Volunteer abroad programs at NGOs, schools and local communities

Why should you do a volunteer abroad program?

Volunteer abroad programs are great to meet people from different backgrounds and with a lot to share. When you volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation you can save money and make a difference doing social work. You can have real and valuable positive effect on people’s lives and communities by working abroad as a teacher, gardener, photographer, cook or performing many other tasks. Volunteering can help you gain confidence and open your mind by giving you the chance to try something new, beyond your comfort zone. It will also teach you valuable skills for your personal and professional life.

Benefits of participating in volunteer abroad programs:

• Giving back
• Cultural immersion
• Language skills
• Personal growth
• Cross-cultural communication
• Networking
• Professional development
• Travel opportunities
• Increased open-mindedness
• Long-lasting friendships

Volunteering for an NGO abroad: your top questions answered

Volunteer abroad programs with Worldpackers

Looking for volunteer abroad programs? Worldpackers hosts offer you accommodation, meals and other benefits in exchange for a few hours of volunteer work a day, with days off every week. 

Volunteer abroad with Worldpackers to save money and travel longer with our one-year membership. 

Check our host list to find places to help. Still not sure? Talk to one of our experts or read the stories from our community of more than 1 million worldpackers around the world. Become a member to make your trip a reality.

3 reasons to volunteer abroad with children

How to pick a social project?

Volunteer abroad programs are beneficial to you and the people you help. To pick a social project, think about your best skill but also the ones you wanna learn or improve. 

You can help a school, community or NGO with teaching, household chores, child care, or even web design. Try and find a volunteer position that matches what you can offer.

Another good tip is to find volunteer positions that match your budget. Some hosts offer 2 or 3 meals a day, which is a great help for backpackers! 

You can use the filters available at the Worldpackers platform to see all the available positions in a certain location or choose by host type, tasks needed, skills, travel length, hours of collaboration per week, accommodation type, additional benefits and much more. 

Another great feature of the website is the possibility to send messages to previous volunteers, asking them more information about the volunteer abroad programs that spike your interest.

How to volunteer abroad using Worldpackers

How can you help as a volunteer?

Many people don’t know, but social work can go from child care to administration. Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different and discover hidden talents like arts, painting, decorating or gardening. NGOs, schools and communities need help with social media, content writing, video making, photography, cleaning, cooking, housekeeping and many other tasks.

NGOs, schools and communities can teach you a lot about innovative ways to do social work in practice. Through our volunteer abroad programs you can help your host in many ways in exchange for free accommodation and benefits in + 100 countries. 

You don’t need to have previous experience, but rather a willingness to help!

Volunteer in NGOs abroad

Volunteer in farms abroad

Can I teach English abroad?

Teaching English is among the many things you can do as a volunteer abroad. Even if you don’t have experience in teaching, you can learn about inclusive teaching methods as a volunteer.

You can change someone’s reality by teaching languages. For many people that live in poor regions of the world, learning a second language is an opportunity to have a better quality of life.

Through Worldpackers volunteer abroad programs you can teach English as a second language in many countries of the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, China and Spain. 

Volunteer to gain practical experience, learn from local teachers and improve your communication and leadership skills! For first-time teachers, we encourage you to learn more about fun ways to teach, such as educational games and music. Your journey can change someone's life for the better. Give it a try. ;)

You can get more information about how to teach English abroad with one of our expert travelers or read stories from worldpackers who have had volunteer experiences browsing through our blog.

• Volunteer teaching in Nicaragua with a Worldpackers social impact program
• How to teach English in Japan
• Teaching English and becoming part of an Italian family in Genoa

Tips for volunteering abroad

Social work projects are always looking for socially engaged travelers willing to help other people. Except for some very specific projects, you don't need to have special skills to be a volunteer. If you're travelling alone, this is an awesome way to meet other volunteers and live with the locals. First time volunteering? Worldpackers has partnered with inspiring and committed projects worldwide to help you find the best volunteer abroad programs!

Tips for making the most of your volunteer program:

• Clear any doubts with your prospective host
• Do your research and respect cultural norms
• Stay flexible and open minded
• Interact and build relationships with locals
• Reflect and learn from your experiences

The volunteer experience: what is like to work in an NGO abroad?

Check out some of our best volunteer abroad opportunities

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