Volunteer Building Projects Abroad

Work in developing countries to build basic infrastructure for communities

Take part in hands-on construction volunteering abroad and help us provide communities with the basic infrastructure they need to thrive. In some instances, many of the communities we work with have been affected by natural disasters, like the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal. On our volunteer Building Projects abroad, you can expect to:

Help build homes, schools, care centres, sanitation facilities, and community buildings
Make bricks, lay foundations, plaster, paint, install windows and doors, and do general renovation work when needed
Work in developing countries all over the world, in both cities and rural areas

We’re a Responsible Volunteer Travel organisation, and all of our projects are sustainable, with long-term goals. If you leave a project part-way through, rest assured that the work you do is continued by other volunteers! Construction volunteering abroad is a safe and sociable way to give back in a tangible manner. You’ll be immersed in the local community and have the chance to really get to know the people you’re helping. It will also give you the opportunity to gain a better understanding of global issues and the challenges people face.

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Frequently asked questions

Is volunteering on an international Building Project right for me?

If you’re passionate about helping communities overcome challenges, a Building Project is right for you. This work is for anyone who genuinely wants to do hands-on, practical work and be part of a tangible solution.

As a volunteer building houses in Ghana, for example, you’ll work with rural communities that are facing the challenges of poverty.

As a construction volunteer abroad:

You’ll work alongside local experts, Projects Abroad staff, and committed volunteers from around the world.
You don’t need to have previous construction experience; you just need to be fit enough to do manual work and have a “can-do” attitude.
You’ll develop a better understanding of disaster relief while building important infrastructure like schools in countries like Nepal and Jamaica.

If you’re interested in helping communities, but feel a Building Project isn’t right for you, you may be interested in our International Development internships. You can read our full list of projects for volunteering abroad.

What will I gain from volunteer building work abroad?

Through construction volunteering abroad, you’ll give back to a local community that needs help. In the process, you’ll also develop your own skills.

Here are just a few benefits of volunteer building work abroad that our previous volunteers talk about. You’ll:

Develop soft skills like teamwork, leadership, resilience, organising, planning, and time management.
Gain an understanding of sustainable international development.
Learn technical construction skills and boost your practical skills from local professionals.
Work with people of different cultures and backgrounds, helping you develop a ‘global mindset’. We help you prepare for this through our cultural awareness and sensitivity training.
Be encouraged to push yourself past your comfort zone.

Our volunteer Building Projects abroad will enhance your CV, UCAS applications, and your personal development.

How are our Building Projects different?

At Projects Abroad, our first aim is to benefit the communities we work in. You can be assured that your project is ethical, well supported, and part of a better future. Our second aim is to help you discover what you’re capable of on an international volunteering project.

Here are just a few elements of our work that set it apart:

Be fully supported by staff

On these volunteer Building Projects abroad, you’ll work alongside experts, members of the local community, and Projects Abroad staff. You’ll also be part of a wider network of volunteers. We make sure you’re supported throughout your project, whenever you need it.

Hands-on experience and practical skills

Our volunteers carry out their own tasks that are important for the overall project, so you can be sure you’re making a valuable contribution. For example, get actively involved and work as a volunteer building schools in Africa. This is important work that directly impacts the education of many children.

Projects that have an impact

All our projects are well researched, targeted and sustainable. As a volunteer building houses, for example, you’ll work with people that lost their homes during a natural disaster like an earthquake. We aim to make a difference to the local community for the long term.