Why choose World Endeavors for your volunteer project?

World Endeavors’ international volunteer programs match participants with certain interests or skills to specific service projects in need of hands-on help. Our volunteer programs are immersive – volunteers live in the communities they serve, meet local people, learn the language, and experience local customs and traditions.

Embarking on an international volunteer program is a life-changing experience that emboldens participants and inspires them to notice, care, and engage more fully in their world.

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

Eligibility

Applicants to most of our programs must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. There is no age limit for participating in a World Endeavors program. World Endeavors volunteers are students, graduates, professionals, families, couples, and retirees. We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who are hardworking and dedicated to contributing to a community abroad.

A successful international volunteer doesn’t impose personal perceptions and beliefs, but instead stays open to the needs of the community and responds in an appropriate and respectful way. World Endeavors volunteers should be willing to experience a certain amount of culture shock as a part of the process of widening their comfort zone, recognizing and letting go of cultural stereotypes and expectations. In this sense, volunteers should expect to be challenged as well as transformed. Our volunteer programs are meant to be powerful, formative experiences that appeal to someone looking to contribute time, effort, skills, and compassion to serving a local community on their terms.

Health & Safety

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety.

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

  • Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

  • Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
  • Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
  • 2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Assistance with resume updates
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

Our Volunteer Projects

Browse our full range of volunteer projects. If you don’t find your preferred program here then please use our program finder.

Volunteer Abroad
Indonesia

Culture Week Volunteer in Bali, Indonesia

Get ready for an action packed week full of exciting adventures, cultural excursions, and making friends from all around the world! Indonesia is one of the most interesting countries in the world for cultural learning and experiences. Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handicrafts, and performing arts.

Culture Week Volunteer in Bali, Indonesia

Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies and public shows. Culture Week is packed full of exciting adventures, cultural excursions and interactions. It includes language lessons, visits to various temples around Bali, a walking tour of Ubud and the famous Monkey street, local art and cooking classes, traditional dance shows and flower arranging classes. During Culture Week, you will be participating in various activities and will get acquainted with the Balinese culture, studying the Balinese language and exploring Ubud and its beautiful surrounding areas.

You will see a tr

Volunteer Abroad
India

Culture Week Volunteer in Goa, India

Spend your first week in India experiencing the beauty and culture of Goa, getting to know the people, exploring India's natural treasures, relaxing on the pristine beaches, visiting local markets, historic forts and churches, and learning about Goan history and heritage.

Culture Week Volunteer in Goa, India

Learn to cook an Indian meal and take home with you an unforgettable experience. You will have the opportunity to participate in language lessons, cooking classes, yoga sessions, sightseeing, visits to authentic Indian homes, workshops that will introduce you to the culture, visits to our project locations and much more! Goa Culture Week highlights:

  • Visit to Old Goa and spice plantation
  • Mapusa city visit and local market
  • Self defense class, cooking class, Indian Chai tea-making session, yoga class and local language lesson
  • Visit Candolim, Sinquerim and Anjuna beaches
  • Sightseeing tour of Panjim to visit the markets, churches and other important sites in Goa’s state capital
Volunteer Abroad
Fiji

Coral Coast Culture Week Volunteer in Fiji

Culture Week is a great way to get acclimated and get to know other volunteers before starting your project! During this week, we'll introduce you to Fiji's diverse geographical and cultural environment by fostering a deeper understanding of cultural similarities and differences through experiential learning.

Coral Coast Culture Week Volunteer in Fiji

Various crafts give Fiji a unique identity that along with traditional etiquette and local architecture tells a story of culture and its evolution over time. You will be invited to join a kava ceremony, visit the Fijian markets, attend a weaving class, learn the Fijian language, take a cooking class, and get to know your fellow volunteers and more about the projects. The week consists of three days of activities to introduce you to the Fijian culture and surroundings, and the last two days you will visit your volunteer project for training. Some highlights of Culture Week include:

– Discussions about the culture and people of Fiji
– Tours of Sigatoka town and the village
– Classes in weaving

Volunteer Abroad A group walks in a line as they embark on a scenic walk through nature together.
Ecuador

Environmental Volunteer Program in Galapagos, Ecuador

As the population of the Galapagos Islands increases, the variety of products being imported to the islands to sustain the inhabitants has brought with it invasive insects and plants that threaten the local flora and fauna of this delicate natural environment.

Environmental Volunteer Program in Galapagos, Ecuador

Galapagos Environmental Program

Join local and international participants working to eradicate aggressive introduced plants – like Mora, Guayaba and Superroza – help with reforestation of native and endemic plants, and support the La Soledad community in recovering the natural habitat of San Cristobal Island. Other tasks may include working in the nursery sowing endemic, native plants, fruits and vegetables, working on community support projects like painting schools and cleaning beaches, supporting in the educational center by teaching English, computer skills or arranging sports activities, and feeding turtles.

Participants live in a shared house 5 minutes from the port. There is an additi

Volunteer Abroad
Kenya

Teaching Assistant Volunteer in Nakuru, Kenya

You will be placed in a local school in the community, assisting students and staff with English and other subjects through tasks that allow practice and creativity. Most children in rural areas in Kenya rarely have the chance to practice English outside of the school setting, despite the language being one of the official languages of Kenya.

Teaching Assistant Volunteer in Nakuru, Kenya

Interacting and speaking English with them can benefit their learning and increase their confidence with the language. You are welcome to provide new ideas that promote an exchange of cultures and conversations between you, fellow participants, staff and students. Volunteers are encouraged to arrange activities for your classes in an informal way, incorporating some of the favorite activities of the students such as sports, games, gardening and singing. During long holiday periods when schools are on break, a “day-camp” style English and Sports program may be put in place for local children and it will be run by volunteers with the help of our coordinators. This project has an additional fee

Not sounding like the right program for you? Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

Find Your Program

Recent Volunteer Abroad Testimonials

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Nadia SVolunteer in Argentina

“I did a volunteer program in Argentina and I had a wonderful time! I loved the organization that I was placed with and I received great support from start to finish by the World Endeavors team. The program has such great flexibility when it comes to start/finish dates, location options and volunteer opportunities; it's gave me the ability to truly make the experience my own. I'd highly recommend it and will definitly be doing it again.”

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Autumn RVolunteer in Costa Rica

“Amazing experience from start to finish! Everyone involved in the process both here in the states and while abroad was fantastic and readily available when I had any questions!
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Arielle TVolunteer in Fiji

“I loved every bit of it. I thought it was perfectly balanced between work and having time to go off and explore and hang out with friends I made. I loved the program coordinator, who was one of the ones staying at the house and went off to school with us. I didn’t really have any expectations going in but was completely blown away.”

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Shannon MVolunteer in Ghana

“The World Endeavors program allowed me to venture into a culture and community other than my own and gain the world of experience by doing so. Never in a million years would I have imagined traveling and meeting such amazing souls, and seeing the world through different eyes. I am grateful for the opportunity, and encourage any and all persons to take a trip no matter how long with the program. The advisors are with you every step of the way and will be sure to have u prepared before departure and while you are in your country of choice.
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Sara PVolunteer in India

“This summer I went to Jaipur, India, to work in a lower income neighborhood with women and children to better their conditions. The experience has been incredible both on the professional side and on the emotional one. The whole experience has fullfilled my soul with many memories and much more knowledge! Thanks to World Endeavors which has helped me with every single detail before, during and after my trip!”

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Jay CVolunteer in Nepal

“After Culture Week, I have been at the monastery for a week. So far, I am having a great time. I have been teaching, taking part in daily rituals, and learning about Buddhism and its philosophical endeavors. It has been lovely! ”

Volunteer Abroad FAQs

For most of World Endeavors’ volunteer programs, applicants must be 18 or older, although we make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The good news is there is no maximum age for our volunteer abroad programs.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer any volunteer programs for free. We value the impact our programs make, the partners we work with, and the overall experience of our participants. To provide the best volunteer abroad experience, we require participants to pay volunteer program fees.

Volunteering abroad enhances your resume by showcasing your cultural adaptability, global perspective, problem-solving skills, language proficiency, leadership, teamwork, initiative, and interpersonal abilities. It highlights your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, make a positive impact, and work effectively in diverse settings, making you a valuable candidate with a broader skill set and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

There are plenty of ways to make volunteering abroad affordable and fit within your budget. Check out our fundraising page for guidance on to fundraise for your volunteer abroad program.

The optimal location for volunteering abroad depends on your interests, skills, and the causes you’re passionate about. Whether it’s teaching in a rural community, conserving wildlife in a biodiverse region, contributing to healthcare initiatives in underserved areas, or participating in sustainable development projects, the best place to volunteer abroad is where your strengths align with the needs of the local community, fostering meaningful and lasting positive impact. Browse all our volunteer abroad programs to see which project and destination stands out most.

The specifics differ based on the destination and volunteer project you choose, not to mention visa regulations and requirements fluctuate periodically. As part of our enrollment procedure, our team will guide you through the steps needed to secure a visa if it’s deemed essential for your volunteer program and destination.

World Endeavors rigorously tracks travel advisories and exclusively organizes programs where safety is guaranteed, so when you choose to volunteer abroad with us, you don’t need to worry if you’ll be safe.

Our dedication to volunteer safety involves several measures, including a preparatory guide, continuous local assistance, on-site experts, thorough orientations before and after arrival, extensive travel medical coverage, and staff certified in Mental Health First Aid. Your well-being is our priority, ensuring you can flourish as a volunteer abroad with confidence!

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!