Updated for 2023-2024
Volunteer and internship programs abroad offer an enormous variety of opportunities, from environmental conservation and teaching English to childcare and medical assistance, and everything in between. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, education, or healthcare, there are projects all over the world—from Latin America to Africa and Asia—where you can contribute your talents and make a meaningful impact.
However, for some, leaving the United States to volunteer or intern overseas isn’t practical. But there’s no need to miss out on the experience! There are exciting volunteer and internship projects available across this country, as well as virtual internships that can be done online. This makes volunteer travel and internships in the United States an excellent option for those who prefer to stay closer to home, as well as for those from around the world who would like to visit and gain experience in the USA.
Let’s take a look at a few great opportunities!
Since 2007, the volunteer travel experts at IVHQ have worked to ensure that volunteer experiences are accessible to everyone who wants to participate. IVHQ has placements in more than 40 countries, and it is an organization focused on responsible, high-quality, safe projects that will help you develop greater global awareness while contributing your skills to your host community.
In the United States, IVHQ’s premier program takes place in New Orleans.
Depending on your interests and abilities, you can choose from the following opportunities:
- Environmental Sustainability: Dive into hands-on conservation efforts in New Orleans. This program focuses on protecting the Mississippi Delta’s ecosystems and tackling climate change. You’ll be involved in activities like recycling, community education, and greening public spaces. Imagine planting trees, removing invasive species, and building urban trails while exploring the historic French Quarter. Ideal for those who love the outdoors and want to contribute to a greener future.
- Construction and Renovation: If you enjoy physical work and want to see immediate results from your efforts, this project is for you. Help rebuild homes and community structures damaged by hurricanes. No prior construction experience is needed, as you’ll work alongside skilled supervisors. From painting to carpentry, your efforts will directly improve living conditions for those in need. Plus, you get to experience the vibrant culture and delicious Creole food of New Orleans.
- Youth Support: Support the development of disadvantaged youth in schools, community centers, or churches. Engage in tutoring, supervising, and organizing activities that provide safe and nurturing environments for young people. This program is perfect for those passionate about education and youth development. You’ll help shape the future while enjoying the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans.
Each program offers flexible durations, affordable fees, and comprehensive support, including accommodation and orientation. Join a community of volunteers making a meaningful difference while experiencing the unique charm of New Orleans.
Hear from IVHQ Volunteer Annie Choiniere:
“My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was meeting incredible people who truly care about the community they’re a part of. It was hard to see some of the conditions people in New Orleans live in and made me very grateful for what I have. It is absolutely worth your time and money. You’ll be changed for life.”
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Maximo Nivel offers virtual internships that provide practical experience across a range of fields. Based out of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, Maximo Nivel connects interns with for-profit and nonprofit organizations, ensuring you gain valuable skills and experience while working remotely.
With placements ranging from 4 to 24 weeks, and new opportunities starting every Monday, these online internships are perfect for anyone looking to boost their career while staying in the USA. Choose from diverse fields such as Education, Human Rights, Microbusiness, and more. Each internship includes one hour of daily online Spanish classes, 6 to 8 hours of practical work Monday through Friday, and support from a dedicated internship advisor.
Interns also receive an official certificate of internship work, a letter of recommendation, and the possibility of earning academic credit. Maximo Nivel’s structured program helps you develop a global perspective, improve cross-cultural communication skills, and gain practical experience—all from home.
Start your international internship journey today with Maximo Nivel and stand out in the eyes of future employers!
Are you ready to gain invaluable career experience and make your resume shine? Interning in the United States with Intern Abroad HQ offers the perfect opportunity, especially in one of the world’s most dynamic cities: New York.
These internships are tailored to provide practical experience and enhance your employability in fields like:
Imagine interning in the bustling heart of New York City, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant entrepreneurial scene. These internships align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that your experience contributes to global progress.
Intern Abroad HQ provides a fully hosted experience, including placement arrangements, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation in private rooms, and 24/7 support. Programs start every Monday, allowing you the flexibility to intern from four to eighteen weeks.
Hear from Intern Abroad HQ Participant Catherine Liang:
“Intern Abroad HQ has consistently provided very encouraging and supportive services throughout the whole internship process. They helped me to find a remote intern position in a great company in New York and I’ve really gained important experience and relevant skills for my career objectives. Overall, it’s much better than I expected, I would highly recommend working with them!”
Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, career changer, or gap year traveler, Intern Abroad HQ will match you with the ideal host company to suit your career aspirations. Plus, you’ll get to explore the highlights of New York City, from its iconic landmarks to its vibrant cultural scene, all while gaining job-ready skills through our Experiential Learning Curriculum. Start your journey in “The City That Never Sleeps” and pave the way for a successful career!
Intern Abroad HQ’s affordable remote internship programs provide the perfect solution to gain practical experience within innovative host organizations overseas, without the need to travel.
These remote internships enable you to start when you like, choose your own hours, and intern online from anywhere in the world! You can even earn course credit through any of Intern Abroad HQ’s internship programs.
Intern Abroad HQ’s remote internships are designed to provide you with the same rewarding personal development experience as their overseas internships. You can choose from 61 career-focused remote internship programs in countries such as:
These internships span various fields, including:
All remote internships are conducted in English or the local language of your host organization if you’d prefer to practice your foreign language skills in a professional setting.
Throughout your internship, you’ll receive robust support, including a dedicated internship supervisor, weekly check-ins, virtual meetings with host organizations, and one-on-one mentoring. You’ll also have access to their Experiential Learning Curriculum, designed to help you develop the soft skills that employers look for.
By interning remotely with Intern Abroad HQ, you’ll develop new skills, gain international experience, and contribute to meaningful projects—all without the need for travel.
Hear from Remote Intern Abroad HQ Participant Amber Rogers:
“My remote Marine Mammals Research & Conservation internship aligned with previous working experience, as well as interests that even preceded my studies both in undergraduate and graduate school. It helped me learn how to be better with managing projects and my workload on a schedule that I create, as well as how to effectively communicate my progress to my program supervisor. I’m grateful to have been connected to such a program and hope to work with them in the future – maybe even in person to collect the fieldwork. Although it was only a remote position, I was able to challenge myself and learn how to use programs I wouldn’t otherwise have learned on my own – such as a behavioral analysis program and writing with R. I hope to find a more permanent or long-term position sometime in this field and this was an incredible stepping stone for that journey.”
Global Vision International (GVI) offers flexible, part-time virtual internships that provide practical experience and boost your career prospects—all from the comfort of your home. With a computer and internet access, you can join impactful projects addressing real sustainability challenges worldwide.
GVI’s virtual internships span various fields, including:
You might find yourself writing lesson plans on sanitation, creating health policies, setting up fundraising campaigns, or analyzing data on public health in remote villages. Or you could be analyzing photos of baby sea turtles, scanning drone footage of coral reefs, and more.
One of the standout features of GVI’s virtual internships is their flexibility. You can choose the duration (40, 80, or 120 hours) and pace (5 or 10 hours per week) that best fits your schedule.
Beyond hands-on project work, you’ll complete online courses endorsed by the University of Richmond, earning certificates that enhance your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Throughout your internship, you’ll receive robust support, including a dedicated GVI supervisor, weekly check-ins, virtual meetings with partner organizations, one-on-one mentoring, and career coaching sessions. You’ll also attend monthly masterclasses led by experts in the field, further enriching your learning experience.
Countries where GVI’s partner organizations are based include:
- Thailand: Work with organizations like the Foundation for Education and Development, focusing on community development and education.
- South Africa: Collaborate with initiatives such as YWaste, addressing sustainability and environmental issues.
- Nepal: Engage with SASANE, working on human rights and advocacy projects.
- Peru: Partner with Mujer Peruana for community development and socio-economic projects.
- Cambodia: Contribute to PEPY Empowering Youths, focusing on education and youth development.
By interning with GVI, you’ll develop new skills, gain international experience, and contribute to sustainable initiatives—all without the need for travel. This opportunity is perfect for high school students, university students, recent graduates, and professionals considering a career change.
Hear from Virtual GVI Intern Chris M:
“I chose to do the GVI Environmental and Corporate Sustainability Virtual Internship because I wanted to gain experience while also having the convenience to work from home. I was surprised by how in-depth and well-thought-out the program was. Not only did it give you the opportunity to work on a real case for a real client, but it also gave you the tools to develop yourself, both in your future career and your personal life. Working for a social enterprise in South Africa, I had the chance to further develop my analytical skills while contributing to sustainability. Alongside that, the career sessions deepened my understanding of my character traits, so I can find a purposeful job that reflects my values. As someone who has a career path in mind, being able to reflect on whether I made the right choice was invaluable. More so, I feel encouraged and motivated to make an impact in my chosen profession as a sustainability advisor/analyst. The courses (GVI Careers in Sustainable Development and GVI Climate Crisis and Sustainability) were interactive, insightful, and informative. Both offering the chance to put what you learnt into practice.
The GVI staff and client were friendly and helpful. Always there if you needed assistance.
All in all, I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to enhance their hard and soft skills surrounding corporate sustainability. You’ll develop and enhance your communication, analytical and time management skills while reflecting on what makes a purposeful and successful career. You won’t regret it!”
Join a GVI virtual internship and gain international experience, contribute to global sustainability efforts, and enhance your career—all without leaving the USA.
Global Citizenship: Volunteering and Interning Locally and Abroad
Whether you’re looking to volunteer or intern, there are countless opportunities to make a meaningful impact both abroad and at home. From environmental conservation in New Orleans to virtual internships that allow you to work on global projects from the comfort of your home, the possibilities are vast and varied.
These programs not only provide valuable work experience but also help you develop new skills, gain international exposure, and contribute to important causes. Embrace the chance to grow personally and professionally while making a difference in communities around the world.
Looking for more than just opportunities in the USA? Check out these articles!
Exploring Internship Opportunities in the Field of Social Work
Volunteer to Plant Trees Abroad
Step-by-step Guide to Fundraise for Volunteering Abroad
Rachel Roderick ยท Guest Writer
Based in Rhode Island, Rachel researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. She has traveled to some of the world's most exciting destinations - including Iceland and South Africa - and in her spare time loves skydiving, rock climbing, and canoeing.