Summer Volunteer Work Abroad Programs & Opportunities

If you’re already planning a sunny, beachy, getaway for this summer, you’re not alone and there’s no shortage to the amazing trips you can take all around the world! But in addition to lazing about in the sand, why not combine your summer vacation with a volunteer project that will let you explore a new place, do some real good for a community in need, and take in a totally different—yet exciting—culture?

2024 Summer Volunteer Work Abroad Programs & Opportunities

There are a large number of international volunteer organizations operating all around the world – like International Volunteer HQ, which was named one of our 2024 Best Volunteer Abroad programs. IVHQ offers 200+ projects in over 40 destinations that can benefit from a few weeks to a few months of your time this summer.

Or if you’re looking for an organization that specializes in one region of the world, check out programs like those in Costa Rica, Peru, and Guatemala by Maximo Nivel, which offers some of the most affordable volunteer trips to Latin America that you can find. And though summer may still seem a ways off, it’s never too early to start planning for your volunteer abroad adventure. Keep in mind that summer is the most popular time to volunteer abroad (especially for high school students and teens), so it may be worthwhile to book your trip early to ensure you are able to reserve a spot with the organization of your choice in your desired location.

Here are just a few of the many volunteer abroad projects you may want to jump into this summer. If you’re looking for more ideas, click “Volunteer Abroad” or “Intern Abroad” in the menu at the top of this page to explore many more opportunities! And in case you’re wondering, the beautiful picture above is from the Global Vision International Seychelles volunteer project!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

Founded in 2007, International Volunteer HQ emphasizes community involvement and affordable volunteer travel. IVHQ partners with local organizations to develop volunteer projects for travelers worldwide, allowing for a positive community dynamic. By working directly with local organizations, IVHQ can remain affordable for volunteers on a budget—and as one of the highest-rated volunteer abroad organizations worldwide, IVHQ sends thousands of volunteers around the world each year. Since the organization’s founding, IVHQ has placed more than 80,000 volunteers on more than 200 projects.

Bali: Sea Turtle Conservation

If you’re interested in traveling to Asia this summer, IVHQ has a sea turtle conservation project based in Nusa Penida, Bali. As with most of IVHQ’s volunteer programs, you can choose to travel for one to 12 weeks with flexible start dates. Through this placement, you’ll work with a team onsite to help save the endangered sea turtles of Indonesia by volunteering directly with the turtles at the conservation center, participating in beach cleanups or waste management improvement, and helping to educate the locals of the danger they face of losing sea turtles.

Madagascar: Forest Conservation

If turtle conservation isn’t up your alley, then maybe you can try your hand at Forest Conservation in Nosy Komba, Madagascar. Unfortunately, much of the wildlife that’s unique to Madagascar is endangered due to habitat destruction. By choosing to help save the forests of Madagascar you can study lemurs, reptiles, and birds and butterflies. As a volunteer, you’ll collect data and create surveys to help identify and solve the problem of habitat destruction.

Portugal: Environmental Scuba Diving

Spend your summer on the water as an IVHQ volunteer in Portugal! The Environmental Scuba Diving project is open to beginners without any diving experience. Earn your Open Water PADI diving certification, or take speciality diving courses if you’re already certified. You can complete a variety of PADI certifications during your stay, from one to 12 weeks. Work with a local diving school in Cascais to help conserve marine life by containing the underwater pollution. Volunteer tasks include trash removal on the seafloor, recording items collected, observing, identifying and counting fish, and learning how to protect the marine ecosystem. Program fees for one week start at $375, and includes the required PADI manuals, crew packs, PIC cards and full scuba equipment.

Vietnam: Childcare Project

Vietnam needs your help to support children affected by Agent Orange, an herbicidal chemical that contaminated the soil and continues to affect the people of Vietnam. As a volunteer with IVHQ’s Childcare Project, you’ll work in schools, hospitals, community clinics, or orphanages in the city of Ho Chi Minh. You’ll help alongside local placement staff, so no experience is necessary. Duties include supporting the day-to-day operations of these centers, rehabilitation exercises, therapeutic treatments, playing with mentally disabled children, entertaining, educating them through games, music and art, painting murals, renovation work, and helping to develop fundraising initiatives. Program fees start at $245 for one week.

For more information and to view lots more volunteer abroad programs through IVHQ this summer, visit www.volunteerhq.org.

What Volunteers Say

As cliche as it sounds, my trip to Costa Rica was unforgettable. The online and in-country staff were very helpful. When planning my trip, they responded to all of my questions promptly and thoroughly and connected me via e-mail if I had questions about anything in-country. i didn’t feel like I was on a school trip, it was a perfect balance of support and freedom. The information packet was well-made and had useful tips for enjoying my time abroad. I spent my weekends traveling Costa Rica and I enjoyed the time that I spent teaching English during the week as well. I met so many great people that I still keep in contact with. We lived in a volunteer house of about 20 other volunteers from all over world, from England to Thailand, but I still felt we were able to experience the culture of the family we were living with. For such a cheap price, it was 100% worth it and I would love to do it again in the future. I recommended IVHQ to all of my friends and I wish I had stayed longer! -Allison

GoEco

Featuring more than 150 different volunteer and work abroad programs, GoEco has plenty of opportunities if you’re looking for something fun and good to do during your summer break. By volunteering with GoEco, you can be part of their different solutions to wildlife and environmental issues. Created by experienced volunteers in 2006, all of GoEco’s initiatives have been inspected to ensure they meet high standards for safety and quality. They’re quite affordable, too. What’s also convenient is that GoEco provides 24-hour support to volunteers, plus travel insurance for most destinations. So, whether you want to dive for marine conservation in Croatia or teach English to Buddhist monks in Nepal, GoEco has the program for you.

Asian Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Southern Thailand

The plight of wildlife in Asia continues to be pressing, with many species threatened by habitat loss, the illegal pet trade, and other human impacts. Volunteers at the renowned Wildlife Rescue Center in Southern Thailand are vital for rehabilitating over 800 animals. Tasks include preparing animal meals, creating enrichments to encourage natural behaviors, and maintaining habitats.

This opportunity allows you to dive into wildlife conservation with a global community of volunteers, gaining hands-on experience in animal welfare and learning about tropical biodiversity. You’ll also explore Thailand’s largest national park and the nearby beaches of Cha-Am and Hua-Hin.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more and sign up here (from $990 for two weeks).

Sustainable Organic Coffee Farming in Costa Rica

Dive into the heart of eco-friendly agriculture with a hands-on coffee farming experience in Costa Rica. As a volunteer, you’ll assist local farmers in growing, harvesting, and producing fair trade, organic coffee, a vital cultural and economic product in the region. You’ll engage in sustainable practices that protect the local environment while working on a small, quality-focused farm.

This program offers a rich blend of cultural immersion and practical learning. You’ll stay with a Costa Rican family, enhancing your Spanish and gaining insights into local life. Your tasks will include everything from planting coffee to helping with eco-agricultural maintenance.

Are you ready to experience the lush landscapes of Costa Rica and contribute to sustainable farming? Click here to register (from $1,280 for one week and six days).

Greece – Mediterranean Sea Turtle Conservation

Spend your holiday in Greece on the beach, working for the conservation of sea turtles! Spend each day in the sand, engaged in rewarding volunteer work while experiencing the beauty of this historically-rich, Mediterranean country. Learn more here.

Italy – Liveaboard Dolphin Research Expedition

Live aboard a famous, historic boat and set sail to collect data on the current population of dolphins in Ischia! Sail along the Italian coastline, measure the impacts of sea traffic on dolphins and experience life on a boat! Sign up here.

Maximo Nivel

Maximo Nivel has provided affordable volunteer opportunities since 2003 in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Each program is internationally accredited, allowing most programs to be counted for university credit for student travelers. With a Latin American base, Maximo Nivel prides itself on commitment to quality and a high level of client service. Check out their different options for summer volunteer programs.

Environmental Conservation

Maximo Nivel offers several different conservation programs in the rainforests, coasts, and mountains of Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru. The many environmental and wildlife programs include a sea turtle conservation project, animal care, reforestation, and organic farming. With each of these projects you will live with local communities and will be taught and directed by professionals.

Construction

In each of Maximo Nivel’s destination countries, you can also choose to work on construction projects to help repair or build new homes and schools for children and rural villages. Many of the projects within each construction site include digging, carrying cement, laying bricks, painting, plastering, and other physically demanding activities. Workdays are based on weather, but are generally Monday through Friday.

TEFL Certification Course

If you have four weeks to travel this summer, check out Maximo Nivel’s TEFL certification course for travelers who want to teach English abroad. Based in each of Maximo Nivel’s destination countries, you’ll take an intensive, accredited certification course, which will open you up to paid teach abroad placements all over the world. Not only does Maximo Nivel provide job-seeking support to their alumni, but they also hire three to five graduates every month to work as teachers in their Native English program.

Animal Care Volunteering

Maximo Nivel also is offering several different animal care volunteering programs in Guatemala and Peru this summer, where you can work at a dog shelter, in a zoo, or in an amphibian and reptile rescue center. At the dog shelter, you can help with providing veterinary care as well as grooming, education programs, fundraising events, and much more. If you volunteer at the zoo, you’ll help with animal feeding, cage cleaning, light construction work, and much more. And in the amphibian and reptile rescue center, you’ll help care for injured animals, release healthy animals into the wild, and other day-to-day tasks like maintenance, cage cleaning, and conservation. You’re invited to stay one week or longer, and can expect to volunteer three to four hours a day, with free time on weekends and in evenings.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering abroad with Maximo Nivel, visit www.maxinonivel.com.

What Volunteers Say

I’ve never participated in an international volunteer organization before and after talking with a few other travelers, found that I was very much treated with Maximo Nivel. Not only do they have an awesome staff to help you out with your stay and answer any and all questions, but their programs are very organized.They start you off with a welcome orientation and tour of the city, which I found very helpful. I couldn’t have asked for a better host family to stay with and the project I am working in is soooo much fun! I also was able to brush-up on my Spanish in a one-week class, which proved to very beneficial. Maximo really makes sure you feel right at home. Furthermore, they provide you with other information for traveling and give you plenty of time to explore!

Your time as a volunteer here is invaluable and the Maximo Nivel staff is always there when any kind of support is needed. -Lauren

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad was founded in the early 1990s for students who wanted to take a break in between schooling. Projects Abroad has since expanded to include offices all over the world with more than 600 trained staff members. With more than 10,000 volunteers sent around the world each year through its programs, Projects Abroad emphasizes mutual learning and respect through cultural exchange.

Use your summer to get out into the great outdoors to make a difference. Projects Abroad offers volunteer opportunities in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. You can travel somewhere exotic to do important work that will impact the environment and local communities in need. You can go diving to do research in marine biodiversity, venture into the Amazon jungle to protect endangered animals, or release baby sea turtles on sandy beaches!

If you’re up for something a bit more physical, you could dedicate your summer to helping on an important building project in a disadvantaged community. You could choose to:

1. Protect endangered sea turtles in Mexico
2. Contribute to coral reef research in Thailand
3. Experience the African Bushveld through conservation work in Botswana
4. Live and work in the heart of the rainforest in Peru
5. Build schools in underprivileged communities in Tanzania

What Volunteers Say

“This trip, this experience was without a doubt life changing for me. The independence of being away from normal support channels, the physical and mental challenge of it, the chance to meet some lovely and extraordinary people making wonderful friends from all over this beautiful world and seeing a most beautiful and richly diverse country all made this trip exceptional.” -Alexander, Conservation in Nepal

African Impact

African Impact is a pioneering organization in volunteer travel, known for delivering transformative volunteer and internship programs across Africa since 2004. As an award-winning leader in this field, African Impact offers deeply engaging projects that are developed collaboratively with local communities, fostering genuine, measurable change.

Program Offerings:

• Reforestation Volunteer Project in Kenya: Volunteers engage with local groups to support the conservation of indigenous forests. Activities include removing invasive species, seed collection, and environmental education. Volunteers also help develop sustainable agricultural practices within the community.
• Whale Conservation Volunteer Project in Mozambique: This project involves crucial research on humpback whales, helping to protect these majestic creatures and their habitat through data collection, community education, and advocacy for conservation policies.
• Sports Coaching Volunteer Project in Cape Town: Volunteers lead sports coaching classes for children, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership skills. This program is designed to empower young people through sports and help them build a healthier future.
• Volunteer Teaching Project in Zambia: Participants assist in educational programs at rural primary schools, helping to improve educational outcomes and engage with the community through various outreach activities.
• Dolphin & Marine Conservation Volunteering in Zanzibar: This marine conservation initiative focuses on protecting dolphins and coral reefs from the impacts of tourism and environmental degradation. Volunteers conduct research and engage in community education to foster marine conservation.
• Horse Riding and Hands-on Elephant and Rhino Conservation in Zimbabwe: Tailored for those with a passion for horses and conservation, this project allows volunteers to actively participate in the protection and management of endangered species like rhinos and elephants through monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.

Each program is designed to create lasting impacts both for the volunteers and the communities they serve, embodying African Impact’s commitment to making a real difference through connecting people, cultures, and conservation efforts.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) is a distinguished non-profit organization that has been spearheading volunteer overseas experiences since 1989. Celebrating over 35 years of service, IVI has successfully placed more than 25,000 volunteers in various programs worldwide, offering affordable volunteer placements starting from US$280. Each program includes accommodation, meals, airport pickup, local transportation, and comprehensive in-country support.

Program Offerings by IVI:

• Art & Design Teaching in Ghana: Volunteers can engage with local students and artists, teaching art and design at local schools, creating lesson plans, and fostering cultural exchange. This program is hosted in Accra, Ghana, with volunteers staying in shared rooms at a volunteer house.
• Stray Dog Rehabilitation in Nepal: In Kathmandu, volunteers work at dog rehabilitation centers, caring for and rehabilitating stray dogs and educating the community on animal welfare. Accommodation is provided in a volunteer house with shared rooms.
• Mangrove Environmental Conservation in Madagascar: This program focuses on protecting and preserving mangrove forests in Nosy Be Island, Madagascar. Volunteers participate in planting mangroves, educating local children, and supporting sustainable farming projects.
• Community Construction in Peru: Based in Cusco, volunteers engage in construction and renovation projects that benefit local communities, such as building schools and community centers. Accommodation is typically in homestays with local families.
• Women & Children Commune in Fiji: Located in Lautoka, this project supports a community of mostly single mothers and their children. Volunteers assist in various capacities, from teaching and childcare to construction and administrative support.

Volunteering Solutions

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) is a reputable organization that has been facilitating volunteer and internship opportunities since 2006. With a track record of placing over 21,000 volunteers in more than 25 countries, VolSol is dedicated to offering impactful and enriching experiences for high school and college students, medical and nursing students, gap year travelers, backpackers, and seniors.

VolSol is known for its commitment to high-quality, affordable volunteer placements and provides comprehensive support, including accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and orientation to ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all volunteers.

Program Offerings by Volunteering Solutions:

• NGO Support and Human Rights in Morocco: Volunteers work with local NGOs in Rabat to support various initiatives including education, women’s rights, and poverty reduction. This program is ideal for those interested in international development and offers a deep engagement with local communities.
• Family Volunteer Adventure in Malaysia: This program is designed for families who want to participate in wildlife conservation and community development in the beautiful setting of Borneo, Malaysia. Activities include habitat restoration and educational projects aimed at conserving local flora and fauna.
• Food Waste Management in Porto, Portugal: Volunteers contribute to reducing food wastage and improving food security by collecting, organizing, and distributing surplus food from local restaurants and cafés to those in need in Porto.
• Sports Volunteering in Ghana: Located in Tamale, this program involves coaching football to local youth, assisting in community development projects, and helping improve local sports facilities and training.
• Township Volunteering in Port Elizabeth, South Africa: Volunteers work in the Walmer Township, focusing on childcare, education, and community development. The program targets children affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS, providing education and mentorship.

Global Vision International

Global Vision International, or GVI, has been committed to conservation and community development through firsthand experience since 1997. Each year, more than 2000 volunteers participate in GVI’s award-winning projects, giving an approval rating of 95% since the organization’s founding. In fact, most of GVI’s dedicated staff started as volunteers—and it’s their goal to give you the same wonderful experience that they had.

Seychelles: Marine Conservation Expedition

One of the many volunteer opportunities you can sign up for this summer is GVI’s Marine Conservation Expedition in the Seychelles, where you can participate four weeks scuba diving in the Indian Ocean while engaging in and learning about marine conservation practices. You’ll learn to identify fish and coral, take PADI Advanced and Coral Reef Research Diver courses, search for sharks, rays, and dolphins, and much more. As a volunteer, you’ll provide data and statistics for local government surveys on coral reefs, invertebrates, and turtle breeding areas. In order to participate in this volunteer excursion, you must at least be PADI Open Water certified.

Greece: Animal Care and Marine Conservation

If you’re between the ages of 15 and 17, you may want to check out GVI’s two-week program in Greece for Animal Care Marine Conservation. Through this program, you’ll help conserve one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Greece by checking the site every day and night, creating a record of the nesting activity, and protecting the nest. Throughout the program, you will be able to see the native reserves, observe sea turtles lay eggs or observe the hatchlings make their way to the sea, and learn more about Greek culture.

Ghana: Gender Equality for Girls 

Based in Kokrobite, this program helps empower young women through educational workshops covering rights, autonomy, and gender-based violence. Volunteers contribute to local communities, working alongside schools and the Ghana Girl Guides Association, fostering lasting gender equality. The program promotes cultural understanding and community involvement, enhancing the personal and professional growth of volunteers.

Participants engage in practical activities, from health education to professional mentoring, aiming to uplift girls’ lives and contribute to social development, while also experiencing Ghana’s rich culture and community life.

If you’re interested in these trips or want to learn more about GVI, check out their website at www.gviusa.com.

What Volunteers Say

I was in need of a career break, and was looking to do something out of the ordinary. I was looking to get far away and do something worthwhile. After some heavy research GVI continued to be the organization that ticked all the boxes. They were incredibly helpful when I was choosing my location, and the onsite assistance and support throughout the entire journey was fantastic. I was so lucky to be involved in the Community development program of El Cocal, the children were amazing, I made some friends for life and hopefully one day soon I’ll return for a visit! It really was an unforgettable experience!

-Amelia

Surfpop

Founded in 2015 by Daniel Botha, Surfpop is a South African-based organization that aims to build a sustainable future for vulnerable children from township communities around Muizenberg, Cape Town through a powerful formula of surfing, education and life coaching. They have hosted over 350 international volunteers for their two surf volunteer projects in Cape Town.

Surfpop is very unique compared to other international organizations due to their long-term outlook on supporting the needs of the local community. On average, they work with each child beneficiary for around 8 years, after which they help them find sustainable employment or provide them with employment within the Surfpop organization. Their holistic model of surfing, education, life coaching and nutrition also sets them apart from most other organizations.

Surfpop is the only Volunteer Forever partner that exclusively focuses on surf volunteering, so if you are a surfer or have a strong interest in surfing, Surfpop is definitely an organization you will want to check out!

Volunteer with Surfpop in Cape Town, South Africa

Surfpop’s surf volunteer program is based in the beautiful seaside town of Muizenberg, South Africa. As a volunteer, you will play a critical role in helping disadvantaged children escape poverty, crime, and drugs. Through their comprehensive after-school program, you will not only teach children to surf and swim, but also tutor them on more formal academic subjects such as math, English, and computer literacy.

Surfpop’s volunteer program is open to volunteers ages 18 and up. No prior experience with surfing is necessary. This program starts at roughly $500 USD per week with a minimum duration of four weeks. The cost of the program includes accommodation, breakfast, airport pick-up, orientation, 24/7 support, and surf lessons. Volunteers will also receive surf gear rentals for their stay.

Fronteering

If you want to try a truly unique travel adventure this summer, take a look at Fronteering, which is offering volunteer and intern abroad opportunities right now for travelers who want to visit exotic, unspoiled locations off the beaten track. With placements in 14 countries all around the world, Fronteering offers tons of impactful and educational programs for travelers who want to make a difference in environmental conservation, wildlife research, indigenous communities, and more. Volunteer and intern abroad programs start at an affordable $695 for the first week – and if you’d like to stay longer, Fronteering also offers placements to fill up your entire summer.

Mongolia: Wild Takhi Research

One unique program to check out invites you to Mongolia, where you’ll work alongside wildlife researchers and biologists to learn about the wild takhi – or Przewalskis Horse – one of the world’s rarest and most endangered horse species. During this project, you’ll collect data on the horses you’re studying, track horse behavior, provide data to the biologists that are managing reintroduction of the horses into the wild, collect information about plants and other animals, and much more. You’ll stay in a traditional Mongolian ger, and during your free time, you can go horseback riding, visit local nomadic families, and truly immerse yourself in Mongolian culture. You can sign up for one to four weeks, with a program fee starting at $895 for the first week.

Australia: Kangaroo Island

In Australia, Fronteering is offering the opportunity to volunteer at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Sanctuary with koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and other exotic creatures. During your stay, you’ll act as a wildlife spotter for nocturnal tours, photograph wildlife, help with path and fence upkeep, catalogue native trees, collect and disperse seeds, provide guided tours, and lots of other tasks that keep the sanctuary running and successful. Accommodation is provided in a farmhouse with other volunteers, with meal provisions on a weekly basis and a kitchen available. This project lasts two to four weeks, starting from $1,895 – and for an extra fee, you can arrange dive tours, bike tours, cave visits, and many other side trips and excursions.

South Africa: White Shark Research

For a volunteer program like no other – and for the adventurous traveler – check out this great white shark research opportunity in South Africa. There are lots of ways to get involved, including gathering data on a research boat, teaching about shark conservation with a local partner organization, assisting with database maintenance, giving presentations about shark tourism and other topics, and lots of additional adventurous activities like shark cage diving, observation, and more. During your stay, accommodations are provided in a shared, dormitory-style volunteer house on the western cape of South Africa. During your free time, you can visit animal parks and game reserves, go bungee jumping, explore the city, and take part in many other activities. You can stay two to four weeks, with a program fee starting at $1,700 for your first two weeks on the project.

Global Leadership Adventures

One organization that’s perfect for teens and high schoolers who want to travel abroad and make a difference this summer is Global Leadership Adventures. Founded in 2004, Global Leadership Adventures combines community service, hands-on learning, and adventure travel. Because GLA specializes in youth development through travel, they place a great emphasis on safety and support, which you can see outlined in its Five-Point Safety System™. And as a forerunner in international service learning, Global Leadership Adventures has a database of nearly 2,000 references ready to speak to the impact of their programs – in fact, the organization’s co-founder was recognized by President Obama for making a positive impact in Africa.

Costa Rica: Protecting the Pacific

One of GLA’s many service learning opportunities you can sign up for this summer invites you to Costa Rica, where you’ll learn about coastal sustainable development, work hands-on with a local NGO to help with beach cleanup and educating the community about recycling and pollution, and much more. This program focuses on the Whale Bay marine park, where you’ll connect with grassroots leaders and with members of the community to learn about the park’s history and its work to promote sustainable tourism. Plus, you’ll go zip lining, swimming in a waterfall pool, kayaking through mangroves, and much more during your stay in Costa Rica.

Guatemala: Children of the Maya

On this program, you’ll have the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at a Guatemalan school, learn about Maya culture, and explore ruins and gorgeous communities. At the school, you’ll help refurbish or build classrooms, and play sports and games with Maya children. Throughout your stay in Guatemala, you’ll meet a traditional shaman, learn about medicinal plants used in the region, and even visit a local chocolate workshop. For the adventure portion of your trip, you’ll visit the Mayan ruins at Iximche, explore colonial Antigua, and check out Lake Atitlan.

Dominican Republic: Building a Sustainable World

Another opportunity you should check out is GLA’s 21-day sustainable development service learning program in the Dominican Republic. For three weeks, you’ll learn about Caribbean sustainable development, environmental conservation, and public health. For the volunteer portion of your trip, you’ll help with a variety of projects, such as construction for a community center, helping with reforestation system development, building vertical gardens, and more. You’ll also attend seminars on environmental protection and sustainability practices, and go hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and visiting a Haitian border town market throughout your visit to the Dominican Republic.

Global Volunteers

Since 1984, Global Volunteers has offered internships, volunteer trips, gap years, TEFL, and teach abroad placements in 34 countries around the world. To date, more than 33,000 travelers have signed up with Global Volunteers – and as one of the longest-running volunteer vacation providers in the world, this organization was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations in 1999, and formalized a relationship with UNICEF in 2008.

And with Global Volunteers, your safety comes first: team leaders are certified in CPR and first aid; volunteers serving outside of the US are provided emergency medical evacuation insurance as part of their placement; and emergency contact is available for all travelers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Depending on where you travel, placements start from $1,045 for your first week, and may be tax-deductible for volunteers in the US. Right now, Global Volunteers is offering summer volunteer opportunities in China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, St. Lucia, Tanzania, and many more locations worldwide. If you’re traveling with your family, check out these summer volunteer vacations to get started!

St. Lucia: Childcare and Development

Through this program, you’re invited to St. Lucia, where you can support schools, child care programs, and families through several different projects, including:

1. Maternal and infant support
2. Parent education
3. Early childhood education
4. Tutoring numeracy
5. Computer literacy
6. School gardens
7. Repair and maintenance
8. Nutrition education
9. Healthcare and hygiene education
10. Parents’ cooperative

If you’re traveling with your family this summer, Global Volunteers’ childcare, labor, and tutoring programs in St. Lucia are open to travelers with children eight years old and up. Younger volunteers can enjoy playing with children and helping on the playground and with storytime, while parents and older volunteers can help teach English pronunciation, homework, and much more.

Poland: English Teaching

This summer, Global Volunteers is providing the opportunity for you to visit Siedlce, Poland to teach at a summer language camp. As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to teach conversational English to students aged eight to 18 so that they can pursue better educational and career opportunities within their community and beyond. A few ways you can help include practicing English pronunciation, vocabulary, and phrases and idioms through workshops, skits, games, songs, and much more. Global Volunteers will provide an English teaching guide to help you out during your stay, and you don’t need previous teaching experience to sign up.

Ready to Travel?

As summer gets closer, think about mixing a fun vacation with some helpful volunteer work around the world. There are lots of cool programs like helping sea turtles in Greece or protecting forests in Madagascar. These trips let you see new places, meet different people, and do something good for the planet. So, if you’re excited about adventure and want to help out, these summer volunteer programs could turn your holiday into an exciting and meaningful journey!