Top International Volunteer Travel Abroad Programs for 2024: Best Price, Best Service and Best Result

Last Updated: January 15, 2024

Author: Puja Sharma

Top International Volunteer Travel Abroad Programs for 2024: Best Price, Best Service and Best Result

Travelling has always been a way to explore places and finding yourself in the process. While joining volunteer travel opportunities is a selfless act done with only hidden selfishness and that is to feel the sheer joy of giving. Voluntourism is the mantra to break the monotony of your life and add some colors to other’s lives. Volunteer travel programs are probably the most productive trend that started and should be passed as a culture generations after generations.

Volunteering just needs good intention and to keep this good work going international volunteer travel programs programs this 2021 are going to be lower at cost and higher at enriching experiences. So, you have a good intention? Now that’s all you need. So just pack your bags and offer yourself to people and unravel the emotions inside of you that even you might not be aware of by joining best volunteer abroad programs

What is a Volunteer Travel Abroad Program and What Makes it Simply 'Best'?

Volunteer travel abroad program is the combination of travelling and volunteering and adding purpose to your journey. It is all about being more efficient with your time, money and efforts by travelling for yourself and volunteering for others both at the same time. You get a chance to put into use your learning of life, your knowledge , compassion and see how it works like magic in someone else’s life, see how there are communities waiting to welcome you and bless you for your selfless deeds. The good part is how amazing yet cheap volunteer abroad programs are.

Volunteer travel program could be a turning point in your life. You never know who you might meet in your journey, you never know what problems you might witness, you never know the level of the capabilities you have, you never know what changes your efforts might bring in the lives of people you will work with, and you probably never know how your life might change after your volunteer abroad program. You surely will start to value yourself, your opportunities more than ever. Just let yourself have this holistic experience to bring that shift in your paradigm.

Best Volunteer travel abroad programs in Asia

volunteer in Asia

Asia being the largest and diverse continent offers wide range of volunteer travel opportunities for all kinds of volunteers. You can volunteer in different fields including health, environment, education, wildlife and many others according to your passion. If you are looking for a completely new experience without thinning your wallet much, volunteering in Asia is the best option for you. With many countries still developing, volunteer Asia has enough space that needs your time, effort and skills to fight handful of problems including poverty, health and sanitation, inequality and discrimination, poor education, environmental degradation and natural disasters and many more.

By volunteering in Asia you will not just get a chance to be a change maker but also to visit places, to become more adventurous, try out different cuisines, witness different cultures and traditions all on a very affordable price.

Volunteering in countries like Nepal, India, Thailand, Sri-Lanka, Vietnam, Combodia etc will give you a sense of satisfaction by witnessing how Asian people will appreciate your work and show their gratitude towards you and will also enable any volunteers to keep in touch with different NGOs for a long term involvement as well.

You can visit Nepal in the Visit Nepal 2020 year to wander around beautiful landscapes and giant mountains and work on issues like child marriage, public health problems, illiteracy etc.

You can visit India, the 7th largest country of the world with diverse population. You can enjoy visiting different forts, Tajmahal and other interesting architectures while volunteering for issues like women’s right, water and sanitation, awareness campaign on overpopulation, Heritage site cleanliness etc.

Visit Thailand to enjoy the street foods, incredible islands and beaches while working for wildlife, road safety, human rights etc.

Visit Combodia and roam around the magnificent temples, get amused by all those alluring beaches and islands while helping the Combodian community with programs related to human rights, building and construction of homes, medical volunteering, marine life and wildlife.

Best Volunteer Travel Abroad Programs in Africa

volunteer in Africa

International volunteer programs let volunteers experience countries at its most authentic form. Similarly Africa volunteering programs will allow volunteers to explore the African countries by living with the natives and share meals with them while working for their community. If you are passionate about working with children and youths then Africa is also a very good option as it is the second most populous continent with highest young population compared to other continents.

Volunteering abroad will without doubt provide an opportunity to all the volunteers out there to come out of their cocoon and know that they can be a butterfly instead. African community welcomes volunteers for programs according to the needs, and that makes sure that the efforts of the volunteers are more effective and result-oriented.

There are myriads of volunteering opportunities in Africa that are flexible according to the interest and expertise of the volunteers as well as cheap. However, a little research and finding a good local NGO to co-ordinate will make the volunteer abroad 2021 experience more fruitful.

Visit Ghana, the soccer loving country to get enthralled by its forts and castles, amusing African market, untamed national parks, and secluded beaches. Volunteering will include introducing income generating program, work for health and nutrition, teaching English, football or any other sports etc.

If you want to volunteer in fields like poverty reduction, women’s education, childcare, health, environment conservation while exploring stupendous view of savannas with bountiful grazing animals, watch flamingos by the lake then Kenya is the go to place.

Uganda volunteering program will be a good fit for you if you are an outgoing person as Ugandan people are light-hearted, outspoken people who loves to eat and dance. You can work in the field of agriculture, sexual and reproductive health, construction, teaching and also wildlife conservation as Uganda is a landlocked country with unique wildlife including hippos, gorilla and chimpanzees.

Best Volunteer Travel Abroad Programs in Latin America

volunteer in Latin America

Latin America has the world’s largest rainforest and also known as the beach paradise. If you are ready to improve your Spanish and take a challenge to give back to the greater goods then volunteer abroad programs are for you. Latin America mainly faces the problem of clean drinking water, environment change, inequality, deforestation, pollution, poor education etc. If you are ready to widen your horizons, be more open minded towards all the new ideas, work in a team with other fellow volunteers while enjoying the vibrant cities, attractive markets, tropical landscapes then Latin America welcomes you for the voluntourism.

You will get a chance to avail yourself of the volunteer travel opportunities to grow yourself personally through these volunteer travel programs. If you are a passionate and flexible person, volunteering experience will be amazing for you and you will be able to make an impact not just to the host countries you will work for but also in your own life. You can give a lot of your knowledge, skills, time and energy for the welfare of the people of these Latin American countries but also you can take away memories and experiences to be cherished for life.

In Latin America you can volunteer to conserve rainforest, reduce pollution, teach English to the children , human rights issues, Reproductive rights and also sustainable community development projects in countries like Peru, Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina etc while learning about old Peruvian History, tasting Peruvian Cuisine , exploring Vivacious landscapes, Amazon rainforest, vineyards, Volcanoes of Costa Rica, Galapagos island of Ecuador , waterfalls in Argentina, doing the famous Brazilian Samba and Argentine tango and much more to do.

What Can You do To Make Your Volunteer travel abroad programs Experience The Best One?

Your volunteer travel program will be the best experience for you if you just clear off your head and be head on ready for multitude experience that comes your way. You should know that this is your calling to do something worthwhile and be a source of hope for people out there, who needs help. You can firstly figure out the fields you are more inclined to work for and then do a bit of a research about which international volunteer program will be the best fit for you. You can then choose countries that need you the most.

Good intention, positive attitude, knowledge about the culture of the country you are visiting would help you a lot to socialize with people, to observe the actual problem and their causes that exists in the community, manifest the result of your work and besides that it will also help you in making local friends who can make your travelling experience more real and meaningful by taking you to places you might not already know, treat you with local foods you might not get to buy at restaurants, involve you in festivals that you might not get to celebrate in authentic style.

When Can You Go For a Volunteer Travel Abroad Program?

There are enough countries in the world to provide volunteering opportunities for any kind of volunteers, for any amount of time, for any time of year for different types of works.

Summer Volunteer abroad: This program is best suited for high school, college and university students who are willing to make their summer break productive and exciting. This will be a great opportunity to gain experience in one’s related field, share insights with like-minded people, make new friends, change the paradigm of life as you witness a whole another world out there with whole new problems and whole new struggles. Summer fills everyone with brilliance that needs to be sparkled upon others as well to keep the positivity spreading.  Volunteer Asia provides many summer volunteer opportunities in Nepal, Thailand, India, Sri-Lanka etc for the volunteers.

Alternative spring break: Spring breaks give students a short break free from their study pressures. Most of the students like spending this time of year on exotic beaches drinking beer and letting loose but trends shows that many also take on international volunteering programs to make their vacation more meaningful by travelling to some other country and check off from their bucket list while working for the people and community of the host country, which will not just give them a chance for self-discovery but also make their CV look interesting with an international work experience. Medical students can use their short period of time on medical volunteering which is one of the important fields to work for around the world.

Winter break volunteering: Winter breaks are for celebrating Christmas and New Year with friends and families but won’t it be more exciting to celebrate it a little differently than usual. You can surely travel to other country alone, with friends or families and celebrate Christmas with someone who doesn’t have a family. You can volunteer at Children homes, orphanages, work with street children, work for women. This surely will allow yourself to meet a new version of yourself, more compassionate, loving and caring. Volunteer abroad programs for winter break is an amazing way to share the gift of life by doing what you can for others.

Gap year volunteering: Gap year can be a time to think about the future steps that needs to be taken to lead a satisfying life. This is the best time for anybody to rekindle with oneself and recognize the calling. When better than this time to travel abroad and experience adventure and thrill while taking on responsibilities to give back to the society. One will surely gain clarity about what they want from life after working for larger than life issues of the societies that might include environment conservation, imparting education, public health, child rights etc which are available in cheap volunteer travel abroad programs as well.

International Travel Opportunities: Volunteer, Work and Holiday Abroad To Enrich Your Life Experience

international travel abroad opportunities

International travel opportunities have become some of the world's most important economic activities, and its impact is increasing apparently from the Arctic to Antarctica. Traveling around the world shouldn't be hard, everyone should be able to travel at least once in their lives, be it for work, study, and holiday abroad or even for doing voluntary work. Traveling internationally helps us realize that the way we have been looking at the world isn't the way everybody else does. Travelling gives you a chance to reflect on where you've been, where you're going, and where you want to end up.

International travel will help you get out of your comfort zone. Once you start to adopt the foreign system you realize that you can do things, despite the obstacles and suddenly the obstacles seem less obstructive and more like welcomed challenges. Understanding international issues and conflicts, or even relating to the cultural norms of a local people and society becomes easier once you start getting culture-sensitive, it can also help you with your communication on both business and personal levels. International travel presents a lot of challenges for all kinds of travelers, you have to have proper planning before traveling to a different country and be ready for the adventurous travel opportunities.

International Travel Tips

In the beginning, we all make a lot of travel mistakes. To seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water you need to follow certain tips. Be aware of the rules and always follow them. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents and securely keep your credit card and a little extra money. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. Be open to strangers but always keep your guard up. Be respectful to the local people and their culture. Learning how to get around will be very beneficial. Following these travel tips, you can be prepared to conquer any destination on the map.

What should I do before traveling internationally?

Good travel is the result of better planning. The first thing on the trip checklist is your passport, check the expiration date and Know the visa requirements then apply for the required visa. Get travel insurance as it is better to be protected. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need to get travel immunizations, either booster shots or vaccines. In addition to credit cards, it’s always good to have some local currency on hand. You need to have a proper understanding of custom and import restrictions. Book your flight ticket in advance so you can find the best deals. Make a packing list and buy anything you need. Check your prescription medications and carry enough.

How do I make international travel easier?

Plan to prevent or stave off unexpected setbacks to make your trip much more relaxing. To make your international travel go as smoothly as possible you need to take the right luggage, carry a small combination lock, extra socks, and a towel. Get to the airport at least 3 to 4 hours before your flight, this will give you plenty of time to see the ticket agent, check your bags, and make your way through security. Load videos, books, and music onto your phone or IPad to easily pass your time in the airport and flight. The more you travel, the more you seem to suffer from jet lag, so make sure to pack no jet lag pills.

What should you not forget when traveling internationally?

Even if you are a seasoned traveler you could easily be overlooking items that you should never leave home without. Be sure to pack a chin-supporting neck pillow, Waterproof phone case to protect your phone because we all know that water is a cell phone’s mortal enemy. Sunglasses and an extra pair of glasses in case you lose or break them. A portable charger and power bank are a must because you don’t want it to run out of battery. And always pack a small first aid kit with basic items like antibiotic cream, tweezers, eye drops, and other things you could need on the road.

How do I prepare for an international flight?

Plan your journey to the airport well to make sure you don't miss your flight. Check that you have all the documents you need to fly with you. Be sure you're not wearing a belt, jewelry or watches, or any other metal items when going through security. Wear comfortable clothes which won't make you sweat. Try not to consume alcohol before or during your flight. Use a moisturizing cream to relieve stress on your skin because the air inside the aircraft cabin can be very dry. Greet your flight crew and treat them with respect, you will get treated better. Finally, let loved ones know your travel plans so they can contact you.

Volunteer and Travel Abroad Advices

Research again and again because not every volunteer and travel abroad program works for everyone. Being unable to communicate with the locals can be stressful so learn the basic host’s language, and pack a dictionary or download verbal translation apps. Pack light but make sure all the basics are packed. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, every place is also filled with amazing locals but always remember that Not everyone is your friend. Buy a high-quality camera because there will be many places and people you will want to capture. Buy the most comfortable, highest quality walking or hiking shoes, you will be walking a lot. Carry extra money because you never know what kind of emergencies might come up and finally make the most of your free time because it’ll be over before you know it.

Can I volunteer abroad affordably?

Volunteering abroad costs money because when people come to volunteer, expenses are incurred. Volunteers need food, housing, and airport pick-up, among other things. It is important to understand the purpose of volunteer programs and highlight how the programs are organized and what they do for society. Volunteer travel organizations may be either nonprofit or for-profit enterprises. It's important to note that for-profits are not necessarily more expensive than nonprofits. As you research volunteer abroad programs, just keep in mind that the idea of "nonprofit = good" and "for-profit = bad" greatly oversimplifies the nature of each type of volunteer organization. The most important thing is that you find a well-rated organization that charges a fair price, delivers great service, and helps create a positive impact.

What do I need to know to volunteer abroad?

Traveling the world is great. But, traveling with a purpose is even better. It’s one of the many reasons to volunteer abroad. You need to know will I live as a volunteer abroad, the best way to get to know a different culture is to live with the locals. Volunteering abroad will help you gain real-world experience and valuable skills that are relevant to any career path: patience, hard work, and adaptability. Volunteering is a two-way street, you will be making a difference in the lives of others, and you also help yourself in many ways. Always remember that not every organization forms for the right reasons, they don’t offer any long-term solutions.

What do you gain from volunteering abroad?

Volunteering abroad can give you the skills and experience to make you stand out from the crowd. You’ll be faced with all kinds of challenges abroad which will help you develop your creative problem-solving skills. You will be able to adapt to a new environment. You will be working along with people from different backgrounds with a common goal and forge professional as well as personal connections. Volunteering abroad can offer a rare sense of accomplishment: unlike the office jobs that so many people work day-to-day. It will give you valuable and unusual experience to add to your CV or resume to help you stand out from the crowd.

Work and Travel Abroad in a Nutshell

If you’ve got the travel bug, there’s nothing better than working abroad as you get to experience the country at a much deeper level and get paid to do so. Moving to another country can help you join the dots and see the global marketplace from a different perspective and having income in a different currency can be a good way to spread risk and secure your financial future. Seeing how a different country approaches your sector and business, in general, can be a great way to open up your mind to new ways of doing things. Moving abroad has a huge impact not only on your professional life but on your personal life too.

How can I go abroad for work?

Before looking for a job, it's important to consider the position you'd like to obtain, the industry you want to work in, and the skills you desire to learn. Find a country that facilitates this choice and that you're interested to live in. Then start your international job search through social media and networking, job fairs, online job boards, company careers pages, and company transfers. You will probably require a visa or work permit to work or apply for a job abroad so it is important to start the process as early as possible. Update and localize your resume as it needs to reflect not only the job you're applying for but also the company and cultural environment. Finalize your resume and cover letter, submit your job application and be patient as you wait to hear back.

What are the challenges of working abroad?

Working abroad brings challenges ranging from learning a new language to navigating a new work environment, city, and culture. You may encounter new and different approaches to the same tasks for a seemingly identical role. Working abroad could significantly shake the old habits and routines that you feel most comfortable with. Don't underestimate the effect a cultural and language barrier can have on your social life. If you are shyer, the problem is only exacerbated. It is important to ensure you do not end up on the wrong side of the legal system, it is advisable to stay within the law regardless of the situation. Working abroad is undoubtedly an enriching experience that is both challenging and rewarding.

How do I interview for abroad?

It is extremely important to research the company for which you are interviewing and be sure to note the key focus areas of the position you have applied for. Most of the interviews have many common questions, make a list of such potential questions related to the job profile and prepare well. Dress appropriately and be punctual, maintain good body language, eye contact and stick to what the interviewer is talking about, and respond politely and formally. Make sure you have the contact information for your interviewer and send him or her a thank-you note after the interview. Getting the email that says "you're hired" will be worth every minute of preparation.

Why do you want to work abroad interview?

You get to explore a new country while earning a decent income, jobs abroad often pay just as well if not better than jobs at home depending on the country you select. Working abroad will undoubtedly lead you to learn new soft skills, from communication skills to networking. Working abroad gives you the unique opportunity to learn a new language. Your stint working abroad will help you boost your resume. Working abroad will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of a country, its people, and its culture. It is very likely that by working abroad you will find new interests and passions, which might lead you on a path to a new career that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.

Insight to Holiday Abroad

A holiday or a vacation abroad can be the perfect opportunity to take some time for yourself and explore new lands, experience the food, culture, and traditions of another country. It gives you a chance to meet new people, make new friends and take part in the local festivities. Spending a holiday abroad might just become one of the fondest memories of your experience but you still have to do many preparations to prevent some problems about the excess cost, travel documents and security. You must make sure about the information on passports, visas, international driving permits. Proper research of your destination can help you avoid bad situations and enjoy the trip in the most positive way.

What is some good advice for a holiday abroad?

Be prepared, writing a list is an easy way to make sure you take everything you need and have a stress-free holiday. Talk to the locals, you might get some unique suggestions that other tourists may not be aware of, the best way to make the most of your vacation abroad is to do as the locals do. Travel around as it is well worth seeing what else the country has to offer. Take a step out of your comfort zone and try something new, it is a great way to make the most of your holiday.Take an hour or two to sit down and take in your surroundings. It can do the world of good and help you soak in everything you’ve seen and encountered.

What do you need to do before you go abroad on holiday?

If you don’t have one, get a passport and get the necessary visa if your country of destination requires a visa. Be sure to check for any necessary vaccinations that you might need, get a medical check-up, and a tooth-cleaning. Find reliable, reputable travel insurance and get insured. Research the cost of living in that particular country, and see where your expenses will go every month: accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment and plan your budget accordingly. Learn about your destination, it’s always good to go prepared so that your time abroad can be spent exploring and enjoying instead of flipping through new guide books. Pack light, pack right, and leave extra space in your luggage for souvenirs.

How do I prepare for a holiday abroad?

Make a travel list making sure that you will have everything you need for your journey. Find out what is going on in your host country and pack accordingly. Pack enough prescription medication to last not only the days you have planned but also a few extra days if travel plans are delayed. Print a copy of your flight itineraries, hotel reservations, car rental confirmations, bus/train schedules, scheduled tour confirmations, and other documents a day before traveling. For security purposes contact your bank and credit card company before your vacation abroad to make them aware of where you will be going and for how long. Before your vacation abroad, create a list of emergency numbers that may be useful in an urgent situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get volunteer work abroad?

The best way to get volunteer work abroad is doing proper research, finding the right program and right organization for you, then contacting the local staff and getting all the necessary information. After you are happy with the details of the volunteer abroad programs you can join the program.

What is the best country to volunteer in?

Best country to volunteer depends on your interest. You might be an enthusiast to volunteer for conservation work or you might be a medical professional or medical student looking for healthcare volunteering, or you might be simply looking for meaningful travel opportunities. Depending on your interest in the project and destination, you can pick the best country to volunteer in.

How can I volunteer and travel?

Volunteering and traveling abroad at the same time is possible if you are willing to do proper time management. In the daytime you can support an organization and in the morning and in the evenings you can do the sightseeing around the cities. Also in most of the volunteer abroad programs, the weekends are free for traveling.

How much do volunteer trips cost?

The cost of volunteering abroad depends on the project and destination you pick. But normally volunteer abroad programs only charge you the cost of your food and accommodation with the host families so the price would be relatively lower that any other travel programs.

What is the top destination for volunteering abroad programs?

The top destination for you to volunteer abroad definitely depends on your interest. You might want to work for a childcare project in Asia or you might want to support wildlife conservation in Africa or the marine conservation of Coastal regions of Southern or Central America, it completely depends on what cause and which place you want to volunteer.

How can I volunteer abroad in 2024?

To volunteer abroad in 2024. The process would be the same if you find the right project , right organization in the right location for you. Only extra information for this year 2024 you would need is about the preventive and precautionary measures against the COVID-19. Make sure the government policy for COVID-19 before you decide to depart for any country to volunteer abroad in 2024.

Which are the best volunteer abroad programs?

Any program that suits your skill, knowledge and internet and through which you can make maximum positive impact to the community is the best volunteer abroad program for you.

Conclusion: Top International Volunteer Travel Abroad Programs for 2024

All in all, volunteering abroad program will let you read things that you might never read off your textbooks. You will be able to break the walls of belief that you grew up believing after learning by yourself and changing your perspective towards those believes. You will start feeling more grateful about every little things that were overshadowed before after realizing how those things so little for you could mean a world to someone else out there. You will recognize your potential and find peace of mind after doing something selflessly for some stranger and seeing them happy.

Volunteer travel abroad program is a best package for bringing up the standard of your interpersonal life higher. What could be best than a combination of travelling while volunteering or vice-versa to gain a more clear picture of yourself, your thresholds and your abilities. It is an amazing way to look at the bigger picture of life forgetting all the smaller problems people often get caught up on. International volunteer travel opportunities are ways to leave behind all the negativities that crept inside you in this competitive world, as you realize what you are capable of, “Humanity”.

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