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March 30, 2024

🇧🇴 spring bolivia expedition.

June 22, 2024

🇰🇪 summer kenya expedition.

June 30, 2024 (Be Well Trip)

🇪🇨 summer ecuador expedition.

July 6, 2024

🇬🇹 summer guatemala expedition, july 13, 2024, 🇰🇪 2024 kenya expedition 2.

July 20, 2024

🇲🇽 summer mexico expedition.

October 1, 2024

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December 21, 2024

🇵🇪 winter peru expedition, we’re happy to customize an expedition around the best dates and destination for your group. just ask.

Disclaimer : There may be circumstances in which an expedition needs to be postponed, canceled, or suspended. These include but are not limited to: (1) having a minimum of 12 registered participants in order for an expedition to be held; (2) changing COVID circumstances and travel guidelines. Please read our COVID-19 update , FAQs , and the cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions found on the application pages for more details.

WHAT MAKES CHOICE EXPEDITIONS DIFFERENT?

With a CHOICE expedition, you’re investing in an experience that is meaningful and responsible. Our country teams and Certified Expedition Leaders (CEL) work together to make each part of your trip intentional and valuable.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

We prioritize meaningful interactions, increased empathy, and connection between expeditioners and community members.

SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

We only support ethical projects which are needed by the community and provide sustainable, long-term poverty solutions.

EXPERIENCED TRIP LEADERS

We are led by Certified Expedition Leaders (CEL) who coordinate extensively with CHOICE local country directors and staff.

CONSCIOUSNESS OF IMPACT

We are intentional about the impact of our expeditions to ensure  trips infuse beneficial resources into the community.

MAXIMIZED IMPACT

About 50% of your expedition investment goes to CHOICE’s mission to help execute projects that address poverty like the ones expeditioners work on.

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Short Term Volunteer Abroad Programs & Mission Trips (1 Week & 2 Weeks)

By Brittany Edwardes

Updated for 2023-2024

If you want to make a meaningful impact while traveling abroad during a short school or career break, then check out the 11 volunteer programs below. You will be surprised to learn that even a few weeks of your time can be incredibly beneficial  to a community in need while giving you the opportunity to explore a new culture and destination.

Short-term Volunteering: How to Volunteer When You Have Endless Passion and Limited Time

Have you ever wanted to volunteer but worried that you didn’t have the time? Are you unable to take a lengthy career break but desperately want to dedicate your time and hard work to producing positive change in a community in another country?

You may not think that  volunteering abroad  is an option with your busy schedule and possibly limited funds, but we believe that great volunteer abroad opportunities exist for everyone who has the hands and the heart to work.

Everyone knows that volunteering abroad can be life-changing, but what many people don’t realize is that you can have substantive, beneficial volunteer abroad service trips that are as short as one week. In fact, International Volunteer HQ , which has been trusted by over 130,000 volunteers, offers numerous one-week volunteer trips as part of the 300+ projects it offers; they have even put together this handy guide for volunteers to maximize their impact during short term volunteer trips . In addition, GoEco is another great choice if you are short on-time: many of their projects can be as short as one week, like this program in Belize , and are designed for you to maximize your impact in a short period of time.  Also, Volunteering Solutions has many amazing opportunities where you can travel from one to two weeks (or longer) in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond on impactful programs. Take a look their curated programs for the best summer volunteer programs , for medical internships abroad , or wildlife conservation projects for outdoor adventures!

There are projects of all kinds that allow passionate volunteers to donate their time as they are available. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the benefits of short-term volunteer abroad opportunities, introduce you to some of the opportunities that our volunteers love the most, and even let you hear from volunteers just like you– who didn’t think they had the time of funds to volunteer but found the perfect program that helped them create the change that they wanted to see– all within a few weeks.

You’ll also learn about the top programs that offer short-term volunteer opportunities, including Maximo Nive l, which offers lots of one- to two-week volunteer abroad programs throughout Latin America , from  teaching , to sea turtle conservation , to medical care , and beyond. Maximo Nivel is particularly well-suited to short-term volunteers from the United States due to the close proximity to Latin America. If you are interested in volunteering in Africa, then we recommend checking out the award-winning volunteer organization, African Impact , which offers two-week projects in the areas of wildlife conservation , public health, and more! Lastly, if you’re passionate about climate action programs and promoting sustainable fashion, then check out this 1-week Fast Fashion Awareness project in Cambodia !

How to Find the Perfect Short-term Volunteer Abroad Opportunity

There are many pros to short-term volunteer abroad trips. Because of their length, shorter volunteer abroad trips are typically much less expensive than their  long-term volunteer abroad  counterparts, not just because of the shortened time frame but because of the less-independent nature of many of the volunteer abroad opportunities.

As an example, Volunteering Solutions , which is very popular with single, female travelers, offers one-week trips  starting at just $260 .

Also, because many projects are especially designed to meet the needs of volunteers with limited time and funds, the projects are much more likely to be able to connect you to reasonable and convenient housing options or even provide housing on-site for volunteers.

Short-term volunteer projects are also good in that they may be a more appropriate option for groups or corporate volunteer teams as short-term volunteer projects do not require volunteers to take lengthy breaks from work.

One- to three-week volunteer opportunities  are also great for travelers passing through an area who are interested in volunteering for a shorter time period so that they can either continue with their travels or experience the region in other ways. Finally, short-term volunteer opportunities are perfect for professionals, students, or anyone else who wants to put their time and energy into a volunteer project despite their busy schedule.

The world is flush with short-term volunteer abroad opportunities, catering to every kind of specialty, geographic location, or even the type of volunteer interested. The perfect program is out there waiting for you– but finding it can sometimes be the most stressful part of your experience.

To make things easier for you, we’ve made a short list of must-have attributes of short-term volunteer abroad experiences and have even put together a list of different organizations who will meet your needs and have been vetted by volunteers just like you. These volunteer organizations aren’t just highly ranked by real volunteers just like you, but also dedicated to helping short-term volunteers make an impact that lasts.

Read on to learn more about these fantastic 1 week, 2 week, 3 week, and 4 week volunteer abroad opportunities.

Short-term Volunteer Abroad Opportunities Worth Checking Out:

International volunteer hq (ivhq).

About the program: International Volunteer HQ works hard to provide over 300+ safe, affordable volunteer projects in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America. IVHQ partners with local NGOs and organizations so that high-quality, skilled volunteers are able to join a variety of different kinds of local projects. Depending on your preference, you can volunteer from 1-24 weeks in over 4 0 destinations around the world.

IVHQ is especially well-known for its intensive online training that helps prepare volunteers for life in their home country, their specific roles as a volunteer, and the intricacies of the project that the volunteers will be working with. All volunteers are encouraged to complete this training prior to leaving their home country to align their expectations with the realities of being an international volunteer. Returned volunteers almost always mention just how spot-on and helpful they found the pre-trip training, so it is definitely something worth fully investing yourself in.

Volunteer in Madagascar

Prospective volunteers might especially be interested in IVHQ’s forest conservation program in Nosy Komba, Madagascar . Although Madagascar has long been known for its incredibly diverse and unique ecosystems, much of Madagascar’s wildlife is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. To aid researchers and activists in preserving wildlife, volunteers who are passionate about the environment travel to the dense rainforest of Nosy Komba and monitor native wildlife. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with lemurs, conduct field surveys, and collate data, and assist researchers in analyzing findings.

Volunteer in Greece

Help the homeless population in Athens, Greece. As a volunteer, you will assist local NGOs to provide basic necessities, such as food, clothing, water, and legal documentation to this vulnerable population. Specifically, you will help with food preparation, outreach projects, and help prepare legal documents. In return, you will gain experience in community outreach, learning about NGOs, and at the same time, enjoying Greek culture and history. Programs start as short as one week. Check out more details about this program here . 

Volunteer in India – Kerala

Even a little time spent on the right project can have a big impact, when you volunteer abroad with IVHQ to help empower young women. The Women’s Education program in Kerala , India allows you to share your experience in education, health and financial budgeting to help girls and young mothers improve their English speaking skills and their employability. Share practical knowledge, such as sewing and crafting, and help the women start their own small jewelry-making, or tailoring businesses. You’ll stay in a volunteer house in Kochi, run by local coordinators. If your short stay in Kerala lasts through the weekend, spend it exploring the beautiful beaches and verdant tea plantations of this beautiful region of India.

Volunteer in Vietnam

Are you up for a heart-touching challenge? Hard-working and caring volunteers are needed for IVHQ’s Special Needs Care project in Hoi Chi Minh, Vietnam, helping children and young people affected by Agent Orange. You’ll work in schools, hospitals, community clinics, or orphanages, looking after mentally disabled children and supporting the day-to-day operations of these centers. Tasks can include rehabilitation exercises, therapeutic treatments, playing with children, entertaining and educating them through games, music and art, painting murals, renovation work, and developing fundraising initiatives. You’ll work alongside local placement staff, so no experience is necessary to sign up. Accommodation is in a volunteer dormitory at a Tourism College nearby. Program fees start at $300 for one week.

Since 2006, GoEco has offered affordable volunteer abroad programs and internships in over 40 countries throughout Africa ,  Asia ,  Australasia ,  Central America ,  Europe , the  Middle East , and  South America . With more than 150 different long-term and short-term programs , GoEco is a great organization to check out if you’re looking for a variety of impactful trips to choose from, from  wildlife conservation  to  teaching English . GoEco was recently recognized as the  Top Volunteer Abroad Organization from GoAbroad, Top Eco-Enthusiast by Greenmatch, and has been recommended by Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and more. As a volunteer, you will have 24-hour support from the GoEco team, from start to finish.  Currently, GoEco is offering a special travel grant where you can stay for the 3rd week free! Check out the qualifying programs here !

Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion in Japan

Spend a week volunteering in one of Japan’s beautiful quaint islands, Sago Island! You will arrive first in Tokyo for 3 nights and then travel to the island. Your help is needed in protecting the endangered native bird on the island, called Crested Ibis. You will also lend your hands in promoting sustainable farming, preserving rice fields and temples, restoring traditional houses, assisting in bamboo workshops, etc. while immersing yourself in this unique culture. You will get to stay in a traditional Japanese temple on the island. There are many activities to do on this island that you would want to extend your stay! This rural, coastal island experience is very different from the typical city tourist experience. For more information, click here . 

Animal Rescue and Release Sanctuary in Peru

Have you always wanted to experience the Amazon jungle? Then look into this program in Peru that needs volunteers to help in wildlife rescue so these animals can return to their natural habitat. These orphaned and injured animals are usually results of habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. You will help care for these animals such as in feeding, cleaning and repairing their enclosures, and helping the vet in various tasks. This program starts from $730 for 6 days.  

Women’s English Literacy Program in Sri Lanka 

Empower Sri Lankan women through this English literacy program to give them better chances of employment and confidence. You will lead English lessons, as well as help them practice English speaking skills in creative ways. Each day, you will spend 2 hours teaching and then some time on planning lessons. Located in Galle, you can enjoy this coastal beach town or do nightly yoga sessions in your free time. This program starts from a minimum of 1 week. 

Liveaboard Dolphin Research Expedition  

For those with a special interest in dolphins, join a unique experience living aboard a historic boat to collect dolphin data along the Italian coast! Your minimum commitment is one week. You will work closely with the crew in this research project and get to learn dolphin behavior while helping to record, film, and photograph them. There will be many chances to get glimpses of ocean life such as whales, manta rays, school of fishes, etc while out in the sea, which is daily weather permitting. For the costs and other details, click here !

Volunteering Solutions

About the Program: Volunteering Solutions , or VolSol, as it has been nicknamed by its 17,000 volunteers and volunteer alums, has been in the business of connecting passionate volunteers with great international projects since 2006. VolSol was founded by volunteers who wanted to help international volunteers connect to highly specialized, community-based local projects.

VolSol has a full staff of experienced coordinators who assist volunteers before, during, and after placement, providing resources such as international insurance, a connection to a network of passionate global citizens over 10,000 strong and resources on how to volunteer ethically and mindfully. VolSol is one of the most affordable programs in the world with one week projects starting at just $200 USD (UK readers can check out their program fees here ).

Where to Go:  Volunteering Solutions has  programs all over the world  on six continents. Volunteers can’t go wrong with projects like  Volunteering for Child Care in Cusco, Perú , where volunteers have the opportunity to work with local at-risk children to teach them to become global citizens or  Volunteering in Koh Samui, Thailand  where volunteers are lucky enough to work in local schools in one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand– and that’s saying something! Volunteers can search through programs by visiting VolSol’s project page on Volunteering Forever, where all projects are described and rated by volunteers like you.

Teach English to Monks in Thailand

If you have two weeks to volunteer, why not check out Volunteering Solutions’ amazing opportunity to  teach English to novice Buddhist monks in Chiang Mai ? As a volunteer, you’ll work at one of five different monastery schools to teach English to students aged 12 to 18.

A few activities you can take on include working alongside local teachers to conduct lessons, teaching conversational English to students, helping out with other subjects such as computer literacy, and sharing new ideas and views with your students through conversation and activities. You’re also encouraged to take weekend trips throughout Chiang Mai and visit ancient temples, heritage sites, marketplaces, and much more.

Short-Term Volunteering in Peru

Another adventurous, two-week volunteer opportunity you can sign up for right now through Volunteering Solutions invites you to Peru to  volunteer and travel to some of South America’s most spectacular sites . You’ll start with an orientation and intercultural project for your first week in Cusco, where you’ll volunteer in a rural nursery school to provide love, care, and attention to children from impoverished families.

After that, you’ll have some time to explore Cusco by yourself before embarking on a guided Sacred Valley tour, and then an amazing tour of Machu Picchu. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture while exploring the Inca Trail and bringing a smile to the face of some of the country’s neediest children.

Sports Coaching in South Africa

If you’ve always wanted to visit Africa, Volunteering Solutions is offering a chance for you to  coach sports at a local primary school in Cape Town . Physical education has only recently been introduced into the school curriculum in Cape Town, so many schools are still building up their resources to accommodate these programs. As a volunteer, you’ll be a mentor to these children, assist teachers with lessons when you’re not coaching, and you’ll teach children how to stay physically fit and motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle. In addition to your volunteer work, you’ll be able to travel throughout Cape Town and visit areas such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Lion’s Head, and more to gain the most from your adventure in South Africa.

What Volunteers Have to Say:

I volunteered twice with Volunteering Solutions – once for 3 weeks in Arusha, Tanzania and once for 2 weeks in Cusco, Peru. I had a great time with both programs, though they were quite different. I worked in a hospital in Tanzania and mostly shadowed a nurse in the surgical unit for a majority of the time. We mostly worked with babies that had burns to help clean them and keep their wounds dressed. It was quite sad but really interesting work. I stayed in a volunteer house which I loved since the community of volunteers was really great and we all got to be great friends. In Peru, I stayed in a homestay, which was a very different experience than the volunteer house. It is great for immersion into the culture – you get to live amongst the people, eat their food, and live like they live. However, I found it a bit isolating since I was the only volunteer in Peru at the time. I think it would have been better if I was a little better at Spanish – as I think the language barrier contributed to the isolation. I didn’t have any problems not knowing Swahili in Tanzania. I worked in a daycare in Peru, and the kids were REALLY cute and super fun to play with. Other volunteers would teach English in the same daycare if there were older kids there – but there happened to be younger kids (3-4yo) when I was there. Overall, I would highly recommend Volunteering Solutions as a company to volunteer through. Though the programs vary greatly – there’s definitely something for everyone! — Kirsten Nedd, January 2016

Maximo Nivel

If you’re looking for a one- to two-week volunteer abroad opportunity,  Maximo Nivel  may be the right fit. Based in Latin America, this organization has provided accredited language courses, internships, volunteer abroad programs, and more since 2003 to 25,000 travelers from all over the world.

Maximo Nivel’s short-term volunteer abroad programs are extremely affordable, starting from just $595 for one week. Each project includes airport pickup, 24/7 emergency support, orientation, certificates, wifi, salsa dance classes, Spanish books and materials, and lots more.

Volunteer in Construction

As a  construction volunteer , you’ll help build and improve schools, homes, and shelters. You’ll be placed alongside a local team in a rural village, with your project led by professional foremen, architects, and engineers.

As a volunteer, you’ll take on work such as digging, removing dirt, carrying bricks, mixing cement, painting, cleaning, and more. Construction programs are available in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, and you can expect to work 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday, on morning and afternoon shifts. To learn more about this program, visit:  http://maximonivel.com/volunteers/construction/

Volunteer in Animal Care

Perfect for animal lovers, Maximo Nivel’s animal care program invites you to Guatemala or Peru to work in a dog rescue shelter, an amphibian/reptile rescue center, or a small zoo. Your work will vary depending on your placement, though it can include caring for the animals, helping with obedience training for the dogs, feeding animals at the zoo, cleaning cages, hosting zoo visitors, and providing general assistance and maintenance at the reptile and amphibian center. This program starts from one week, and you’ll work Monday through Friday, for 3 to 4 hours per day. To learn more about Maximo Nivel’s animal care volunteer opportunities, visit:  http://maximonivel.com/volunteers/animal-care/

Volunteer Adventure

If you have two weeks to travel, check out Maximo Nivel’s  volunteer adventure , which invites you to take on five days of community service and six days of travel through Peru, Costa Rica, or Guatemala. Volunteer activities you can take on include working with children, teaching English, helping with construction, assisting with environmental conservation efforts, supporting animal care, and providing medical or healthcare services.

The adventure portion of your trip depends on where you travel: in Costa Rica, you’ll go on a city tour, visit to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall, a catamaran Tortuga Island tour, and a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. In Guatemala, you’ll hike to Volcano Pacaya, take surf lessons, take a zip line adventure, and spend the night in Tikal. And in Peru, you’ll go on a tour of Cusco city and the Sacred Valley, a two-day tour of Machu Picchu, and a two-day tour of Lake Titicaca and Puno. Learn more about Maximo Nivel’s volunteer adventure trips at:  http://maximonivel.com/adventure/full

Volunteer with Kids

Through this placement, you’ll be able to  make a positive impact on children’s lives in Latin America . As a volunteer, you’ll provide care and support to children at a daycare center or school who are homeless, impoverished, abused, or whose families suffer from lack of education and resources.

You’ll work alongside local staff to support some of the neediest children in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru, through educational programs, emotional support, hygiene, and so much more. Your assistance will keep vulnerable children off of the street and able to build a bright future for themselves. You’re asked to stay at least one week, though if you have two weeks to travel, you’ll gain more from your amazing experience abroad. Learn more about volunteering with children at:  http://maximonivel.com/volunteers/working-with-kids

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Take a look at some programs off by IVI. Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) , established in 1989, is a non-profit volunteer abroad organization that beckons individuals to be part of 25,000 volunteers who’ve positively impacted 112 projects in 23 countries. They offer programs that can last from 1 week duration to 3 months. We encourage a longer volunteer duration whenever possible because your experience will be more impactful. But when time is not enough, here are some examples of short term volunteer opportunities.

Stray Dog and Cat Rehabilitation Guatemala

Stray animals have been a problem in Antigua and these grassroots organizations have taken charge in helping with the issue. Volunteers will help out local animal shelters to take care of stray dogs and cats from the streets of Antigua. No experiences are required, just a love and care for animals! Volunteer tasks include daily grooming, feeding, walking, and general care for the animals. Other work may include animal obedience training, helping out medical procedures as appropriate, and community teaching on stray animals. Located in the city of Antigua, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will have the chance to roam through beautiful Spanish colonial architecture surrounded by volcanoes. The project cost for 1 week is $435USD and includes meals and accommodation with a host family. For more information, click here !

Beach Clean-up and Nature Reserve

If you are an outdoorsy person, consider a volunteer trip to southern Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica for a 2 weeks project, and experience pura vida (“simple life” or Costa Ricans’ way of life)! This project is focused on environmental conservation that includes beach clean ups, trail maintenance of the nature reserve, and assisting in research and education. You will get the chance to see a variety of native wildlife in the nature reserve and know that your work is towards protecting them. The tasks can vary based on your experience and season. Meals and accommodation are included in the program fees, which is $935USD for 2 weeks. But note that accommodation at the reserve is basic but comfortable. During your free time, there are many famous tourist sites nearby such as Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Click here for more details!

Community Construction Peru

Construction volunteer projects have the highest impact on the local community. Volunteers are directly involved in helping to improve someone’s housing or provide safe schools, churches, or centers for community members. Even a week of volunteering will be beneficial to the community. For this specific project in Cusco, Peru, you work with other volunteers supervised by a foreman to help build or renovate community buildings and houses. You will be taught many construction skills and safety procedures. While this can be physical hard work, you will be able to see tangible results. Located in Cusco, you will have the opportunity to enjoy this scenic city and ancient city with other team members during your free time. For prices, and details, click here .

Projects Abroad

About the program:   Projects Abroad has the mission to provide the gold standard of staff support and safety, so its volunteers and interns can fulfill their potential, discover themselves, and create positive change in the world. Founded in 1992, Projects Abroad has sent more than 120,00 volunteers abroad.

With the help of passionate volunteers and interns and the support of dedicated in-country staff, Projects Abroad focuses on implementing long-term, sustainable solutions, not on quick fixes. Each project solves a specific problem in a specific place. This might be to save sea turtles from being wiped out in Mexico, or to fight gender inequality in Ghana.

The projects run year-round, no matter how many volunteers it has, so you can choose your own start and end dates. Projects Abroad also offers several projects where you can participate for one to two weeks. Even if you’re only there for a short time, you’ll become part of ongoing efforts to make a difference.

Projects Abroad programs are some of the most highly reviewed on Volunteer Forever. Volunteers praise the deep connections they’ve built with local communities and their level of expertise in each of the fields they serve.

Where to go:  Projects Abroad runs sustainable, long-term projects in developing countries, from  Africa  to  Asia . Here are some of the most popular project options available worldwide:

• Support early childhood development and work with kids at a  Childcare Project .
• Protect endangered ecosystems and animal species, like the Amazon Rainforest in  Peru  or sea turtles in  Mexico , on a  Conservation Project .
• Help run medical outreaches in areas where healthcare services are severely limited through  Public Health Projects .
• Build important infrastructure like toilets, houses, and classrooms in struggling communities on a  Building Project .

African Impact

African Impact is an award-winning, responsible travel organization that offers volunteer and internship opportunities in 7 countries across Africa. It was founded in 2004 and has since hosted over 35,000 volunteers. African Impact has over 20 different projects, ranging from teaching in Zambia to marine conservation in Zanzibar. The organization is known for its long-term objectives and measurable change. It is also recognized as a trusted specialist on volunteering and interning in Southern Africa. African Impact offers internships, as well as group, family, and high school projects. The minimum age requirement for their projects is 16, making African Impact a great option for teen and high school volunteers.

Big Five and Wildlife Conservation, South Africa

For two weeks or longer, you’ll have the chance to monitor and study the African Big 5 (leopard, rhino, lion, buffalo, and elephant) and help local researchers and foundations with protecting endangered species. Based in the game reserves of the Greater Kruger Area, your volunteer tasks can include researching animal behavior and movements, helping with reserve conservation work such as clearing brush and maintaining waterholes, compiling data at the research lab, and much more to help understand animal behavior and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Learn more here!

Sports Coaching and Development, South Africa

Located in  Cape Town, South Africa , this program is a great way to get active, coach sports, and provide support for physical education programs in schools. As a volunteer, you’ll assist coaches with PE sessions around Cape Town, help design fitness tests and games at schools, teach sports at after-care programs, and much more – plus, you can combine this volunteer program with other activities where you can work with orphaned and vulnerable children, teach and help with youth development, help with a healthcare program, or join a gender empowerment project.  Learn more and register here!

Education and Community Support, Tanzania

Based near  Mount Kilimanjaro , this 10-day volunteer trip gives you the chance to help build stronger communities through education and support. A few tasks you can take on include facilitating activities for children with disabilities, leading income-generation sessions for a women’s group, teaching members of the Maasai tribe to read and write, and teaching English in a local community program.  Learn more and sign up here!

Global Vision International

About the program : As one of the most popular and consistently well-rated programs among our volunteers, the  award-winning   Global Vision International  is well-known for coordinating well-planned, productive volunteer opportunities for volunteers of all ages.

Global Vision International seeks to mix cultural awareness and critical project work through providing programs that are research-based, community-supported, and fully responsive to the needs of the area or community.

Due to Global Vision International’s widespread network of relationships with local NGOs across the world, volunteers are able to find programs in the areas of marine conservation, women’s empowerment, teaching English, and healthcare. Global Vision International also supports volunteer abroad opportunities for  volunteers under 18  through specialized trips and group opportunities.

Where to Go:  Global Vision International coordinates all kinds of volunteer abroad projects from  volunteering with coral reef conservation in Seychelles  to working with women’s empowerment in India. Volunteers who are interested in a particularly unique volunteer abroad trip may be interested in  volunteering with with Buddhist novice monks in Laos .

Volunteer with Buddhist Novice Monks in Laos

On this program, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and city of  Luang Prabang  to teach practical and conversational English to Buddhist novice monks and to other local lay students. Monday through Friday each week, you will plan and carry out English lessons, which will greatly help your students find better employment opportunities in the future and build a better socio-economic status within their community. This program starts from two weeks at $1,900 –  learn more and sign up here .

Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand

Another short-term volunteer program you can sign up for with GVI invites you to  Chiang Mai, Thailand , where you will work with mahouts to care for elephants rescued from the tourist industry. During your stay, you will have the chance to conduct health inspections on the elephants, go on forest walks with the elephants, and observe the animals to collect data on social interactions and food preferences. You also can teach English and help with other local initiatives within the community. This program starts from one week at $1,840 –  click here to learn more and to register!

Community Development Expedition in Fiji

For a tropical island adventure, check out GVI’s  community development expedition to Fiji , where you will help with a variety of local projects to help build a sustainable community. The five core focuses of this expedition include WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), health and nutrition, income generation, education enrichment and empowerment, and environmental management and protection. This is a wonderful way to get a glimpse of how sustainable community development programs operate – you’re invited to stay two weeks or longer on this  volunteer program in Fiji , which starts from $2,290.

Wildlife Research in South Africa Expedition

On this volunteer trip, you’ll have the chance to work alongside a local wildlife research team to  track animals , study their behavior, and learn more about the diverse wildlife of South Africa. You’ll get started with a training session to get you acquainted with the program and the types of animals you’ll study, and from there you will volunteer each day tracking wildlife, conducting research, assisting with data entry, and even participating in community education about conservation. This program starts from two weeks at $2,390 –  learn more and sign up here.

I was in need of a career break, and was looking to do something out of the ordinary. I was looking to get far away and do something worthwhile. After some heavy research GVI continued to be the organization that ticked all the boxes. They were incredibly helpful when I was choosing my location, and the onsite assistance and support throughout the entire journey was fantastic. I was so lucky to be involved in the Community development program of El Cocal, the children were amazing, I made some friends for life and hopefully one day soon I’ll return for a visit! It really was an unforgettable experience! ” – Amelia Rogers, May 2015

Cerca Abroad

Looking for an exciting and personalized short-term internship experience abroad? Consider Cerca Abroad, a leading international internship provider. Founded in 2016, Cerca Abroad currently offers more than 20 internships in fields such as engineering, medical, dental, art and more. 

What sets Cerca Abroad apart from other short-term volunteer and internship organizations is its personalized approach. Programs run all year round, and you can select dates that work for you. Fees start at just $1,900 for a two-week program. For instance, through Cerca Abroad, you could join the following internships:

• Marine Conservation Internship in Greece : This hands-on internship is through the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation.
• Physical Therapy Internship in Greece : Shadow physical therapists and doctors in Athens at state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics. 

Even better, Cerca Abroad offers a program upgrade in cooperation with Webster University (Athens Campus), allowing you to gain transferable US university credits for all in-person and remote internship programs.

If you’re looking for a 1- or 2-week volunteer abroad or intern abroad program, Cerca Abroad is a great option. You can boost your resume while helping others. Check out two programs below:

Social Work Internship in Greece

You can apply for a short-term two-week social work internship in Athens with Cerca Abroad. During the program, you’ll work side-by-side with professionals, assisting with everything from home visits and data recording to writing articles and creating webinars. Your work will directly help those in need, as well as raise awareness around issues such as poverty, migration, domestic violence, and other social challenges. 

Want to learn more about this internship? Click here . 

Dental Internship in Greece

Gain valuable experience in dentistry and explore Greece with Cerca Abroad’s Dental Internship. During the program, you’ll shadow dentists for up to 40 hours per week in state-of-the-art clinics. Designed for pre-dental and graduate students, this program will help you fortify your medical school application while helping those who need affordable dental care. Program duration can be as short as two weeks. 

Love Volunteers

With more than 20,000 volunteers placed on meaningful programs overseas since 2009 (and 4,000 just in the past year),  Love Volunteers  is one of the fastest growing volunteer organizations that you can be a part of right now. All of their volunteer trips and internships are affordably-priced, starting from only $199 for your first week abroad, depending on where you travel. Right now, Love Volunteers works in 34 countries worldwide, with more than 120 different projects. Some of their popular destinations include:

• Asia:  Nepal ,  Thailand ,  Bali
• Latin America:  Peru ,  Costa Rica ,  Ecuador
• Africa:  South Africa ,  Kenya ,  Zambia ,  Tanzania

Love Volunteers is dedicated to traveler safety as well as sustainability of their programs, and maintains strong relationships with registered NGOs in each of their host countries.

Great Barrier Turtle Conservation

Based in Cairns, Australia, this volunteer program brings you to the  Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre , which provides care and rehabilitation for turtles suffering from disease as well as injuries caused by boats and polluted waters. A few tasks that you can help with as a volunteer include preparing food and feeding the turtles, cleaning and maintaining their tanks and enclosures, scrubbing algae off of the turtles’ backs, transporting and releasing the turtles, assisting with monitoring and research in the reef, and much more. This program starts from one week at $959 –  learn more and sign up here!

Elephant Village Program in Thailand

Based in  Surin, the elephant capital of Thailand , this volunteer trip gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to care for elephants that have been abused and neglected. These elephants were first used as beasts of burden for logging work, which was outlawed in the 1980s, and later they were used as tourist attractions in cities for their owners to pay for their care. Through Love Volunteers, you can work with an initiative that takes the elephants out of the cities and cares for them in their natural habitats, while also providing livelihood support for their mahouts. This program starts from one week at $619 –  click here to learn more!

Community Development in Tanzania

Another excellent program to check out with Love Volunteers brings you to  Arusha, Tanzania  to assist with a variety of community development initiatives. A few projects that you can get involved with include working on grant applications and fundraisers, educating communities about health issues, helping out with school infrastructure projects, and assisting staff with administration and program development. You also can help with tree planting, sustainable gardening, recycling, and other sustainable projects locally. This program starts from one week at $199 –  learn more and apply here!

Medical Internship in Ecuador

On this internship, you will travel to  Quito, Ecuador , where you will assist in a hospital, clinic, or care facility. To start, you’ll shadow a local healthcare and medical professional during your placement, and depending on your education and experience, you can assist with different procedures or help doctors and nurses with their day-to-day work. This internship is open to students and professionals as well as volunteers interested in learning about medical care – if you do not have relevant education or experience, you may only be able to observe, but you will still learn a great deal through your experience in Ecuador. This internship starts from one week at $549 –  learn more and apply!

“I volunteered through Love Volunteers for 2 and a half months in Kenya and Tanzania in 2012 and loved every minute of it. Love Volunteers were extremely helpful and quick to respond to any questions I had. Prior to leaving I was nervous to fly out to Kenya but had email and skype contact with the coordinators in both Kenya and Tanzania. The country guide Love Volunteers sent out was informative and really useful for planning my trip. Love were also very flexible as I changed plans while away and stayed longer and this was all handled seamlessly. I also managed to have the opportunity to do some traveling and day trips while over there. The projects I and the other volunteers worked on were amazing and while I was taken out of my comfort zone on occasion it was truly worthwhile and everything I had hoped for in my trip to Africa. Overall my experience with Love Volunteers was fantastic and I can’t wait to do more volunteering through them.”- Amanda Susan, January 2013

Agape Volunteers

About the program : Based in the United Kingdom,  Agape Volunteers  mobilizes volunteers across the world to provide humanitarian support in volunteer projects in  Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa . Agape sends volunteers to schools that it either funds or operates itself. Volunteers are always working directly for Agape and have the opportunity to purchase educational or adventure excursions to supplement their trip at a low additional cost. In order to best support and recruit passionate volunteers, Agape works hard to maintain reasonably-priced volunteer trips beginning at £510 for a short term trip, which already includes your room & board, registration fee, and  free comprehensive travel insurance .

Where to Go:  Music enthusiasts will be especially interested in volunteering with  Agape’s flagship music school in Ghana . Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with children who would normally not be provided any music education at all. Volunteers plan and run music classes for students of all ages and work with full-time instructors in order to make use of resources available. Classes are offered in basic keyboarding, singing, and music theory. The school owns several organs, keyboards, an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar, and a battered drum kit that volunteers are able to use as they plan lessons to benefit the students. Volunteers on a budget may also want to check out  Agape’s Kenya Program , as a one week all-inclusive (minus airfare) trip costs just under $520 USD and volunteers have the opportunity to choose from working in the areas of medical care, sports, HIV/AIDS, and teaching English to schoolchildren.

“If you want your eyes opened and have a top experience this is the place to go, and Agape Volunteers was there to help at every step. I stayed in Kenya for just under a month – if it wasn’t for the day job dragging me back I’d still be there. Wanting to do something a little different this year I set about searching the web for things to do – every site I went on seemed either really expensive for what you got or just too complicated to sort out. Luckily a friend had recommended Agape so I decided to book with them. Not a seasoned traveler I wasn’t too confident in what I was doing – I considered trying to sort everything out myself and ‘going alone’ but looking back the facilities and guidance which were provided helped massively and I’m glad I booked via them. ” – Tim Holmes, May 2015

Global Works

For over 25 years,  Global Works  has combined community service, cultural exchange, language immersion, and adventure for a fun, impactful travel experience for high school students, educators, and groups. Summer adventures start from 8 days – perfect for short-term travelers – and can focus on conservation, community development, pre-med or public health, and language immersion. A few of the wonderful places you can travel to with Global Works include Puerto Rico, Nepal, Costa Rica, Martinique, and beyond.

Fiji Islands: Sulus, Sun, and Service

With Global Works’ 13-day  excursion to Fiji , you’ll have the amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in Fijian lifestyle, take an eco-adventure, and volunteer within a rural village. You’ll spend the first few days of your trip at an eco-resort on the Sunshine Coast, where you’ll take part in an orientation and welcome, and even volunteer at a local school.

After that, you’ll travel to a remote mountain village, where you’ll volunteer in the community – a few tasks may include building nurses’ stations, refurbishing classrooms, teaching English, or planting trees. You’ll finish your trip with a boat excursion of the Sunshine Coast, an optional SCUBA course, and a waterfall hike.

Guatemala: Mayan Explorer

If you have 12 days to travel, take a look at Global Works’  Mayan Explorer opportunity in Guatemala . You’ll start with an orientation in Quiché in the Guatemalan highlands, and home to the largest indigenous Maya population. After that, you’ll visit the Mayan ruins of Iximche and travel to the town of Chajul, where you will learn about Maya culture and language, and work alongside local community members on projects such as classroom construction, library volunteering, English and photography course teaching, and more.

Once you wrap up your  volunteer work , you’ll travel to Lake Atitlán to go kayaking, shopping, and zip lining – and finally finishing your trip with a visit to Antigua, where you will take a salsa dancing lesson and reflect on your amazing Guatemalan adventure with your fellow travelers.

Puerto Rico: Building Communities

Another short-term adventure not to miss is Global Works’ 8-day  community building program in Puerto Rico . You’ll start with an orientation and guided tour of San Juan, where you’ll see some of Puerto Rico’s historic sites – such as El Morro fort and the Rio Piedras Market – and you’ll even take a dance lesson. On days 2 through 6, you’ll volunteer with community development projects in Villa del Río, a small village where you’ll refurbish homes, help with education programs, and immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll finish your trip with an excursion to Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, and a celebratory dinner to reflect on the great work you did for a community in need.

Plan My Gap Year

Founded in 2011,  Plan My Gap Year  places travelers on affordable volunteer projects ranging from childcare, to teaching, to wildlife conservation, and much more in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. All of PMGY’s programs are personally inspected and vetted by their team to ensure project safety and transparency, and to be sure that you’re matched with a project that complements your skills and interests. With recognition including the Shell LiveWire Grand Idea Award, Thailand Green Excellence Award, and Special Recognition from the United Nations in Sri Lanka, Plan My Gap Year is a wonderful organization to check out if you want to make a positive impact.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Based in  Ambalangoda , an exotic beachside location in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, Plan My Gap Year offers several volunteer trips including child care, English teaching, medical care, turtle conservation, and others. As PMGY’s most popular travel destination, Sri Lanka is a wonderful place where you can embark on an affordable and impactful adventure. PMGY’s Sri Lanka trips start from one week at $375 –  learn more and sign up here!

Volunteer in Bali

Another island destination to check out with Plan My Gap Year is  Bali , where you can teach English, care for children, work in wildlife conservation, or gain experience in medical care for one to two weeks or longer. Bali is PMGY’s top up-and-coming travel destination, and offers lots of amazing scenery and activities for travelers who want to enjoy the beach, go hiking in mountains, and much more. PMGY’s Bali programs start from only $270 for your first week –  click here to learn more!

Volunteer in Ghana

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Africa, Plan My Gap Year has several different chances to  volunteer in Ghana  right now: from supporting disabled children, to teaching English, to providing medical care, and more, PMGY is a great way to immerse yourself in this West African country while making an impact. Volunteer placements in Ghana start from two weeks at $375, with the opportunity to visit Cape Coast, Elmina, and many other locales.  Learn more and sign up here!

Mini India Experience

Experience the  diversity and beauty of India  with Plan My Gap Year’s mini, two-week adventure and volunteer program! After spending five days in Kerala volunteering to care for and teach English to some of India’s poorest children, you’ll explore the tea-covered hills of spice plantations in “God’s Own Country.” Highlights of this trip include yoga lessons, seeing a Bollywood movie, sleeping on a houseboat drifting on the backwater, trekking through Munnar’s tea-growing countryside, learning about the iconic Mahatma Gandhi, trying exotic foods, and wandering through the seaside town of Kochi. This enriching, inspiring program is a two-week journey with fees starting at only $435.

Volunteer in Bali with Wildlife

Spend a week at Plan My Gap Year’s  Bali Wildlife Rescue Centre , where you will spend time caring for rescued animals! As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to care for endangered animals that once were victims of poachers and wildlife traffickers – a few tasks that you will take on include assisting in feeding, enclosure cleaning, performing general maintenance, and spending time socializing with animals to help them overcome their mistrust of people and of each other. With more than three dozen species of animals at the center needing care, you may have the opportunity to assist the veterinarian as well. This program starts at $270, and you can sign up to start on the first and third Sunday of any month.

Fronteering

About the Program : If you’re ready for an adventure that’s exotic, unique, and truly off the beaten path, check out  Fronteering , which offers volunteer programs in wild locations worldwide starting from one week at $695. Destinations include unspoiled locations throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia, with projects ranging from indigenous community support, to wildlife research, to environmental conservation. Check out these three short-term volunteer programs you can sign up for with Fronteering!

Where to Go:  Right now, Fronteering is offering short-term volunteer opportunities all over the world, and no shortage of adventurous projects to choose from. In Australia, you can volunteer at the  Kangaroo Island Wildlife Sanctuary  with different species of animals you won’t find anywhere else in the world – like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas.

If you want to visit Africa, check out this  whale conservation program , where you’ll research and conserve dolphins and whales on the South African coastline. And in South America, Fronteering invites you to  Guyana , where you can volunteer with an indigenous community, and help with sustainable development, teaching, and much more. Learn more about Fronteering and its many unique volunteer and intern abroad programs  here !

Via Volunteers

Looking for short-term volunteer abroad programs in South Africa? Then look no further than  Via Volunteers . Based in Cape Town, Via Volunteers has over 15 years of experience looking after volunteers in South Africa and is passionate about ethical volunteering.

As a short-term volunteer with Via Volunteers, you can have a rewarding and meaningful experience on a variety of projects, including childcare, community development, and conservation initiatives. Via Volunteers provides excellent support, from pre-departure planning and airport transfers to orientation, accommodation, and in-country support. To date, they’ve hosted volunteers from more than 60 countries. Via Volunteers only supports sustainable projects where there’s a genuine need, so rest assured your short-term volunteer work abroad will have an impact!

Cape Town Children’s Hospital Program

Help special youngsters recover and thrive at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital! As a  Children’s Hospital volunteer in Cape Town , you’ll promote learning and growth through interactions and activities, and reduce children’s stress and strain through play, relaxation, and socialization. To reduce the burden on hospital staff, you’ll also assist with administrative tasks.

Ready to get these amazing children back on their feet? Fees begin from $302 per week. You can join for one week or longer.  Volunteer with children in Cape Town today!

Homeless Feeding Program in Cape Town

Join Pastor John and his staff on this impactful homeless program. When you  volunteer with the homeless in Cape Town,  the core focus will be to get essential meals to residents and visitors. Beyond that, you’ll help underprivileged children with homework, take daily attendance, collect donations, and more. Your help will ensure the residents have a better path to stability and happiness.

When you’re not volunteering, explore the city. The  Via Volunteers app  has a Cape Town bucket list feature so you can experience all the famous sites and activities.

Ready to combat homelessness in Cape Town? Fees begin from $320 per week. You can join for one week or longer.  Volunteer to help the homeless today!

Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation in South Africa

Want to volunteer with monkeys? Then head to a  non-profit primate sanctuary near Kruger National Park . There, you’ll care for over 500 injured, abused, and orphaned vervet monkeys. Duties include:

• preparing food, cleaning cages, and washing blankets
• hands-on care of baby monkeys
• assistance with giving medications
• general monitoring of the monkeys
• participation in educational outreach

Sound like the volunteer adventure for you? The vervet monkey rehab project begins from $305 per week. You can join for two weeks or longer.  Click here to register!

“I had the most wonderful experience through the Children’s Hospital Play Programme. Emmy, the volunteer coordinator, is wonderful and loves her volunteers with such an overwhelming passion! I was so blessed to serve the patients and their families. The happiness that these children brought to my life is ten times the amount of happiness than I could ever have brought them. Such a life-changing experience! Also, Ed and Heather are amazing! They made my time spent in South Africa stress-free.” – Charlotte, a volunteer from the USA, on the Children’s Hospital project

A Broader View Volunteers Corp (ABV)

About the program : Founded in Pennsylvania,  A Broader View Volunteers (ABV) coordinates volunteer abroad projects all over the world for passionate volunteers on a budget. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, ABV offers support through every aspect of volunteers’ travel and prides themselves on serving their communities and volunteers to the best of their ability.

ABV places all of its volunteers in low-income communities so that their service is able to enrich the lives of those who need it the most. ABV also provides housing so that its volunteers are able to live as part of the same community that they serve and allows volunteers to serve in the areas of daycare work, community development, teaching, animal conservation and rehabilitation, and community development. A Broader View is currently one of the top-ranked programs on Volunteer Forever  with over 100 positive reviews of its projects.

Where to Go:  A Broader View  offers plenty of strong volunteer abroad programs including programs in Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Each of these programs has stunning features that might make it the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Premedical, pre-dental, or pre-nursing  students who wish to volunteer abroad have three programs to choose from in each of the countries in which ABV coordinates volunteer abroad projects. Medical students interested in traveling to Guatemala should check out their program in  Quetzaltenango (Xela) . Volunteers who work in Xela have the opportunity to work with a local organization that runs a therapy clinic and assist medical professionals with different types of therapy.

If you’re a medical or dental student interested in volunteering abroad, you should check out ABV’s program in Quito, Ecuador, where volunteers work with a local organization that supports local children and families. Volunteers help local professionals provide a variety of services ranging from the common day-to-day medical needs of children to specialized work including working with children who have learning disabilities or helping physical therapy professionals.

A Broader View’s final pre-nursing/pre-dental/pre-medical program  takes volunteers to San Jose, Costa Rica . Volunteers will be placed in a children’s hospital working with doctors and other professionals covering duties such as assisting doctors on their rounds, running meal time for children, assisting with language therapy and other special projects as assigned by doctors. All programs can be combined with an immersive Spanish Language program for an additional fee.

A Broader View also offers  orphanage support programs  for volunteers interested in working with children and helping children receive services such as basic English lessons, training on how to healthily care for themselves, and whatever other duties as necessary.

Volunteers interested in volunteering in Guatemala should become familiar with their program in Quetzaltenango (Xela). Volunteers in Xela help provide daily child care that includes participating in educational activities for children, leading after-school activities, and facilitating important activities such as mealtime and storytime that help make the kids’ lives much more enriching.

A Broader View Volunteers also coordinates an orphanage  support program in Quito , Ecuador. Medical students interested in serving in Ecuador work in a public hospital that especially serves people without health insurance. Volunteers can help further the mission of the hospital by rotating along with the doctors through different departments of the hospital including pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, and pulmonology. All medical volunteerism projects can be included with an optional Spanish immersion program that volunteers may find beneficial to their overall experience.

Volunteers passionate about working with people who are homeless or endangered of losing their homes will be interested in working with  A Broader View’s Welfare Shelter Program in Quito, Ecuador . Volunteers have the opportunity to work with Quito’s poorest residents, helping them meet their most immediate needs such as helping run the shelter, provide clothing and bathing materials, and connecting them to services that support drug addiction and alcoholism. Volunteers may also be interested in working with the shelter’s technology programs, which teach residents valuable skills in order to thrive in today’s job market.

All ABV volunteers have the benefit of choosing their own start date so that they are able to arrange the program as it best fits their needs. All program fees are a donation and are therefore fully tax-deductible and although ABV does not arrange flights for volunteers, they are happy to support volunteers with whatever they need.

A Broader View provided me with a once in a life time opportunity that I will cherish for the rest of my life. ABV enabled me to go on this amazing adventure, and provided me with every little detail that I needed to have an amazing trip. My accommodation, meals and feeling of security was amazing! I feel like I have a second family and a second home in Costa Rica. The beds were super comfy, something I was not expecting. There was never a time where I didn’t feel safe, and I couldn’t be happier with the living and eating provisions I was given. The A Broader View Support before traveling was stellar. I was provided with detailed packing manuals, instructions and pieces of advice as to how to adapt to the new culture I would be immersed in. Any and all questions I had were answered effectively and promptly. ABV was also very accommodative of my itinerary, as I was traveling for five days after volunteering, and they even suggested some travel agents, companies, and activities. To me, ABV is more than just a company providing volunteer opportunities, but a company built by people who are caring, and passionate, and want to provide their customers with the best experience possible. – Kimberly Moore, November 2014

Raleigh International

Since 1984,  Raleigh International  has offered expeditions for youth and adults to volunteer in Nepal, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Tanzania. Projects include clean water and hygiene, natural resources and sustainability, and community development. So far, 400,000 travelers have signed up with Raleigh International, plus another 800 are expected to go on trips this year. As part of their commitment to quality and safety, Raleigh International helped design and currently holds the BS8848 Safety Standard for organizing and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside of the UK. Volunteer trips with Raleigh International start from five weeks, depending on the program you sign up for.

Tanzania Expedition

If you’re looking for a meaningful trip to augment your summer vacation, check out Raleigh International’s  Tanzania expedition . Starting from five weeks, this trip combines volunteering and adventure – as a volunteer, you will help with community development projects to improve access to clean water, environmental programs to promote sustainability, and much more. During the adventure portion of your trip, you will test your wilderness survival skills on a trek to the Southern Highlands, and have the chance to view animals and learn about conservation at Ruaha National Park.  Learn more here!

Global Leadership Adventures

Another great program to check out if you’re looking for a meaningful short-term trip is  Global Leadership Adventures . Geared toward high school travelers, Global Leadership Adventures has combined community service, experiential learning, and adventure travel since 2004. Because GLA specializes in youth development through travel, they place a great emphasis on safety and support, which you can see outlined in their  five-point safety system . Global Leadership Adventures also has a database of nearly 2,000 references ready to speak to the impact of their programs – in fact, the organization’s co-founder was  recognized by President Obama  for making a positive impact in Africa.

Dominican Republic: Spring Break Service Adventure

If you’re planning a spring break adventure, check out Global Leadership Adventures’ program in the  Dominican Republic . This one-week trip invites you to help with sustainable development initiatives such as building homes and schools using recycled materials, helping with community health projects, constructing vertical gardens, and much more. You’ll also have the chance to learn about Dominican culture, meet with local community leaders, go snorkeling and zip lining, and much more. This eight-day trip costs $1,899 –  click here to learn more .

Galapagos: Preserving Nature’s Wonders

If you’re most interested in spending your trip abroad helping with animals and environmental conservation, Global Leadership Adventures offers an amazing opportunity to  volunteer in the Galapagos Islands . With two different projects on Isabela Island and San Cristobal Island, you’ll volunteer in a tortoise breeding center, and help to clear invasive species to allow tortoises and birds to re-inhabit the area. During this program, you’ll also have the chance to go swimming with sea lions, birdwatching, and much more. This 14-day program has a tuition of $4,599 –  learn more and sign up here .

Cross-Cultural Solutions

Founded in 1995,  Cross-Cultural Solutions  offers international internships,  gap year  experiences, volunteer trips, and high school volunteering programs in throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Programs focus on important topics such as child development, girls’ and women’s empowerment, and global health. To date, nearly 35,000 volunteers have traveled with Cross-Cultural Solutions (with a 99% approval rating from past participants), which offers year-round staffing and support within their host communities, a full-time team of local experts to support volunteers, and among the highest standards of safety and well-being in the volunteer travel industry. Volunteer opportunities with Cross-Cultural Solutions start from one week – perfect for short-term travel!

Cross-Cultural Solutions is offering several different volunteer opportunities in  Ghana , including child development, global health, and girls’ and women’s empowerment. For one week or longer, you can volunteer on projects to teach English, help with malaria prevention, foster economic opportunities for women, and much more in Ghana’s Volta region. During this trip, you will be able to take a guided walking tour of the city of Ho, or even view monkeys, birds, and elephants during a visit Kakum National Park.  Learn more here!

Volunteer in India

If India is on your must-visit list, take a look at Cross-Cultural Solutions’ volunteer trips to  Dharamsala  or to  New Delhi , where you can volunteer for one week or longer on a variety of projects, including:

• Supporting children in community groups and child care centers
• Providing public health outreach, education, and care to vulnerable children and adults in low-income communities
• Helping women create financial independence and leadership skills to support their families and communities

Depending on which trip you sign up for, you can go on a scavenger hunt through Dharamsala, take a tour of New Delhi, visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, or even visit the gorgeous Taj Mahal.

Volunteer in Morocco

As a volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions in Rabat,  Morocco , you will have the chance to help with children’s development, girls’ and women’s empowerment, and global health programs to support low-income communities. During your stay, you can tour the city of Rabat, visit the Chellah ruins, take Arabic language lessons, learn about Islamic history, and much more for one week or longer.  Learn more here!

Naturally Africa Volunteers (NAV)

About the program :  Naturally Africa Volunteers (NAV)  coordinates sustainable, community-centered volunteer abroad projects of two to twelve weeks throughout Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Ghana. Naturally Africa Volunteers seeks to solidify its change on two levels– by coordinating high-impact, well-researched volunteers programs and through supporting its international volunteers from the moment they join the project. NAV is dedicated to making sure that each volunteer has the best experience possible and is able to work fruitfully in communities across Africa.

Where to Go:  Although  Naturally Africa Volunteers  supports programs in many areas of interest, volunteers interested in a short-term volunteer project (2-3 weeks) will especially be interested in  NAV’s Wild Coast School Project , which places volunteers in underfunded rural South African schools supporting full-time staff and volunteers. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with students aged 6-14 promoting computer literacy, often through traveling through rural schools alongside state-of-the-art technology education equipment including laptops that the students usually lack access to.

My time in Malawi was amazing. Meg, Sam and Aug were the main reason. They provided a balanced view on how to go about my role as a volunteer. I can not describe how inspired I was by the whole trip and the staff at the cottage. The structure of the project was brilliant. You can clearly see the priorities. Keeping a good relationship with the village population and the elders was their main focus. Providing amazing support to the wound clinics, HIV support groups, nursery and home based care groups was incredible. I am very lucky I was part of the development of the different village I visited. At the weekends I got to experience other parts of Malawi. Like the landscape and culture outside the village. I wish I could have stayed for longer. I hope to return to Malawi in the near future. – Maria, March 2015

Global Volunteers

Global Volunteers  is a renowned volunteer travel organization, connecting people of all ages and skill levels on placements 16 countries worldwide. Volunteer help establish mutual understanding between people of diverse cultures as they work on meaningful projects in the areas of teaching conversational English, math, science, and computer literacy; building, repairing, and painting community facilities; providing health, hygiene, nutrition, and infectious disease education; establishing school and household gardens; caring for at risk children, and more. Founded in 1984, Global Volunteers has connected more than 34,000 volunteers of all ages with impactful programs on six continents. The organization is led by experts in human and economic development, and its in-country managers are highly educated nationals. Its sustainable programs are developed through community-based partnerships. Global Volunteers was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations in 1999, and has partnered with UNICEF since 2008. Service program contribution, airfare, and visa expenses are tax-deductible for U.S. citizens. First-time volunteers are eligible for deep discounts from Global Volunteers on a limited basis. Ranging from $50 to $500, discounts are available for full-time students, groups, and even for early registration. Earn $100 credit for referrals, with no limit on the number of referrals. Alumni volunteers appreciate the $200 discount when traveling on international programs, and the $50 discount for U.S. programs with Global Volunteers.  Read more  about how you can save money traveling abroad with Global Volunteers.

Global Volunteers in the United States

At a time when there’s a spotlight on America’s richest 1%, a look at the country’s  310 Indian reservations , where many of America’s poorest 1% live, can be more enlightening. Many of the nation’s people who live on Indian Reservations are the poorest of the poor. There are many contributing factors, one being that property is communally held and individuals do not prosper from increasing property values. Indian Reservations are not located in economic centers capable of provide family-sustaining jobs. Another devastated community, the Appalachian region of America’s East Coast, West Virginia, is another option. Read on to learn more about Global Volunteers and its programs in three underserved communities in the United States. Your contribution fee begins at $1,095. Choose from one- or two-week stays, which includes accommodations, meals, transportation to your project, and educational materials.

Montana, USA

Volunteering on the  Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana, USA , requires a courageous and sensitive heart. The Native American people have suffered greatly, and their needs are unique. Your unique social skills can benefit the Children’s Summer Program by supervising field trips. You will be able to improve the quality of people’s lives by repairing community buildings. Volunteers also assist at the Elder Care Center and visit one-on-one with Blackfeet elders. Depending upon your professional experience, you may help teens who are in protective custody due to a family trouble. Volunteers are needed to do crisis work, and your compassion and care will lessen their problems. As you immerse yourself in the Blackfeet Culture, you will be provided an insider’s perspective of Native American life, including their food, music, and art. Nestled in the foothills of Glacier National Park, every day you will be able to rest your soul and soak in the Big Sky of Montana.  Read about volunteering with Blackfeet Indian Reservation .

South Dakota, USA

Amid the plains of South Dakota,  Rosebud Reservation  is home to the Sicangu Sioux people, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota Nation. On Rosebud Reservation, poverty is at an all-time high, with unemployment over 80%, and 76% of the working residents living below the poverty line. The community is at risk with its primary need: quality shelter. Volunteers on this program focus on repairing homes and community buildings, and those with electrical and plumbing skills are especially needed. Labor assistance will make an enormous difference, and volunteers who help split and deliver firewood will know they are keeping people warm and safe in the winter. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use your hands and skills to improve the living conditions of the people here.  Learn more about volunteering with Rosebud Reservation .

West Virginia, USA

West Virginia is a beautiful state, and so are its residents, resilient people who are economically devastated by the closing of the coalfields. Volunteers are needed to help rehabilitate dilapidated and energy-inefficient homes and community buildings. Many trades are needed to assist in the labor-intensive projects, but if you don’t have experience, don’t worry. You will have lots to do, scraping, sanding, and painting. If physical labor isn’t your forte, volunteers also are needed to help elementary children read with their Summer Enrichment program. You’ll make a tremendous difference by tutoring a teen or young adult to complete their GED. The Appalachian idea of heaven will seep into your soul as you experience the homemade farm-to-table delicacies, music, and hospitality of West Virginians.  Learn more about volunteering in West Virginia .

Get going on your short-term volunteer abroad trip!

Now that you know that time is not an issue when volunteering abroad and have an idea of some of the incredible programs that are out there, your only question should be, “When?” Each of the volunteer abroad opportunities above is perfect for the volunteer with limited time and funding and these programs are representatives of a much larger pool of sustainable, short-term volunteer opportunities. In almost any country, there are dozens of fantastic opportunities just like the ones above. All you have to do is use Volunteer Forever’s tools to find the perfect volunteer abroad opportunity for you and take the steps to creating change that is truly extraordinary– all within a few weeks.

P.S. If you’re still looking for a volunteer opportunity, check out our list of  best volunteer abroad programs  and recommended volunteer projects in  Africa ,  Central America , and  Thailand . You can also read about 7  Great Medical and Veterinary Volunteer Abroad Projects ,  10 Dental Volunteer Abroad Program and Medical Mission Tips for Pre Dental Students , and  nursing volunteer abroad projects for students and nurse professionals . Or, if medical volunteer projects aren’t for you, be sure to read about our  sports and coaching volunteer abroad ,  wildlife conservation and veterinary  abroad,  teach abroad , and  intern abroad  programs. Lastly, if you’re under 18, you may be interested in a  teen volunteer abroad  from one of our many great partners.

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2024 best volunteer abroad programs, organizations, & projects, medical volunteer abroad programs for doctors, nurses, pre med students, cheap affordable volunteer abroad programs & low cost overseas projects, teens & high school volunteer abroad programs | under 18 mission trips, 200 volunteer abroad & study abroad scholarships & grants, dental volunteer abroad & medical mission trips | dentists & students, volunteer abroad opportunities for seniors and retirees, nursing volunteer abroad projects for students & professional nurses, long term volunteer work abroad programs & voluntary charity jobs, trending guidebooks, volunteering abroad after the coronavirus outbreak, 2024 best internships abroad: medical care, marine biology & more, volunteer in australia: animals, conservation, ranching and more, 2024 best volunteer abroad programs, organizations, & projects.

Brittany Edwardes · Guest Volunteer Travel Writer

Brittany Edwardes is a Fulbright Scholar who spent a year teaching and living in Southeast Asia. Brittany is very passionate about service learning, spending time outdoors, and making her own pasta.

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Mission trips abroad are the perfect opportunity to join an international and meaningful cause, even if you unfortunately have less time ... read more

Mission trips abroad are the perfect opportunity to join an international and meaningful cause, even if you unfortunately have less time. Mission trip organizations are aware of these time constraints. They have created non religious mission trips where you can make a difference in short term.

College students or medical professionals can even choose a mission trip to Africa , clean up the coral reefs in the Caribbean, support local NGOs in South America or build activity camps for the youth community in Nepal . Short term mission trips is your guarantee for an amazing time abroad!

Animal Wildlife Rescue

Join us in the crucial mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and, whenever possible, releasing injured and displaced wildlife. Your support is vital for our shared goal! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sea Turtle Conservation Ambassador

Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific Costa Rica! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

Feel the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping protect coral reefs. 🐋 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sloth Monitoring and Turtle Conservation

Join us in Quepos to actively conserve sloths and turtles, monitoring these beautiful creatures. Make a significant impact on wildlife and nature! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Animal Keeper Assistant

Hands on contribution with everyday chores like feeding, cleaning and giving animals any care they need, to help them recover and go back to nature! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Volunteer in Africa and help secure the future of the endangered black rhino and elephant. Experience daily life on a 10,000 acre family-run private conservancy. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers

Be part of a life-changing experience that allows you to work behind the scenes on a world-class wildlife reserve in South Africa! 🦏 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Baby Safe Home - Child Care Worker

Care for the children at the Cradle of Love that were abandoned or orphaned, give them lots of love and attention until they can return to their relatives or get adopted. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Bali Wildlife Rescue & Environmental Volunteers

Help within a number of conservation and rehabilitation efforts whilst participating on the Bali wildlife program in traditional Tabanan. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="8" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marine Conservation Research Assistant

Protect Madagascar's marine ecosystem with MRCI's Marine Conservation Research program. Dive into meaningful conservation work! 🤿 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Health and Environment Supporter

Cultivate your skills in our geothermal Greenhouse in southern Iceland. Prepare organic medicines and learn about organic agriculture. 🌱 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living

Give your contribution towards wildlife conservation! Learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience! 🇿🇦 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Leatherback Turtle Ambassador

Get in direct contact with turtles and help us conserve the biggest turtle in the sea! Here you will have the chance to meet and work with awesome animals! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="12" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Protect endangered sea turtles through hands-on fieldwork on the island of Kefalonia. Partake in the ultimate research and conservation project. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Help protect and rehabilitate at-risk sea turtles whilst also taking part in community development projects. Experience a different side of Sri Lanka. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marine Conservation - Research Assistant

Conduct Manta Ray research, Reef Check surveys, and assist with community projects as a Barefoot Conservation Research Assistant! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Invasive Species Management

Make a difference by removing lionfish, an invasive species decimating reef ecosystems. Learn to dive while culling lionfish. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

Here you'll direct all of your efforts towards the long term rehabilitation of animals. Experience hands-on volunteering with baboons, small animals and much more! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="17" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Nepal English Teaching to Monks Volunteers

Make an impact during your time in this country. Teaching in a classroom and informal setting as you live with Monks for a truly immersive experience. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Bali Childcare Volunteers

Stay in the rice bowl of Bali in the traditional town of Tabanan and give that most precious commodity of all, your time, to local children eager to learn! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="19" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Non Religious Mission Trips

If you’re short on time but keen to volunteer, we have just the thing for you. Many of us dream of making a difference in the world but are simultaneously working on careers or building a family that also require our attention. What if we told you that you can do it all? There’s no need to quit your job or do anything drastic but you can still make a meaningful difference. Identifying the need for projects that are accessible for limited time periods, Volunteer World has identified the need for short-term volunteer projects. Experience all the benefits of volunteering without any of the sacrifices and volunteer for one of the non-religious mission trips on the website.

At Volunteer World, we believe that volunteering should be accessible to everyone. There are countless volunteer organizations out there and they are all in need of enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to lend a hand to their projects. There’s no need to give up everything to be part of something meaningful. Volunteering is now for everyone willing to help out and spare a few days of their time. Continue reading to learn more about non-religious mission trips and how you can help.

🚩 What's the Difference Between Volunteering and Mission Trips?

Volunteering is when someone decides to dedicate time to a project that is focused on improving the circumstances of a community or the environment. Volunteer organizations generally put in a lot of work to train volunteers. This is why some projects require volunteers to stay for at least a few weeks. There’s a shift going on however in the volunteer landscape with projects welcoming volunteers for shorter periods of time. These are also known as non-religious mission trips.

🧐 What is a Mission Trip

Mission trips are short-term volunteers trips that can be done for 1-4 weeks. This gives everyone the opportunity to volunteer and experience the incredible benefits of a volunteer trip. Students, people on a sabbatical or retirees may be able to dedicate themselves to a project for longer periods of time but there’s a large group of the population for who this simply isn’t an option.

👍 Pros and Cons of Mission Trips Abroad

If you’re determined to make a difference during your next holiday, why not integrate a mission trip into your holiday plan? This way, you get the best of both worlds. The freedom to travel while taking the time to do something for the community of your holiday destination. With non-religious mission trips entering the picture, being short on time is no longer an excuse for not volunteering. There are countless projects and programs waiting for your help. Before you plan your first mission trip, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of mission trips.

• The opportunity to volunteer and contribute for a limited period of time.
• This is a great opportunity to try out different volunteer projects and programs abroad.
• You will learn a lot about the region you volunteer in but also about volunteering. It is a great opportunity for cultural interchange.
• The chance to connect with the local community.
• Participants will see a different side of their travel destination.
• Benefiting from the positive aspects of volunteering without sacrificing career or family.
• You will meet other like-minded individuals.
• The time spent on the program is limited which may not allow you to connect as profoundly with your volunteer organization.
• It’s always important to do your due diligence with regards to the organization to know where the funds are invested in. It is always advisable to do some research to make sure the local organization is offering a sustainable service to the community.
• When working with children, it can be hard on them when volunteers come and go. Exposing vulnerable children to volunteers for short periods of time can have a negative impact.

💡 Why should I go on an international Mission Trip?

If you’re eager to volunteer but have a family, a job or other responsibilities that you simply can’t leave behind for long, a mission trip is exactly what you’re looking for. You will gain experience in volunteering, contribute to a meaningful cause and learn a great deal about the challenges others are facing on a daily basis.

Will you be making a difference? It’s fair to say that organizations prefer volunteers to dedicate themselves for longer periods of time. The longer you stay, the more tasks and responsibilities you will have. This doesn’t mean that a shorter stay is meaningless. The most important thing that will happen during a mission trip program is the cultural interchange and social contact between the volunteer and the locals. Gaining awareness about your volunteer destination will undoubtedly change the way you view the world afterward. Small changes do go a long way.

Is volunteering in developing countries condescending? There are claims that if you volunteer overseas that you’re portraying a message that these communities are unable to solve problems on their own. This mainly refers to programs that aren’t addressing the root problem and are exploiting both the community and the volunteers for personal gains. The goal of a mission trip should always be to empower local communities and give them the support they need to build a better future. Reputable organizations understand the needs of the community and are dedicated to helping the community progress.

Although the time of your mission trip may be short, that doesn’t mean your efforts are not of help. You will carry this awareness with you and undoubtedly share it with others after your experiences. All mission trips will have an impact. Whether it is a unique connection you have with one of the locals or a lesson you were able to bring across to children during an English class.

Volunteer trips are an excellent opportunity to find out whether volunteering for longer periods is suitable for you. We’re confident that it will open a whole new world for you.

✈️ What can I do on a Mission Trip?

The point of a mission trip abroad is to gain volunteer experience during a short-term period and contribute to one of the projects. There are so many possibilities available that it will come down to where you want to go and what skills you have to offer. Here are some of the possibilities:

• Teaching children or young adults
• Work at an animal conservation center or sanctuary
• Cultural immersion programs
• Community support
• Youth development
• Environmental conservation

There are countless options. It’s a matter of preference and skills that will determine where you will do your non-religious mission trip.

🤔 How to choose the right Mission Trip?

The most important aspect of choosing a great international mission trip program is that you do enough research on the different volunteer organizations and try to answer the following questions:

• What does the organization stand for?
• What is their objective and how are they trying to achieve it?
• How are the funds they receive spent?
• How do you think you will contribute?
• What will be the effect of your volunteer work?
• What are the best mission trip organizations?

Take into account the possible negative effects. Read up on the organization, read reviews and ask previous volunteers about their past experience with the organization. There are some great agencies and non-profit organizations that are doing very responsible work.

Be careful when you choose to volunteer with children. Do your due diligence prior to signing up. There are organizations however that are doing more harm than good. It’s important to take into account that we have attempted to screen these organizations but you make the final call. Choose wisely and you will be in for an incredible experience while supporting a meaningful cause.

🌍 What Are the Best Places for Mission Trips Abroad?

Embark on a volunteer trip and the world is just a click away. Volunteer organizations are aware of the limited time most people have on their hands and are welcoming short-term volunteers. Take this opportunity to explore the world and give back to less fortunate communities. Whether you’re adventurous and want to feel the rawness of Africa or prefer the laidback lifestyle of Asia, there’s something out there for everyone. Volunteers who are afraid of a culture shock can also apply for opportunities closer to home. Unlimited volunteer opportunities are awaiting your support. Start small, start with a short volunteer trip and see what it brings.

🎁 5 Benefits of joining a Mission Trip

It’s hard to name drawbacks when talking about volunteering abroad. It’s almost always associated with feelings of positivity. Both travel and volunteering allow people to get out of their usual environment and open up to new experiences. Join one of the mission trips and you will help the communities of your travel destination. Let’s take a deeper look at some benefits non-religious mission trips may have in store for you:

Valuable Learning Opportunities

Meet new people, new experiences, health improvements, 🧳 how can i join a mission trip.

You’re ready to do a mission trip but you’re not quite sure where to start? First of all, have a look at the different programs across the globe, and pick a few that have caught your attention.

Once you’ve done that, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to do the best mission trips abroad:

• Check whether there’s a match between you and the projects by looking at their requirements.
• Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be excited to go to.
• Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and schedules match up.

Once this is sorted. Let’s take a look at the practical steps:

Insurance (Health & travel)

We recommend getting both health and travel insurance. In fact, this is even a requirement for all volunteer programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

Visa, Passport, and Documentation

Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!

• Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in
• Make sure you have a valid passport considering the requirement of the host country
• Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application

That’s it! You’re ready for your mission trip abroad! Get ready for a life-changing experience that may be short but will have an incredible impact. The world is waiting for you. Check out the different best international mission trips on our comparison platform!

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  Welcome to Expedition: Humanitarian , where compassion meets action, and every step brings positive change!

We're thrilled to have you join our community of women who love to travel and are passionate about making a difference in the world. At Expedition: Humanitarian, we believe that each one of us has the power to create an impact, and together, we can amplify that impact beyond measure. Whether you're interested in traveling with like-minded women, supporting crucial causes, experiencing the full culture of a location, or gaining insights into humanitarian efforts, you've come to the right place. We organize these trips as your gateway to meaningful travel experiences and a network of kindred spirits who share your commitment to building a better future. Join our guided expeditions to embark on a journey that transcends boundaries and transforms lives.

Become a part of Expedition: Humanitarian - where your heart and your actions unite for lasting change. 

Start here to complete our volunteer inquiry form to help us identify the perfect Expedition: Humanitarian trip for you. 

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Family Volunteering Abroad

Take a family-friendly volunteer vacation and work in local communities overseas to make a difference

Family volunteer vacations can help give your children a greater appreciation for travel, helping others, or protecting the environment. We offer a range of family-friendly volunteer opportunities abroad. Families join us on our ‘Flexi’ Trips, where a range of age demographics allow both the adults and children to have contemporaries. With us, you can expect: 

• A safe and guided experience with 24/7 support from our local staff  
• An experiential learning experience where your family learns by doing
• A family service vacation where you make a real impact through your work
• To explore a different country and learn about the local culture first-hand 

Volunteering with your children is an exciting and different way to help shape their view of the world and broaden their horizons. We cater for families with young children too, so we can accommodate kids as young as six years old on our volunteering opportunities for children.

Wondering what it's really like to volunteer overseas as a family with Projects Abroad? Read our interview with a family of four who took a trip around the world with us!

What are some good volunteering opportunities for families?

For family volunteer trips, we strongly recommend the following programs:

• Conservation
• Sports Coaching

If your family wants to work with wild animals, you can volunteer with sea turtles in Mexico  or  giant tortoises in the Galapagos ! 

Some projects will be more suitable for families than others, so we advise speaking directly to a Project Expert about which one would be the best family volunteer vacation for you. Below, we also offer a curated list of projects that are definitely family-friendly, so we encourage you to take a look.

What do I need to know about volunteering with my family?

With dedicated in-country staff around the world, we can provide your family with a hassle-free volunteering trip. We provide:  

• Visa advice
• Accommodation
• Three meals a day
• Project activities
• In-country airport pick-ups and drop-offs 
• Ground transportation to and from your project

We will also support families with children of various ages: 

• We can accept volunteers aged four years and older with their families . Contact us if your child will be under the age of four at the time you want to travel and we can discuss the options available. 
• Ages 4-14 : Children between 4-14 years old can be accommodated and work with their parent(s) for a reduced fee. Generally, project fees for children are about 70% less than the listed adult price. Most age restrictions of 16+ on projects are for solo travelers. In many cases, if parents are traveling with them, this does not apply.  
• Ages 15+ : If your child is aged 15 or older, he/she may volunteer without the accompaniment of a parent at the standard per person price.
• We can usually arrange family work abroad programs in all destinations except China and Costa Rica. 
• In Jamaica, families are welcome. However, children cannot go to work with their parents here, so one parent needs to look after the children, or childcare can be arranged.

Read more about how we facilitate family-friendly, hassle-free volunteer trips in our blog . 

What's an example of family volunteering?

Families with younger children typically join our childcare, teaching, sports coaching, and even our conservation projects! On childcare, teaching and sports coaching, parents can make a huge impact on the local youth community while children volunteers can help and bond with local kids. On some of our conservation projects, like Mexico Sea Turtle Conservation, parents and kids can directly contribute to ecological efforts and sometimes have a hands-on role with the animals!

Sample Pricing for a 2-week Ghana Childcare Family Trip:

1 adult: $2,600 USD

1 child: $760 USD

What are the benefits of volunteering for families?

Family humanitarian trips give you the time to connect with and develop a new sense of appreciation for each other. Your family will step closer to realizing their potential, and build meaningful connections with groups of diverse people around the world.

Here are several other benefits of family volunteer vacations abroad:

• Share a love of travel . This is the perfect opportunity to travel, meet new people, and see new sights together. Volunteer abroad with family, and get a fresher perspective of the world while introducing your kids to the challenges people face everyday.    
• Take part in experiential learning . The best lessons in life come from experience. This is a fantastic and safe way to teach your children about the world. They’ll learn from the people they meet, from their observations, and from you directly. Turn a volunteer vacation for families into a lesson that your children will never forget! 
• Bond with your family . Use each moment on your family volunteer program to strengthen family ties and create new memories together. With so much to do on your trip, there’s guaranteed to be less time spent on digital devices, and more time spent being a family.

Can my family volunteer abroad for free?

We often get asked if families can volunteer abroad for free. The short answer is “no”. We can’t offer a gold standard for our volunteer abroad programs without charging fees. Read our blog which explains why we ask volunteers to pay a fee .

Can't find what you're looking for?

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

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Become a global change- maker as you immerse yourself in the local culture

We provide meaningful and sustainable projects for lasting educational and community impact.

Our action-packed, bucket-list adventures will be something you will never forget.

As a college student, traveling with Roam Humanitarian provided the perfect dynamic and trip culture for me! Peru was truly a dream come true. This trip was so much more than I even anticipated! Visiting Machu Picchu, zip lining over the wide-open river and huge mountains, and biking from 12,000 feet in the Andes were the most amazing things I have ever done. Serving alongside the people of Peru gave me perspective into their culture and values, and deeply changed the way I look at life. Our group bonded, and I made connections that I will have for the rest of my life, both here in the United States, and in Peru. The trip was filled with so much personal growth, and a good balance of service, activities, and cultural experiences. I plan on attending more trips with Lindsay and Justin in the future!

“I love Roam Humanitarian so much.  I have been incredibly blessed with the opportunity I had to go on this trip with my family. JBow and LBow sacrifice so much of their time to change the lives of others, and they are 1000% succeeding in it.  If you feel like you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience go on a Roam Humanitarian expedition.  You will not only have incredible service opportunities, you will make lifelong friendships with all different kinds of people.  This will be the best decision you will ever make!”

“Justin and Lindsay went above and beyond to create the most incredible humanitarian trip! My son and I will never be the same again because of the amazing opportunity we had to travel with them! Their company is truly one-of-a-kind and provides the most wonderful service opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else! We were blown away with their attention to detail and how much thought and effort they put into our trip. I would recommend ROAM humanitarian over and over and OVER again!”

I have always wanted to travel internationally and do a humanitarian service trip. If I hadn’t come across ROAM Humanitarian I don’t know if it would’ve been possible. They made it so easy from the day that I signed up with a detailed pack list and itinerary. My two teenage daughters and I absolutely loved this experience. To quote Justin ‘This isn’t a vacation, it is traveling.’ We had a fine balance of working hard and playing hard! I felt like we were immersed in the culture from day one from eating cultural food to sleeping in local Peruvian homes. This is a life changing experience and I am so grateful to Lindsay and Justin for all the hard work they put into creating this and sharing it with us. The bonus that I wasn’t expecting is all the friendships that were born working and playing side by side with the other families and singles on the trip. If I had to describe it all in one word it would be ‘priceless’.

Traveling to Peru with Roam Humanitarian was a life changing trip I will never forget. Everything we did was so much fun, and some things definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as adventurous as I did on this trip. On top of all the fun and exciting things we did, the biggest thing I gained from this trip was gratitude. Having the opportunity to serve the Peruvian people really opened my eyes to a different culture. Roam Humanitarian is the best!

I loved going to Peru with ROAM Humanitarian! I loved meeting new people and eating new food. My trip was hard work, but so much fun. I have never done anything like this before and doing it with my family was the best.

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Volunteer in Africa

Dreaming of volunteering in Africa? International Volunteer HQ has 16 years experience in providing the world’s most trusted, safe and affordable Africa volunteer programs.

Every year, thousands of international volunteers take volunteer trips to Africa with IVHQ, as it enables them to be immersed in vibrant cultures, discover unique wildlife and make valuable contributions to the local communities.

Wondering what volunteer work in Africa is available? IVHQ offers an extensive range of impact-led volunteer programs in Tanzania , Zambia , Victoria Falls , Ghana , South Africa , Madagascar , Zanzibar , Kenya , Namibia and Morocco . From animal and wildlife volunteering to community development, childcare and volunteer teaching in Africa, there’s something to suit all ages and interests.

• South Africa
• Victoria Falls

Why volunteer in Africa with IVHQ?

Whether you’re seeking the best mission trips to Africa, short-term humanitarian trips or wildlife volunteering in Africa, IVHQ’s programs are available year-round and you can volunteer for 1 - 24 weeks. With flexible booking and unlimited free changes , program orientation, 24/7 support, safe accommodation, meaningful volunteer work and everything in-country organized for you, IVHQ offers the best Africa volunteer abroad programs.

Program fees from only $275 for 1 week

Aligns with un sustainable development goals, fully hosted, including accommodation, meals & more, flexible booking, 24/7 support & unrivalled safety, best africa volunteer programs abroad in 2024 & 2025.

Discover the top places to volunteer in Africa right now and explore our full range of Africa volunteer opportunities below.

Volunteer in Ghana

Volunteer in Kenya

Volunteer in Madagascar

Volunteer in Morocco

Volunteer in Namibia

Volunteer in South Africa

Volunteer in Tanzania

Volunteer in Victoria Falls

Volunteer in Zambia

Volunteer in Zanzibar

Where in the world do you want to make a difference?

”There was never just one memory that was my favorite, there were to many to choose from. My time spent in Africa will always remind me of when I was happiest, theres just something about it that made me feel a sense of belonging I had never felt before. It was amazing and I'm so thankful I chose to go to Arusha. The friends I made were from all over the world and we were all so different, but at the same time so similar we were there with a purpose, all of us. I still talk to so many of the friends I made there, its so amazing. The program manager, Victoria, was awesome I was never afraid to ask questions and she was always there for me and any volunteer no matter what time or what day, not only that she's one of the good hearted people I've ever met. The whole staff really made the visit so enjoyable.”

Addy Wilson, American, 19

Common questions about volunteering in Africa

What volunteer work in africa does ivhq offer.

Volunteering in Africa in 2024 or 2025 is an opportunity to make a significant impact during a time of need.

IVHQ offers a huge range of Africa projects, which have been set up to tackle the most pressing issues in each region. Whether you want to volunteer and teach English in Africa, support construction projects, wildlife volunteering, or nursing and medical volunteer abroad projects, IVHQ has volunteer work in Africa that is suitable for volunteers with a range of skills and experience.

What are the most popular Africa volunteering opportunities?

• Medical in Tanzania
• Teaching in Zambia
• Wildlife Conservation in Victoria Falls
• Marine Conservation in Madagascar
• Healthcare Outreach & Education in Ghana
• Childcare in Kenya
• Surf Outreach in South Africa - Cape Town
• Wildlife Conservation in South Africa - Kruger National Park
• Coastal and Marine Conservation in Zanzibar
• Women’s Education in Morocco

How much does it cost to volunteer in Africa?

IVHQ makes it super easy and affordable to book volunteer trips to Africa. Our fully hosted Africa volunteer programs start from as little as $20/day! This includes your accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation and comprehensive support services that you won’t find elsewhere.

How to volunteer in Africa

Applying to volunteer in Africa is simple! Once you’ve decided which country you want to volunteer in and which Africa project you would like to join, you can apply . It’s free, only takes a few minutes and there is no commitment needed at this stage. Our team of Volunteer Travel Specialists will then guide you through the next steps to secure your spot and start preparing for your trip.

You can learn more about how to get started here .

What are the best Africa mission trips for 2024 & 2025?

IVHQ offers a diverse range of mission trips to Africa. Choose from 10 of the most sought after destinations across the continent for your Africa humanitarian trip:

• Tanzania - Arusha
• Zambia - Livingstone
• Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
• Madagascar - Nosy Komba
• Ghana - Greater Accra region
• Kenya - Nairobi
• South Africa - Cape Town
• South Africa - Kruger National Park
• Zanzibar - Jozani and Nungwi
• Morocco - Rabat, Casablanca and Sale

Find out how recent volunteers in Africa got on: Read Tonja’s story from Ghana , about Aysha’s experience in Tanzania or hear from senior volunteer, Julien, about his programs in Ghana and Tanzania .

Is it safe to volunteer in Africa?

Thousands of IVHQ volunteers travel to Africa every year without encountering any issues. We have a comprehensive approach to managing safety and reducing risks across all of our programs, which gives volunteers the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe, secure and healthy. This includes:

• All local teams are trained in volunteer management, are required to undertake first aid training and ensure that programs adhere to IVHQ’s Risk Management Policy .
• All IVHQ volunteers receive pre-departure and 24/7 in-country support, are required to have travel insurance and are strongly encouraged to take our online pre-departure training which can be accessed for free.

What are the best Africa volunteer programs to include a safari?

If you’re looking to contribute to wildlife volunteering in Africa while experiencing safari and game drives as part of your program, IVHQ’s Wildlife Conservation projects in Victoria Falls and South Africa - Kruger National Park are excellent options.

If you’d prefer to volunteer on a community-focused Africa project and go on safari during your weekends, or at the start or end of your trip, check out these programs:

• Tanzania : IVHQ offers a range of affordable safari tour add-ons in Tanzania , which can be booked after registering for your program.
• Zanzibar : Most volunteers transit via Tanzania making it easy to add one of our Tanzania safari tours to the start or end of your Zanzibar program.
• South Africa : Book a safari trip to one of the surrounding National Parks with our local team once you arrive in-country.
• Kenya : Safaris to Maasai Mara, Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park can be organized with our local team once you arrive in-country.
• Zambia : Zambia boasts 20 National Parks, so jump on a weekend safari and book via our local team when you arrive in-country.

Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Africa with IVHQ

Considering volunteering abroad in Africa? Watch this webinar replay where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad adventure.

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Go where help is needed. Volunteer in Africa!

9 Best Providers for 1-2 Week Volunteer Abroad Programs

by Ben Perlmutter - Last updated on March 5, 2019

Who says you can’t make a difference during short-term volunteer trips?!

If this sounds awesome to you, but you don’t have the time (or money) to spend your whole life as a country-hopping, world-saving vagabond, 1-2 week volunteer programs abroad can be a great way to get that volunteering fix. During your week or two of volunteering, you probably won’t get to end global poverty or save the rainforest, but you will get to have a meaningful experience and make a little corner of the world a slightly better place. 

If you can think of a cause you’d like to support and a place where you’d like to do it, there are probably hoards of two week volunteer abroad programs for you. 

Here are some of the best organizations offering short-term volunteer programs abroad to get you started: 

• International Volunteer HQ
• Kaya Responsible Travel
• Aurora Andina Spanish School and Volunteering Abroad
• Love Volunteers
• Volunteering Solutions
• Projects Abroad
• African Impact

The best 1-2 week volunteer programs abroad this year 

Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. International Volunteer HQ —9.54 rating

“Choosing to volunteer in Fiji was the best decision I have ever made, I truly had the most incredible experience of my life.” —Read more International Volunteer HQ reviews here . 

• Where? Worldwide
• When? Year-round
• Why? International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is one of the world’s largest providers of volunteer programs, including dozens of options for 1 week volunteer programs abroad. IVHQ places more than 18,000 volunteers in amazing programs around the world every year. Many programs also are extendable, so if you just can’t get enough of your volunteer experience, you can keep going after your 1-2 weeks are up! 
• More info about IVHQ

2. GoEco —9.75 rating

“This was the best part of my life, first time traveling. I was nervous and a little scared but everyone has been so nice and supportive throughout the whole process. I've experienced some amazing places, people and absolutely love the culture. Wish I could have stayed longer and spent more times with the turtles though! Will definitely be back to Bali, that's for sure!” —Read more GoEco reviews here . 

• Why? GoEco is one of the world’s leading volunteer program providers for animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Their one-two week volunteer abroad programs span the globe, from the savannas of Africa to the jungles of Costa Rica. If you’re passionate about animals, GoEco probably has 1-2 week volunteer programs abroad just for you!
• More info about GoEco
• More info about Frontier

3. Kaya Responsible Travel —9.73 rating

“Kaya is an awesome organization to go through for travel! My advisers answered every question I had and provided me with so much information. They even went out of their way to help me find the perfect placement. I will definitely use them in the future!” —Read more Kaya Responsible Travel reviews here . 

• Why? Kaya provides education and medical short-term volunteer trips to rural areas of South Africa. The program focuses specifically on treating patients who have HIV, but as a volunteer with Kaya, you will also educate community members about best healthcare practices and even get to visit the world-renowned Kruger National Park. While Kaya doesn’t have the same global reach as some other providers, it offers a focused experience centered on one community. 
• More info about Kaya Responsible Travel

4. Aurora Andina Spanish School and Volunteering Abroad — 9.25 rating

“I was in Cusco, Peru, for two months and learning Spanish at the Aurora Andina Spanish school. All teachers and organizers were incredibly caring and friendly and studying Spanish was a lot of fun! In case I needed anything or wanted to plan a trip they were there to help me and give me local advice. During tea breaks at the school we gathered together with all teachers and students and had nice conversations. Sometimes we were able to watch hummingbirds fly by! The time I had was wonderful and I can absolutely recommend the school and their projects to anyone.” —Read more Aurora Andina reviews here . 

• Where? Peru
• Why? Aurora Andina offers volunteers an immersive volunteering and Spanish-learning experience in Cuzco, Peru, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Since Spanish-learning is paired with volunteer work, you’ll get to practice your newly acquired Spanish skills as you’re helping the local communities of Cuzco. Aurora Andina has partnerships with local NGOs that can place you in education, health, sports, and environmental volunteering opportunities. 
• More info about Aurora Andina

5. Love Volunteers —9.68 rating

“My 14-year-old daughter [and I] were only able to go for a week (during Holy Week) but it was still a very positive experience. Both Love Volunteers and the project are very organized—and the project is a very well-run organization that ensures an education for children whose other option would be a life of selling trinkets on the street. I was very impressed with the work they are doing—they are clearly ‘in it for the long-haul’ and making a significant, positive impact.” —Read more Love Volunteers reviews here . 

• Why? The mission of Love Volunteers is to help local communities in developing countries. Love Volunteers is a perfect option if you’re trying to stay frugal while volunteering abroad, offering options as little as 1 week volunteer programs abroad. They partner with local organizations and have low overhead, so more of your money is going to the communities in which you’re serving. Love Volunteers still provides first-rate support to make your experience the best it can be. 
• More info about Love Volunteers

6. Volunteering Solutions —9.55 rating

“In June 2015, I enrolled for childcare volunteering in Nepal. Before going to Nepal I was quite nervous due to the earthquake. But my determination helped me to proceed to help others. I worked in an orphanage and Mrs. Uma assisted and helped me a lot. Me and other volunteers played with kids, and helped them learn English, and the staff was very cooperative. Furthermore, the city of Kathmandu was beautiful and I felt connected to the people by interacting with them. I would like to thank Volunteering Solutions for making my journey worth sharing.” —Read more Volunteering Solution reviews here . 

• Why? Volunteering Solutions offers a variety of opportunities in Kathmandu, Nepal, right in the foothills of the Himalayas. Current projects include working with orphans, a healthcare program, and teaching English. When you’re not busy volunteering, you can take part in all kinds of adventure sports, like trekking among the world’s tallest mountains, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. 
• More info about Volunteering Solutions

7. GVI —9.59 rating

“My GVI experience exceeded my expectations in several ways. The accessibility and connection with the students, particularly with the novice monks, made it a unique and very privileged experience for me. The feeling of being part of an ongoing project that is making a difference to people's lives was also special. The professional approach by the GVI team of the coordination of the programme, as well as their care and passion for the students' education and respect for their culture impressed me also.” —Read more GVI reviews here . 

• Where? Around the world
• Why? GVI offers a variety of volunteer programs around the world that all focus on sustainable development. Their programs are all partnerships with prominent organizations, like the WWF and Save the Children, so you’ll get some experience with international leaders in your field when volunteering with GVI. Program offerings include the likes of volunteering to help teach English to novice Buddhist monks in Laos, helping care for elephants in Chiang Mai Thailand, and many more awesome options. 
• More info about GVI

8. Projects Abroad —9.4 rating

“My time spent in Nepal as a medical intern was invaluable. Despite only being there for two weeks, I was able to both gain a wide array of medical knowledge, as well as be immersed in such a beautiful culture. I found the Projects Abroad staff to be very helpful, whether it be in regards to placement, weekend independent travel, or just questions about the culture. My host family, too, was very caring and willing to teach me, despite the at-times difficult language barrier. Also, I feel incredibly lucky to say that I met two very close friends through Projects Abroad! The three of us arrived in Nepal on the same day and instantly clicked; I attribute a large part of enjoying my trip to the fact that I formed such close relationships with these volunteers, and others as well.” —Read more Projects Abroad reviews here . 

• Why? Projects Abroad’s short-term volunteer trips provide opportunities to volunteer at healthcare facilities in Nepal with a focus on providing care to the underprivileged. Placements are based near Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and largest city, and the Chitwan region, which is renowned for its wildlife like rhinos and elephants. Projects Abroad volunteer placements in Nepal provide the opportunity to learn about the challenges of providing healthcare in the context of the developing world, and to make a positive impact in the lives of Nepalis while exploring the culture and natural beauty of the country. 
• More info about Projects Abroad

9. African Impact —9.21 rating

“My volunteering experience with African Impact has been incredible. It was the best adventure I have ever experienced and I feel very blessed and grateful to be a part of this amazing organisation. I have learned so much over one month, explored so many new places, made so many friends and mainly worked with some of the most inspiring people and children. I love the way that African Impact organisation works and it was a true pleasure to join you. I would definitely do it again. Thank you.” —Read more African Impact reviews here . 

• Where? Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Why? Even though Cape Town is largely known for its beautiful weather and access to spectacular nature and wildlife, the city also possesses many underprivileged inner-city communities. African Impact partners with schools and programs for young learners in vulnerable communities. Volunteer activities include helping teachers plan lessons, facilitating after-school programs, and aiding the development of children in foster care. 
• More info about African Impact

[ Browse ALL 1-2 Week Volunteer Program Providers ]

You’re ready to volunteer abroad for 1-2 weeks .

Who knew you could do so much during 1 week volunteer abroad programs?

So now you know the 9 best providers for up to two weeks volunteer abroad programs! If none of these are your cup of tea, mug of coffee, bowl of fermented milk, or whatever the beverage of choice is in the part of the world where you want to volunteer, then you can check out all the options on GoAbroad . There are thousands of options all around the world, so you are sure to find both providers and 1-2 week volunteer programs abroad that are just right for you!

The cornerstone of any worthwhile volunteer abroad program is that you’ll walk away with almost as much as you gave. To be sure, whichever volunteer program abroad you decide to do, you’ll help a valuable cause, make lasting friendships, and have an immersive cultural experience. Win-win!

If all these options are overwhelming and you’re not sure which program is right for you, then be sure to check out MyGoAbroad to compare all the programs on the site, access up-to-date info, bookmark programs, and more!

Use MyGoAbroad to Find 1-2 Week Volunteer Programs With Confidence

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Related Articles

7 best destinations for short term volunteer abroad programs, 10 pros and cons of volunteering abroad for one week, volunteering or voluntourism: what’s the difference, 13 best volunteer programs in south america, 8 steps to volunteering abroad asap, 12 fun ways to volunteer and vacation in 2024, popular searches, recommended programs, for travelers, travel resources, for partners.

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Humanitarian Trips

Experience the joy of serving others as you help transform lives.

Reasons to Join a Humanitarian Trip With Unto

• You share physical aid and the hope of Jesus.
• You grow closer to God.
• You forge lasting relationships.
• You learn to serve in a different culture.
• You can receive the blessing of blessing others.

It Is Easy to Join an Unto Humanitarian Trip

Upcoming Humanitarian Trips

April 30-may 13, 2024, southeast asia, spring southeast asia vision clinics 2, team leader: kim.

The prevalence of blindness and low vision in this Southeast Asian country is relatively high compared to other developing countries. Most of the causes of blindness and low vision are treatable or preventable. Landmines and other war-related injuries are a major cause of ocular injury.

You can help with this need by joining an Unto ®  vision clinic trip to tropical Southeast Asia. Through the clinic, you will help provide glasses to hundreds of people who need simple vision correction. You also will work alongside Unto partners, helping them expand their ministry through serving those in need.

You can help with this need by joining an Unto vision clinic trip to tropical Southeast Asia. Through the clinic, you will help provide glasses to hundreds of people who need simple vision correction. You also will work alongside Unto partners, helping them expand their ministry through serving those in need.

During the clinic, you will meet with local people one-to-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. As you spend time with them, you will have the opportunity to show them the kindness of Jesus.

Time is allotted for visiting local sites and enjoying Southeastern Asian culture.

No medical experience is required. At the beginning of the trip participants will receive training to test vision and fit eyeglasses.

May 17 - June 2, 2024

Zambia water, sanitation and hygiene summer mission, team leader: unto, cost: $4,500.

Unto is the humanitarian ministry of Cru and serves in the toughest places on earth to relieve suffering, restore dignity, and reveal the hope of Jesus. One way we do this is through our Clean Water Program.

Over half of Zambia’s population resides in rural areas and less than 50 percent of the rural population have basic access to a safe water source. By joining the WASH Summer Mission with Unto ® , you have the opportunity to participate in a project to install solar powered remote monitoring systems on existing hand pumps. The team will also participate in repairing non-functioning pumps and providing basic hygiene training.

In addition to the field work, you will explore ways to integrate ministry into your career as you spend time with local Cru ® staff members sharing the hope of Jesus with people in Zambia.

June 20 - July 12, 2024

Guatemala agriculture summer mission, cost: $3,500.

Are you passionate about the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20) as well as natural sciences, community development and sustainability?

Within the Humanitarian aid world, the concern is are we creating sustainable communities or dependency problems.

Unto is the humanitarian branch of Cru, an international ministry that creates movements everywhere, so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus . Unto serves in the toughest places on earth to relieve suffering, restore dignity, and reveal the hope of Jesus. One of the ways we do this is through agriculture workshops.

We serve farmers of all scales and backgrounds, coming alongside them by relieving food insecurity, empowering people through agricultural education, and revealing hope. Our workshops include components such as raised garden beds, composting, nutrition, drip irrigation kits, and pest management. We also include other content in our workshops considering what the specific community needs help with.

You can help relieve the suffering of people in Guatemala who struggle to make a living as subsistence farmers. The biggest challenges for Guatemalan farmers are changing markets, commercialized competition, and poor agro-practices. By joining the Agriculture Summer Mission with Unto ® , you have the opportunity to teach communities about how they can increase their yield, and farm more sustainably. You will see firsthand the practical and spiritual impact your agriculture, soil science, or natural science passion/education can have on a community.

In addition to participating workshops, you will explore ways to integrate ministry into your career as you spend time with local Cru ® staff members, and local students sharing the hope of Jesus with people in the heart of Guatemala. We will perform four-day workshops in villages, teaching families techniques to grow more while restoring soil for future generations.

Applications are open to all students, both Quarter or Semester schools! Click apply to submit an application to join us this summer in Guatemala!

*Please note that your support goal covers your international flight, but the cost of your travel to the team departure airport will be your responsibility. If you raise extra support, you are able to submit a form to be reimbursed for some or all of your personal payment for this expense. The application deadline is Monday, April 1st, 2024.*

May 19 - June 21, 2024

Greece refugee care summer mission, cost: $4,900.

In recent years, news broadcasts have been filled with stories of violence in the Middle East resulting in a refugee crisis. Men, women, and children flee from their homes, jobs, and friends, hoping to escape war and find safety. More than 1 million refugees traveled through Turkey, piled into small, overcrowded rubber boats, and faced the dangerous journey across the Aegean Sea to the shores of Greece. They hoped to pass through the islands and continue into Europe and beyond.

However, most European countries have closed their borders leaving those seeking asylum trapped in camps — unable to travel to a new destination and powerless to return home.

You can help relieve suffering, restore dignity and reveal the hope of Jesus to struggling refugees by traveling with Unto, Cru’s humanitarian branch, to a camp in Greece.

You will serve refugees by distributing aid, working in Men’s and Women’s community centers, playing with the kids and doing work around the camp.

May 31 - June 22, 2024

Colombia women’s health summer mission.

Women around the world face many physical, social, and spiritual challenges. In some cases, women are told little about their health, even to the point of becoming pregnant and giving birth without understanding what is happening to their bodies. Some women are uneducated; perhaps because their families won’t allow it, many lack feminine hygiene products so they miss a week of school every month and eventually drop out. And some women are silenced, oppressed; prevented from sharing their thoughts and coerced into believing someone else’s. Even with all of this going against them, we still believe that women are the key to a healthier society, as the ones who often raise a family and nurture a community. We seek to follow Jesus’ examples throughout Scripture, as he sees women and treats them with the dignity ascribed to them as ones created in the image of God.

You can help bring physical and spiritual healing to marginalized women by joining the Unto Women’s Health Summer Mission trip. In partnership with National Cru staff and their partners, you will participate in teaching health education workshops that provide life saving information, while building relationships that lead to Gospel conversations. When you participate in this trip, you help to share the kindness of Jesus in incredibly tough places by relieving suffering, restoring dignity, and revealing hope.

The Unto Women’s Health Summer Mission trip is open to female students with health related majors who have completed approximately two semesters with clinical rotation. Female students of other majors may be considered providing they have a medical/science background with some clinical knowledge and experience. Please still reach out if you’re interested but don’t quite meet this criteria yet…we’d love to talk more and see if this would be a good fit for you!

March 7-19, 2024

Middle east, middle east refugee care vision clinic, team leader: john, cost: $1950.

Refugees have entered this Middle East country in staggering numbers, having left behind families, friends, and homes to seek peace and safety. Many lack basic necessities and care. Unto ® field partners in the Middle East serve the local residents as well as the thousands of refugees by supplying items such as clothing, food, and school supplies. Unto humanitarian trip teams help with another serious need — vision impairment.

On this trip, you will travel to a country well known as a tourist travel destination and for its exceptional food. You will meet with refugees and residents one-to-one to assess vision needs and provide glasses. Through this project, you will have an incredible opportunity working with refugees to show the kindness of Jesus and help Unto field partners build ongoing relationships in these communities. In addition to providing glasses through our vision clinics, we will spend a few days in the capital city working to meet the needs of at risk people groups in crisis.

No medical experience is required. Trip participants will receive vision-testing training at the beginning of the trip.

October 12-20, 2024

Honduras vision clinic (central church members), cost: $1300 +airfare.

In the past Honduras was developed by the Mayas before Spanish colonization.  It is now a predominantly Spanish speaking and Roman Catholic.  It is in Central America and it is rich in natural resources.  They produce coffee, tropical fruit and sugar cane.

Be part of an Unto ® volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you will meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You also will have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of Jesus.

No experience is required. At the beginning of the trip, participants will receive training for vision testing and fitting eyeglasses.

March 30-April 6, 2024

El salvador, el salvador spring break vision clinics (destino), team leader: wes.

El Salvador — a land of beautiful beaches, sprawling coffee plantations, and lush rainforests — is the most densely populated country in Central America, with 40 percent of its population living in poverty. Be part of a Unto ®  volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision.

As a student on this trip, you will travel to the nation’s capital, San Salvador. The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city as well as in nearby rural areas. In the clinics you will meet with individuals to provide glasses and demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You also will have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of Jesus.

No experience is required. Trip participants will receive training for eyeglass fittings at the beginning of the trip.

Students only. This trip can accommodate a maximum of 15 people.

April 18-30, 2024

Spring southeast asia vision clinics, central asia, central asia vision clinics, team leader: scott.

Imagine being unable to see the faces of your family or being unable to work because you cannot see well enough to read. In Central Asia more than 1 million people live with untreated vision impairment. You can help solve this problem for many of them by providing a simple pair of glasses, and at the same time point them to Jesus.

Through this project, our field partners will be able to build relationships with families and show them Christ’s love and hope.

No medical experience is required. Trip participants will receive training for eyeglass fittings at the beginning of the trip.

June 7-18, 2024

Guatemala vision clinic.

During the 10th century, a complex network of trade routes turned Mayan cities into commercial and spiritual hubs. Guatemala still has that mystique today in historic cities like Antigua. However, in the capital, Guatemala City, the effects of the 36-year-long civil war (1960-1996) still can be felt, causing Guatemala to be one of the poorest countries in Central America.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You also will have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of the gospel.

August 10-18, 2024

Suriname vision clinic.

Suriname is the smallest country in South America.  It is covered with beautiful tropical rainforest. Suriname gained it independence the Netherlands in 1975.  It is considered to be culturally caribbean.  Dutch is the official language, however creole based English is also spoken.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you will meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You might also have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of Jesus.

Accommodations will be camp style all woman in one dormitory and all men men in another one.

July 25 - August 6, 2024

Summer southeast asia vision clinics, cost: $1500-$1800+airfare, lives are changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Participants from 16 to 80 years old and of all skill levels may take part in Unto trips. Volunteers with a personal relationship with Jesus and with sound health are welcome. Not all trips will be suitable for youth because of the type of work required or the emotional toll they may take. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Some trips may require more specialized skills, such as medical training. If special skills are required, this information will be mentioned in the trip description.

Team size depends on the destination and the trip strategy. Teams can be as small as four people or as large as 40.

The trip cost includes all in-country transportation, shared hotel or dormitory accommodations, three meals a day (plus drinking water), interpreter services, in-country visa fees, emergency evacuation assistance, and all taxes, tips, and fees.

The trip cost does not typically include airfare, pre-trip visa fees (if required), passport costs, immunizations, medications, baggage charges (unless you are asked to carry a bag of Unto aid), trip cancellation insurance, airport meals, or additional gifts or snacks you choose to bring.

No. We will plan travel and provide an airline itinerary for you through our travel agents. Then we will send you the information to contact the agent and purchase your ticket. Through the travel agent, you will be able to arrange both your domestic and international travel. Arranging travel in this way lowers flight costs and allows you to book “through” travel straight from your home airport while still traveling with the team internationally.

Trip participants and their supporters can pay by credit card through the participant’s giving page or by phone. Payments can also be made by check.  All payments and donations are tax-deductible and non-refundable .

All contributions to Unto are income tax deductible and are made with the understanding that Unto has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. Should you not go on the trip, or should more funds than needed be raised, we will consult with you to determine if the money will be held in your account for a future trip, be used for other expenses associated with the trip, or be given as a general donation to Unto Humanitarian Trips.

Your trip leader’s primary responsibility is the safety of the team. We are in touch with the U.S. State Department on all trips and are alert to changes in safety and security while overseas. While we do live in a complex world, Unto trips do not include what we consider unnecessary risks, either in locations visited or activities implemented.

We work to make sure all trips are as safe as possible. All Unto trip leaders are experienced in international ministry and trained in crisis management and CPR/first aid. At all times a crisis manager is on call in the states, and contingency plans are in place before all trips begin. Emergency evacuation coverage and supplemental health coverage are included in the cost of your trip.

In most cases the entire team will meet at the international departure airport in the U.S. and fly together to the destination country. Most trips require no pre-trip preparation or meetings as a team. If a trip does require pre-trip preparation, the team leader will provide this information before accepting you for the trip. Some trip leaders may schedule a group call before the trip for team introductions. Your trip leader will be in touch with you on an ongoing basis as you prepare for the trip.

Accommodations will vary depending on the country. Usually teams stay in a hotel or guest house chosen or recommended by our national hosts. Rooms are generally shared by two people of the same gender or by spouses. If you prefer a room to yourself, a single supplement fee will be charged.

In the areas where Unto serves, it is usually not possible to make accommodations for special dietary needs.

All available trips are listed on the website. If you do not see a trip that works for you, you can contact [email protected] to receive updates in the future. New trips are added all the time.

You can contact the trips department by emailing [email protected].

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Dental Volunteer Opportunities

Dental volunteer opportunities on dental missions with IMR give dentists, hygienists , dental assistants, and dental students the ability to provide no-cost dental care to adults and children in underserved and vulnerable communities around the world.

To help further global dental relief, each IMR medical mission trip is also a dental mission trip. These trips of 4-14 days give dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, dental students, and nonmedical volunteers with no previous dental experience the opportunity to work together directly with patients. Our dental volunteers provide the care patients desperately need and make a positive impact on their health and on their lives.

Dental mission trip volunteers provide free dental services for patients, both children and adults, who have never had dental care or have had limited access to it. Globally, dental care is limited in developing nations. Providing this much-needed service improves the overall health of the communities IMR serves.

IMR offers dental volunteer opportunities approximately 150 times per year through dental missions to communities in Africa, Asia, South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe in which volunteers can choose to serve. To give volunteers plenty of time to plan ahead, we schedule trips about a year in advance and post the schedule on our website . We rotate through the communities we visit, so a trip to Ecuador that might not be possible for a volunteer to participate with this year may be doable the next.

With Dental Volunteer Opportunities with IMR:

• We care for both pediatric and adult patients on every dental mission.
• We accept patients and volunteers of all faiths and backgrounds.
• Only 1.2% of your donation is earmarked for administrative and fundraising overhead, which means over 98% of your investment goes directly to the people, places, and programs in the country you select to serve in.
• We are active in more than 80 countries and operate more than 150 trips annually that run throughout the year.
• Trips start as low as $750 for our four-day missions. We want to make it as easy as possible for volunteers to participate from both a time and a financial perspective.
• Accommodations vary from adventurous trekking expeditions to luxury villas on the beach. Choose your trip to match your personal level of comfort, whether it’s budge travel or a five-star, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• IMR is featured within the American Dental Association’s database of volunteer organizations. We are the largest dental mission provider and serve the most countries of all those organizations featured.
• We return to each country in which we work at least once a year for follow-up care.

Dr. Nathan Pound shares his experience

Dr. don yamaoka describes his experience with imr, pre-dental student gains experience in nicaragua, roles for dentistry volunteers, dental & pre-dental students, dental assistants, office teams – group practice mission.

Resources for Volunteers on Dental Mission Trips

History of dental care and dental volunteer opportunities through imr.

Shauna King, IMR president and founder

I grew up in my father’s dental office. Once I got older, I spent my summers assisting chairside in the sterilization area. As a result, we well appreciate the value of a great dental clinic on our trips and strive to communicate the importance of good oral hygiene and dental care to our patients.

From the beginning, my goal for IMR was to provide three components in every clinic – medical, dental, and prevention/education. The dental care we provide focuses primarily on two key objectives: short-term and long-term dental health.

The first objective involves meeting the greatest needs of our patients – relieving oral pain and infection from untreated dental caries. We perform examinations, consultations, and extractions; we treat abscesses; and we refer patients with suspected oral cancers to local medical providers.

Second, and equally important, involves the long-term sustainability of good oral health and hygiene practices. We do this by providing  cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral hygiene instruction.

Our goal is far greater than simply to treat acute dental needs today; it is to save teeth in the future by providing oral hygiene education and toothbrushes to our patients, along with helping to educate local dental students whenever possible.

Sustainability is a key component of our dental care, and conducting community outreach to define the breakdown in dental health is important. We strive for our dental volunteers to educate patients on the root cause of disease in caries, including poor nutrition, access to refined sugars, hydrating with sugary soda drinks, lack of fluoride, and poor hygiene habits. Some rural communities we visit use soda drinks as a means of hydration or sugar treats to pacify children. These lead to early tooth decay that often becomes unrecoverable.

Working Internationally at the Local Level

For the most part, our patients have never seen a dentist; we often see patients at our clinics with dental care as their primary concern. Caries have pitted out their teeth and they need extractions.

We have also seen some fairly serious cases over the years where impacted teeth have affected a patient’s overall health and well-being. Once we saw a small boy in Kenya whose lower teeth were growing down rather than up causing them to break the skin underneath his chin.

Every case is different, but when the oral health is so severely compromised, often the only way to improve overall health is through removing the caries causing infection by removing the teeth.

Dntal volunteers typically provide four days of treatment during a week-long clinic. Dentists see an average of 20-40 patients per day depending on the severity of the cases, the length of time needed with each patient, and the number of extractions per patient. If we have the opportunity to work in conjunction with a local dental school, we may be able to easily treat several hundred patients in just a few days.

We always seek out local international dentists on our trips. They travel with us to the remote villages and assist with our clinics, working alongside our dentists. Often there is mutual learning and sharing involved. Our dentists learn the local techniques for teeth brushing and tongue cleaning while they demonstrate advanced techniques to the local dentists.

Because IMR clinics return to the same villages year after year, our goal is to provide enough education about home care that we work ourselves out of a job in every community we work in. We have successfully been able to move out of certain village and into new ones.

Dental Volunteer Opportunities on Mission Trips with IMR

Volunteering on a dental mission trip with IMR can be a life-changing experience. Some dentists go with us right before they retire as a bucket-list accomplishment; others have gone on many trips with us. We have some volunteers that make an IMR trip an annual event and bring their office staff or family along for the experience – everyone who goes on an IMR trip has a valuable role to play whether he or she is a medical or dental professional or not. Nonmedical volunteers are critical to our clinic operations.

To volunteer as a dentist, one must have an active license. We also require malpractice insurance, and we have resources that can help with easily obtaining a short-term policy. Many retired dentists have volunteered with us by working with patients with their oral health and hygiene, providing fluoride treatments, and helping practicing dentists, and an active license is not required. We have no requirements for maximum or minimum number of dental volunteers per trip – even one dentist of hygienist on a trip can make a big difference in the lives of our patients.

In addition to providing the overall trip cost, which varies depending on the destination, volunteers need a passport (sometimes a visa), vaccinations based on the destination, and money for souvenirs. Dentists can bring their own instruments or rent a kit from us at a nominal fee that offsets the cost of the instruments.

For student volunteers, learning from a preceptor in the field and getting hands-on patient care and interaction is invaluable. These experiences set them apart on their resumes. They also receive beneficial letters of recommendation from their mentors. Often, our student volunteers stay in touch for years with their dental mentors.

Volunteers work hard in clinic, but each of our trips includes some kind of vacation component that the volunteers look forward to. Depending on the location, we will typically take a day or two to go on a safari, visit a beach resort, or experience a country’s history and culture. During some trips, our housing is in a resort hotel so every evening after clinic is like a mini vacation on its own. Even in the most rustic of locations, we find many ways for our volunteers to relax and have fun. Oftentimes, our volunteers will take the opportunity to extend their stay after clinic is over for an unforgettable international vacation.

For dental professionals who can’t go on a trip but would still like to support our mission, there are many ways to help out. For example, donations of dental supplies are incredibly valuable to us. Dental offices may also choose to sponsor a student who is fundraising to go on a trip, making his or her efforts just a bit easier. Or you may sponsor oral health and hygiene education for an entire village to help improve the community’s overall health.

Join Us in Making a Difference.

You can join an IMR medical mission team or donate today!

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Preparing for Your First Humanitarian Trip: What You Need to Know

Embarking on your first humanitarian trip can be an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. At Be Humanitarian, we believe in the transformational power of these journeys. They are opportunities to help others while growing personally. But adequate preparation is vital to ensure you can contribute effectively and also enjoy your time abroad. We’ve curated some essential advice to prepare you for your inaugural humanitarian trip.

Understanding the Nature of Your Trip

Your first humanitarian trip is not a vacation. It is a selfless commitment to bettering the lives of individuals who desperately need assistance. Be prepared for hard work, irregular schedules, and occasional discomfort. You might face unexpected challenges, but remember, these experiences are part of the journey. They often lead to some of the most profound personal growth and rewarding moments.

Research and Respect the Local Culture

Before you go, it’s crucial to understand the local culture of your destination. In our case, Guatemala has a rich and diverse culture. Studying local customs, traditions, and basic phrases in the native language can go a long way toward establishing respectful, effective communication with locals. Respect is at the heart of every successful humanitarian trip. By honoring their customs and values, you can build trust and rapport, which significantly enhances your impact.

Health and Safety Preparations

The health and safety aspects of a humanitarian trip are crucial. Make sure to schedule a visit to your healthcare provider to discuss any vaccinations or medications you may need. It’s also wise to review your insurance coverage for international travel.

Being informed about potential health risks in the region, such as food and water safety or mosquito-borne illnesses, is critical. Your physical well-being directly impacts your ability to serve, so take these precautions seriously.

Pack Wisely

On your humanitarian trip, practicality trumps fashion. You might be involved in manual labor or working in areas with limited facilities. Comfortable, durable clothing and sturdy shoes are a must. Remember to pack essentials such as a first-aid kit, water purifier, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Create a detailed packing list and prioritize essentials over non-necessities.

Mental and Emotional Preparedness

Your first humanitarian trip can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You might witness poverty or suffering that you’ve never encountered before. Mental and emotional preparedness are just as important as your physical readiness. Consider speaking with former volunteers about their experiences. Reflecting on your motivations and expectations can also help you build resilience and stay focused on your mission.

Maintain an Attitude of Flexibility

Plans can change quickly on a humanitarian trip. A sudden change in weather, unexpected needs in the community, or other unforeseen events might require a shift in plans. Flexibility and patience are vital qualities for volunteers. Remember, you are there to serve, and sometimes, serving might look different than you initially expected.

Embrace the Journey

Finally, while the work you do is vital, don’t forget to embrace the journey. Your humanitarian trip to Guatemala will be a unique, life-changing experience. Savor the moments, learn from the people you meet, and let the experience change you. Your trip will likely involve hard work, but it should also include laughter, learning, and making connections with people from different walks of life.

Preparing for your first humanitarian trip involves a combination of logistical planning, cultural understanding, and mental readiness. While it may feel daunting, remember the immense positive impact you’re about to make. Every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth, and every moment of service brings hope to those you’re helping. At Be Humanitarian, we’re with you every step of the way, ensuring your first humanitarian trip is as impactful and rewarding as possible. Join us on one of our journeys today!

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