Volunteer & Intern Abroad

There’s a huge variety of options available with Projects Abroad, and lots of different activities you can get involved in.

Volunteering Abroad

As an overseas volunteer, you’ll do meaningful work that’s aimed towards the long term development of the communities you live in. We’re there to support you while you contribute towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As your volunteer abroad programme draws to a close, you’ll also feel transformed by your travels. You’ll have new skills for your CV and friendships to last a lifetime. By putting your safety at the heart of everything we do, we give you the space to focus on making that positive impact.

As champions of Responsible Volunteer Travel, all our overseas volunteer placements meet a strict ethical standard. This has helped us to build exceptional levels of trust over more than 30 years.

International Internships

An international volunteering placement with us will be hard work, but it’ll be an exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable experience, that leaves the world – and you – a little better off!

Whether you’re looking for a Human Rights Internship abroad or you want to get international medical experience, we’ll help you select your ideal global internship.

Whatever option you choose, you’ll learn real skills that can help with your future career proespects.

We have numerous volunteer abroad programmes for you to choose from, and each one is aligned with our Responsible Volunteer Travel checklist. Read on below for more details on the volunteer opportunities we offer.

Volunteering Abroad with Animals

We have several Conservation Projects where you can do volunteer work with animals in incredible environments worldwide. And where can our Conservation Projects take you? Well, anywhere!

Your interest in animal conservation volunteering can take you to the wild savannahs of Kenya in East Africa, or to touch the sky at the top of the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal. Here are our most popular land-based Wildlife Conservation Projects:

• Animal Rehab in the Amazon Rainforest, Peru
• Giraffe & Lion Conservation in Kenya
• Rhino Conservation in Nepal
• Giant Tortoise & Sea Lion Conservation in the Galapagos Islands
• Africa’s Big 5 and Wilderness Conservation in Botswana

Whichever volunteer project you choose, you can rest assured that your experience will be an ethical one. All of our wildlife conservation volunteer abroad programmes are guided by a comprehensive Animal Protection Policy. The same policy also guides our work at Veterinary Medicine Projects.

Marine Conservation Volunteer Abroad

Explore our oceans as a marine conservation volunteer, and help in the fight against global issues like plastic pollution and coral bleaching. Choose from projects like:

• Diving & Coral Reef Protection in Thailand
• Shark Conservation Volunteering in Fiji
• Sea Turtle Conservation in Mexico

Community Development Volunteer Opportunities

We have a range of community development volunteer opportunities overseas. If you want to help empower communities, and work and live with local people, you can choose from projects like:

Volunteering with Children Abroad

Our Childcare Projects are built around a community-based care system. We don’t work in orphanages, nor do we support orphanage volunteering abroad. We strongly believe that stable family environments are best for the children we work with. Read more about our stance on orphanage volunteering in developing countries.

By doing voluntary work with children, you can support communities in need and give kids the skills they need to thrive. Your focus will be on Early Childhood Development, and teaching things like motor skills and teamwork.

Read more about volunteering abroad with children.

Volunteer Teaching Abroad

Join a teach abroad programme and empower young people around the world. By getting involved with education in developing countries, you’ll also support the work of local teachers.

Education is essential for breaking down the barriers of poverty and inequality, which is why Teaching Projects are a core focus for Projects Abroad in every country we work in. Like our Childcare Projects, we also have a targeted approach:

• Each project has a Management Plan, so we can work toward a goal and measure our impact for the long-term
• Our Child Protection Policy ensures that the children we work with are protected, and our processes are ethical

We don’t require you to have previous teaching experience, as most of our volunteers work alongside local teachers as assistants. We do welcome qualified teachers interested in volunteer teaching abroad.

Read more about our teach abroad programmes. 

Healthcare Volunteering Abroad

Promoting healthcare is another way we help empower the communities we work with. With the help of volunteers like you, we improve access to basic medical services by doing health checks and raising awareness of diseases.

We hold our Medicine & Healthcare Projects to a high ethical standard, and we follow strict guidelines and a code of conduct. If you’re a medical volunteer with us, you won’t be allowed to do work you’re not qualified for, and you’ll always be supervised by a medical professional.

We offer a range of specialisms for medical volunteers, including:

• General Medicine
• Public Health
• Nursing
• Nutrition

See a full list of the specialisms we offer for healthcare volunteering.

Building Volunteering Abroad

Our Building Projects work toward providing disadvantaged communities with the infrastructure they need. This is because a lack of infrastructure can hold people back from fulfilling their potential. Children need safe spaces at school to learn, modern toilets prevent disease and improve hygiene, and shelter fulfills a basic human need.

Go overseas as a construction volunteer, and learn about the infrastructure challenges people face. At the same time, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to do the work, and you’ll be supervised by professionals. You’ll also be able to see immediate physical results from your work!

Read more about building volunteering abroad. 

Sports Volunteering Abroad

Our sports volunteer opportunities are about more than you getting outdoors and sharing your passion for games like football. Through sports, you’ll do things like:

• Give disadvantaged children access to coaching
• Teach the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and how to keep fit
• Help children learn about teamwork and improve their self-confidence

Work with us to provide a safe space for young people to learn and grow
From running physical education classes in Peru, to helping kids learn to swim and surf at a white-sand beach in Cape Town, South Africa, there are plenty of sports coaching programmes for you to choose from.

Read more about sports volunteering abroad. 

Worried about not having enough experience for overseas volunteer work, or what you can accomplish if you only have a short time available? Read our popular blog articles about short term volunteering abroad and overseas volunteering without experience.

Our Project Experts are here to help you choose a volunteer trip that’s the best fit for you. Some of our volunteering opportunities abroad will be more suited for you than others. Here are the different types of volunteer trips we offer.

Volunteer Abroad for Under 18s

At Projects Abroad, we believe in empowering young people from a young age to help others. This is why we designed a programme specifically for students ages 15-18, our Teen Programmes.

Each Teen Programme is built around the idea of safe, hassle-free volunteer travel for teenagers. Everything is group-based, so you’ll live and work with people your age for the duration of your trip.

This is what our teen volunteer abroad programmes include:

• A schedule packed with age-appropriate volunteering activities, geared toward experiential education
• Regular social and cultural activities, like cooking classes and quiz nights
• 24/7 support and guidance from in-country staff, so you’ll never be left on your own
• An exciting weekend trip with our staff, filled with guided exploration and fun

These projects help you gain independence while you explore the world in a safe environment. They fit perfectly into the summer holidays, and run from anywhere between 1-4 weeks, mainly in June, July, and August.

Want to learn more about our high school volunteer abroad programmes? Read our popular blog about what the journey of a High School volunteer is really like.

Gap Year Programmes Abroad

International volunteering is an increasingly popular option for students looking to learn and make an impact with their gap year abroad. With Projects Abroad, you can choose to volunteer overseas for a full year, or for just part of your gap year.

We specialise in planning gap years, and we offer a hassle-free and completely flexible experience. You can choose:

• What kind of work you want to do
• Which country you want to go to
• How long you want to travel, and your own start and end dates

You can customise your gap year abroad by combining volunteer trips or internships in different countries, or join our pre-arranged and all-inclusive Global Gap Programme.

Read more about gap year volunteering. 

University Student Volunteer Opportunities 

As a student volunteering with Projects Abroad, you can do hands-on work that adds real value to your studies. Our internships and volunteer opportunities for university students are built around experiential learning. You get to do things like:

• Work directly with professionals on the job, like doctors or teachers
• Give back through an ethical and sustainable volunteer project
• Add relevant, practical work experience to your CV
• Work with diverse groups of people around the world
• Hone global skills like communication, organisation, and time management

Read all about the range of options available for university students looking to volunteer or intern abroad.

Professional Volunteering Abroad

Looking for a career break with a difference? Interested in breaking away from typical tourist activities for your next holiday? Volunteer abroad as a professional, and use your skills to actively make a difference while you travel and explore.

Our projects are perfect for this. They give you independence and flexibility, while still giving you structure and support if you need it. We can match you to the project that would benefit most from your skills and experience, and also help you share that with local people through training.

Learn more about our approach to volunteering abroad for professionals.  

Volunteer Abroad over 50

Through our volunteer abroad programmes, you can use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to make an impact in developing countries, no matter your age.

Most of our volunteer projects are a great fit for those in their 50s, 60s, and older. If you want to travel more independently, we recommend our Volunteer & Intern trips which we can then tailor specifically to your interests.

Interested in travelling with a group your age? We also offer an organised group volunteer trip specially designed for older adults and retirees, our Over 50s trips. These trips run over set dates throughout the year, for two weeks at a time.

Read more about our best volunteer abroad programmes for older adults, and the reasons why you should volunteer abroad during retirement.

Family Volunteering Holidays

Do something exciting and different for your next family holiday, and volunteer overseas. Many of our volunteer projects are family-friendly, and our hassle-free approach takes all the stress out of planning a trip!

You can volunteer with your partner, children, and other members of your family. No need to worry about leaving little ones at home, we can accept children as young as four years-old on our volunteer projects. Read more about how family volunteering abroad works.

Want to get a deeper insight into what volunteering as a family with Projects Abroad is really like? Read our popular blogs about a grandmother and granddaughter volunteering abroad together, and a family who turned the world into their classroom for a few weeks.

Summer Volunteering Abroad

Our projects are a great fit for anyone who wants to make the most of their holiday with summer volunteer programmes abroad. You can travel with us on a volunteer holiday at any point over June, July, or August, from as little as one week.

Summer is a popular time of year for voluntary work abroad, especially for high school students, recent grads, and university students. We recommend applying early to make sure you get a spot on the project you want. This is especially important if you’re applying for a trip with fixed dates, as those projects fill up quickly!

Christmas Volunteering Abroad

Celebrate the spirit of giving by giving back to communities who need extra support! With Projects Abroad, you can volunteer overseas for Christmas.

Our projects take place throughout the year, and several have dates over Christmas and New Year. Learn more about our Christmas volunteering opportunities.

Overseas voluntary work caters to people from all walks of life, no matter what your motivation is for volunteering abroad. No matter your age, level of experience, or where you’re from, you can make a difference with Projects Abroad!

If you’re asking yourself “Where should I volunteer or intern abroad?” we can help you find the answer!

Choosing where to go is a tough choice, especially with so many places to choose from. Your destination depends on what you want to get out of the experience, and we can help you pin that down. Our Project Experts are always available to help you decide where to go. You can also read more about where we work below.

Africa Volunteer Programmes

In the continent of Africa, we work in several countries. You can volunteer with wildlife, work with children, and more. Read about our Africa Volunteer and Intern Programmes.

Asia Volunteer Programmes

Experience a different side of Asia when you volunteer abroad and immerse yourself in the local community and culture. You can protect coral reefs, teach English, and more.  Read about our Asia Volunteer and Intern Programmes.

South America Volunteer Programmes

We have volunteer opportunities in South America in various countries. You can also travel with us to Central America and the Caribbean.  Read about our Latin American Volunteer and Intern Programmes.

Europe Volunteer Programmes

Stick close to home and actively make a difference or learn new skills from professionals in Europe.  We have several projects available, from medical work experience to cultural trips.  Read about our Europe Volunteer and Intern Programmes.

Torn between different countries? Combine multiple countries and projects for the ultimate volunteering abroad experience!

You may be asking yourself, “What do I gain from volunteering abroad?” There are numerous benefits of volunteering or interning in a different country. You can do things like:

• Learn new skills
• Gain international work experience in your chosen field
• Add soft skills like communication to your CV
• Help you decide whether a specific career is really for you
• Build an international network by working with a diverse group of local professionals, volunteers, and interns
• Grow as a person and learn about the world firsthand
• Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself
• Make a tangible difference at a service project
• Make lifelong friends and become part of our alumni network

In addition, the skills you gain from these activities can also help you improve your employability.

Ultimately, the benefits of volunteering or interning abroad also depend on you, and what you want to get out of the experience. Read our blog to learn more about what you stand to gain from international volunteering.

We get a lot of questions about volunteering and work experience placements abroad, which we answer for you below.

Is volunteering or interning abroad safe?

At Projects Abroad, your safety is our number one priority. We have several protocols in place to ensure your time abroad is safe, productive, and enjoyable, such as:

• All of our staff are screened and trained to high standards
• Our in-country staff are available 24/7 to help you with any problems that arise, or if you fall ill
• Our host families are carefully chosen to ensure security, comfort, and friendliness
• We carry out thorough risk assessments to ensure that all of the countries we work in are safe and politically stable
• We have an in-house medical advisor who is available to consult with you and your GP before you leave, so you can discuss any health concerns to make sure you’re feeling confident about your upcoming volunteer trip

Want to know more about how we keep our participants abroad safe? Read our blog that explains all the ways we keep you safe in greater detail.

How much does it cost to volunteer or intern abroad?

All volunteer abroad and internship programmes with reputable organisations come with a cost. For Projects Abroad, we charge a fee because we’re an independent organisation that doesn’t rely on fundraising or government funding to achieve sustainable, long-term goals. We get all of our funding from the fees our participants pay.

In exchange for paying to volunteer overseas, we provide you with a world-class, hassle-free experience, with all the support you need. You can also be 100% certain you are part of an ethical, guided project that makes an actual difference on the ground.

We’re clear about what our programme fees cover, and there are no hidden costs. Read more about how our prices work, and how your programme fees are used.

Can I volunteer abroad for free?

This is a question we often get asked. The short answer is “no”, and there are several reasons why it’s important to pay for volunteering work abroad. Read more about why we ask our volunteers to pay a fee. If you still have questions after you read our article, get in touch! Our Project Experts are to help and answer your questions.

How can I raise money to volunteer or intern abroad?

We understand that the cost of some programmes can be daunting, and we have loads of advice to help you achieve your fundraising goal.

With us, you can:

• Set up a personal fundraising page through your own MyProjectsAbroad account
• Check out our Fundraising Guide for tips and tricks on raising the money you need

Which countries need volunteers?

Simply put, all of the countries we work in need volunteers. It’s the reason why we’re there in the first place!

Wherever you choose to travel with us, you can be assured there’s a real need that you’ll be helping to address. It’s the way we’ve structured our projects, and it’s reflected in our approach to responsible volunteer travel. Every volunteer project that you read about on our website will explain why we’re there, and what goals we’re working towards.

How old do you have to be to volunteer abroad or join an international internship?

The majority of our intern and volunteer programmes are open to anyone over the age of 16. For younger volunteers, we offer specialised programmes with constant support and supervision, ideal for first-time travellers.

You may be asking yourself, “Am I too old to volunteer abroad?” Our answer is: not at all! Our programmes have no official age limit. You can join any volunteer project as long as you meet the requirements and can do the work.

What has motivated you to volunteer abroad?

This is an important question, and it’s something we feel our alumni are best placed to answer! It’s often a life-changing experience, and each of our alumni was motivated by different reasons to volunteer abroad. You can read reviews by our alumni, or contact us to see if we can put you in touch with former volunteers.

Can I volunteer abroad or join an internship without a degree?

With Projects Abroad, it’s possible to volunteer abroad or take part in an international internship without a degree. At each project, you work side-by-side with experienced professionals to guide you, and we provide extensive training. Your work will always be appropriate for your age and skill level. We’ll never ask you to anything you’re not comfortable with or trained to do.

Do you need a visa to travel abroad?

It depends on where you want to go, and for how long. We have an in-house pre-departure team who can help you with this process once you’ve applied. They have all the up-to-date visa information you need, and can guide you through the visa process.

If you’re planning on working abroad for the summer to give your CV an extra edge, our projects are a great fit. They run throughout the year and have flexible dates, so you can do summer internships abroad with us any point over June, July, or August.

Summer is a popular time of year to do an internship programme abroad, especially for high school graduates and university students. Many people ask us “when should I apply for a summer internship?” We recommend applying early (at least three months before you want to leave) to make sure you get a spot on the placement of your choice. This is especially important if you’re applying for a trip with fixed dates, as those fill up quickly!

Narrow down your choices based on your interests. If you’re passionate about helping animals, you could end up on a Wildlife Conservation Internship abroad or a Marine Conservation Internship abroad. Or maybe you plan to study English at university, in which case, you’d get a lot out of a Journalism Internship abroad.

For those already at university, the choice is a little easier; you’re likely to pick the project that most closely matches the subject you study. If you’re still at school and are unsure of which path to take, then read this popular blog post on the best summer internships for high school students for more inspiration.

“I came into my medical placement knowing nearly nothing about medicine other than the fact that I wanted one day to work in the field, and I left knowing exactly what branch of surgery I want to specialise in. It was one of the best experiences that I have had in my life.” – Jose L, Medical Internship in Mexico

When looking to do your internship in another country, it’s important to choose the programme that contributes the most to your personal goals. Get in touch to make contact with a Project Expert, who can advise you on which options best fit your passions and ambitions.

For Conservation Internships abroad, we work in numerous habitats, including  the Peruvian rainforest, the Botswana bushveld, and the Galapagos Islands. Pick a location based on the kind of wildlife you want to help protect.

Of course, Medical Internships abroad are needed in every country. But the kind of conditions you treat will vary. Medical outreaches in Ghana focus on malaria testing and treating leprosy patients’ wounds, while medical interns based in Argentina pay special attention to raising awareness of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Let your interests lead you to the right destination. By working closely with our Project and Destination Experts, you’re bound to find your ideal work placement abroad.

Often people ask us, “can I do a free internship abroad?” If this was possible, then you wouldn’t have access to the hassle-free services we provide, as well as our gold standard for safety and support.

We want you to have an experience that’s really worth it, for both your personal and professional development. It’s an investment in your future career and a chance to have the best experience possible.

We don’t offer free internships abroad, but we do provide you with the chance to shadow leading professionals, not to mention all the other benefits that are included in the price including food, accommodation, and much more.

Read more about our views regarding volunteering abroad for free.

When you travel overseas, you’re opening your mind up to new ways of looking at the world. This allows you to think more creatively and become the problem solver that employers are looking for.

Say you do a Nursing Internship abroad. You’ll become educated on the health requirements of a completely new environment. Maybe you’ll be testing for malaria in Kenya or working with traditional medicine in Vietnam. Whatever you do, you’ll expand your skills by observing how professional nurses operate in other regions of the world.

Or maybe you work on a Human Rights Internship abroad. You’ll have firsthand experience of the importance of human rights in countries like Ghana. Your home country might already have LGBTQ rights in a way that Ghana sadly doesn’t. It’s only by experiencing these different legal systems firsthand, that you get a sense of just how valuable justice really is.

So the real advantage of an internship abroad is gained perspective. You’ll have a high-quality experiential education, shadowing experts, but in an environment that really pushes your limits. You’ll leave bursting with confidence, ready to show employers what you’re capable of.

“Before Cape Town, I really knew nothing about human rights. Coming here not only enlightened me, but it impacted me in every aspect of my life. I can never forget these amazing people at Youngsfield, and everyone I met along the way. When I left, each one of the refugees hugged me and looked me deep in the eyes to tell me thank you. The gratitude and love these people possessed was incomprehensible.” – Emily D, Law & Human Rights Internship, South Africa

Sometimes people worry that they’re not the right age for an international internship. They’ll ask if 25 is too old to intern abroad, thinking it’s something only for high school students preparing for university. This isn’t the case.

Our international internships are open to anyone over 16 and usually don’t require qualifications, which is why they’re so popular among younger people. But you’re never too old to travel abroad, learn new things, and enhance your career. For certain international internships, you’re required to have university experience in the subject, or you need to speak a language like Spanish or French.

The right age to intern abroad is whenever you feel ready to dive into a new exciting experience aimed at your personal and professional development!

Getting started is simple:

• Explore our projects: Browse this website to see the volunteer abroad options available to you. Choose the project that aligns with your interests.
• Contact Us: Get in touch with a Project Expert to discuss your goals and preferences. We’ll help you choose the right programme and guide you through the application process.
• Pre-departure support: Once you’re booked, get ready to embark on a life-changing journey! We’ll provide you with all the information and support you need to prepare for your international volunteering experience.

Interested in learning more about how to be a volunteer overseas? You can read about how to start volunteering, or look at more detailed information below about our opportunities for:

• Recent Graduates
• Older Volunteers
• Adventure Holidays
• Ecotourism Holidays

You can also read more about voluntourism, another way of talking about howto combine volunteering around the world with travel, and volunteering overseas over Christmas and New Year.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join the thousands of volunteers who have made a positive impact through Projects Abroad. Start your volunteer abroad journey today and discover the power of international volunteering.