Gap Year Volunteer Abroad

Would you like to make a difference on your gap year? Apply to volunteer abroad! You can choose between so many rewarding short and long term programs around the world. Find your perfect project and apply today.

Best Volunteering Programs

These are some of our most popular volunteering opportunities. For more options view our country guides.

Top Rated Volunteer Organisations

How You Can Help

These are some of the most popular ways to give back on a gap year:

• Animals
• Building
• Childcare
• Community Development
• Environment I Marine Conservation
• Medical I Medical Electives
• Religious Missions
• Sports Coaching
• Summer
• Teaching
• Under 18’s

Reasons to Volunteer on Your Gap Year

Volunteering provides an unparalleled wealth of opportunities to give back, meet inspiring people and see and contribute to good causes. You will learn a lot and be able to do something a lot more rewarding than sightseeing.

Choosing to volunteer abroad will provide you with an opportunity to have first-hand experiences of a new culture, to broaden your perspective, and to engage in pressing development issues.

Challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone while learning about yourself, your place in the world, and your privilege. Affirm your life and find personal meaning as you transition from one stage of your life to the next.

Make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate as you campaign for social justice. Short or long-term volunteering through Gap Year World is an unforgettable experience. We cater to all needs and interests and promote a range of exciting and rewarding volunteering opportunities in destinations all over the world.

Volunteer Programs for Students and Graduates

If you are a student and want to obtain college credit or international work experience, you should definitely consider volunteering. In the process, you can learn a new language, make new friends, widen your horizons by gaining new perspectives, and participate in different cultural activities and meaningful volunteer work. Or if you are looking for ideas after graduating then volunteering is a great option.

FAQ

If you need more information about applying to volunteer abroad find answers to popular questions below.

Requirements
Volunteer programs are open to individuals and groups of all ages. So whether you are a student looking to help, or older and keen to give back, you will be able to find an experience to match your skills and interests.

Do I Need Experience?
For most general placements, no. But you do need to want to do something out of the ordinary. You will need to be concerned about the bigger picture, willing to work enthusiastically, take on challenges, be open-minded, adaptable to new cultures and remote places, prepared to commit to respecting the local community and have a can-do attitude. It helps to have a positive attitude and a good sense of humour too.

How Long Can I Stay?
You can join projects from just a few days to 12 months and more. We recommend joining for at least 2 weeks to 1 month. If you have a flexible schedule 3 months is a perfect time to dedicate. Organisations value any amount of time you’re able to contribute and will ensure it’s rewarding and productive whatever your timeframe.

What Project to Choose?
There are so many incredible organisations and projects available all around the world and choosing the best one is difficult as they are all so different. It really comes down to what your interests are and also what you hope to achieve.

These are some of the most popular programs you can do:

• Helping elephants in Thailand
• Wildlife conservation in South Africa
• Teaching in Vietnam
• Conservation in Costa Rica
• Helping communities in rural Africa

I’m Not a Student, Can I Apply?
Yes! Whether you are planning to take some time off from work and want to do something significant during a sabbatical, you are a retiree, or looking for a project for your family, there are options for everyone. Most organisations accept all ages and backgrounds.

Why Do I Need to Pay a Fee? Shouldn’t Volunteering Be Free?
There are lots of programs around the world, some of which are free, others are paid if you are a skilled professional but for most general projects a fee is usually required to be paid.

Most organisations receive no government funding and use fees to keep projects operational throughout the year. Even though some programs can seem expensive, if you work out what is included usually they offer great value for money.

Program cost usually includes:

• Placements, pre-departure support & in-country orientation
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Airport pick up and transfers to and from projects
• Quality placement with a credible project
• Staff salaries and 24 hour emergency support

The program cost generally does not include:

• Flights
• Visa fees
• Tours
• Travel insurance

Help & Advice
We can help connect volunteers with opportunities around the world. If you need help our team will work with you to identify your skills and interests, and find a placement with a local NGO partner that is based on your preferences. If you have any specific questions join our volunteering abroad forum.

How to Apply
View our recommended programs above and arrange a life changing placement today.

Similar Opportunities