Volunteer Abroad Opportunities for Grown Ups: Career Breaks, Company Trips

CALLING ALL GROWN-UPS! Listen up, because this article is all about opportunities for you to take a fulfilling break that can also enhance your career. Volunteer work abroad does not have to be reserved only for students or new graduates – there are so many service adventures worldwide, and now it’s your turn.

Career Breaks and Volunteer Vacation Trips

Too often we get so caught up in our jobs and career aspirations – and in keeping up with friends and family obligations – that we forget to take time for ourselves. By taking a volunteer trip abroad, whether it’s for a week or even for a career break, you’ll have the amazing opportunity to make a difference, break out of your 9 to 5 routine, and have fun.

While shorter trips tend to focus more on tasks that are easier to train volunteers in – like planting trees or painting classrooms – traveling for a month or longer on a career break can be an amazing way to put your hard-earned skills to direct use for a community in need overseas. If you’re a medical or healthcare professional, consider volunteering in a rural clinic. If you’re a social worker or child care provider, there are lots of wonderful volunteer programs where you can lend a hand in a school, daycare, or community center. If you work in IT, project management, marketing, or other business-related services, your assistance as a volunteer can be invaluable to NGOs and community development programs all over the world.

Team Building and Company Volunteer Trips

Looking for an opportunity that won’t cut into your annual leave? Get your business involved and take a group trip! Many volunteer organizations – including a few of the ones featured below – offer corporate volunteer excursions where you can take your team on a volunteer adventure overseas. While volunteering and helping people in need, you can build camaraderie with your team, make a positive impact in an underserved community, and develop skills and tactics that you can bring back to your day job.

From wildlife conservation to school construction to teaching English or other subjects, there’s no limit to the amazing volunteer trips that you can take worldwide. If you have reached a point in your career where you want a small break, or if you have decided to just quit your job and start anew, there is an amazing and impactful opportunity waiting for you to jump in.

Ready, set, VOLUNTEER!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

If you’re looking for an affordable and impactful volunteer trip, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is an excellent option with a great track record of sustainability. Since 2007, this organization has sent more than 75,000 volunteers all around the world, on over 150 projects in more than 35 different destinations. IVHQ’s volunteer abroad programs include a registration fee, airport pickup, orientation, supervision, accommodation and meals, 24/7 in-country support, and administrative costs.

Corporate Volunteering Program

One of IVHQ’s many different travel opportunities is their Corporate Volunteering program, where you and fellow coworkers can work together to “amplify innovation, develop critical skills, and embed a culture of sustainable development in your organization.” Through IVHQ, you can choose from more than 35 locations around the world – including Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific – to grow as a team, build new skills, and make an impact abroad.

Corporate volunteering is a wonderful way to recruit talented staff, reward those who are excelling in their work, and even build skills in problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. You can choose to volunteer for one day or longer, with a very affordable program fee. Through IVHQ’s Corporate Volunteering program, you will work alongside local organizations to make a lasting contribution to community projects, all of which align with the environmental needs of each location – whether you take on construction and renovation, NGO support, wildlife conservation, sports and arts education, and beyond. At the completion of your program, you will receive a comprehensive Impact Report summarizing the specific contribution made by your company. Learn more and get started here!

Volunteering Abroad For Over 40s and 30s

With 40+ countries and 300+ projects available, you can share your experience, learn something new, or make a meaningful impact. IVHQ provides low-cost fees, pre-departure guidance, 24/7 in-country support, and options for accommodation upgrades. Programs suit all interests, from teaching English to conservation work, with opportunities to travel solo or with family. Join IVHQ’s Facebook groups to connect with like-minded volunteers and start planning your next adventure.

GoEco

Volunteering with GoEco as a senior is a rewarding and flexible experience, with a wide range of programs perfectly tailored for those 50 and over. Each project is designed to warmly welcome mature volunteers by providing tasks that are engaging yet align with personal comfort and abilities. With GoEco’s 3rd Week Free Grant, enjoy the benefits of a third week free of charge when you sign up for two weeks or more.

Explore these great opportunities with GoEco!

• Australia – Wildlife Animal Sanctuary Volunteer: Contribute to wildlife preservation at a Heritage Listed sanctuary near Sydney, caring for native species and engaging in conservation education.

• Fiji – Inspire Kindergartners: Teach English to enthusiastic kindergartners in Fiji, fostering language skills and confidence while exploring the tropical Coral Coast.

• Australia – Great Barrier Reef Conservation: Participate in vital conservation efforts at the Great Barrier Reef, engaging in marine research and species rehabilitation while getting your diving certification!

• Bali – Education in Bali: Empower Bali’s youth through English education, contributing to community development amidst the island’s picturesque setting.

Maximo Nivel

Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has provided volunteer, intern, study, and teach abroad opportunities in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. To date, 25,000 travelers have signed up with Maximo Nivel, which works alongside local organizations to make sure you will be involved in a sustainable, impactful initiative. Maximo Nivel’s volunteer trips are also very affordable, depending on the project you sign up for.

Volunteer Teaching English

One of the best ways to make a difference for communities in need is through education – and teaching English is a fantastic way to help people build bright futures, enhance their educational opportunities, and pursue better careers. Right now, Maximo Nivel offers English teaching volunteer placements in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru – through these programs, you’ll work with students who want to learn English, but who do not have the means to pay for a higher-level education within their community. For one week or longer, you will be placed in a public school, community center, after-school program, or shelter for street children, where you will lead English lessons, create lesson plans, tutor students who need extra help, and much more. You also will assist with other day-to-day activities, such as cleaning and fixing up teaching areas, fundraising and collecting donations, and much more. If you don’t have English teaching experience, don’t worry: Maximo Nivel will provide an ESL crash course to help you learn basic English teaching strategies, create lesson plans, and get comfortable working in your classroom. Learn more and sign up here!

Medical and Healthcare Volunteer Programs

Also based in Costa Rica, Peru, and Guatemala, Maximo Nivel’s medical and healthcare volunteer program gives you the opportunity to work with local medical professionals in hospitals or clinics. If you’re a medical professional or in your third or fourth year of medical school, you may volunteer alongside local doctors and nurses, and depending on your experience and Spanish language ability, as well as the project needs at the time, you can assist with check-ups, medical campaigns, triage, taking vitals, organizing patient records, and other tasks. This program lasts a minimum of one week, and you can expect to work three to four hours each day, Monday through Friday. Learn more and apply here!

Projects Abroad

For more than 20 years, Projects Abroad has offered volunteer placements and internships in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. With more than 120,000 volunteers placed in over 30 countries worldwide, Projects Abroad is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world. With a wide variety of programs available, some of the many different trips offered can be customized for travelers aged 19 and over, 50 and over, and even for professionals who want to enhance their careers and lend their skills to sustainable and impactful programs overseas.

Volunteering abroad isn’t just for students. Projects Abroad offers a wide range of programs ideal for you, whether you’re volunteering on a career break, as a work trip, or after retirement.

Trips include:

1. Flexi Trips, for volunteers 16 and older, with flexible start dates and durations, and free time for independent activities.
2. Grown-up Specials, for volunteers 50 and older, with set start dates and durations, and an itinerary of social activities with your group.
3. Bespoke Group Trips, which are completely customized, ideal for a team-building trip with your colleagues, friends, or family.

Sea Turtle Conservation in Mexico

A top program to do during a career break is Projects Abroad’s Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Mexico. This is the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and do something different to your day job. On this project, you’ll play an important role in protecting endangered sea turtles.

Depending on the time of year you volunteer, you will:

1. Go on night patrols along the beach to identify turtle nests and collect eggs
2. Relocate the eggs to protected corrals
3. Release hatchlings and watch as they scuttle to the sea
4. Help with biodiversity studies in different coastal ecosystems
5. Do beach clean-ups to protect marine animals from harmful plastic waste

When you’re not actively involved in marine conservation volunteering, you’ll enjoy living near a beautiful black sand beach in the town of Cuyutlan. Learn more and get started here!

Childcare Volunteering in Nepal for Volunteers over 50

Projects Abroad’s Childcare Grown Up Special in Nepal is the ideal way to use your life experience to help children in disadvantaged communities. With a group of volunteers your age, you’ll work on fun games and activities to promote early childhood development. You can also get creative and help with light renovation work, like painting colorful educational murals. Prepare to revel in gorgeous views of the Himalayas while you live and work with people your age in Kathmandu. Learn more and apply here!

Tailor-Made Group Trips

Projects Abroad’s bespoke group trips are perfect for your team building work trip! If you have a group of five or more, you can chat to our staff about arranging your tailor-made trip. You can choose the country you’ll volunteer in and the kinds of activities you’d like to do, and Projects Abroad will take care of all the logistics for you. The organization offers great flexibility and variety, and projects run year-round. This means you can choose your start date and project duration. Read more here.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Since 1989, this Australian charity has made a big impact, sending over 25,000 volunteers of all ages to projects in 23 countries. IVI continues to forge strong connections worldwide, offering a myriad of programs, all audited for ethical standards and long-term goals. Volunteers with IVI enjoy comprehensive support, including 24/7 in-country assistance and top-notch accommodation for an authentic experience. 

Here are our top picks for placements with IVI:

• Woman & Children Commune in Fiji: Provide crucial support in childcare, education, and women empowerment in Lautoka, assisting a community of single mothers and their families towards a brighter future.

• Public Health & Nutrition Volunteer in Vanuatu: Combat malnutrition and public health issues in Vanuatu by conducting health screenings, creating educational campaigns, and promoting fitness in disadvantaged communities.

• Volunteering for Animals in Fiji: Assist in animal shelters in Nadi & Lautoka, providing care, and participating in community education to improve animal welfare and prepare pets for adoption.

• Mental Health Support in Vanuatu: Support mental health initiatives in Port Villa, offering counseling, conducting health checks, and providing education to uplift communities dealing with mental health challenges.

• English Teaching in Lovina, Bali: Enhance the education and confidence of children in Lovina by teaching English and engaging in creative learning activities, shaping their future prospects.

Volunteering Solutions

With a vast network encompassing over 250 projects in more than 26 countries, Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) has enabled over 15,000 volunteers, including seniors & retirees and corporate groups to embark on meaningful journeys worldwide. VolSol has effectively tapped into the enthusiasm of adults who are keen to break free from the monotony of life, offering them the opportunity to travel abroad, volunteer, and create a positive impact in host countries.  

Volunteering Solutions offers a variety of programs specifically designed for mature volunteers – check out some of their placements here!

• Conservation Volunteer For Endangered Animals, Gladstone, Australia: Aid in the rescue and rehabilitation of native Australian species like the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby and Hairy-nosed Wombats, contributing to their conservation and education about their habitat.

• Volunteer Teaching English To Monks, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Teach English to novice Buddhist monks, fostering educational growth while immersing them in the spiritual and cultural aspects of life in Chiang Mai.

• Conservation Volunteering Program, Auckland, New Zealand: Join efforts in preserving New Zealand’s diverse flora and fauna, engaging in tasks like tree planting and pest control, while exploring the country’s scenic beauty during free time.

• NGO Support Volunteer Program, Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Support local NGOs in Cambodia, contributing to various initiatives such as Human Rights, Women Empowerment, and Micro-Finance, and immerse in the local culture and community.

• Volunteer Marine Conservation Program, Tianyar, Bali: Participate in marine conservation efforts in Bali, focusing on pollution control, reef restoration, and community education to protect and preserve marine life and coral reefs.

Global Vision International (GVI)

Global Vision International (GVI) offers a wide variety of meaningful volunteer and intern abroad programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. More than 24,000 volunteers have signed up with GVI, which offers projects ranging from teaching to community building, conservation, women’s empowerment, and much more. 

With no maximum age restrictions, their programs are perfect for those over 50 seeking to contribute their keenness and passion to make a significant impact. By volunteering with GVI, you will make a difference: this award-winning organization partners with NGOs across many different focus areas to provide the best possible solutions with help from international volunteers.

Marine Conservation Expedition in the Seychelles

On this volunteer trip, you will travel to the islands of the Seychelles to earn your PADI Advanced and PADI Coral Reef Research Diver qualification while working alongside marine researchers on conservation initiatives. Most of your time will be spent scuba diving, and you’ll learn to identify fish and coral in the Indian Ocean, learn to survey coral reefs, visit breeding areas for sea turtles, and much more. A few of the project objectives include providing long-term and consistent collection of data to assess the overall health and development of the reef system, increasing scientific output and awareness of the project through publication, increasing in-country capacity by providing environmental education and training, and much more. Click here to sign up!

Community Development Expedition in Fiji

Another excellent volunteer program you can sign up for right now with GVI invites you to Fiji, where you can take part in a sustainable community development initiative. There are five focus areas on this project, including WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), health and nutrition, income generation, education enrichment and empowerment, and environmental management and protection. GVI’s Fiji expedition also includes optional side trips, where you can visit world-class dive sites, watch dolphins, or just relax at an island resort. Learn more and register here!