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
COVID-19 Update
- Volunteering during the coronavirus outbreak - find a list of opportunities to help in your community or take part in virtual projects
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
- Our information on volunteering in the UK
- Our sector guide on the charity and not-for-profit sector
- Our sector guide on international development
- Our information on working internationally