26 Best Programs To Volunteer Abroad You Musn’t Miss

Volunteering is a willing service to humanity, the community, our neighbors, organizations, and the government. We have decided to give details on best programs to volunteer abroad in this article. Read on to find out more.

Volunteering also can take form in formal and informal organizations of people with a joint goal to take on a task.

Volunteering isn’t restricted to those we are familiar with or have known in the past. They must not be in our communities, and they necessarily must not have some financial benefits as there are paid volunteering programs where expenses like transportation, feeding, and living allowances are taken care of by the hosts, and unpaid volunteering programs where all expenses come from the free will of the volunteer.

Volunteering has proved to be of great importance in countries on every part of planet Earth as the need for Volunteers keeps rising. Schools, churches, hospitals, communities, environmental organizations, political campaigns, and non-profit organizations are some of the formal organizations that are in constant need of Volunteers and make use of them in the most extensive ways.

Some might wonder why Volunteering is on the rise and is becoming fiercely widespread and one of the reasons is the people involved. From the early age of 16, volunteers start to eye various Volunteering opportunities. 

Young people with the enthusiasm to travel and explore new lands, make new connections, learn one or two new concepts, and utilize their youthful vigor have taken over the various Volunteering opportunities and are constantly enrolling in Volunteering programs abroad and within their vicinity.

This although hasn’t pushed away the older ones with the enthusiasm to live less mundane lives and get more from life. Older Volunteers who must have retired or taken work leaves engage actively in Volunteer work which they use as an avenue to make more out of living by assisting those in need of their help.

Volunteering programs are available in our local communities and vicinities and can also be done Abroad. Many Volunteers are now looking out for programs to volunteer abroad in countries needing their free service. 

Developing and underdeveloped countries are those who benefit most from it as their needs are all piled up and will require extra hands to meet.

Also, Volunteering programs in developed countries are expensive to go through because of the cost of living especially if the duration of the program is a lengthy one and their currency is quite greater in value than that of your own country. 

How To Apply For Volunteer Programs Abroad

When applying to a Volunteer program abroad, there would be things to consider, steps to take, procedures to go through, and documents to submit.

When submitting to a funded or non-funded Volunteer program abroad, the first thing to consider is :

What You Can Offer As a Volunteer

Identifying what you can do and the services you can offer should be what crosses your mind first. As much as there is a wide range of Volunteering programs, there are also a massive number of participants numbering over sixty-three million annually.

Education, Community development, sports, healthcare, conservation, construction, agriculture, business, disaster relief, and many more are such places where you can consider offering your free and selfless services as a volunteer.

Duration Of Volunteer Programs Abroad

Many people enroll in volunteer programs abroad while keeping track of their extra schedules. Some are students taking the opportunity to volunteer during summer holidays, while some might be social or public workers, nevertheless they all have one thing or two to do with their time.

The minimum duration of a Volunteer program abroad is at least one week, though there can be more weeks to months of Volunteer commitment. So before applying, you can check in with the program overview to know where you stand.

Location Of Volunteer Program Abroad

Statistics have shown more volunteer programs in Africa, Latin America, and Asia and a massive turn up for these programs in volunteers of all age groups.

Knowing the country, its climate conditions at that time of the year, how well your health conditions can adapt to such an environment, and the living cost of these environments can give you a clear view of your Volunteer work and how to schedule your prep week. 

These destinations offer not only an environment with new things to learn but also a precise understanding and close relationship with their cultures. Some of the most famous destinations for Volunteer programs abroad are South Africa, Costa Rica, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Kenya, Japan, etc.

1. Get Ready for Your Passport

You can never get your passport too early as it is ideal to set things, especially travel arrangements in order so as not to make preparations in a rush.

You are expected to get a passport at least six weeks before the time and if you already have one, it also should be valid for up to six months past your date of departure and also have pages that are blank on it.

2. Visa

The need for a visa sits on a case of probability as you may or may not need a visa for a Volunteer program abroad. 

This also should be gotten for up to six weeks before departure.

Citizens of the United States of America are allowed to stay in a country on a tourist visa for nothing more than ninety days. A longer stay would require the application for a visa extension

3. Booking Of Flight Tickets

While booking flights, you’ll be given a Youth discount if you’re under the age of 25 as it saves you cost on traveling depending on your flight. This should be done five weeks before the date of departure also.

4. Vaccinations

Within a month before your departure schedule, you’ll be required to obtain certain vaccinations before you’re granted access to the country.

This is one of the safety precautions of countries to cut down the spread of diseases.

5. Travel Insurance

Most travelers have made the mistake of excluding travel insurance in their Volunteer program fees.

Many unwanted and unexpected events happen every day so it’s a very supportive move to get travel insurance to cover you Incase of trip delays, baggage loss, property damages, medical emergencies, etc 

This should be done at least two weeks before the scheduled date of departure.

6. Secure Mobile Communication

Some countries have phones locked to work only within the boundaries of the country while some don’t.

Also, sim card registration and mobile device activation would all need to be sorted out. This is very important for people staying for lengthy periods or those who need to be in constant contact with either personal or professional engagements back home.

7. Contact Your Bank

Before the scheduled date of departure, you’re expected to make sure international transactions, all special features of International banking, and necessary cards for banking are activated.

These are the things to consider and the steps associated with enrolling in one of the best Volunteer programs abroad.

Other questions will come up in your mind like what are the people of that country like? Are they hostile? Are they known to be racist, are the citizens or locals in the middle of a civil/social war, etc? 

Some Volunteers were people who have gone through tough situations like wars and climate disasters but were usually not in the middle of such events except as trained personnel.

Best Programs To Volunteer Abroad

Some programs have proven to be popular and offer incentives or stipends in the form of covering living expenses while others are all self-supported and together make lists upon a list of volunteer programs.

In this article, we have filtered out some of the best programs to volunteer abroad for you.

#. Volunteer In Zanzibar

Key Information: 

Cost: $540

Duration: 1-12 Weeks

 Location: Nungwi and Jozani

Age: 16 years+ along with families

Certification: B Corporation-certified organization

Website: www.volunteerhq.org 

#. Volunteer In Kenya

Key Information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

 Location: Nairobi

Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered upon Program completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Ghana

Key Information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Locations: Accra, Axim & Tamale

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Tanzania

Key Information: 

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Locations: Arusha & Zanzibar

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Sri Lanka

Key Information:

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 1-16 Weeks

 Locations: Galle & Wasgamuwa National Park

 Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Thailand

Key Information:

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Locations: Chiang Mai,Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Sangkhlaburi & Surin

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Bali 

Key Information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-12 Weeks

 Location: Bali

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Australia

Key Information: 

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 2-12 Weeks

Locations: Gladstone, Tasmania & Yackandandah

Minimum Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In India

Key Information:

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Locations: Delhi, Dharamsala – Palampur & Jaipur

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In New Zealand

Key Information: 

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-8 Weeks

Locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Punakaiki & Wellington

Minimum Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Costa Rica

Key Information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Locations: Puerto Viejo, Puntarenas Province, Pacific Coast, Caribbean Coast, Santa Barbara De Heredia

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Spain

Key information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 2-16 Weeks

Locations: Bilbao & Valencia Región

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Peru

Key information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Locations: Amazon & Cusco

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Uganda

Key information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-18 Weeks

 Location: Kampala Region

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Program 

Key Information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-12 Weeks

Locations: Lisbon, Miranda do Corvo & Porto

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Cambodia

Key Information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 2-24 Weeks

Location: Phnom Penh

Minimum Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Malaysia

Key Information: 

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 2-2 Weeks

Location: Borneo

Minimum Age: 16 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Morocco

Key Information:

Date: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Location: Rabat

Minimum Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Greece

Key Information:

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 2-16 Weeks

Location: Ionian Islands

Minimum Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Madagascar

Key Information: 

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 2-12 Weeks

 Location: Nosy Komba Island

 Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

#. Volunteer In Ireland

Dates: All Year Round

Duration : 3-12 Weeks

Locations : Clonmel & Cork

Minimum Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

Volunteer In Vietnam

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 2-12 Weeks

Location: Hanoi

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

Volunteer In Nepal

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 1-24 Weeks

Location: Kathmandu

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website: www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

Volunteer In Ecuador

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 2-24 Weeks

Locations : Don Juan, Pedernales, Puyo, Quito, and Intag Valley

Minimum Age: 18 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website:

www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

Volunteer In Philippines

Dates: All Year Round

Duration: 2-24 Weeks

Location: Tacloban

Minimum Age: 17 years+

Certificate – Offered Upon Program Completion

Website:

www.volunteeringsolutions.com 

Volunteer In Belgium

Key Information:

Duration: 1-6 weeks 

Location: Brussels

Certification: B Certificatified Organization

Age: 18+

Website: 

www.volunteerhq.org

Skills Volunteers Must Possess

Volunteering programs are existent because of the free will of people and their benevolence in one way or the other, but that also doesn’t mean that the programs are at the mercy of just anybody and anyone.

Sometimes, you’ll have to be evaluated, though not officially, on your character and a range of other criteria. 

Things like age, physical fitness, mental fitness, and Skills. Some skill sets are needed depending on the role of the Volunteer.

Volunteer works In ranches, farms and reserves require more physical skills while healthcare centers, relief missions, and educational Volunteering would require brain and heart work. 

We’ll be listing some of the skills that would be required of Volunteers both domestically and Internationally.

  • Teamwork
  • Compassion
  • Ethics
  • Time management
  • Leadership
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Training
  • Commitment
  • Confidence

These skills are highly required depending on the nature of the Volunteer opportunity and role but generally, the core skill of Volunteering is compassion.

What Are The Best Volunteer Abroad Organizations?

There are many nice Volunteer abroad organizations that offer Volunteers the opportunity to be matched with Volunteering programs and projects beyond the horizons of their country. Some of these organizations include:

  • Worldwide Opportunities On Organic Farms: wwoof.net

These organizations have specific types of  Volunteer programs for those available for enrollment. Some for farms, some for academic exchange programs, and some for healthcare facilities.

What Are The Benefits Of Volunteer Programs abroad?

Volunteer programs abroad benefit people in so many ways, especially those seeking one way or the other to improve themselves for better career placements. 

Also, if you’re looking for an opportunity to meet up with new people, explore new lands and give back to society through a charitable cause, then there are a lot of benefits to receive from volunteer programs and they are :

  • Provides you with a sense of camaraderie
  • Offers a sense of community
  • Offers you networking Opportunities
  • Helps to improve one’s social skills
  • Boosts self-esteem and confidence
  • Development of valuable skills
  • Is generally, a fun experience

What Is The Need For Foreign Volunteers?

The main reason why countries seek the willing and selfless services of volunteers is because of a shortage of manpower.

Other reasons will be for reasons like exchange programs, political influence, and fostering national coexistence.

Foreign volunteers are specially cared for by the host country and are looked out for during the whole course of their program.

Conclusion

International volunteer programs are ways for countries to cooperatively help each other through exchange Programs and share international bonds.

Volunteer programs abroad are also ideal as it allows the volunteer to gain So much wealth of knowledge for personal, professional, and national development.

The need for volunteers and volunteer programs can never be over-emphasized as there will always be the needy among us. Helping out in your way, giving for a cause to aid humanity as it has recently approached a dark state where it can barely survive, and changing the world in your little way is why we are all here as volunteers.

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