Careers and Employability Centre

International volunteering

Volunteering abroad can be an enriching experience that gives you the opportunity to travel, meet new people, develop your skills and gain work experience

Finding opportunities

This is just a small sample of organisations offering overseas volunteering. You're likely to come across many more during the course of your research:

  • International Citizen Service - a government-funded programme for young volunteers (18-25) offering a unique opportunity to do voluntary development work abroad. An £800 fundraising target is required, but everything else is included (flights, visas, food & accommodation etc.)
  • Engineers Without Borders - runs an international placements that provides qualified volunteer engineers to enhance the engineering skills and knowledge of its international partners; student and graduate opportunities available
  • Concordia International Volunteers -  reasonably priced international volunteering opportunities. Admin fee plus travel, visa, insurance etc.
  • European Voluntary Service - funded voluntary opportunities in Europe, from 2 weeks to 12 months. Free accommodation, food, insurance and pocket money is included. Small part of travel costs might be payable. Includes a database of accredited organisations
  • WorkingAbroad volunteering database - search organisations and opportunities across the globe by type and country

Important considerations

If you're considering volunteering abroad, it may be helpful to think about:

  • researching opportunities – what opportunities are available? what organisations run opportunities?
  • choosing the right project – is the organisation ethical and reputable? does the project support local communities or is it voluntourism?
  • costs – what costs are involved? are these made clear on the organisation's website?
  • funding your volunteering – how could you raise funds?

Read our guide to Volunteering abroad [PDF 95.67KB] for more important considerations. 

Other related resources