Volunteer Latin America is another free and low-cost abroad volunteer organization that is specifically focused on one region of the world: Latin America. Volunteer Latin America strives to do most of the work of organizing for you, giving you time to focus on what you are really interested in: volunteering and traveling. To help you understand this, they even list the difference of learning Spanish abroad verses volunteering abroad what the benefit of each program type is.
If you are someone who prefers to plan things on your own, a basic membership will give you full access to all of the low cost or free international volunteering projects. Once you register and pay for your membership, you will have access to the full listings. You can easily search their information by choosing a specific country you would like to work in, a category of projects, or other kinds of keyword matches.
Remember that different projects have different costs, perks, and duration requirements. Once you find a listing that looks good to you, you can contact that organization directly. If they accept you, you can get started on making plans! Others might pay for everything — including your flights! The variety of projects on Volunteer Latin America is really impressive — you can find just about anything, as long as you would like to work somewhere in the Latin American part of the world.
Hopefully this has given you a good starting place for researching your own free volunteer abroad program, but it is by no means a comprehensive list of all the options that are available to you! For example, there are a number of country-specific or project-specific organizations that can offer you enjoyable experiences for free or at a very low cost. For example, there are organizations that specialize in sea turtle conservation, but are located all over the world.
On the other hand, there are organizations that are only located in New Zealand or Bolivia and have options for free or low cost volunteer opportunities abroad in a variety of different project areas. In this way, it might be a better idea to narrow down your search that way. It seems obvious, but even doing a simple Google search for your specific country or area of interest can make a world of difference in your search for free volunteering abroad.
In any case, this list is enough to show you that doing free volunteer work abroad does not have to cost you a very large amount. If you are working for free, after all, why should it be unaffordable to you? In above chapters, we discussed the possibilities of free volunteering, its limitations, and provided you with a list of things to be wary of when selecting an abroad volunteering organization.
There are also many paid volunteer programs out there in the world. In the following chapters, we will discuss different options for paid volunteering that may interest you.
Many paid opportunities to work or volunteer overseas do exist. They are often funded by the government or other large international humanitarian organizations.
These programs offer the same exciting opportunities for volunteering, personal growth and skill-sharing as other volunteer projects, but they also cover all your related expenses and offer a salary or living allowance on top of everything else. There may also be a minimum time commitment. The Peace Corp is a paid volunteer abroad program that was created in to deepen cultural understanding between Americans and citizens of other countries.
Their mission is achieved through the provision of technical assistance that contributes to economic and social development. Around a quarter of a million Americans have served in the Peace Corps, in over countries around the world. Volunteers must make a long term commitment — 2 years plus an initial training period , which totals around 27 months. The screening process is very thorough and time consuming, so expect to apply at least nine months before you'd like to depart.
Finally, many projects only recruit volunteers with specific qualifications, educational backgrounds or experience. Since this UK based organization has been working to rid the world of poverty by providing people with a way to work together on development issues. Although it was once easy to get a place on a VSO scheme, regardless of your experience or background, since only skilled and professional applicants are considered for this paid volunteer abroad opportunity.
However, an alternative program ICS is in place for undergraduates who would like to get involved. A great chance to get directly involved with community work in several areas — education, the environment and agriculture — while gaining experience that will boost any resume. Couples are welcome to apply, and all volunteers get to choose where they go and what they do. An allowance —around what a local graduate would earn — is paid to volunteers to spend on things like personal toiletry items or social activities, as both food and housing costs are covered by the organization.
Long term volunteer opportunities are restricted to professionals with relevant training and experience. Participants must pay for their own airfare. UN Volunteers is the organization responsible for recruiting and placing willing helpers into development programs operated by the United Nations.
Established in , each year more than people participate. This reflects the focus on promoting social, economic and cultural growth through volunteering at a grassroots level. All volunteers get a settlement allowance, and a regular living allowance which covers housing, utility charges, daily living expenses, comprehensive insurance and return airfare.
Opportunities are limited for anyone without certain desirable skills or qualifications. Although great for solo volunteers, here are fewer opportunities for those who want to bring their family along. Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst DED. European Voluntary Service and. In addition to government programs like the Peace Corps, VSO and others, there are some special paid volunteer abroad programs funded by the government of the destination country to meet particular needs.
Not only can you volunteer for free, but various costs related to taking part in this kind of project are covered. In return, a longer time commitment is expected.
It was developed to help improve the English language skills of children, which in turn should help to speed Chile's development in the 21st century. In operation since , this Pacific island based program was developed to improve the English language levels of students at all stages of the compulsory education system. This is a challenging placement. Paid abroad volunteers go without the creature comforts or access to supplies you may be used to, especially if placed on the outer islands.
Basic housing is provided, along with return airfare from the USA, health insurance, meals, a monthly stipend to cover daily personal expenses and full support from staff. Besides government funded paid volunteer abroad programs, there are a few programs that are not technically volunteering programs, but give you opportunities to travel, help, and explore. Many of these programs offer free airfare and accommodations, in exchange for your work.
English teaching abroad programs are similar to paid volunteer overseas programs in many aspects. If you yearn to immerse yourself in a foreign culture for a year or two but need a regular income, then teaching English as a foreign language is a great way to make that happen.
There are jobs available all around the world, and not all require previous experience or teaching qualifications. Second language skills are not usually essential, especially for entry-level jobs. Most jobs expect you to commit to working for 6 months, and many expect teachers to work very long hours, which may leave you short of time and energy to enjoy the country and culture you're living in.
Also, be prepared for some pre-trip expenses, as more and more destinations now require foreign English teachers to have at least an undergraduate degree, while visa conditions may also need applicants to produce a clean national criminal record check and have this, plus their degree certificate verified as genuine. Paid teaching in China. China is a growing market for TEFL teaching, and salaries are rising to reflect this. Most jobs provide accommodation, and apartments tend to be larger than those on offer in other parts of Asia.
If money or gaining good experience is your priority, look for work in a language school. If you prefer a lighter schedule and have a decent resume, look at university-based teaching positions.
Accommodation is generally provided. The TALK program is open to undergraduates who have completed a certain percentage of their degree. Most language school jobs use recruiters to screen candidates. Use as many as you can and don't be pressured into applying for every job they suggest. Learn more: Teach English in Korea. Paid teaching in Taiwan. A fascinating country offering lots of great food, history and cultural adventure. If you want to embark on a paid volunteer program abroad in Taiwan, you may consider teaching abroad instead.
Taiwan is perfect for teachers with a TEFL qualification. Accommodation is not always provided but rates are reasonable and affordable on the average salary. Cities can be quite polluted, but the countryside is clean and beautiful. Learn more: EslcafeJoblist, Reach to teach recruiting. Paid teaching in Japan. Japan is a popular choice for both new and experienced English teachers as an alternative to paid abroad volunteering, attracted to the rich cultural landscape and amazing food.
The cost of living is fairly high, especially if living in the capital city, but the average starting salary should provide enough income for some travel adventures and a social life. It is possible to pick up extra work in Japan, whether that is through private tutoring, modelling, acting and so on. Most large language schools e.
Paid teaching in other Asian countries. Teaching in Asian countries such as Cambodia, Thailand or Laos is a great way to explore, travel and fund a fantastic cultural experience, but it is difficult to save much on the salaries offered, Vietnam is becoming a good place to teach and save a little. Work permits are officially only issued to college graduates, and this rule is becoming stricter now.
Paid teaching in the Middle East. Although this option is not as accessible for people looking for paid abroad volunteer opportunities, English teachers with previous experience and a relevant graduate degree have access to high paying tax-free jobs in the Middle East.
Accommodation is usually either provided or paid for via an allowance. TEFL teachers without enough experience or education for the top jobs can still find well-paid work in Saudi Arabia. In many areas of this region male applicants will find it easier to find well-paid work and experience a more relaxed lifestyle than foreign female teachers will. Learn more: Teachaway - Teach in Saudi Arabia.
Paid teaching in South America. Look at South American locations if you are happy earning enough to cover your daily living expenses, have some kind of social life and travel domestically or to nearby countries. Though it's unlikely you'll save lots of cash, your monthly salary will be enough to guarantee a comfortable lifestyle.
If teaching abroad sounds like a good alternative to paid volunteer abroad work, you may consider working toward a TEFL certification. Although there are English teaching positions open to completely inexperienced native English speakers, securing a related qualification definitely opens more doors.
If you'd like to get certified it makes sense to study while actually doing the job — especially as demonstrating your new skills in the classroom is often a part of the process anyhow. There are lots of companies around who offer either TEFL training followed by a guaranteed job or run the course alongside the work placement. Teaching English Abroad -Transitionsabroad. Au pair : an alternative to paid volunteer abroad. If you are interested in spending some time abroad, want the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the language or culture, and also want or need to cover your expenses the best solution is to explore short term paid work options.
These jobs may be temporary or seasonal but they offer you the unique chance to truly experience another country, in a way tourists cannot, along with practical experience to boost your resume and enough cash to cover your living expenses. If you are reliable, love children, find it easy to adapt to living with other people and have a sense of adventure this is a great option to consider.
Working as an au pair abroad involves making a short-term commitment to care for a family's young children, and in some cases to do some light household chores. Au pairs work part time, leaving plenty of opportunity to go sightseeing, learn the host country's language — independently or in a language school, or pursue any other interests you may have. There are thousands of positions available around the world, but specifically across Europe.
This is great news for those nationalities - such as non-EU citizens - who have fewer opportunities to combine work and travel in that region. Au pairs are provided with a private bedroom and all meals, along with a monthly salary that could range from 75 — Euros , depending on the country, and the hours they are contracted to work.
Some au pairs will get the chance to travel for free with their host family. Both long and short-term au pair positions are available, so there's lots of choice and flexibility out there.
From a few weeks to several months — you get to decide where and how long for you work. Plus, if you choose to find work through a specialist recruitment agency you'll need to budget for the cost of their services — which include through checks on host families and support throughout your employment term. Paid internship abroad. If you have a clear vision about your future career path, and like the idea of getting some direct experience in an international setting then a paid internship offers the best of all worlds.
Live abroad while gaining hands-on work experience and a salary to boot. Internships abroad provide a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and make valuable contacts without losing out financially. Interns, who may be either under or post-graduate, are generally given an allowance that is more than competitive within the local economy. Places on paid internship abroad schemes are very popular, so be prepared to fight off a lot of competition.
Plus, many are restricted to applicants with a high-achieving educational record. Compared to volunteer abroad programs, paid internships usually have longer working hours and a more demanding workload.
Work Experience Program - Allianceabroad. Bartending at a tropical beach resort, running an activity program for children, picking fruit and working at a stunning ski destination — these are just a few of the fun seasonal work opportunities available around the world. There are lots of jobs offering decent rates of pay, and many also offer related perks such as free food and accommodation, a ski pass or access to leisure facilities.
Additionally, seasonal work is often available in regions like Europe, where volunteer opportunities are often thin on the ground. Seasonal workers are generally expected to work hard for several days a week, so time off may be limited or non-existent.
While accommodation and food will probably be provided it is likely to be fairly basic. Finally, there are fewer opportunities for workers without any particular skills to offer. Any work anywhere. Season workers. Flight is one of the biggest expenses when it comes to international volunteering. If you research online, you will realize that it is extremely difficult to volunteer abroad with flights included.
There are only a few special group programs and high school summer programs that allow you to volunteer abroad with flights included. Additionally, some special programs such as the Peace Corps, VSO, and other long-term government programs allow you to volunteer abroad with free flights and accommodation.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions on flights to you understand how to volunteer abroad flights included:. Except for some high school group volunteer programs and other special projects, most volunteer abroad programs do not cover airfare.
If the airfare is included, please take note that the program fee would be very high as the organization has already included a pre-determined usually high cost of flight. It is usually cheaper for you to book your own airfare as you will have the freedom to book cheap, budget airlines and make your booking during promotional periods.
Applicants that choose to not volunteer abroad with flights included often wonder how they can get the best airfare deal, especially if this is their first time traveling internationally. Please keep in mind that most volunteer organizations do not book air ticket for you. But worry not! This is due to the simple fact that you can easily find the best airfare by just doing some internet research.
So, unless it is a volunteer abroad program including flights, you will have to spend some time researching among the airlines. Booking your flight ticket is very easy as you can do it online in just a few minutes!
Please keep in mind that volunteer organizations usually do not have any special link with air carriers. They will therefore not be able to influence the price and get you a cheap airfare, even if it is with a local airline.
You can find cheap airfare online just by doing simple internet research and comparing prices among different airlines, if you choose to not volunteer abroad flights included! There are also many websites such as Kayak and Trip Advisor, where you can compare the price of different airlines and save your time.
These sites also sometimes offer you last minute deals for cheaper air tickets!! The cost of an international flight is affected by many factors such as the season, airline, travel destination, and booking time. If you travel in high demand seasons such as Christmas or summer , the cost of airfare will go up as there will be a lot of people traveling for the holidays, including students. Your cost of flight will also go up if you book airfare at the last minute.
It is best to plan carefully in advance to get the best flight deal possible and save up on your expenditure! Most volunteers that opt to not volunteer abroad flights included tend to book their airfare online. There are many websites that help you to compare prices between different airlines to go to your selected destination. Websites such as Trip Advisor and Kayak are excellent sources to compare flight deals.
If you search for discounted airfare for international humanitarian workers, you will come across many sites such as Fly For Good , Safe Harbors , Wilcoxtravel , and to offer discounted flights for volunteers. You can check them out for the value deals prior to your trip preparation.
However, our research shows that websites such as Cheap air, Kayak, and Trip Advisor are the best and most reliable sources to get the most excellent airfare deals. You can reduce your airfare cost significantly with careful planning and advanced booking. Never book at the last minute as flight costs will be very high as the departure date nears.
It is highly advisable to compare the prices of different airlines online before choosing the best airfare. If possible, avoid planning your volunteer abroad trip in peak travel seasons as the travel costs will skyrocket! Some volunteers find it useful to create Google Alerts for last minute deals from airlines. You can also subscribe to fare alterations from sites such as Trip Advisor.
You can find very cheap flight tickets from budget airlines such as Spirit to reduce your travel cost. Is there any volunteer abroad program with free flights and accommodation? Unfortunately, there are rarely ever volunteer abroad programs with free flights and accommodation. Please understand that volunteer organizations often do not get funding to run their programs and their overhead costs are covered solely through donations and program fees paid by volunteers.
However, there are indeed a few programs where volunteers are provided with free flight and accommodation! These programs often need a long-term commitment, so check them out if you have plenty of time on your hands! It is indeed possible to volunteer abroad flight included, but we hope that this section has managed to convince you that you will get a better deal for your money by booking your own airfare. Just give yourself sufficient time to compare prices between different airlines and book in advance, you will be all set to go!
This comprehensive Volunteer Abroad Guide is jam-packed with comprehensive information so you can begin your life-changing adventure without a hitch. We have packed this guide full of invaluable information that will help you every step of your volunteer journey — from researching volunteer organizations to following through and continuing to support your volunteer project of choice.
Do you want to learn more about the impact you can have as an individual when you travel internationally to donate your time to people in need? Welcome to the first section of this volunteer abroad guidebook. When you join a volunteer abroad program, you travel to a third world country as part of a humanitarian initiative to donate your time, skills, labor, and experience to support a local project.
Although motivation may vary, people who embark on this type of trip have passion for serving those in need and love helping other. These trips combine travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that have both a positive impact on you and the community you serve.
Because we work with a range of charitable organizations all over the world, we can offer you the choice of a number of exciting programs. Whether you want to volunteer in Asia, Africa, Latin America or elsewhere, we have you covered. All of our volunteer opportunities around the world are conducted in partnership with legitimate local organizations such as clinics , wildlife reserves and orphanages.
You can rest assured that your efforts in volunteering will be truly appreciated and help to create lasting change in these places. Once you have browsed our range of volunteer programs around the world and decided on which ones best suit your needs and objectives, we will help create a custom itinerary for you.
As a custom offering, there may be a small additional fee levied by us for organizing this for you. We will take care of absolutely everything from accommodation to visa documentation, so that you can concentrate on immersing yourself in the volunteer experience of your choice.
By now you are probably ready to get volunteering, or at least have some questions about where to get started. If you have any questions or queries about our Volunteer opportunities around the world, or you would like some assistance with crafting a custom volunteering program, please contact us today.
Our friendly staff are waiting to help you find the volunteering opportunity that best suits you. Call Me Back. Our Mission Is Volunteering for you? What is Volunteer Abroad? Why do you want to volunteer abroad? Is Volunteering really for Me? How can you make volunteer abroad experience rewarding? Our local staff are also in the best position to determine where volunteers are genuinely needed and are confident in providing guidance, safe supervision and support to our IVHQers.
As the field of volunteer travel develops, we are determined to lead the way in developing responsible volunteering practices and policies that are world-class and can be adopted by all companies running volunteer travel programs. We are committed to ensuring the long-term impact of our programs and operations are effective in supporting the communities we work with, while ensuring that IVHQ can continue to thrive long into the future.
See the Responsible Volunteer Travel Section for further information. This pre-departure support includes access to our interactive volunteer training , available exclusively to IVHQers. Monday to Friday, our volunteers are committed to making valuable contributions to their projects. Saturday to Sunday, our volunteers are making the most of the opportunities to explore more of their host countries cue Machu Picchu, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal etc etc.
While we are based in New Zealand, our staff visit our volunteer programs personally to work with our local teams to continually improve and develop our programs, and ensure we are implementing IVHQ Best Practices across all of the countries we work in.
For those who want to explore this incredible area but want to help local people in the community, check out our Zambia program. Want to go into the wild and protect endangered species?
A typical day on the Wildlife Conservation project includes game drives, vegetation sampling, camera trapping, habitat assessments, monitoring of rare and endangered species and much more. If you want to volunteer in South Africa on a community focused project, we have plenty in and around Cape Town to choose from. Or, for the ultimate adventure, combine our Kruger project with one from Cape Town!
Volunteers on the Ghana program consistently rave about the immersive cultural experience and welcoming community vibes. The local team has a long history of providing dedicated support to ensure IVHQ volunteers achieve positive outcomes across the communities they work within.
Explore our volunteer opportunities in Ghana below. Explore the Ghana program Apply to volunteer in Ghana. The volunteer work itself in South Africa receives outstanding reviews from IVHQ volunteers, making it one of the best volunteer programs in Africa.
With volunteer projects like Surf Outreach , Teaching English and Sports Development , there is a significant focus on youth development and increasing access to education in Cape Town. Looking for a conservation project or want to go on safari in South Africa?
Morocco is a glowing cultural hub with a unique fusion of European, African and Middle Eastern influences that result in an upbeat lifestyle, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. Explore the Morocco program Apply to volunteer in Morocco. Known for its laid back culture and beautiful beaches, rainforests and volcanoes, Costa Rica is consistently a top pick for those looking to volunteer in Central America.
Volunteering in Guatemala is the ultimate adventure for those who like to go off the beaten track. With a rich fusion of Mayan and Spanish cultures, there are plenty of fascinating colonial towns, ancient Mayan ruins and quaint rural villages to explore.
Explore the Guatemala program Apply to volunteer in Guatemala. For many volunteers, their experiences volunteering in Peru are some of the best of their lives. With 10 different project options , you can choose volunteer work such as Amazonian Jungle Conservation or the Medical Volunteer project. Explore the Peru program Apply to volunteer in Peru. Nestled high in the Andes, Quito is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South America, however there is still a great need for volunteers to assist with the development of the city.
Explore the Ecuador program Apply to volunteer in Ecuador. Argentina draws in tourists from around the globe for many reasons - its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, vibrant culture and so much more. Explore the Argentina program Apply to volunteer in Argentina. Our local team on the ground is extremely passionate about their local initiatives, making it easy for volunteers to go above and beyond to make a difference.
Volunteer work in Colombia is based either in the capital of Bogota or the coastal city of Cartagena. Programs include Childcare , Elderly Care , Teaching and more. Explore the Colombia program Apply to volunteer in Colombia. Our Belize program is based on a stunning private island 45 minutes from mainland Belize in the Caribbean, with a focus on preserving endangered marine life.
Volunteers receive comprehensive training so they can assist local marine biologists to gather data, conduct surveys and remove invasive species. You can expect to see lionfish, corals, whale sharks, turtles, queen conch and many more fascinating underwater species on your dives. Volunteers monitor the reef, whale sharks and other marine life, eradicate invasive species, help set sustainable fishing limits and take part in weekly beach clean-ups to preserve the fragile reef ecosystem, protect against global warming and remove harmful plastics from the ocean.
Explore the Belize program Apply to volunteer in Belize. Our USA volunteer programs bring people from all walks of life together under one common cause.
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