See the world and make a difference by volunteering
If you want to travel and make a lasting contribution, there’s no better way than donating your time and skills to communities that need them
Volunteering abroad offers a unique way to see the world. You’re no longer just a tourist passing through a destination. Instead, you get to know people and the places they call home in a much deeper and more nuanced way. Rolling your sleeves up and getting involved in local projects creates space for cultural exchange and chances to make lasting positive contributions.
Around the world, a range of organisations offer volunteer programmes in a variety of fields, from health and humanitarian initiatives to education and environmental projects. From personal experience I can say that volunteering can change your own life, giving a sense of purpose and direction that remains long after you’ve returned. Here are just a few of the many opportunities available…
Raleigh International
This former sustainable development charity-turned-expedition company prides itself on offering adventurous volunteer programmes for people aged 18-24. They typically run between four and 10 weeks, and include local community work, environmental conservation projects and group trekking.
At present, Raleigh International is running operations in Costa Rica, South Africa and Borneo. Before expeditions, volunteers are given individual fundraising targets. The SES Raleigh Explorer Award grants funded spots for participants from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Refugee Support Europe
Welcoming volunteers for as little as two weeks at a time, Refugee Support Europe has been serving displaced communities since 2016, providing food and essential hygiene products as well as helping refugees to apply for and gain access to local services.
The organisation has an ongoing project in Cyprus. Volunteers must be at least 21, physically fit and have strong IT skills to provide administrative and employment-related support to displaced people.
Refugee Biryanis and Bananas
This organisation was established after a group of friends cooked and distributed 2,500 portions of biryani at a refugee camp in Dunkirk, France. Since then, Refugee Biryanis and Bananas has expanded its operations to Greece, Egypt and Gaza. Ruhi Akhtar, its founder and CEO, has made it a priority to train and hire members of her team from the displaced community, as well as welcoming international volunteers who are passionate about grassroots aid work. The minimum volunteering age is 21. Participants will mainly work in Athens and must be able to commit to at least two months.
Gotoco
Interested in teaching English abroad? Gotoco organises partially funded voluntary Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) placements in a range of destinations, from summer camps in Spain to schools in India, Thailand and Vietnam. Assignments can last anywhere from two weeks to six months, though longer-paid placements are also available in China. TEFL training and certification, accommodation and meals are typically covered as part of the programme. Volunteers must fund their own air fare and any visa costs.
Destination Dawah by IERA
Launched by the Islamic Education and Research Academy (IERA), Destination Dawah invites Muslims to join its dawah efforts in partner countries. Deployments to Malawi and Rwanda are being run this year. The organisation also plans to roll out more destinations, starting with Mexico in 2027.
The faith-based expedition typically lasts a week and comes with a registration fee of £750 and fundraising targets of up to £5,000. It comprises visits to rural villages, classes for new Muslims and recreational activities including fishing and hiking.
Salaam Charity
This London-based humanitarian organisation hosts regular deployments to countries including Bangladesh, Lebanon, Syria and Uganda. The main purpose behind Salaam Charity’s trips is to deliver aid to local communities. However, there may also be opportunities to get involved in other activities such as fundraising events and sustainability projects. Volunteers must raise a minimum of £5,000 in funds. There is also a £200 registration fee that goes towards flights, accommodation and transport on the ground.
Workaway
Workaway is a great resource if you’re not quite sure what area to volunteer in. The platform operates in more than 170 countries, serving as a cultural exchange directory that allows travellers to connect with local hosts directly. Projects range from olive picking in Croatia to hostel work in Malaysia and coffee plantations in Nicaragua. An annual membership costs $69 (£50). Hosts typically list their expectations and any special skills they need, such as content creation, painting or carpentry, and volunteers work a certain number of hours each week in exchange for bed and board.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
IVHQ also spotlights projects all over the world, with local placements ranging from teaching and animal welfare to wellbeing and community development. The main difference? You pay IVHQ to handle all the planning and logistics for you, including organising airport pickup when available, accommodation and orientation. Programmes run from one week up to 24 weeks. Fees vary widely based on destination, alongside a registration fee of $329 (£241).
