Updated for 2024
Boomers, seniors, retirees, and over anyone over 50: are you looking for a wonderful vacation that not only will let you explore the world, but also to make a positive impact on the community you visit? Consider a volunteer vacation!
There are so many reasons why seniors and retirees should embark on volunteer trips – share life experiences, skills, and wisdom while staying active and engaged, learning new things, and having an adventure. International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), a top volunteer organization, encourages seniors to travel so they can have these experiences. They have supported over thousands of seniors and retirees all over the world with a list of recommended senior volunteer programs in many destinations. GoEco is another popular and trusted organization that offers specialty trips for travelers over 50 from wildlife conservations to teaching to community aid in numerous destinations. In addition, Maximo Nivel, based in Latin America, also welcomes volunteers over 50 for their expertises and experiences that would greatly benefit their programs such as working with kids, or animal care. Our friends at Projects Abroad is another excellent resource for older travelers. They have an extensive volunteer abroad guide for travelers over 50, which includes their top programs for adults. You can learn about their special over 50s volunteer program in specific countries such as Ecuador, Nepal, and Cambodia.
Check out Volunteering Solutions’ wide-range of affordable volunteer 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, or wildlife conservation projects for outdoor adventures! Lastly, African Impact has multiple teaching programs suitable for non demanding volunteering throughout Africa, and even a fun wildlife photography volunteer experience in South Africa. Other organisations, such as Involvement Volunteers International (IVI), also provide a wide variety of trips for travelers of all ages and backgrounds.
Your volunteer trip doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Many organizations you’ll travel with as a volunteer provide side trips and activities that allow you to explore a new culture, learn the history of the country you’ll visit, and meet local professionals and artisans. You can take cooking classes, dancing lessons, and attending workshops.
Read on to learn more about some of the many over 50 volunteer abroad opportunities perfect for older travelers!
Featured Volunteer Abroad Organizations and Activities for Seniors
Trending Guidebooks
Volunteering Abroad AFTER the Coronavirus Outbreak
Read 24,854 times2024 Best Internships Abroad: Medical Care, Marine Biology & More
Read 86,233 timesVolunteer in Australia: Animals, Conservation, Ranching and More
Read 46,466 times2024 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Organizations, and Projects
Read 3,623,759 times
One impactful volunteer opportunity to consider is International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). Since its founding in 2007, IVHQ has placed more than 130,000 volunteers around the world on 300+ projects from childcare, to community building, to medical care, and everything in between. With programs in 40+ countries including Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, IVHQ has listed many opportunities with common concerns for senior travelers on this page, who want to make a difference and pursue adventure. There’s something for you whether you’re traveling on your own or with a group, or for a week or several months.
Perfect for senior travelers, IVHQ’s NGO support volunteer programs offer the opportunity to help build capacity and support for local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. You can choose from 10 programs in 9 locations. Some tasks you might be able to take on as a volunteer include general administration, grant writing, research, marketing, fundraising, IT support, website development and teaching English. Right now, IVHQ offers NGO support placements in Cambodia, Ecuador, Italy, New Zealand, Romania, and Spain. This is a wonderful way to assist local community-based organizations that are understaffed or underfunded, but that can make an excellent impact with volunteers like you.
Through IVHQ’s medical and healthcare volunteer programs, you will have the chance to work alongside local professionals in hospitals, clinics, and community centers to provide medical and healthcare, support, and education within the community. For 9 years, IVHQ has provided medical placements not only for students who want to learn more about their future work, but also for medical mission teams composed of professionals who’d like to put their hard-earned skills to use with grateful communities in need. Areas of specialty include physiotherapy, pharmacy, speech therapy, HIV/AIDS support, midwifery and pediatrics, and much more. Right now, IVHQ is offering medical and healthcare placements in Argentina, Bali, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Share your vast experience and leave a legacy when you volunteer in support of the environment. IVHQ volunteers work on conservation projects in various locales: marine, jungle, coastline, and sustainable organic farms. Choose one and begin a new adventure! You’ll work closely with members of the local community and NGOs as they strive to protect their environment. Countries with IVHQ eco-volunteer opportunities include Bali, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. And if you’d prefer to stay in the United States, consider Hawaii’s beach conservation project. With 20+ destinations offering eco programs, there’s myriad choices – start your adventure today!
Take your passion for the environment and its inhabitants abroad as an IVHQ volunteer for Wildlife and Animal Care! Choose to work with wild elephant conservation in Sri Lanka, sea turtle protection in Costa Rica, caring for wolves in Portugal, tending orangutans in Malaysia, or abandoned dogs and cats in several Latin American shelters. Volunteer duties include support in feeding, caring for and playing with animals, as well as facility maintenance and general cleaning. Locations include Bali, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Victoria Falls. If you’re up for a new challenge and don’t mind getting hands-on, volunteer projects are available year-round.
A leading ecotourism company, GoEco was created by experienced volunteers who have carefully vetted every project to ensure high standards for safety and quality. Founded in 2006, the organization placed more than 15,000 volunteers in programs around the world in their first 15 years. They’ve also been recommended by the Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. With more than 150 initiatives, GoEco offers plenty of volunteer abroad opportunities that specifically suit senior citizen volunteers and retirees, including a selection of projects geared specifically towards mature volunteers. Currently, GoEco is offering a special travel grant where you can stay for the 3rd week free! Check out the qualifying programs here!
Head to the tropical island of Nusa Penida, Indonesia with GoEco. Work closely with sea turtles and contribute to conservation strategies. Daily tasks include cleaning and feeding the turtles at the center, as well as assisting with public outreach. You’ll also collect turtle eggs brought by fishermen who’ve saved them from being taken as pets or eaten.
Just 45 minutes on a speed boat from Bali, Nusa Penida is known for its gorgeous beaches and incredible nature. You’ll stay at a volunteer house that’s right near all the action. You can also add a highly recommended culture week to meet other volunteers and learn about Balinese culture.
Journey to South Africa, where you’ll work to create sustainable community projects for impoverished communities. Duties include teaching children at education centers, arranging sports activities, assisting nonprofits with fundraising, educating the public on important health issues like HIV/AIDS, and working in vegetable gardens. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the local community and you’ll feel your impact right away.
You’ll stay in a volunteer house (can upgrade to a private room), and you’ll have free time to check out sites in Cape Town like Robben Island. The program starts from $1040 for two weeks. This program qualifies for staying the 3rd week free!
Another highly rated South African volunteer adventure is helping African animals in an accredited and ethical wildlife ranch located in Western Cape. This sanctuary houses 90 species of animals and reptiles, as well as a cheetah breeding program. You will get to see and interact with cheetahs, lions, white tigers, meerkats, and lemurs. Your tasks may include feeding animals, cleaning their cages and habitats, playing with them, and also maintaining the ranch. This program is recommended for those who are fit and healthy since it can be physically demanding.
When you are not working, you can opt for tours on the weekends such as elephant experiences, horseback safaris, ostrich farms, and the famous Cango Caves. For more details, click here! This program qualifies for staying the 3rd week free!
Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel offers many different programs in Latin America for travelers who want to volunteer, intern abroad, teach abroad, learn Spanish, and more. More than 25,000 travelers have signed up with Maximo Nivel, which offers affordable placements in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. For senior volunteering, Maximo Nivel can be an excellent option for solo travel, to learn Spanish abroad, or even to vacation with your spouse or family.
If you’ve always wanted to become fluent in Spanish, now is your chance through Maximo Nivel’s Spanish language immersion programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, where you can take courses customized to your learning requirements. Group classes range from 2 to 8 participants, allowing for a great balance between engagement and personalized attention. You also can choose to take private classes while visiting Central or South America. You can learn at your own pace and choose how intensive your instruction is – whether you would like to take a full day of classes every day, or even just one hour of tutoring while exploring the area and immersing yourself in the culture. Volunteering with Maximo Nivel is an excellent way to learn a new language while spending time abroad.
Maximo Nivel offers several different volunteer programs that can let you use your skills and knowledge – or pick up new skills while exploring Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. Programs include:
- Working with children
- Teaching English
- Conservation and the environment
- Construction
- Animal care
- Eco-agriculture
- Medical/healthcare
- Working with indigenous communities
No matter your background or age, Maximo Nivel has wonderful opportunities to make a difference in communities in need. And if you’re traveling with a group or with your spouse or family, Maximo Nivel can arrange meaningful and engaging trips as well.
For over 25 years, Projects Abroad has offered volunteer programs throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. As one of the world’s largest volunteer travel organizations, Projects Abroad sends more than 10,000 volunteers on high-quality programs each year, ranging from archaeology, to teaching, to child care, to medical assistance, and much more. Projects Abroad offers many different volunteer programs perfect for older travelers, particularly skilled placements in areas such as medical care, journalism, or NGO support.
You’re never too old to change the world! That’s why Projects Abroad offers Grown-up Specials for volunteers aged 50+. Volunteering abroad has been popularized by teens, college kids and gap year students, but there’s no age limit to doing good globally. If you’re 50 or older, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the rest of the world.
Grown-up Specials are ideal if you’re in retirement, or are considering a career break. Traveling to a new country can be a complicated process. Projects Abroad will help you every step of the way to make sure you get the most out of your trip, and importantly, impact those in need. Whether it’s teaching English in local communities, protecting the environment through conservation activities, or renovating a school, there are different ways for you to make a difference.
The Grown-up Special trips follow set itineraries filled with a balance between altruistic, cultural, and leisure activities to give you a holistic experience of the country you visit. You’ll be placed in a group with other like-minded volunteers—an opportunity to make new friends and connections around the globe.
Grown-up Specials to look out for:
- Help through education at a local school in Nepal
- Protect the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands
- Immerse in the local Khmer culture of Cambodia
Reawaken your spirit of adventure. Make the most of your senior years by helping those who need it most while seeing the world.
Searching for a transformative volunteer abroad experience? Involvement Volunteers International (IVI), established in 1989, is a non-profit and charity that beckons individuals to be part of 25,000 volunteers who’ve positively impacted 112 projects in 23 countries. Take a look at the below programs for a truly impactful experience.
If you’ve ever worked or are interested in nutrition, dietetics, nursing, physiotherapy and community health, then this program in Fiji is calling for you! This project tackles the major health problems facing in Fiji right now. Since 34% of Fijians live in poverty, there is lack of adequate nutritional food and lack of education in healthy eating. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise. Volunteers are asked to help with a variety of health programs alongside a qualified practitioner. Some program tasks include performing health checks, promoting and running outreach campaigns on education in healthy eating, exercises, and diabetes awareness. Located in Nadi, Lautoka, & Manamanuca islands, you will stay in a home stay or at a resort, and it includes 3 meals! This program needs a minimum of 2 weeks commitment. For more information, check it out here!
This rural community just outside of Bodhgaya needs tremendous help in various areas such as teaching children and childcare, conducting healthcare checks (if qualified), educating the community in hygiene, nutrition, and first aid, or help in renovation projects around the community. Bodhgaya, in itself is an interesting destination, as it was the place where Guatama reached Enlightenment as Buddha. Therefore, it is a religious site and an important Buddhist pilgrimage stop. You will have plenty to explore and sights to see in this ancient town, home to the famous Mahabodhi Temple and the Great Buddha Statue. This project needs a minimum of 1 week duration, included with accommodation in the volunteer center. More information can be found here!
Make a positive impact and empower women in Nepal in this volunteer program. Rural women in Nepal are poor because they are disadvantaged in education, and lack even the basic education. With your help in educating these women, their narrative can change for a better future with more opportunities for growth. You will work with a trained teacher to help teach a variety of subjects, especially conversational English lessons for young to elderly women. You can also empower women by inspiring them with different perspectives, and discover their hidden talents. Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, this destination is rich in history and surrounded by majestic mountains making it a popular tourist site. You will have plenty to see and experience. Start your adventure here!
Another excellent volunteer organization to consider for senior volunteer opportunities overseas is Volunteering Solutions, or VolSol. Founded in 2007, Volunteering Solutions has placed 17,000 volunteers on more than 150 meaningful projects in 25+ countries all over the world. Affordably-priced, Volunteering Solutions has projects starting at just $200 and also offers travel insurance for only $12 per week.
One of the many different volunteer opportunities you can sign up for right now with VolSol invites you to teach English at a nursery school, primary school, or secondary school in Zanzibar. Schools in this region often lack basic infrastructure and have trouble developing a solid curriculum for their students, so there is quite a lot that you can accomplish as a volunteer. If you are an educator by profession, you can truly make a difference in these classrooms by teaching basic subjects such as English (including vocabulary, pronunciation, and other skills) and math. A few of your tasks will include preparing lesson plans, helping teachers conduct lessons, assisting with general work such as reception and translation, preparing tests, and implementing new teaching methods. Outside of volunteering, you’ll have time to sample Tanzanian cuisine, explore marketplaces, visit the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, and learn about Swahili culture.
If you have always wanted to visit Australia, now is your chance. Volunteering Solutions offers trips to several different locations of your choice – including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, and beyond – to assist with wildlife and environmental conservation efforts. As a volunteer, you can help with conservation and preservation work, assist with maintenance activities, learn about Australia’s plants and wildlife, and gather information about genus and nomenclature of the plant and animal cycle. You can expect to work Monday through Friday each week, with weekends off to explore. After finishing your volunteer project, head to the Great Barrier Reef and try out some of the world-class snorkeling and scuba diving – or just relax on the beach and enjoy the rest of your trip.
African Impact is a responsible, sustainable volunteer travel organization that has won multiple industry awards, including being voted the world’s Top Volunteer Abroad Organization by volunteers on GoAbroad four years in a row. Since 2004, they have hosted over 35,000 participants on 20 projects across 7 countries. The organization believes in the spirit of Africa and that the volunteer experience is just as important as the impact made.
African Impact manages its own projects and is able to provide tangible, real achievements on a regular basis. The organization has a clear Child Protection Policy and ensures that volunteers complete a criminal record check prior to involvement. Experienced staff is on the ground to support volunteers day-in-day-out and the organization does not use volunteer support in replacement for a local person.
In addition to making a positive impact, African Impact also believes that volunteering abroad should be enjoyable. The organization offers a range of activities for volunteers, including teaching children in South Africa, assisting with wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe, working in hospitals or clinics in Kenya, and carrying out dolphin and marine research in Zanzibar.
Volunteering with African Impact allows individuals to gain new skills, knowledge and practical work experience, while also making a lasting impact on local communities and conservation efforts. The organization believes that volunteering in Africa helps to change perceptions and stereotypes about Africa and its people, while providing local communities with an exchange of culture, mindsets and ideas.
Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Program
The African Big 5 Wildlife Conservation project is a volunteer program in South Africa that offers participants the opportunity to work with expert field guides and research teams in the Greater Kruger Area, one of the world’s last remaining wildlife strongholds. The Greater Kruger Area encompasses over 20 private wildlife reserves on the west side of the Kruger National Park, and it is home to many of Africa’s iconic “Big 5” animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.
Participants in this program will have the chance to collect information about these animals and to help protect them from threats such as poaching and habitat loss. They will also be able to track the movements and behaviors of herds of elephants and prides of lions, and to witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat on unforgettable night drives.
During their time on the project, participants will live in a private volunteer lodge in the heart of the Greater Kruger Area. The lodge offers a safari-style camp experience, with amenities such as a swimming pool, viewing deck, WiFi, and hot showers. Participants will be able to relax and socialize in the outdoor area, and to enjoy the stunning views of the African bush.
This volunteer program is open to people of all skill levels and backgrounds, and it is suitable for anyone with an interest in wildlife, nature, or conservation. No prior experience is necessary, and participants will be able to choose from a range of start dates and duration options to suit their schedules and preferences. Once they have submitted their application, a Destination Specialist will be in touch to discuss the project and to answer any questions they may have.
Early Childhood Development Project in Cape Town
The Early Childhood Development Project in Cape Town offers volunteers the chance to work with vulnerable children in underprivileged townships. Volunteers will support children in foster care homes and pre-schools, providing them with access to education and care that they may not otherwise have access to. The project aims to make a positive, long-term impact on the lives of disadvantaged children by providing them with the support and education they need to succeed.
In addition to working with children, volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town and all it has to offer. Cape Town has been named the Most Beautiful City in the World for the past 5 years, and is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Volunteers can take advantage of the many activities available in the city, such as hiking up Table Mountain, going paragliding, kayaking in the ocean, or visiting historic sites such as Robben Island.
Volunteers will live in a spacious guesthouse in the center of town, with shared dorm-style accommodation and shared bathroom facilities. The guesthouse is close to the main sights of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the Company’s Gardens. A team on site will be available to support volunteers and help them with any needs they may have during their stay.
Dolphin and Marine Conservation Project
Volunteer in Zanzibar on African Impact’s Dolphin and Marine Conservation Project and make a real difference to the sustainability of dolphin tourism. As a volunteer, you will monitor human-dolphin interactions, promote ethical dolphin tours, and contribute to the conservation of marine life in the area. This project is ideal for those passionate about marine conservation and the environment. In your free time, you can explore the beautiful coastlines and vibrant culture of Zanzibar. You will live in a private volunteer house near the coastal village of Kizimkazi and work with local communities and organizations to protect the marine ecosystem. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while enjoying a truly amazing location.
Founded in 1997 by Richard Walton, Global Vision International (GVI) is an award-winning organization that provides volunteer and internship opportunities in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. GVI has sent more than 25,000 volunteers overseas on programs ranging from construction, to animal care, to education, and beyond with 95% of past volunteers stating they would want to travel with them again. GVI is unique from other volunteer programs in three ways: they operate their own volunteer projects to ensure real, sustainable impact on the ground; they provide 360 degree support before, during, after your placement; and lastly their alumni network provides increased access to higher education and career development opportunities. GVI’s differentiators and their emphasis on volunteer safety make the program very appealing to first-time international volunteers and senior volunteers – they even have specially selected projects for volunteers who are aged 50 and up! Their projects start from one week and can last up to one year. Projects mix community service with global and cultural awareness to inspire and encourage volunteers to continue learning and serving even after they’ve returned from their trip.
If you’ve ever been fascinated by dolphins and whales, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about these magnificent mammals, contribute to a sustainable conservation project, and have fun exploring a beautiful island! Based in Tenerife, you will help with whale and dolphin conservation research by taking pictures, observing and recording their behaviors and numbers while on a boat. You will be able to see pilot whales and buttlenose dolphins but also possibly humpback whales and killer whales. Another part of your volunteering will be teaching tourists in choosing ethical whale and dolphin watching tours. In your free time, there are many experiences such as tours, cooking classes, and biking included in your program fees! For detailed information, click here!
Travel to Cartago, Costa Rica with GVI to teach English to children. This is one of GVI’s most popular programs and so it can fill up quickly. This is a great opportunity to visit the beautiful Costa Rica country, and at the same time leaving a positive impact. No previous teaching experience is required, just the enthusiasm to teach. You will be teaching English to school aged children in a childhood development program. You will also engage them in physical activities and other group activities to develop social skills. In your free time, there are many places to visit such as tour San Jose city, coffee plantations, and national parks. Get started here!
If you’d like to visit Asia, GVI has an amazing opportunity right now in Thailand to volunteer with elephants that have been rescued from working in the tourist industry. Although volunteers are not allowed to directly handle the elephants due to ethical conservation guidelines, you will help in conservation research by observing and recording their behaviors, assist in fieldwork and biodiversity surveys, and check for physical illnesses. The research center is located in a mountainous village in Chiang Mai. Your accommodation will be provided by a local host family in the Karen community so you will be able to immerse and interact with the local community. For costs and other details, visit GVI’s site!
With more than 20,000 travelers placed on service trips and internships abroad since 2009 (and 4,000 in just the past year!), Love Volunteers is one of the fastest growing international volunteer organizations in the world. With volunteer trips starting from $199 for one week overseas, a few of Love Volunteers’ popular locations include:
Love Volunteers has placements in 34 countries worldwide, with more than 120 different projects.
Based in Surin – the elephant capital of Thailand – this volunteer trip gives you the opportunity to care for elephants that have been abused and neglected. Years ago, elephants were used as beasts of burden for logging work – a practice that was outlawed in the 1980s. Later, to help pay for their care, mahouts began bringing elephants into the cities to perform for tourists. Outside of their natural habitats, these elephants suffer from abuse and neglect – fortunately, you can make a difference by volunteering with an initiative that brings the elephants back into nature, cares for them and rehabilitates them, and even provides livelihood support for their mahouts.
In the slums of Kathmandu, some of Nepal’s poorest children suffer from a lack of quality education – something vitally important to breaking the cycle of poverty. As a volunteer, you can help these children by working with schools in need of manpower and resources – a few ways that you can be a part of the change including assisting teachers with their lessons, teaching conversational English to the students, and even teaching important life skills and the importance of good hygiene for long-term health.
If you have at least four weeks to give, and if you have background and education in medicine, Love Volunteers has an amazing program to support those suffering from or impacted by HIV/AIDS in Kenya. You will start with a two-week HIV/AIDS support course, after which you will help those living with the disease through medical care and other services, such as providing food or other support. You also will educate local adults and children about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and provide much-needed care to children who have been orphaned due to the disease.
Based in Cairns, Australia, this program invites you to the Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, which provides care and rehabilitation for turtles suffering from disease as well as injuries caused by boats and polluted waters. A few ways that you can help include prepping food and feeding the turtles, cleaning and maintaining their tanks, scrubbing algae off of the turtles’ backs, transporting and releasing the turtles, assisting with monitoring and research in the reef, and much more.
For more than 20 years, Cross-Cultural Solutions has offered international volunteer programs in nine different countries throughout Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. A world leader in the field of international volunteering, Cross-Cultural Solutions’ programs focus on child development, girls’ and women’s empowerment, and global health. To date, more than 35,000 volunteers have traveled with this organization, which offers year-round presence in their host communities, a full-time team of local expert staff to support volunteers, and among the highest standards of safety and well-being in the volunteer travel industry.
Travel to the Volta region of Ghana with Cross-Cultural Solutions, where you can make an impact in child development, global health, and girls’ and women’s empowerment. 29% of the country’s citizens live below the poverty line, and on average, girls receive two years’-fewer schooling than boys. As a child development volunteer, you will have the opportunity to work with a community group or childcare center to provide support to single mothers through teaching, conducting early education programming, and more. If you choose to focus on global health, you can participate in outreach, education, and care, and take part in malaria prevention campaigns, vision screening, and much more. And as a volunteer on the girls’ and women’s empowerment program, you will play a part in helping Ghanaian women achieve financial independence. Outside of senior volunteer opportunities, you can learn to speak ewe, learn to dye batik cloths, visit the city of Accra, and much more.
Visit India’s “Village in the Sky”, Dharamsala, where you will be able to take part in children’s development and global health programs. Inequality throughout India takes a major toll on those living in poverty in particular – not to mention those afflicted by HIV/AIDS, those who are migrants, those from rural or tribal populations, and even women and children nationwide. In the highlands of Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees, you will have the chance to help people in need while immersing yourself in a vibrant culture. As a child development volunteer, you can help out in a community center to provide childcare for single mothers, teach English, and give extra attention to children who otherwise may not receive the support they need. If global health is more aligned with your interests, this program gives you the chance to provide much-needed support to low-income children and adults through vision screening, oral health campaigns, and promotion of good hygiene practices in schools.
A Broader View began in 2007 with the goal of offering people a way to travel while doing meaningful service work. The organization has 245 programs across the world (and counting).
ABV offers programs specifically focusing on the plight of young woman and destitute woman in impoverished communities. These programs aim to help the women by giving them support, guidance, and life skill training. Volunteers work with grassroots woman’s groups and teach English; they also help to initiate income generating activities and to create sustainable solutions to the challenges the woman face on a day-to-day basis. Locations include Colombia, Nepal, India, Tanzania, Peru, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. As a volunteer, you will assist with training woman in several life and income generating skills and to carry out research to find alternative solutions to fight poverty. There are no specific requirements to sign up, except willingness and enthusiasm to help women. The mission on this program is to help foster the growth of independent, self-sufficient, decision-making women, by encouraging self-empowerment.
In communities around the world, there is a an ongoing need for native English speakers to help provide lessons and instructions in rural and urban schools. Most of the schools A Broader View places volunteers in are in poor neighborhoods and rural locations, and the schools lack native English-speaking teachers. As an education volunteer, you will help children learn the correct use of English words and master English grammar. Location include Tanzania, India, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, India, Ecuador, Uganda, Ghana, Nepal, and more. Children are very eager to learn and develop their conversational English, and as a volunteer you will not only assist teaching, but your presence is also a proven morale booster to the teachers, parents, and students alike. You do not have to be a teacher to volunteer on this English teaching project. Volunteers receive assistance from the local teacher with lesson plans.
Delve into a new language: Spanish! A Broader View Language & Cultural Immersion programs provide the opportunity to volunteer in a humanitarian mission (clinic, schools, and more) while learning Spanish at the same time. These Immersion programs range from one week to one month. Students at all levels are welcome to join, and lessons are provided two to four hours per day Monday to Friday (depending of the country). The remainder of your day will be spent in the local school, clinic, or other project of your choice. Choose from programs in Chile, Peru, Honduras, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala.
Looking for a program that offers something different? Consider Fronteering, an organization known for taking you off the beaten path to remote and unspoiled locations. Operating in more than 15 countries across the globe, Fronteering offers plenty of exciting volunteer abroad opportunities for retirees and senior volunteers.
From helping save the koalas in Australia to pre-school teaching in South Africa, Fronteering has a unique variety of options. You’re certain to find a program that suits you.
Ready to look for volunteer abroad opportunities with Fronteering? Begin searching here. And check out the awesome retiree and senior volunteer programs below!
Join a team that has the privilege to care for Ontario’s diverse animal species, including bears, deer, wolves, racoons, moose, beavers, and coyote. Main duties include helping raise, rescue, rehabilitate, and even release wild animals. You’ll get to hand and tube feed animals, maintain records regarding health and feeding, clean enclosures, and more. It’s an amazing experience getting to be so up close and personal with these creatures.
Please note that the only priority is a passion for wildlife and the outdoors. Check with your healthcare provider about vaccines before going. You’ll stay at a shared rustic accommodation and have plenty of time to explore Ontario during free time. Visit Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park, and Niagara Falls, and more. Program fees start at $1,095 for four weeks. You can volunteer for up to eight weeks.
Nestled among the rolling hills of southern Mississippi, the Children’s Autism and Therapy Ranch aims to make a difference for kids with special needs through interactions with horses and other therapy animals, such as dogs and goats. Your main responsibilities will be to nourish and care for the therapy animals, which includes cleaning enclosures, feeding the horses, and grounds maintenance. You’ll also get to assist with therapy sessions and help the kids. It’s heartwarming to see the positive effects.
What’s also great is that you can go horse riding every day while volunteering. Program fees start at $1,295 for one week. You can volunteer for up to four weeks.
If you’re passionate about helping indigenous cultures preserve their way of life, this volunteer teaching program in Guyana is right for you. You’ll serve as an assistant in a village primary school, helping out mostly with English and math lessons but also sports as well. Other duties may include teaching villagers IT skills, helping out with building construction, and providing additional support for the local Amerindian community. Your service is crucial in making it possible for the indigenous community to support itself and maintain their way of life.
When you’re not volunteering, take advantage of the opportunity to learn even more about Amerindian culture. From ancient legends to natural healing remedies, there’s a lot to learn. Please note prior teaching experience is preferred (but not mandatory). You should also be physically and mentally fit. Be sure to check with your local doctor about needed vaccines and medications before departure. Program fees start at $1,795 for four weeks. You can stay up to 12 weeks.
Global Volunteers works in 16 countries worldwide, placing families, groups, couples, or individual travelers on meaningful projects that are developed through community-based partnerships with host leaders. Founded in 1984, the organization is led by experts in human and economic development. More than 34,000 volunteers of all ages have worked in 202 host communities on programs that range from teaching conversational English, math, science, and computer literacy; building, repairing, and painting community facilities; providing health, hygiene, nutrition, and infectious disease education; establishing school and household gardens; caring for at-risk children, and more. Global Volunteers was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations in 1999, and has partnered with UNICEF since 2008.
Retirement isn’t the time to slow down. Join like-minded people making a positive impact on the lives of students through a service program for retirees and seniors with Global Volunteers. Travel the world and take time to make new friends, and mentor a young person, help a community in need while on a travel opportunity abroad. Program costs range from $1,095 to $3,595 for one to three weeks, and includes all meals, comfortable lodging, daily bottled water, airport transfers, transportation in country, an experienced team leader, and Global Volunteers program management and administrative expenses. A plus for U.S. retirees is that service program contributions and travel costs are tax-deductible! Global Volunteers offers discounts, ranging from $50 to $500, for first-time volunteers, full-time students, and children 12 and under, and for registering six months in advance. Professional, faith-based, educational, and corporation groups with 10 or more people qualify for savings that range from $200 to $500, depending upon the total count. Referrals also earn you credits towards for future trips, as well as repeat travel trips. Learn more about discounts here.
Come to Poland and bask in the warmth and hospitality of the Polish people. This is an adventure of a lifetime, immersing yourself in Polish culture and, at the same time, bringing meaning to the lives of the people you meet. Volunteer as a tutor, teaching basic English in rural schools, and helping the students during their summer break. You’ll have the opportunity to work one-on-one or in small groups with their conversational English. You can practice pronunciation, vocabulary, phrases and idioms in classrooms with elementary and middle school students during the school year. Another opportunity is assisting at the Children’s English Summer Camp, where eager young students are waiting to speak English with you and share their rich, illustrious culture. At camp, you’ll help to bridge their summer break to the school year with fun activities in English such as skits, games, songs, field trips and more. On weekends, explore the picturesque Tatra Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe. Through volunteer work, cultural activities and personal adventures, you’ll learn about Poland and remain forever invested. Your contribution fee begins at $2,695. Choose from a one or two-week stay, which includes accommodations, meals, transportation to your project, and educational materials. Click here to read more.
Volunteering in Vietnam is an eclectic experience, where you’ll be immersed in a rich multicultural community with Chinese, French, and Russian influences. And Hanoi, one of the most ancient capitals of the world, is filled with amazing people, ancient architecture, and exquisite food. Join Global Volunteers abroad and you will have the opportunity to appreciate it all. Guide the future leaders of Vietnam when you volunteer to teach English at a variety of academic centers: a public university, a private K-12 school, a center for visually impaired adults, and at the Vietnam Institute for Development Strategy. Many Vietnamese schools lack teachers with sufficient competencies to teach practical English beyond basic writing and speaking skills. You’ll focus on improving students’ pronunciation, listening and speaking skills, as well as organizing games and other activities within the classroom. No experience is needed. Teaching is not the only thing you’ll do when you travel to Hanoi. Your free time will be spent visiting the ancient temples, exploring the stunning countryside, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Be sure to tour the famous Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and catch the colorful Water Puppet Theater during your stay. Your contribution fee begins at $2,795. Choose from one- and two- week itineraries, including accommodations, food, transportation to projects and educational materials. A trained leader is on site all year. Read on to learn about this exotic locale and its volunteering opportunities.
Travel to Ecuador with Global Volunteers and care for the children of Quito, providing essential services in one of two programs: Early Childhood Education or Repair and Maintenance. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of other volunteers who, since 1996, have helped to provide safe learning spaces for children while their mothers work. As an educator, you can offer at-risk children the attention they deserve, and mentor them in social skills and more. This program lets you play with toddlers, and teach them important lessons in health and nutrition. Or, get your hands dirty and help to repair and maintain daycare facilities by painting and cleaning. Your plumbing and electrical skills are needed to upgrade classrooms, and your carpentry skills can help to improve playgrounds. No experience is necessary, but you’ll be thrilled to know that your lifelong learning can contribute to the advancement of young, eager students. You’ll stay in a tourist-class hotel with 24-hour reception. The comfortable rooms are double-occupancy with private baths. Amenities include laundry service, telephones, and television. Meals are enjoyed at area restaurants, providing authentic cuisine. Your contribution fee begins at $2,317. Spend your free time enjoying the natural and cultural attractions of Ecuador, including Calderon’s Masapan sculptures, which you can watch being made, and buy in small shops around town. Visit markets, parks, historical museums and architectural sites in Quito, or travel north and see Otavalo, an Indian village and market, or revel in the natural beauty of the cloud forest in Mindo. Other side trips are a trek up the 16,000-foot Cotopaxi Mountain, or the Galapagos Islands. Choose from a one or two-week stay, which includes accommodations, meals, transportation to your project, and educational materials. Read more and apply here.
Global Vision International (GVI) offers many different volunteer abroad opportunities for travelers of all ages, including those over 50. With more than 150 different volunteer programs in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Australasia, GVI offers impactful opportunities in a wide variety of project areas. So far, more than 24,000 travelers have signed up with GVI on projects ranging from conservation, to teaching, to construction and beyond.
Based in Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – this program invites you to contribute to sustainable women’s empowerment initiatives locally. From English teaching, to life skills workshops, and beyond, you can make a difference in women trying to improve their quality of life and the future of their family and community. Along the way, you will immerse yourself in Lao culture and learn about its history, food, religion, and language, and you will even be able to enjoy a weekend break along the Mekong River. Optional side trips include a visit to the Pak Ou Caves, which hold thousands of Buddha images, a tour of weaving villages, and much more.
If your background is in healthcare or medicine – or if you have an interest in these initiatives – you’re invited to volunteer with GVI in Thailand, where you can work with a local community to improve their health and hygiene through education. Based in Phang Nga, this program invites you to volunteer with children, as well as some adults who are physically or mentally disabled, through a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, exercise, basic English teaching, and health and hygiene education in schools, care centers, and community centers. During your free time, you will have lots of opportunity to visit beaches, parks, and caves, and even take optional side trips to Khao Sok National Park, Phuket Island, and much more.
Another excellent healthcare program through GVI that’s perfect for retirees and senior volunteers takes place in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where you will volunteer alongside Integral Care Center to support children and young people with special needs. As a volunteer, you will play a role in empowering children and others in need by providing different types of therapies, such as aqua and physical therapy, as well as equine therapy. You also will be able to help with basic to advanced education, as well as teaching basic life skills that will allow youth to perform day-to-day activities. During your free time, you will be able to go snorkeling, visit Mayan archaeological sites, and more.
One more wonderful volunteer opportunity you can sign up for right now brings you to Fiji, where you will be able to enjoy a tropical island getaway while also lending a hand to a local community development initiative. On this program, you’ll have five areas of focus: WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), health and nutrition, income generation, education enrichment and empowerment, and environmental management and protection. If you want to empower people to build healthy lifestyles through sustainable development, this is a great way to do it. GVI’s Fiji expedition also has the option for side trips, where you can visit world class dive sites, see dolphins, and even relax at an island resort.
For a unique and meaningful opportunity with GVI, travel to Laos to volunteer to teach practical and conversational English to Buddhist novice monks and to other local students. Each week, Monday through Friday, you will plan and teach English lessons or help local teachers to carry out their lessons, all of which will help your students to find future employment opportunities, build bright futures for themselves, and become even more productive members of their communities. During your free time, you are invited to explore the Kuang Si waterfall, take a boat ride on the famous Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves to see thousands of Buddha images, or even visit the Royal Palace Museum. If you would like to travel beyond Laos, you are a short trip from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand as well. This program starts from two weeks at $1,900, and you are invited to stay longer.
Ready to Travel?
These were just a few of the many different amazing volunteer abroad opportunities available to travelers over 50 – whether you would like to teach, care for children, or put your years of experience and carefully honed skills to use for a community abroad, you’re sure to find an engaging and worthwhile trip. If you’d like to learn more about volunteer programs open to seniors and retirees, please click here to start searching for the perfect opportunity.
Sarah Vandenberg ยท Director of Partnerships
Sarah has worked as a researcher and consultant in the volunteer travel world since 2004. With a BA from the George Washington University and background working with both public and private sector volunteer organizations, she enjoys exploring the world and collecting and sharing stories, trends, and advice with travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.