Ready for the volunteer trip of a lifetime?
Now that overseas travel and volunteering abroad are back, opportunities to go abroad to volunteer are only increasing. At Volunteer Forever, we’re happy to see so many programs back up and running. We’re also excited to see exciting new programs beginning.
Indeed, this is a great time to sign up for a volunteer abroad experience. While COVID-19 remains a consideration, many countries either only require a negative PCR test and/or proof of vaccination to enter.
Plus, volunteer abroad programs have a need for applicants. The COVID-19 pandemic upended a lot of people’s lives across the globe, and there is a need for volunteers to help uplift communities across the world.
In today’s article, we thought it would be helpful to discuss the most unique volunteer abroad opportunities available now. We already have a travel guide detailing the best volunteer abroad programs, so today’s article will highlight volunteer opportunities that offer an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Let’s dive in!
- Note: The longer you stay, the cheaper programs get per week. For instance, a 2-week program may cost $1,000 in fees, while a 4-week program may be $1,300 (a 70% discount on those last two weeks).
1. Work on a Coffee Farm in Guatemala
Volunteer Organization: Maximo Nivel
Program Fees: $915 for 2 weeks; $1,295 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
Head to Antigua, a historic city renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture and natural beauty. Surrounded by volcanoes, the soil is lush here and perfect for coffee farming. As a volunteer on a coffee farm in Guatemala, you’ll learn all about sustainable agriculture and take part in all parts of the coffee production process, from picking and weeding to planting, processing and packaging.
This program is offered by Maximo Nivel, a renowned volunteer and intern abroad organization that focuses on programs in Latin America. The program is simply a wonderful and unique opportunity to work with Guatemalan farmers and, of course, enjoy super-fresh coffee!
2. Teach English in Morocco
ESL Organization: International TEFL Academy (ITA)
Expected Salary: $1200 – $2000 per month
Why it’s one of the most unique teaching or volunteer abroad experiences
Whether you’re trekking through the Saharan dunes or enjoying mint tea in Tangier, Morocco delights with its mix of natural beauty, charming cities and welcoming people. If you’re looking for a work abroad adventure, look no further. Morocco has a high demand for English language teachers. Make money while enjoying a beautiful culture!
International TEFL Academy (ITA), an organization that specializes in ESL job training and certification, has courses to help you get your TEFL certification and quality for ESL teaching positions in Morocco. Even better, ITA offers every teacher job placement assistance. They’ll help you land a quality teaching job in Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca or another exciting city.
3. Empower Women in Nepal
Volunteer Organization: GoEco
Program Fees: $850 for 2 weeks; $1,370 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
Head to Kathmandu, a city atop the world. There, you can have a positive impact on Nepalese women by helping them learn new skills, build confidence and take steps towards self-sufficiency.
Hosted through GoEco, an organization known for its award-winning volunteer programs, this volunteer abroad program makes our list of the most unique programs because of its impact and location. While you enjoy the magical, spiritual nature of Nepal, you can help uplift women who face discrimination and systemic challenges in their daily lives. It’s truly a rewarding time to volunteer in Nepal to empower women.
4. Volunteer in Food Waste Management in Portugal
Volunteer Organization: Volunteering Solutions
Program Fees: $1,160 for 2 weeks; $1,738 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
Want to help the fight to end hunger? As a volunteer in the food waste management program in Portugal, you’ll assist local teams in collecting, organizing and distributing excess food from restaurants and cafes. Not only does this stop food waste, but it also ensures fewer people go hungry in the city.
This program is especially great for gap year students, as well as those interested in a career in social work, sustainability, and homeless outreach. You’ll either be positioned in the gorgeous coastal city of Porto or the amazing capital of Lisbon for this program. It’s hosted by Volunteering Solutions, an international organization that specializes in affordable and meaningful volunteer experiences.
5. Volunteer in Construction in Peru
Volunteer Organization: Maximo Nivel
Program Fees: $915 for 2 weeks; $1,295 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you want to see the results of your volunteer work? Then consider making the journey to Cusco, a city in the Peruvian Andes that’s known for its archaeological remains, access to Machu Picchu and wonderful pace of life. Offered by Maximo Nivel, the top-rated volunteer abroad organization in Latin America, this volunteer construction program is your chance to do truly impactful work.
As an international volunteer, you’ll help build or renovate schools, healthcare clinics and other community facilities. Plus, you’ll be able to see some of the world’s most famous cultural sites during your free time.
6. Teach English in Cambodia
ESL Organization: International TEFL Academy (ITA)
Expected Salary: $800 – $1000 per month
Why it’s one of the most unique teaching or volunteer abroad experiences
In Cambodia, the ancient and the modern collide beautifully. Contemporary Cambodia, as the successor to the mighty Khmer empire, features plenty of historic sites, dizzying urban centers, stunning countryside and much more. Add in a high demand for ESL teachers, and it’s easy to see why the country is simply a great destination if you wish to teach English abroad.
International TEFL Academy (ITA), a leading teach abroad organization, offers courses so you can get your TEFL certification, as well as a job placement assistant so you can find a job in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville or another city. Get in touch with them today, and you could have a job within a month or two!
7. Volunteer in Community Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Volunteer Organization: Love Volunteers
Program Fees: $569 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
Through this volunteer program, volunteers work with local leaders to help heal the lingering wounds from the Bosnian War (1992-1995). Volunteers will work in multi-ethnic anti-segregation projects, helping to foster connections between the youth of historically conflicting ethnic groups through team-building exercises, cross-cultural discussions, social activities, arts, music and sports.
Offered through Love Volunteers, a leader in affordable volunteer programs in developing countries, this program does challenge you, but it is an incredibly rewarding experience. It will even help you grow in amazing ways.
8. Whale Shark & Marine Conservation in Mozambique
Volunteer Organization: GoEco
Program Fees: $3,330 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
With its stunning coasting and swaying palms, Mozambique mesmerizes at first glance. Stay for a bit, and the traditions, welcoming people, and chilled-out vibe will have you in good spirits. A volunteer abroad trip here is a great choice for those that love adventure and want to volunteer in marine conservation.
GoEco, a volunteer abroad organization known for its excellent environmental initiatives, offers a whale shark and marine conservation project in Mozambique. As an international volunteer, you’ll learn to dive, get up close with whale sharks, help experts conduct photo identification surveys, and partake in survey dives. This data collection will go a long way in introducing policies and strategies that protect the whale shark and conserve the marine environment. So, are you ready to volunteer in Mozambique?
9. Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in Australia
Volunteer Organization: Volunteering Solutions
Program Fees: $1050 for 2 weeks; $1,850 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
Australia is home to lots of incredible native animals, including the kangaroo, wombat, koala, and dingo. As a wildlife volunteer in Australia, you’ll help care for wildlife by doing tasks such as feeding babies, cleaning enclosures, exercising young animals and more.
Hosted through Volunteering Solutions, an organization that specializes in affordable and meaningful global volunteer experiences, this program is a great way to help Australian wildlife and enjoy a trip to Down Under. You can combine the volunteer experience with trips to Sydney, Melbourne and more.
10. Volunteer in New Orleans, USA
Volunteer Organization: International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ)
Program Fees: $970 for 2 weeks; $1,695 for 4 weeks
Why it’s one of the most unique volunteer abroad experiences
Journey to New Orleans (aka “The Big Easy”), a city known for jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and incredible nightlife. As a volunteer in New Orleans with IVHQ, one of the largest volunteer abroad organizations, you can join one of several projects:
- Environmental Sustainability: Beautify communities by cleaning parks, building urban trails and more.
- Community Development: Volunteer at a homeless shelter, food bank or church.
- Construction and Renovation: Build and repair shelters for people in need.
- Youth Support: Work in a community center, school or church to help disadvantaged teens and children. You’ll tutor, coach sports and more.
These programs through IVHQ are truly some of the most unique volunteer abroad opportunities. The location and impact of them are great.
Have a unique volunteer abroad trip!
That concludes our list of the most unique volunteer abroad programs. All that’s left is to choose your volunteer abroad program and start preparing for departure.
Before you jump into everything, here are a few tips to make your volunteer abroad trip go more smoothly:
- Stay flexible: Flights may get delayed and programs may change times. It’s just the nature of the current times.
- Plan ahead: 4-6 weeks may have been enough pre-COVID. Now, we recommend planning 2-3 months in advance to prepare your passport, visa, finances, etc.
- Make sure you meet COVID-19 entry requirements: The countries in this article aren’t too strict, but do require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test.
- Budget accordingly: Inflation and a post-pandemic travel surge have made things pricier. Plan in advance, and make use of all your resources to save money. We have lots of resources on how to save money on volunteer and teach abroad programs: Volunteer Abroad Scholarships & Grants; Volunteer Abroad for Free; Affordable Volunteer Abroad Programs
Now, that concludes our guide on the most unique volunteer abroad programs and experiences. We hope you’re inspired to start planning your volunteer abroad adventure today. Good luck!
Image Sources
Coffee: https://unsplash.com/photos/TD4DBagg2wE
Portugal: https://unsplash.com/photos/Prb-sjOUBFs
Nick Callos ยท Writer
With a BA in English Literature & Writing from Boston College, Nick researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. He has studied abroad and taught English in Chengdu, China, and aims to help fellow travelers make a lasting impact on the communities they visit.