NGO Volunteer Opportunities Abroad: Gain International Work Experience

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) works with community organizations and NGOs in more than 40 countries. With a mission to change the face of volunteer travel, it provides 300+ affordable, responsible, safe, and high-quality projects worldwide. Since its founding in 2007, IVHQ has hosted more than 130,000 participants, connecting travelers with meaningful projects around the world.

Check out IVHQ’s NGO volunteer programs: 

Volunteer with International NGOs

If you’re looking to gain international work experience, sharing your skills and developing them even further, consider a volunteer placement with an NGO that partners with IVHQ. You’ll take on a range of tasks, including general administration, grant writing, research, marketing, fundraising, IT support, website development, and teaching English.

NGOs often require volunteer support in administration, so you’ll work at organizing and running community workshops, conferences, and outreaches. You’ll be needed for English language support, networking and communication, organizational development, and research. IVHQ partners with NGOs in many different destinations, giving you a range of possibilities for a great volunteer placement. Your responsibilities will depend upon your level of training as well as your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Here are several IVHQ volunteer opportunities with NGOs:

• In Spain, you can volunteer with Creative Technologies, which supports NGOs in developing their online presence and marketing materials to expand their reach and charitable initiatives. You’ll love this placement if you have experience in website development, graphic design, videography, or photography! Click here to learn more and to register. As mentioned above, IVHQ’s sister organization, Intern Abroad HQ, also offers an NGO support internship in Spain. 
• In Cambodia, IVHQ’s partner cooperates with a network of 40 NGOs based in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Pursat, and Kampong Speu. It places volunteers with NGOs working in the following fields: community development, human rights, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, gender issues, environmental issues, education, and computer support. Click here to learn more.
• In Ecuador, volunteers work in Quito providing assistance with the operational workload of the NGOs to widen their reach and support more children within the community. Learn more and apply here.
• In Romania, work behind-the-scenes with the NGO support project, assisting with marketing (including social media management, photography, and video making), basic office administration, stock organization, fundraising, and possible application writing, record keeping, public relations, system reviews and development, and local volunteer promotion and management. Read more and apply here.

GoEco

Rated the 2018 Top Volunteer Abroad Organization, GoEco offers exciting volunteer opportunities across more than 40 countries. Founded in 2006, GoEco has placed more than 17,000 volunteers abroad on more than 150 environment, wildlife, and community initiatives. Their great programs have featured them in major publications, including the Boston Globe and USA Today. 

To fulfill their mission to effect real change in the world, GoEco works with NGOs in local communities. This enables them to address real needs and gives volunteers the chance to have a positive impact and life-changing experience. 

Check out this NGO volunteering opportunities with GoEco below:

Spain – Barcelona Food Rescue & Community Empowerment

Discover a unique opportunity to make a real difference in Barcelona with the “Spain – Barcelona Food Rescue & Community Empowerment” program. This initiative invites volunteers to join a dedicated NGO in uplifting a culturally rich yet underserved migrant neighborhood. Over a minimum commitment of five weeks, participants will help combat food waste by distributing surplus food, engaging in community-building projects, and participating in enriching activities like yoga and rock climbing. 

With weekends free to explore the vibrant city and its Mediterranean beaches, volunteers not only contribute meaningfully but also immerse themselves in Barcelona’s rich culture and history.

Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel offers volunteer programs, internships, Spanish language courses, TEFL certification, and adventure trips in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel operates educational institutes and is a leader in international education and study abroad placements in Latin America. The organization places more than 4,000 people each year on high-quality, safe, and affordable programs.

Check out Maximo Nivel’s opportunities to work with NGOs below: 

Intern with NGOs Working for Human Rights

Focus on social justice and human empowerment with a human rights internship in Latin America. Work with Maximo Nivel and their partner NGOs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru to help alleviate poverty and discrimination, and to enhance access to resources. Internship placements allow you to help with community outreach, education, research, and fundraising. When you immerse yourself into a community and a project, you’ll gain insight and see firsthand the impacts of culture and social values, as well as the roles of politics, religion, gender, and ethnicity.

To be effective on this placement, you’ll need intermediate Spanish language ability, and if your skills aren’t at this level, you can sign up with Maximo Nivel for online Spanish classes and its Native Spanish Program to improve. When you develop your Spanish language skills you can add “Bilingual Spanish” to your resume!

Some of your responsibilities can include:

1. Providing marketing support through website development, social media, and designing promotional materials
2. Creating presentations to launch new projects and ideas
3. Collaborating and assisting with the development of projects and events
4. Attending organizational meetings
5. Supporting staff in daily office tasks

In Costa Rica, you’ll work to improve the rights of women and undocumented migrants, advocate for the end of discrimination against refugees, and help with the representation of native peoples in politics, as well as the inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Click here to sign up.

In Guatemala, indigenous populations account for 44% of the country’s population, but this group remains largely outside of the political, economic, social, and cultural mainstream. You’ll help an NGO with gender equality, education, and indigenous rights, as well as access to resources by assisting with community outreach, education, research, and fundraising. Read more here!

In Peru, NGOs tackle challenges such as violence and discrimination against women, children, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ, and indigenous people. The people in rural areas face unequal access to education and healthcare, and child labor is a common problem. Gain experience working with an NGO to perform community outreach, education, research, and fundraising for human rights issues you’re passionate about. Learn more and apply here.

For an overview of all of Maximo Nivel’s human rights internships with NGOs, visit this page and get started on your application.

Volunteer with Indigenous Communities

Embark on a life-changing journey by volunteering with indigenous communities in Guatemala and Peru. These programs offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Mayan and Andean cultures, living and working alongside local families. You’ll participate in daily activities like agriculture, weaving, preparing traditional meals, and even learning native languages like Kakchikel or Quechua. 

No Spanish? No problem—language skills aren’t required, but an open mind and willingness to engage are essential. This experience is perfect for those interested in anthropology, gender roles, and cultural exchange. Be prepared for manual labor and a different way of life, but the rewards in personal growth are immeasurable.

Volunteer in Eco-Agriculture in Latin America

Learn about sustainable farming during this NGO volunteering experience! These eco-agriculture operations utilize modern, energy-efficient farming practices alongside traditional techniques. This reduces environmental damage and threats to human health. As an eco-agriculture volunteer, you’ll work with NGOs and farming cooperatives in one of the following destinations: 

• Costa Rica: Journey to Monteverde Cloud Forest and learn all about coffee production, from bean to cup. You’ll get to have fresh Costa Rican coffee every day!
• Peru: Make your way to the Huyro Region in the highlands, about three hours from Cusco. There, you’ll get your hands dirty as you help with coffee, tea, and chocolate production. 
• Guatemala: Head just outside Antigua and engage in the responsible farming of macadamia nuts and coffee. 

As a volunteer, you’ll not only support farmers, but you’ll also help the environment and local people.

Past volunteers give the project great reviews, like Curtis: 

“I had a great experience working at the Coffee Farm project. The host mom is a great cook, and the work we did every day with the local farmers felt important and impactful. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in coffee and community service. I had a lot of opportunities to practice Spanish as well, in addition to exploring the area and playing soccer with a local team.”

So, are you ready to plant and grow coffee, tea, and more?

Discover more and apply here.

Projects Abroad

Founded in 1992, Projects Abroad has had a mission to make a true impact through its service programs since its beginning. Having hosted more than 132,000 volunteers to date, Projects Abroad has become known for high-quality projects that enact positive change in local communities. The organization is also known among international volunteers for its gold standard of staff support. All your needs, from lodging to local transportation, are handled efficiently by Projects Abroad.

Projects Abroad has a variety of NGO volunteer opportunities, such as an International Development Internship in South Africa. During this project, you’ll support local community initiatives in Cape Town, while boosting your skill-set.

Read below about two more NGO volunteer opportunities with Projects Abroad. 

Social Work Internship in Mongolia

Gain experience working with a local NGO as you shadow and assist social workers, and gain an insight into the challenges they face. In addition, you’ll help run awareness campaigns, as well as research solutions to challenges that NGOs, public schools, and daycare centers for the disadvantaged face. 

This is a great NGO internship program if you wish to make a true difference and improve your resume while doing so. Your NGO placement could be at a center for education, a center against violence, or an art therapy association. All placements are in the bustling, historic city of Ulaanbaatar. 

Interested? Sign up here to volunteer with an NGO in Mongolia.

Migrant and Refugee Support Project in Mexico

Looking to make a meaningful difference? The Migrant and Refugee Support Project in Guadalajara, Mexico, offers volunteers a chance to assist refugees and migrants fleeing hardship and violence. You’ll work alongside professionals in an aid shelter, providing essentials like clothing, hot meals, and a safe living space. 

Basic conversational Spanish is recommended to enhance communication, but empathy and enthusiasm are key. With a minimum commitment of two weeks, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Guadalajara while making a real impact on vulnerable lives. It’s an enriching experience that combines community service with cultural exploration.

African Impact

African Impact, established in 2004, is a leading volunteer travel organization in Africa, offering transformative experiences across the continent. They specialize in responsible volunteering, gap year programs, study abroad service learning, and internships, focusing on community empowerment, wildlife conservation, and environmental sustainability. 

Their projects are developed in collaboration with local communities, ensuring meaningful and sustainable impacts. With a commitment to authentic and responsible practices, African Impact provides volunteers with opportunities to make a lasting difference while immersing themselves in Africa’s rich cultures and landscapes.

Nonprofit Photography Volunteering In South Africa

Are you a passionate photographer eager to make a positive impact? Join the Nonprofit Photography Volunteering program in South Africa and elevate your skills while supporting meaningful causes. Over two weeks in the picturesque towns of Stellenbosch and Cape Town, you’ll learn from professional photographer Anna Lusty, who will guide you in capturing compelling stories for NGOs. 

This hands-on experience allows you to document grassroots projects, with your photos helping to raise awareness and funds for local initiatives. Whether you’re an amateur with some experience or an aspiring pro, this program offers a unique blend of skill enhancement and community engagement.

NGO Internship In Zambia

Looking to make a meaningful impact while gaining hands-on experience in NGO operations? The NGO Internship in Zambia offers you the chance to work at a grassroots level in community development projects. Based in the vibrant city of Livingstone, you’ll immerse yourself in local culture and collaborate with a dedicated team to tailor your internship to your skills and interests. 

Beyond your impactful work, you’ll have the opportunity to explore stunning attractions like Victoria Falls and engage in thrilling adventures such as bungee jumping and wildlife safaris. This internship not only enhances your resume but also allows you to contribute positively to communities in Africa.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Established in 1989, Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering positive social change in developing communities worldwide. With over 35 years of experience, IVI offers affordable and meaningful volunteer programs across more than 15 countries, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. 

To date, IVI has placed over 25,000 volunteers globally, empowering individuals to make a tangible difference while experiencing diverse cultures. 

Boys Youth Drug and Alcohol Support in Santo Domingo, Ecuador

Embark on a meaningful journey by joining the Boys Youth Drug and Alcohol Support program in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. This initiative focuses on helping young males aged 12 to 17 overcome substance abuse challenges. Volunteers bring energy and teamwork to engage in activities like agriculture, cooking, sports, and arts. 

By assisting with educational tasks and leading prevention strategies, you’ll play a vital role in enhancing their quality of life. Your support empowers these youths to make positive choices and work towards a brighter future.

Refugee Humanitarian Work in Greece

Make a difference on the island of Chios by volunteering with the Refugee Humanitarian Work program in Greece. Amidst the island’s rich culture and history, you’ll support refugees by distributing essential items like clothing, hygiene products, and seasonal supplies. Your role may involve working in a free shop, sorting donations in the warehouse, or assisting unaccompanied minors—a top priority. 

Bring your kindness and understanding to empathize with refugees, helping them navigate challenging circumstances and move towards a safer, more stable life.

Refugee Humanitarian Support in Turkey

Join the Refugee Humanitarian Support program in Izmir, Turkey, and contribute to the lives of displaced people seeking hope and stability. Volunteers assist in Back to School programs by teaching English and math, supporting local teachers, and engaging with children aged 2 to 6. You can also participate in innovative projects like the Solar Age Program, empowering women through solar engineering skills. 

Your patience and empathy will make a significant impact, helping refugees integrate into the community and build sustainable futures.

Women & Children Commune in Fiji

Experience Fijian hospitality by volunteering at the Women & Children Commune near Lautoka, Fiji. Home to nearly 400 people, this community supports single mothers and their families facing challenging circumstances. Volunteers are needed in various roles, from assisting in kindergarten classes and women’s empowerment initiatives to helping with construction projects and administrative tasks. 

Living with a host family, you’ll immerse yourself in local culture while making a tangible difference. Your involvement not only eases the workload of local staff but also inspires women and children to pursue brighter horizons.

Volunteering Solutions

Volunteering Solutions began in 2007 and has hosted more than 17,000 volunteers to date. Volunteering Solutions has more than 150+ projects across 27 countries, with plenty of NGO volunteer abroad opportunities in countries such as Cambodia and Morocco. 

Known for high-quality, affordable projects, Volunteering Solutions has an array of great programs to suit a wide range of interests and goals. From NGO support projects to intern opportunities with NGOs, they have a lot of options. 

NGO Support Program in Cambodia

Journey to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. There, you’ll have the opportunity to volunteer for a local NGO and support Cambodian civil society and community. As an international NGO volunteer, your role will depend on your skills and interests. Volunteering Solutions can connect you to positions in the following fields: 

• Human rights
• Women’s empowerment
• Micro-finance
• NGO administration
• Vocational training

This is a great opportunity to boost your resume while helping local Cambodians live better lives. To apply to the program, click here!

NGO Support in Morocco

Head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, and work for a local NGO to help support initiatives in the community. Depending on your skills and interests, Volunteering Solutions will connect you to a role in one of the following fields:

• Education
• IT support
• Women’s rights
• Poverty alleviation

This NGO volunteer program in Rabat is a great chance to help local Moroccans while improving your work experience and skills. To learn more, click here!

Charity Shop Volunteering in Ireland

Grab the opportunity to work with one of the most popular charitable organizations in Ireland. Located in Clonmel, County Tipperary, the charity shop provides key goods and services to those living in poverty in the region, such as furniture and books. As a volunteer, you’ll help sort donations, clean the store, help customers, and more. 

This volunteer program is a wonderful experience and you get to work alongside amazing staff. To join the program, click here!

Global Vision International (GVI)

Global Vision International began in 1998 with the goal of advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. To date, they’ve placed more than 25,000 volunteers in projects around the world, If you want to contribute to the sustainable development of communities and conservation of the environment, joining one of GVI’s initiatives can enable you to do that. 

To realize their mission, GVI partners with some of the largest and most renowned NGOs in the world, including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). They also work with WANGO, the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations. If you want to intern with NGOs, GVI has quality opportunities for you!

Check out some NGO internship programs with GVI:

Women’s Empowerment Volunteering in Tanzania

Discover the vibrant city of Arusha near Mount Kilimanjaro and empower local women through skill-building initiatives. Spend 1 to 12 weeks, dedicating 35 hours per week, to supporting craft entrepreneurs in creating handmade products and boosting their businesses. No specialized skills are needed—just a passion for making a lasting impact. 

Engage in crafting, marketing, social media, and more while immersing yourself in the rich local culture. With accommodations, meals, and comprehensive support provided, this program offers a rewarding experience in a beautiful setting.

Volunteer with Desert Elephants in Namibia

Join a meaningful conservation project in Namibia’s vast Damaraland, protecting the rare desert elephants. Over 2 to 12 weeks, dedicating 35 hours per week, you’ll build protective walls around water sources, track elephant herds, and collect vital data. Sleep under starry skies in mobile camps, experiencing the rugged beauty few tourists witness. 

This program not only contributes to elephant conservation but also offers cultural immersion and adventure. With accommodations, meals, and full support included, it’s an unforgettable way to make a difference in a unique environment.

Ready to Go NGO?

An internship with an NGO allows you to take real action to support rights you’re passionate about while you gain professional experience. When you choose to work with an NGO, you’ll provide a voice to a disadvantaged population. You’ll also work in solidarity with like-minded individuals while creating lasting connections.

Shouldering responsibility at an NGO matters because it forces you to be brave and to challenge yourself. You’ll grow personally when you try new things and make more with less. More importantly, your work will really matter. By following your passion, you choose to be a part of something that affects entire communities, and incrementally, the world.