speak to our Project Experts for more volunteer options for over 50s!
If our dedicated volunteer projects for over 50s aren’t calling to you, or you aren’t interested in the other options listed here, then get in touch with a Project Expert.
We’re confident that we have the perfect project for you, whether in conservation, childcare, building, or anything else. Just fill in the form below and a Project Expert will reach out to discuss your requirements!