Cheap Affordable Volunteer Abroad Programs & Low Cost Overseas Projects

(Updated for 2025-2026)

In this guide, we feature great organizations such as International Volunteer HQ, which is one of the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer abroad providers with more than 130,000 volunteers placed worldwide since 2007. IVHQ’s impactful adventures in destinations like Cambodia, India, and Nepal, start from only $20USD a day! Choose from projects ranging from teaching to medical and health, to environment and conservation, and much more!

We also highlight other wonderful providers such as GoEco, an affordable option for travelers looking for transparent and meaningful programs, with affordable trips. You’ll definitely want to check out their super affordable teaching assistant volunteer project in Tanzania. Other excellent opportunities include Pacific Sea Turtle Volunteer Program, Animal Rescue in Costa Rica, and Hua Hin Teaching and Childcare. They also run a 3rd Week Free grant for select programs.

As well, Maximo Nivel is a great choice and one of our top picks not only for their low cost and affordability, but also for their reputation and established history. Maximo Nivel offers programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, and is an especially affordable choice for U.S. travelers who are interested in human rights and education internship programs.

Project Abroad offers extensive volunteer and educational low-cost programs in over 25 destinations. They assist volunteers financially through various means such as fundraising, scholarship and grants, offering flexible payment plan, and family and alumni discounts. For more information, check them out here. 

Also, we will highlight unique organizations such as Involvement Volunteers International. This non-profit is so dedicated to keeping costs for volunteers low that they will match the program fee for any lower-cost volunteer opportunity you find in the same locations where they operation (learn more here).

Check out Volunteering Solutions’ wide-range of affordable volunteer and intern programs worldwide in more than 26 countries. They are known for their voluntourism and professional growth their projects offer. Take a look their curated programs for the best summer volunteer programs, for medical internships abroad, or wildlife conservation projects for outdoor adventures!

If you are like many aspiring international volunteers researching volunteer opportunities overseas, you have probably experienced sticker shock by the high cost of volunteering abroad. Indeed, many international volunteers do not initially realize that the average cost of a volunteer trip is $3,000. Before my first volunteer trip to India in 2012, I was naïve enough to think someone would pay me to participate in overseas volunteer work! The trip cost incurred by volunteers includes a registration fee, program fee, airfare, travel insurance, vaccinations, visas, and other travel costs.

Registration Fee vs Program Fee?

One important note to keep in mind is that many volunteer programs specify a separate registration fee vs the program fee. Think of the registration fee as an application fee, which goes towards the organization’s cost to process your application and place you with one of their projects. The program fee is used for your accommodations, meals, airport pick-up, and other in-country expenses. We know keeping track of these different costs can be tricky, which is why we showcase several popular affordable projects below.

Why Pay to Volunteer Abroad?

In terms of why you have to pay to volunteer abroad, international volunteer organizations rely on volunteer program fees and your time and labor to sustain their organizations. The program fee not only goes towards providing you room and board while you are volunteering abroad, but also pays for administration costs such as staff salaries, marketing expenses, and direct funding support to the host community.

You’re also responsible for your own airfare and travel insurance to reduce the volunteer organization’s burden of hosting you. Volunteer organizations differ enormously in terms of the program fees they charge. Some organizations charge a higher program fee so that they can provide first-class pre-departure and in-country support to volunteers. These programs – which include summer volunteer programs for college students – may be more appropriate to prospective volunteers (especially first-time volunteers) who would prefer to have more support before, during, and after their volunteer trips.

On the other hand, other would-be volunteers may be more independent and require less support during the volunteering process. This article highlights affordable volunteer organizations such as Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) and Maximo Nivel, whose program fees are $1,000 or less to volunteer abroad for 2 weeks, making it possible to travel abroad cheaply. While many aspiring volunteers would love to travel and volunteer abroad for free, the needs of volunteer programs and their host communities can make that very difficult. However, this article will show you how to make volunteering abroad affordable.

How We Chose These Affordable Projects

In defining cheap, affordable, and low-cost volunteer opportunities, we exclude well-known volunteer programs such as the Peace Corps (USA), United Nations Volunteers, and Voluntary Service Overseas (UK). While these are wonderful programs, both the Peace Corps and Voluntary Service Overseas are extremely competitive and require two-year commitments, which may not be feasible for students and professionals who are seeking shorter-duration volunteer projects. Furthermore, the United Nations Volunteers requires a six-month commitment and can be a highly competitive program. 

We have also included intern abroad and teach abroad programs, since they provide similar experiences to volunteering abroad, but at a lower cost to the participant. Interestingly enough, you can get certified to teach English as a foreign language and then get paid to travel abroad (heads up: you’ll need to get a certification first). 

Here are ten great international volunteer, intern, and teaching English alternatives that are cheap and don’t require long term commitments; we’ve also included one volunteer abroad program that includes free airfare! Finally, most of the programs we list would work if you’re looking for mission trips. It’s a great time to start volunteering, so read on to learn more about applying to these inexpensive volunteer abroad programs.

Recommended Cheap, Affordable, and Low-Cost Volunteer Abroad Opportunities

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is a global volunteer organization that provides affordable, safe, and responsible volunteer programs in over 40 different destinations across Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. 

With program fees starting from just $20USD a day, and over 130,000 alumni, IVHQ is a trusted low-cost volunteer program that has been able to attract a significant number of volunteers to its programs since its start in 2007. They also offer numerous impactful mission trips in different countries for teenagers to families over the past 16 years.

IVHQ offers 300+ short-term and long-term volunteer options that range from 1 week to 24 weeks in the areas of education, medical, construction and renovation, childcare, conservation, wildlife and animal care, community development and social enterprise. Many of these programs are used as mission trips for college students. Plus, these volunteer placements are available in 40+ destinations, including:

• Costa Rica
• Bali
• South Africa
• Spain
• Perú
• Fiji
• Kenya
• India
• Discover all 40+ destinations

Volunteer Teaching

For a responsible way to volunteer teaching, be sure to check out IVHQ’s teaching program in Jordan, school support program in Ecuador, and rural school teaching in China, just to name a few.  

Volunteers on these projects provide support to local staff within schools and community centers to help build capacity and increase access to education for youth. This leads to enhanced opportunities for higher education and improved life and career prospects.

Nursing and Medical Volunteering 

For aspiring public health and medical professionals, IVHQ’s medical project in Argentina is a great way to serve others while learning more about the public health and medical fields. Nursing and medical volunteer projects are also available with IVHQ in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Perú, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Conservation and Wildlife Volunteering 

Some IVHQ volunteer projects that you’ll definitely want to check out include their turtle conservation projects in Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica and Bali. There is no shortage of opportunities to volunteer with animals or support conservation volunteering abroad with IVHQ.

Construction Volunteering 

As a volunteer on one of IVHQ’s construction and renovation projects, you will be helping to develop new structures for community use, renovating existing community buildings, and improving local infrastructure. As you will be led by a skilled member of the local team, you do not require any previous experience to participate but a strong work ethic and a willingness to work hard are key requirements.

GoEco

Since 2006, GoEco has offered affordable volunteer abroad programs and internships in over 40 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australasia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. With more than 150 different affordable programs, GoEco is a great organization to check out if you’re looking for a variety of impactful trips to choose from, from wildlife conservation to teaching English. 

GoEco was recently recognized as the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization from GoAbroad, Top Eco-Enthusiast by Greenmatch, and has been recommended by Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and more. As a volunteer, you will have 24-hour support from the GoEco team, from start to finish.

Currently, GoEco is offering a special travel grant where you can stay for the 3rd week free! Check out the qualifying programs here!

Indonesia – Bali Sea Turtle Rescue

Join GoEco on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida, just off the coast of Bali! Work hands-on with injured sea turtles and release the rehabilitated turtles back into their ocean home. You also will have the chance to teach the local community about the importance of sea turtle conservation. Whether it’s hatching or nesting season, there are always sea turtles in need of your caring hands at this rescue center. Learn more here!

Costa Rica Sea Turtle Volunteer Program

Volunteer in another sea turtle conservation in Romelia National Park or Montezuma in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Both programs include protecting sea turtles nesting and hatching, releasing baby sea turtles to the ocean, beach cleanups, and helping to raise awareness on coastal and marine ecosystem conservation. In addition, you may help with research such as data collection, recording, and analysis. In general, all of GoEco’s programs in Costa Rica are around this cost range and quite affordable. Time to combine your vacation with volunteering!

Zanzibar Teaching Assistant

Combine a beach vacation with volunteering as a teacher’s assistant in the beautiful island of Zanzibar. You will gain teaching experience by helping the local teachers with preparing lessons or teaching English, math, or the other subjects as appropriate to primary and secondary school students. The volunteer work is usually 4-5 hours so you will have plenty of free time to tour the city. 

Located in Stone Town, it is the biggest city in the island, and filled with numerous mixed cultural influences and architecture. 

Teaching and Community Involvement in Tanzania 

Teaching English is the main objective, same as the above program, but in a more rural village setting. You will be more immersed in the Maasai culture. In your free time, you have the chance to hike the famous Mt. Kilimanjaro or visit nearby safaris. For more information, click here!

Other affordable programs 

Another budget-friendly teaching opportunity worth exploring is the Goa Teaching & Orphanage Program in India. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Goa’s coastline, this program invites volunteers to develop creative English lessons and engage in joyful learning activities with children who lack access to formal schooling. 

Similarly, the Women’s English Literacy and Empowerment Program in Sri Lanka offers a meaningful way to contribute while keeping costs modest. Here, volunteers teach not only English, but also vital life skills to rural women — empowering them with confidence, improving employment opportunities, and helping them engage more fully with their communities. 

Maximo Nivel

Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has provided a wide variety of affordable volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Each program is internationally accredited, with choices including volunteer abroad projects, international internships, native Spanish program, TEFL certification, Spanish camp for teens, and adventure and culture opportunities. Each program includes airport pickup, 24/7 emergency support, orientation, certificates, WIFI internet, salsa dance classes, Spanish books and materials, and lots more.

Construction Volunteering

Through this construction volunteer program, you’ll have the opportunity to build or repair homes, add classrooms to schools, or even make improvements to orphanages in Latin America. For one week or longer, you’re welcome to volunteer alongside fellow travelers and local workers to make a difference for communities in need.

A few of your tasks will include digging, mixing cement, carrying bricks, preparing adobe, painting, plastering, and lots of other projects to beautify your project site. You can expect to volunteer three to four hours Monday through Friday each week, and the types of projects you’ll take on will depend on the program needs at the time.

This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers who are physically fit, want to get dirty, and want to see the amazing difference you’re able to make in a short amount of time. Click here to learn more.

Volunteer with Indigenous Communities

If you want to go off the beaten path and make a positive impact in Peru, check out Maximo Nivel’s volunteer program with indigenous communities. This immersive experience brings you to the rural Andes of Peru, just outside of Cusco, where you’ll live and volunteer within a small community tending livestock, assisting with agricultural projects, constructing and repairing buildings, and teaching children in a local classroom. 

This is another physically-demanding placement, so you should be in good health to get the most from your experience. Click here to learn more about volunteering with indigenous communities.

Volunteer in Animal Care

Maximo Nivel’s animal care program invites you to Guatemala or Peru to work in a dog rescue shelter, an amphibian and reptile rescue center, or a small zoo. Volunteer projects vary depending on your placement, but may include caring for the animals, obedience training for the dogs, feeding animals at the zoo, cleaning cages, hosting visitors, and maintenance at the reptile and amphibian center. This placement starts from one week, and you’ll work Monday through Friday. To learn more about these animal care volunteer programs, visit here.

Projects Abroad

Founded in 1992, Projects Abroad offers extensive volunteer and educational programs in over 25 destinations, focusing on responsible travel and global impact tracking. They offer various ways to keep costs down as well as how to fundraise for your trips. 

Prices are dependent on the project, location, and duration. The longer you volunteer, the more worth the trip is! The cost of the programs include accommodation, three meals a day, airport pick up and drop off, etc. The cost of each program is located at the end of the program page. Here are some amazing projects to consider!

• Building Volunteer Work in Nepal: Volunteers assist in rebuilding classrooms in Kathmandu after the 2015 earthquake, engaging in hands-on construction work alongside professionals. No experience is necessary, as masons and engineers provide guidance. Volunteers live with host families, immerse themselves in local culture, and explore the Himalayas, contributing directly to local community development and safe learning environments for children.
• Rainforest Conservation Spring Break in Peru: Spring break volunteers live in the Taricaya Ecological Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest, participating in animal rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation efforts. The rustic lodge stay encourages reconnection with nature and supports local wildlife protection, with volunteers contributing to ecological restoration and sustainable farming initiatives.
• Sports Coaching Volunteer for Spring Break in Jamaica: Students spend their break coaching in schools, leading football and basketball sessions, warm-ups, and drills while supporting PE teachers in under-resourced communities. Volunteers also share basics like nutrition and teamwork, live with a host family in Mandeville, enjoy affordable immersion, and use free weekends to explore waterfalls, beaches, and countryside.

African Impact

Seeking a meaningful, ethical way to volunteer or intern in Africa? Since 2004, African Impact has been building its own community-led projects alongside local partners—so your time on the ground supports real priorities and measurable outcomes.With diverse programs across conservation, healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and community development, you can match your skills and passions with initiatives that matter.

What sets African Impact apart is the depth of its roots and the breadth of its reach. Programs currently span six distinct destinations — including South Africa, Zambia, Zanzibar (Tanzania), Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Kenya — each with tailored impact areas and experienced in-country teams.Volunteers and interns benefit from full-time project staff, structured training, and clear objectives, making this a great fit for solo travelers, students needing practicum hours, and organized groups seeking curated, goal-driven itineraries.

Volunteer in South Africa
South Africa projects combine hands-on conservation and community initiatives. Expect meaningful fieldwork — think wildlife monitoring, habitat work— guided by seasoned staff who prioritize responsible, sustainable practice. 

Volunteer in Zambia
In Livingstone, programs range from public health outreach and teaching to award-winning female empowerment initiatives. You’ll collaborate with local leaders to support skills development, health education, and classroom engagement — turning short-term service into long-term capacity building.

Volunteer in Zanzibar
If the ocean calls, Zanzibar’s marine conservation projects focus on research, education, and protecting marine biodiversity — often including dolphin monitoring and sustainable tourism advocacy. Perfect for aspiring conservationists eager to gain field experience while contributing to real datasets. 

Curious about African Impact? Explore their story and project pages to find the program that fits your goals. 

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Searching for an affordable transformative experience abroad? Involvement Volunteers International (IVI), established in 1989, beckons individuals to be part of 25,000 volunteers who’ve positively impacted 112 projects in 23 countries.

Boasting a 34-year legacy, IVI is a unique non-profit. Their focus? Empowering communities in the South Pacific (Fiji) and India. Beyond just travel and volunteering, IVI delves deep into humanitarian aid, supporting impoverished communities and refugees. University students also find opportunities to complete practicum hours in diverse sectors such as health and teaching. For those eyeing internships, there are openings across destinations such as Peru, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. These internships come with guaranteed hours and essential documentation for university placements.

Solo traveler, family, or group, IVI has something for everyone. From teaching to construction, their projects cater to different needs. They even curate specialized itineraries for larger groups, making them a top pick for school expeditions. For those aged 16-17, parental consent is mandatory.

Curious about IVI? Explore their story on their official website: volunteering.org.au. With IVI, an enriching global adventure awaits!

Volunteer in India

IVI’s most affordable volunteer projects are based in Bodh Gaya, India. IVI has also set up projects for construction and renovation in Udaipur and English teaching at a Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, complementing wider community and school support. Programs are budget-friendly and include accommodations in a volunteer house or homestay, enabling cultural immersion and the chance to live and collaborate with fellow participants. Click here to learn more and apply.

Volunteer in the Philippines

IVI’s second most affordable volunteer projects are based in the Philippines on the beautiful island of Palawan. Palawan is a picturesque vacation destination that as the rest of the country suffers from poverty, malnutrition, and lack of access to education, and frequent natural disasters such as typhoons. On Palawan, IVI has set up projects for primary school education, environmental conservation, community construction, and rural healthcare Program fees include accommodations at a volunteer house where you will have the opportunity to live with your fellow volunteering participants. Click here to learn more and apply.

Volunteer in Bali

Lastly, IVI’s third most affordable volunteer projects are based on the beautiful island of Bali in the country of Indonesia. Known as the “Island of the Gods” Bali is a very popular vacation destination and haven for digital nomads. IVI’s most affordable projects in Bali are its turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida and its Balinese Yoga Week in Ubud. Program fees include accommodations at a volunteer house where you will have the opportunity to live with your fellow volunteering participants. Click here to learn more and apply.

Volunteering Solutions

Volunteering Solutions offers some of the most affordable volunteer projects on the planet. Founded in 2006, Volunteering Solutions has hosted over 17,000 participants and now operates volunteer abroad and intern abroad projects in 30+ countries. Their volunteer projects in Nepal are the most affordable.  You also have the option of adding a one-week language orientation week before you start your placement. 

In addition to Nepal, Volunteering Solutions also operates projects in India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Vietnam, just to name a few.

• Volunteer Teaching in Nepal: One of VolSol’s most affordable volunteer programs invites you to teach English lessons at public or private schools in Nepal. These schools are short on staff and in need of volunteers like you to assist teachers with lessons and day-to-day work, all of which will help your students build successful futures for themselves through a good education. 
• Medical Volunteer Program in Kenya: If you’re a pre-med student, medical student, or professional and want to gain experience working in a hospital or clinic overseas, Volunteering Solutions offers a wonderful opportunity to volunteer in Nairobi, Kenya. Through this program, you’ll work in a clinic, dispensary, or hospital to provide care and support for people living in slums with little access to quality medical facilities. 
• Volunteer with Street Children in India: Based in Delhi, this volunteering program gives you the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of some of India’s most vulnerable children. As a volunteer, you’ll work at an educational center or shelter to teach informal classes, play games and lead recreational activities, teach healthy habits such as cleanliness and etiquette, plan trips to museums and other locations, and provide care and love to children who may have no support base of their own. 

Global Vision International (GVI)

Make a real-world impact with GVI (Global Vision International)’s affordable volunteer programs designed for purpose and growth. 

• In Tanzania, support entrepreneurs through Business & Micro-Enterprise projects — help refine business plans, strengthen bookkeeping, and mentor startups. 
• In Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands, join a hands-on Marine Conservation expedition, assisting reef surveys, coral health monitoring, and community outreach. 
• In South Africa, contribute to charismatic wildlife protection with Penguin, Dolphin, and Whale Conservation — collect coastal data, aid field research, and raise awareness. 

Each program offers expert training, ethical frameworks, and meaningful cultural immersion, making them a cost-effective way to build skills, boost your résumé, and contribute where it counts.

Other Resources for Cheap Volunteer Abroad Trips

With the exception of the Peace Corps, United Nations Volunteers, Voluntary Service Overseas, and other state-sponsored international development programs, most international volunteers will be responsible for assuming some costs for volunteering overseas. However, there are several ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for volunteering overseas.

First, check out our list of 200 Volunteer Abroad and Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants. Our list includes scholarships and grants from sources like Travelocity, National Geographic, Volunteers for Prosperity, and the Rotary Foundation. These awards range from a few hundred dollars to stipends worth $85,000 – these resources make cheap trips abroad not just a dream, but a reality. You can also click here to join our priority waiting list to be among the first to know when the next award of the Volunteer Forever scholarship ($500-$1000) is announced in Spring 2015.

Consider fundraising (aka crowdfunding) for your volunteer trip abroad. Volunteer Forever fundraisers have already raised nearly $1,500,000 for their volunteer trips abroad. In fact, many of our volunteers have completely funded their volunteer trips by fundraising through Volunteer Forever. If you’re comfortable with e-mail and Facebook, then you’ve got the basic skills needed to fundraise online. And if you need a little more assistance, our expert staff will provide one-on-one guidance and support to help you reach your fundraising goals. It’s our mission to make volunteer abroad trips affordable for anyone who wants to go overseas. We hope all of these information and resources will help you go volunteer abroad!

P.S. If you’re still looking for a volunteer opportunity, check out our list of best volunteer abroad programs and recommended volunteer projects in Africa, Central America, and Thailand. You can also read about 7 Great Medical and Veterinary Volunteer Abroad Projects, 10 Dental Volunteer Abroad Program and Medical Mission Tips for Pre Dental Students, and nursing volunteer abroad projects for students and nurse professionals. Or, if medical volunteer projects aren’t for you, be sure to read about our sports and coaching volunteer abroad, wildlife conservation and veterinary abroad, teach abroad, and intern abroad programs. Lastly, if you’re under 18, you may be interested in a teen volunteer abroad program from one of our many great partners.