How to Volunteer Abroad
A complete guide on how to volunteer abroad from our panel of experts.
A step by step guide on how to choose your project, how to prepare & what to expect.
If you’re considering volunteering abroad, and this is your first time going through the process, you probably have a lot of questions! Luckily for you, as international volunteering experts, we have all the answers for you!
We’re going to take you through every step of your volunteer experience, from start to finish, so that you know where to begin, how to prepare, and what to expect during your volunteer trip abroad. We’ll walk you through:
Choosing the Right Overseas Volunteer project for You
Navigating the volunteer opportunities.
Steering yourself in the right direction.
Why do you want to volunteer in the first place?
What do you want to do?
Where do you want to volunteer abroad?
Who are you?
How much time do you want to spend volunteering abroad?
What kind of volunteer organisation do you want to volunteer through?
Is volunteering overseas right for you?
Pre- departure: How to Prepare Before you set off
Book your flights.
Get the proper visa.
Purchase travel insurance.
Vaccinations and health check-up: See your doctor!
Fundraise.
Make sure you will have cellular coverage.
Find out where your embassy is.
Make copies of important documents.
Packing for your volunteer trip.
What to Expect While You are Volunteering Abroad
Forget everything you thought you knew. Be open-minded!
Culture shock.
Day-to-day life of a volunteer.
Discover the culture.
Making friends.
Sightseeing.
Steps to Take Upon Returning Home
Send feedback.
Write online reviews.
Write your story – get the word out!
Stay connected – become a supporter or donor.
We will cover the essential things you need to know to give you more confidence throughout your volunteering journey!
Search for your ideal volunteer project placement


Choosing the Right Overseas Volunteer Project for You
Navigating the Volunteer Opportunities
Imagine yourself standing in the middle of a roundabout that has ten exits to choose from. The street signs show exits to different types of volunteering programmes, different experiences, and different countries: “Volunteer in South America!” “Work with children in impoverished communities!” “Volunteer in Peru!” “Help rescued wildlife!” You turn in circles not knowing which way to go. Everything sounds appealing.
You then notice that each exit then leads to another intersection. If you exit to work with wildlife, you’re then faced with the decision of turning towards Cambodia, Colombia, or Thailand. If you exit towards Asia, you meet the crossroads of working with children, teaching English, or going to the jungle. It quickly becomes overwhelming, and you’re soon lost in a maze of “left or right?” and “this one or that one”? There is no clear path, and there are so many options.
When it comes to options for volunteering abroad, the choices can be overwhelming. There are so many different types of programmes, projects, and organisations out there, not to mention more than 190 different countries in the world to choose from! Where do you start? How do you make sure your final destination is the best fit for you?
Options for Volunteer Abroad Projects
Steering Yourself in the right Direction
The best way to make sure you are setting off in the right direction is by asking yourself a set of questions, narrowing your options. Ask yourself:
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Why do you want to volunteer in the first place?
This is the most important question you can ask yourself – the root of your journey. And it may help you identify which opportunities are right for you and which are not. Before you began any internet searches, what originally inspired you to volunteer internationally? Did you read a news story about exploited elephants in Thailand? Do you just find yourself with an overwhelming need to make a difference in the world? Are you wanting to give back while on holiday abroad? Did you see a Facebook post about volunteering, and it piqued your curiosity? Are you trying to build your CV or university admissions applications?
Once you’ve identified your motivation, make sure your reasons are the right reasons. There are many personal benefits to volunteering abroad. First and foremost, you want to make sure that your volunteer work will benefit the project and its mission. If you believe you truly have something to offer, want to help, and just don’t know where to start, keep going! If you just want another item to improve your CV but you don’t particularly have a passion for the cause in which you are considering volunteering, then stop right there and turn around. Putting your own intentions ahead of a project’s that truly needs volunteer support is unethical. It can ultimately be damaging to the project’s goals.
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What do you want to do?
This question is multi-faceted, as you will need to balance your own interests with the needs of groups across the world. It’s a matter of narrowing your options to the point where you can have the greatest positive impact.
What are your strengths? Where could you be of most help? Are you a people person? Do you enjoy being around children? If not, perhaps you are passionate about animal welfare, or conservation in the Amazon, or would like to help make sure more people have access to clean drinking water. Or maybe you have extensive teaching experience.
In balance with this, what kinds of projects are you coming across that are asking for volunteers or funding? Where is the need? Some projects will require specialised skills or expertise, especially those providing medical care, veterinary care, or advanced language classes. But many just require a passionate drive and willingness to be of help!
With a quick internet search, you will be able to find all sorts of opportunities: animal welfare, conservation work, wildlife rescue, teaching, community support, and others. The trick is finding a project that truly needs help. Make sure the project is genuine and ethical and aligns with your own skills, capabilities, and interests. Really think about where your individual abilities would be valued and in what kind of environment you would feel energised, motivated, and of service.


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Where do you want to volunteer abroad?
If you’ve narrowed down what type of volunteering you want to do, there may still be several options for location. When trying to decide, consider what appeals to you about the potential countries you could volunteer in. Which new cultures or languages interest you? Why? Are there other opportunities available to you in a particular destination outside of volunteering, such as tourism activities or chances to be deeply involved in the local community? Is that something that matters to you?
In some countries, you may also want to consider safety precautions. Does your government’s foreign affairs office offer a list of travel warnings for its citizens in particular locations? If a country you are considering does have travel warnings, that doesn’t mean you cannot travel there. It depends on the circumstances and perhaps the exact region of travel. Just do your research before going and think about your own comfort levels.
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Who are you?
This may seem like a silly question, but your demographics may be something to consider. Are you wanting to volunteer as an individual, or as part of a group? Are you a future university student on a gap year? Looking for an internship as well as a charity volunteering experience? Or are you still in secondary school and looking for projects suitable for people under age 18? Perhaps you are reaching middle age and want to do something targeting people ages 40 and older? Or maybe you have a young family with children, and you want to take them abroad with you?
Also consider your physical capabilities. Will the project you are looking at require hours of walking each day or heavy lifting? Do you have any health conditions that extreme temperatures or altitude would affect?
These are important things to consider during your search. Look for projects and organisations that can specifically meet your needs in these aspects. While they may all be volunteering experiences, they will be nuanced in certain ways. Not every type of project will be suitable for every type of person.


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How much time do you want to spend volunteering abroad?
International volunteering opportunities can range from 1-week stints to 6-month commitments. It will depend on the project’s needs and requirements. Consider your obligations back home – work, school, family, etc – and determine how much time you can take away. While researching volunteering possibilities, be sure to look at the projects’ time requirements and see how they align with your proposed itinerary. This may narrow your options. Longer durations may suit volunteers wanting to do internships or career breaks.
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What kind of volunteer organisation do you want to volunteer through?
When it comes to organisations that arrange volunteer placements, the options can be overwhelming. You’re already trying to decide where to go or what to do, and now you must think about what kind of organisation to go with, too? Yes, and it is something you should put some thought into. Should you go through a commercial organisation or a non-profit? Is the project on the top of your list sourced through a charity, or is it a for-profit business posing as a charity? How do you even know the difference?
For a comprehensive guide on the types of volunteer organisations, we recommend you check out our article How to Choose a Volunteer Organisation. You’ll find out more about volunteering fees, the differences between organisation types, and marketing tactics. You want to make sure the project you volunteer at is supported by an organisation that promotes ethical and responsible volunteering practices.
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Is volunteering overseas right for you?
Think about all of your answers to the questions above and consider your reasons. If they are the wrong ones or if things are not aligning properly, then volunteering internationally may not be right for you. And that’s okay! But if volunteering abroad is checking all the right boxes in your mind, then full speed ahead!
Once you’ve navigated the maze of options, hopefully you’ve arrived at a destination that is a perfect fit for you. You’ve asked all the right questions, and you’re confident to take the plunge.
The next steps are to contact your chosen organisation, fill out the application forms, and pay required programme fees. Now it’s official – you’re volunteering abroad! Time to get prepared!


Pre-departure: How to Prepare before You Set Off
After choosing a volunteer programme and signing up with an organisation, it’s time to get ready. Once your placement dates and location are confirmed, get to work!
Things to do Immediately
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Book Your Flights
It is best to do this as soon as you have final confirmation of your placement from your volunteer organisation. Flights tend to be cheaper the farther in advance you book. Your organisation may provide you with some suggested flight itineraries based on your destination or suggest a travel partner who can give you a quote (who perhaps also give donations to the charity project if you book through them! Win win!). They may also give you certain requirements for your arrival time, day, and airport. Make sure that you follow these requirements fully, as you do not want any confusion the day you arrive! If someone from the volunteer organisation will be assisting you or picking you up on your day of arrival, make sure you send your complete travel itinerary and correct flight numbers to them as soon as your flights are booked.
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Get the Proper Visa
Depending on your nationality and which country you are travelling to, your requirements for a visa or permission to enter a given country will be different. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure you have the proper documentation and know that you are covered before you set off on your trip. Your volunteer organisation may be of assistance in this regard, but it is first and foremost your concern. Information is always changing and being updated. So make sure to do your research and know the current regulations for your country and the country you are travelling to.
Here are some resources to get you started if you are from the UK (gov.uk), the US (travel.state.gov), or Australia (dfat.gov.au). You can also check out Globalteer’s Visa Requirements Page for the countries in which we operate.
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Purchase Travel Insurance
The importance of purchasing travel insurance cannot be overstated. You never know what could happen while you are abroad. If you are unlucky enough to get ill or find yourself in a sticky situation, being uninsured can be expensive and downright dangerous. Especially in developing countries, reliable healthcare and emergency treatment can be hard to find or extremely expensive for foreigners. You don’t even want to think about how much it would cost if you had to be flown home for hospital treatment.
Make sure you research your options thoroughly and assure that any activities you will take part in during your volunteer experience will be covered. It is also important to note that in some insurance policies, the medical insurance is separate from the travel insurance. Make sure you have all your bases covered. In the event of cancellation, you want to make sure your costs are included in coverage. You also need to make sure any emergency health needs will be encompassed in your policy.
Your volunteer organisation may have some recommended travel insurance partners that can give you quotes once your trip is confirmed.


Things to do 1-3 Months Before Your Departure Date
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Vaccinations and Health Check-up: See Your Doctor!
Before any extensive travelling, it is always a good idea to get a general health check-up from your doctor. This is especially true if you will be taking part in any sort of manual labour at your project. You don’t want any surprises cropping up while you are overseas, so it’s best to make sure you are in tip-top shape before you leave.
Your doctor will also be able to recommend the proper vaccinations you need for the region you are travelling to. Some countries may even require you to show proof of certain vaccinations before you can enter. Make sure you are aware of any regulations and follow your doctor’s advice. More information can be found at the following sites: Center for Disease Control, World Health Organisation, NHS Travel Vaccinations
Some vaccinations have to be administered in doses over several weeks, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time.
On Globalteer’s International Medical and Safety Advice page, you can find recommendations on vaccinations and other things to consider for the countries in which we operate. But still be sure to discuss your trip with your preferred medical professional.
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Fundraise
Don’t have all the funds you need to cover your trip? Want to raise some extra donations for the cause you care about? Consider fundraising for your volunteer experience. You may want to start this step as soon as you book your trip.
You may be surprised how many of your connections would be willing to support you in working for a great cause. Getting the word out through social media and fundraising platforms is easy and effective. For example, Globalteer partners with Fund My Travel as a way to help our volunteers who want to fundraise and they have great suggestions in their Fundraising Toolkit.
Ask your volunteering organisation if they have Tips for Fundraising. If you decide to go for it, just be sure you are clear to your donors what their donations will go towards. Are you strictly raising money to go straight to the project? Or are you also asking for help with your cost of volunteering, accommodation, support fees, meals, and transport?
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Make Sure You Will Have Cellular Coverage
Want to go off the grid for a few weeks while you are volunteering abroad? That’s great, a digital detox is good for you! Just make sure your loved ones are aware of your plan. But if you want to be able to make calls back home or have access to the internet on your cell phone while you are abroad, here are some things you may want to do.
Ask your volunteer organisation what they know about cell coverage options in-country. They should have the best information for you, especially if they have staff on the ground where you are headed. They will know if it is easy to buy a SIM chip locally once you arrive or if you should come pre-prepared, and they can give you an idea of cost.
Get a local SIM card
Make sure your phone is unlocked if you plan on buying a local SIM card once you arrive. Unlocking a phone can take several days, so give yourself plenty of time to take care of this. If your carrier will not allow you to unlock your phone, ask them about international data plans. This will allow you to use your phone in the country you are travelling to. Make them aware of your dates of travel and what your needs are.
Also, consider keeping in touch using messaging apps you can use on WiFi for free with your cell phone, whether it is unlocked or not. Applications like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage (for iPhone users) will allow you to stay easily in contact with friends and family back home who also have the app, as long as you have access to a WiFi connection. Just make sure you have them working before you leave your home country, as some like WhatsApp will require you to set them up using a text message code (that you will not be able to receive if you are already overseas without an international plan). If you opt for this route, ask your volunteer organisation if WiFi will be available at your project location.
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Find Out Where Your Embassy Is
Any time you travel abroad, it is a good idea to know the contact information for your embassy within the country you are travelling to. Just in case of any emergencies, natural disasters, or loss of your passport, having this information ready at hand will give you peace of mind. While you are preparing for your trip, do a quick search for the information you need using the link below. Keep this information stored where it can be accessed easily while you are abroad.


Things to do Just Before Departure
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Make Copies of Important Documents
Be sure to have copies of your important documents to carry with you while you are travelling:
- Passport
- Visa (if it is one you had to acquire before arrival)
- Insurance Policy
- Airline Tickets (Departure and Return – sometimes immigration offices will require you to show proof of your returning flight before you can enter the country)
- Vaccination Records
- Emergency Contacts and Embassy Information
- Volunteer Project Contacts
It is better to have hard copies rather than electronic copies, especially if access to internet or electricity is uncertain at your destination. You don’t want to be caught without them if you get into any sort of sticky situation.
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Packing for your Volunteer Abroad Trip
You’re probably going to need supplies wherever you’re going! Hopefully your organisation will provide you with some sort of packing list to prepare you for your placement, but you cannot rely on this entirely:
- Consider your personal needs. (Are you a light sleeper who needs earplugs to sleep in a new space, especially if you will be sharing accommodation? Would you prefer your own snorkel mask as opposed to a rented one?)
- Find out if you will need an adapter or voltage converter for any electronics you bring along.
- Check the weather forecast for where you are heading.
- Think about the conditions on the ground at your project. (Would it be better to have a large backpack, rather than a rolling suitcase, if you will be working in a rural area without paved roads)
It’s also a good idea to ask your volunteer organisation what products can be easily purchased once you arrive, especially if you are limited on space. If you don’t want to worry about that bottle of sunblock exploding in your suitcase, ask your organisation if it would be easy to purchase in-country. If not, and you know you’ll need it, make sure you have it!
Double and triple check your list before you leave. Do you have everything you need? Did you get your phone charger?! (We’ve had more than one volunteer forget this crucial piece, leaving it plugged into the wall before they left home. Don’t let this be you!)


What to Expect While You Are Volunteering Abroad
You’re packed, prepared, and ready to go! You’re heading off on an adventure, and you’re excited to get to work at your project. But do you know what to expect once you arrive? You will encounter a lot of new situations during your time abroad – both inside and outside of your volunteer project – so it’s a good idea to think about this and manage your expectations, especially if you are a first-time traveller.
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Forget everything you thought you knew. Be open-minded!
When travelling in a foreign country, sometimes you must throw everything you think you know out the new window. A new culture, a new language, and new ways of doing things may bring some frustrations and uncertainty. You will need to do your best to remain flexible, patient, and open-minded. It is almost guaranteed that at least something will go wrong on your trip, but it will be much easier to deal with if you are prepared for that possibility. Overall, you are going to have a wonderful experience if you can go with the flow, so don’t let the little things ruin it for you. Remain receptive and open to new experiences, and just take a deep breath if things aren’t going as smoothly as planned. Be sensitive to the fact that you are a guest in a new country, among new people, and their ways may not be your ways – do not rush to judgement. Treat every new situation as a learning experience!


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Culture Shock
Depending on how long you are abroad, you are likely to experience at least some form of culture shock. Culture shock expresses a lack of direction and the feeling of not knowing how to do things in a new environment, and this feeling generally sets in after the first few weeks of coming to a new place where everything is different. Although culture shock can be difficult to overcome, it is also an opportunity for learning and acquiring a new perspective!
Symptoms
The symptoms of culture shock differ from person to person, but they commonly include:
- Sadness, loneliness, melancholy
- Preoccupation with health
- Aches, pains, and allergies
- Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little
- Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling powerless
- Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others
- Loss of identity
- Unable to solve simple problems
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Unexplainable crying
- Boredom
- Developing stereotypes about the new culture
- Developing obsessions such as over-cleanliness
- Longing for family, extreme homesickness
- Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused
How to Fight Culture Shock
Culture shock can be overcome, and it will usually start to pass the more time you have to become accustom to your surroundings. Some ways to combat stress produced by culture shock are:
- Develop a hobby or continue to practice things that you also do at home.
- Be patient – the act of acculturating is a process of adaptation to new situations.
- Learn to be constructive. If you encounter an unfavourable environment, don't put yourself in that position again. Be easy on yourself.
- Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. Exercise, swim, take an aerobics class, etc.
- Relaxation and meditation can be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress.
- Make friends! This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation.
- Maintain contact with the new culture. Learn the language. Volunteer in community activities that allow you to practice the language that you are learning. This will help you feel less stress about language and useful at the same time.
- Allow yourself to feel sad about the things that you have left behind: your family, friends, etc.
- Accept the new country. Focus your power on getting through the transition.
- Maintain confidence in yourself. Follow your ambitions and remember why you travelled here.
Don't get overwhelmed
Depending on the country and region you are travelling to, be aware that you may also encounter heart-breaking situations or sights, especially in regions with high levels of poverty or in developing countries. You may even experience upsetting situations within your volunteer project. These may be every-day sights to the people who live there, so be sensitive to that fact and try not to become overwhelmed. You will also be able to see and experience amazing, beautiful things you never expected, so do not let only negative situations colour your view of an entire country or culture.


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Day-to-Day Life of a Volunteer
The type of volunteer work you are doing and the schedule of your chosen project will determine what your day-to-day life is like. Many of Globalteer’s projects have a Monday through Friday work schedule, giving volunteers free time on the weekends for leisure, tourism, or additional travel. Some projects may only require your time in the morning or afternoon, meaning you have half the day free to explore the local city. Others may be more demanding and need your attendance 7 days a week, with very little free time. You should be aware of your expected working hours before you arrive, and whatever the schedule, you are likely to develop a routine after a week or so. You’ll be aware of your time for work, for leisure and relaxation, or for travelling farther afield.
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Discover the Culture
Once you have your volunteering routine down, you will also be able to fall into the day-to-day life of the town or city in which you are staying. Exploring local markets, restaurants, and neighbourhoods in your time off can be adventures in themselves. You can get to know the locals in places you visit frequently, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is, even if there is a language barrier. Ask questions, share stories, attend local events or festivals, and try to find interesting things off the beaten path. The project staff can give you recommendations of things to see and places to go.
If you fully dive in, you will learn a great deal – both about this new culture and about yourself. Don’t limit yourself to only staying on the project grounds and talking only to other volunteers. A genuine experience will take you outside of your comfort zone. And only in this way can you truly get to know the community you are there to support.
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Making Friends
At your volunteer project, you are likely to meet a lot of likeminded people – after all, everyone surrounding you has a drive to give back through volunteering, a desire to travel abroad, and an eagerness for new experiences, just like you. This will give you the opportunity to form new friendships, both among the other volunteers and project staff. Take advantage of it! Who knows, you may find a new life-long friend or maybe several!
Volunteers often have time to hang out together outside of project hours, on weekends, evenings, or during volunteer outings the project organises. You may get to join a Buddhist ceremony, or be in country during festival season or just join a pub quiz to raise money for the charity project. At Globalteer we often see volunteers go from being complete strangers to the best of friends, with many maintaining contact after their placements. It’s just one of the many ways your volunteer placement could be life-changing.
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Sightseeing
Although dedication to your project work should come first, there is no doubt that wherever you travel, you will find opportunities for sightseeing in your time off. Take advantage of it and have a little fun! Every country will have something completely unique to offer – historical sites, museums, ancient ruins, spectacular trekking, scenery, beaches, and much more! If you don’t have enough time during your placement, consider scheduling some time before or after your volunteer experience to travel farther afield. Don’t miss out on the beauty the world has to offer!
We can’t tell you everything you’re going to experience while volunteering abroad – your adventure will be unique to you. So now just dive in! Your passion for the cause you’re volunteering for will be your driving force, and there will be so much to encounter along your journey. You’ve prepared as best you can, and it’s going to be great!


Steps to Take on Returning Home
Nothing beats the feeling of finally getting home and getting to sleep in your own, comfortable bed after several weeks (or maybe months!) volunteering abroad. But after you feel well rested and are ready to start telling stories from your trip to all your friends and family, don’t forget that your volunteer experience isn’t over yet! There are still some things you can do to support the cause you care about and travelled thousands of miles for.
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Send Feedback
After your trip, be sure to get in touch with both the volunteer organisation and local project to tell them about your experience. They will greatly appreciate the feedback; it will help them know what they are doing right or wrong form a volunteer’s perspective. It can help them improve in certain areas, if necessary, and it can let them know what areas you found especially valuable. So send an e-mail! Don’t be shy!
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Write Online Reviews
If you had a great time at your volunteer project, let the internet know! Go onto the volunteer organisation and local project’s Facebook page and leave them 5 stars! Do the same on Google Reviews or volunteering sites. This can be extremely beneficial for the project to help them gain more support and volunteers. Taking five minutes out of your day to leave a quick review can do wonders for the project’s visibility.
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Write Your Story – Get the Word Out!
Have you ever considered writing a blog? Maybe you have one already? No matter your level of experience with writing, people will absolutely love reading about your international volunteering experience from your perspective. Consider writing up an article about your experience and posting it on your social media profiles, your personal blog, or volunteering forums. This is a great way to get the word out about the project you volunteered for and get others interested in the cause. You could also send your written story to the volunteering organisation you went through, so that they can post it and use it to attract new volunteers! Because at the beginning of this journey, you were just like them – searching the internet for answers about international volunteering. Your article could provide all of the answers for someone who has the same questions you did!
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Stay Connected – Become a Supporter or Donor
Don’t let you last day on site be your last contact with the project. Just because the international part of your journey has come to an end, this does not mean that you can no longer be involved. If it is within your means, become a donor! Any amount that you could send back to the project will be tremendously appreciated. Often, past volunteers are a major source of donations for charitable volunteer organisations, so they truly could not keep up their good work without people like you.
And even if you cannot donate, stay connected to them by following their social media outlets, subscribing to newsletters, making sure you have the contact information for the staff and other volunteers, and sharing your story with friends, colleagues, and family. Become an advocate for the cause!
Thank you for reading our Guide to Volunteering Abroad. We hope it has been helpful and perhaps has inspired you to take that next step. Once you’ve gone through this process and had a successful volunteering abroad experience, we can bet you’ll catch the international volunteer bug and want to do it all over again! Until then, if you have any questions about volunteering abroad or any of Globalteer’s many opportunities for doing so, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
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Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling. Having chosen to spend three-weeks volunteering on a Cambodia Community... read more Project in Siem Reap, a perfect school placement was found, which allowed me to gain one of my most memorable life experiences to date. The regional Globalteer team in Asia managed to find an excellent placement school, which not only allowed me to gain new skills, but also share my teacher training experiences with others. From the moment I landed in Siem Reap, the local Globalteer helped me to settle in, and remained available as a support network, as well as my fellow volunteers. Regular catch-up nights meant that a shared social life was available. Such events facilitated wide-ranging conversations between volunteers who were working on a range of different projects whilst in town. At the same time, space was afforded for each volunteer to shape their own experiences. Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling and volunteering, and it’s this methodology that helps create a great experience for their volunteers. It’s therefore my pleasure to highly recommend Globalteer projects to future volunteers. read less
Nathan Crook
1/25/2018 -
I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! I first volunteered at Picaflor House Children's Community Project in... read more Peru in 2014, as a solo traveller, staying in Cusco for two months. I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip at the end of last year - this time for just two weeks, but with my husband, as part of a wider trip through South America. Two very different visits, but both equally rewarding and life-changing. During my first trip, I met with a wide variety of lovely volunteers from all over the world, some of whom I am still in touch with today. In contrast, on our recent trip, we were the only volunteers. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. The volunteering at Picaflor is very flexible - our individual skills were used to their best advantage. I focussed on the English classes, using my language and communication training to the full, and my husband worked in the Nursery class, supporting the children to develop their social and practical skills (and honing his fledgling Spanish). In addition, on my first much longer trip, I was able to take the odd day off, enabling me to take in the local art and culture by visiting places of interest further afield. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. It provides occupation and fun for the children in the afternoon after their school day finishes, allowing parents to work full days, and provides extra academic support, especially with English - particularly important as it enables the children to get better jobs when they leave school. The children at Picaflor are extremely lively (expect more noise, and less formal seated activity than in your average British school), but on both trips we particularly enjoyed the sporting days (as did the children!) on Fridays when everybody came together to play volleyball, football, and to skip, play on the swings and slide, and to dig in the sandpit - Chris enjoyed a particularly muscle-building day breaking up and raking the sand for the children, and I enjoyed a spot of gardening - as I said the experience was very varied! The regular, permanent staff at Picaflor are particularly supportive. We were prepared well in advance - I particularly needed this reassurance on my first trip alone, and even though on my second trip, I knew where everything was, we were confident that we could still access any extra help if needed. As a couple, we received an especially warm welcome on my return, and would definitely consider a third visit in the future. I would highly recommend Picaflor to future volunteers 🙂 read less
Katharine Hughes
2/28/2018 -
Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. Such a rewarding experience. Candice and Globalteer were there every... read more step of the way to help facilitate everything. Spent 2 weeks at a dog rescue in Cusco, Peru. I highly recommend them! read less
Peter DiFrancesca
7/10/2017 -
It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I volunteered with Globalteer in Cambodia last year and I... read more had an amazing experience. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. I worked on two projects, building waterfilters and the women's empowerment program, where we made intricate products with the locals from plastic bags! It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! read less
Fiona Mehmet
1/16/2018 -
All the Globalteer staff I have worked with have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. I have volunteered with the Globalteer Cambodia Community Project in... read more 2014 and twice in 2017 and will be returning this year, 2018. It is my home away from home. All the GT staff I've worked with in that time have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. The project itself is amazing and I highly recommend it to anybody who loves kids, is keen to be involved in a sustainable education project and who wants to see and learn about Cambodia village life. The work that Globalteer does will go on to benefit Cambodia and Cambodians for many years to come. read less
Sally Bateman
1/17/2018 -
This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Globalteer at... read more the Northern Thailand Elephant Sanctuary! It was amazing being at this sanctuary and if you love being outdoors with animals then I highly recommend this one. One of the best things about this sanctuary is that you can stay overnight! It is incredible to see the elephants before you turn in for the night and then watch them get bathed in the morning as you eat your breakfast. This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. The sanctuary is small but it gives you the chance to really see the animals in their natural habitat. You can participate in feedings and sit in bungalows out in the jungle and just watch these magnificent creatures. Meals are filling and delicious and I highly recommend staying for a few nights. read less
Kayla Lynne Kiteley
1/25/2018 -
The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! Mid-life crisis? Mid-life adventure? It could have been either.....or even... read more a break from the husband! Following retirement from a demanding career in 2014 I had the luxury and freedom to enjoy being a lady that could wine and dine to her heart’s content but deep down I still yearned for a challenge. Then I came across the amazing opportunity, along with a friend, to work with underprivileged children in Cusco, Peru. This was for a month under Globalteer. I was able to be part of an inspirational and holistic after-school project for 70 children aged from 3-14 in a mountain village near Cusco. The project gives free classes and help with homework to underprivileged children, plus a safe place to play, to learn traditional music and dance, to enjoy free fruit, clean drinking water and a nutritious lunch. Once our applications had been accepted and the relevant checks completed I embarked on a fundraising campaign. Individual Just Giving pages were set up and I approached various companies to donate much needed items for the children such as educational books, art supplies, toys and clothing. My local M&S were very supportive and donated underwear and socks. Anxiety, apprehension and anticipation were just some of the feelings experienced but the time to embark on the adventure soon came round and we flew from Heathrow to Cusco via Bogota. The accommodation was in a family ‘homestay’ as we wanted to embrace and immerse ourselves in the culture and be part of a Peruvian family and also to practice the little Spanish I had learnt. In fact there were 11 people in the house in Wanchaq on the outskirts of Cusco. The family were very friendly and welcoming but you soon began to appreciate what you had left behind and not to take anything for granted. Altitude sickness was the first issue that had to be dealt with. Cusco is around 3400m above the sea level which can present a problem because the human body starts to react at around 2500m. Thankfully after taking the local remedy of Coca Tea and being given oxygen we were up and about after 36 hours. Meeting the children for the first time at Picaflor House was a very emotional experience and brought on the first of many tears. At the end of the first day with them I felt so privileged and humbled to have met them. They had nothing but were always smiling and wanting to hold your hand. I assisted with English classes, Mathematics and activities such as music, crafts and games on a Friday. They delighted in playing the simplest of games such as ‘Piggy In The Middle’ which started off with 3 and then everyone wanted to participate! The older girls made makeshift swings one day from cardboard and ropes! We were advised not to have favourites but I have to own up to having a soft spot for the Kindergarten class! The ongoing project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and is aimed at keeping the children in a secure environment off the streets, and providing them with a safe place to learn and enjoy being children. I did witness in various parts of the area young children on their own begging in the streets or trying to sell sweets to motorists whilst waiting at the traffic lights. Sadly despite the wealth of tourist money that enters the country, very little of the money filters down to the average Peruvian and millions live in extreme poverty. This means a lack of education, healthcare and nutrition effects the poorest the hardest. Many homes have no running water or proper sanitation and heating is unheard of. With volunteers Globalteer hope to help the least fortunate live healthily, with dignity and with a future. We caught a local bus to and from the project. The journey was just under 1 hour each way and cost 3.50 soles return – approx £1! On one of our weekends off we visited Machu Picchu – an incomparable wonder and despite having seen so many pictures nothing prepares you for the first time you see the Inca citadel rising high above a bend in the river. It was well worth the 3.45 am alarm call to see the sunrise which was absolutely breath-taking. Another challenge we took on was to eat the local dish ‘Cuy’ – otherwise known as guinea pig! A Peruvian delicacy it is either fried or roasted and cooked whole. We ate it with our hands and although the meat looked like the dark meat of chicken it tasted more like duck. I also celebrated my birthday whilst out there and I gave the children a small bag of ‘Haribo’ sweets as a treat. They were absolutely delighted and so happy to have in their eyes such a luxury. I didn’t need to translate in to Spanish on this occasion – I think ‘sweets’ is a universal language! The trip was an incredible experience not only because of the gratifying sensation of helping in a foreign and vulnerable country, but also learning more about ourselves and appreciating what we have. The children made a lasting impression and I do have intentions to one day return. Volunteering at Piclafor House has taught me to never take things for granted and to realise how we can manage with far less than we think we need – I have a wardrobe of clothes so why do I think I need more? I left a case of clothes and toiletries for a lady I met and she actually filled with tears when she saw the bottle of shampoo I had donated. The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. read less
Geraldine Parkin
2/06/2018 -
I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! I volunteered with the Peru Community Project out of Cuzco... read more for 5 weeks. I was so impressed with the amazing work they are doing at Picaflor and how well the kids and the community responded to the project. Furthermore, I was grateful for how helpful and welcoming the staff was. I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! read less
Lauren Franklin
6/30/2017 -
I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! I had the best time volunteering, especially with a background... read more in childcare I found this an amazing experience and highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about doing it. I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! The people who support you from Globalteer keep you informed and are always there through-out your trip and I hope to come back in the near future! read less
Hope Wilson
1/16/2018 -
I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who is interested in volunteering. My experience with Globalteer was amazing and I've volunteered with... read more them two years in a row now in Siem Reap. The staff are incredible and very accommodating which definitely made the idea of travelling to a new country alone a lot less daunting. The projects they have really immerse you into Cambodian culture as you're working with locals so you get the opportunity to really see how the Khmer live. Siem Reap itself is a wonderful town with plenty of restaurants, local and western, and an endless list of things to do. I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who's interested in volunteering. read less
A.N. Barry
1/14/2018 -
The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome. I spent a couple of weeks volunteering at the Helping... read more Hands School just outside Siem Reap. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome and were always on hand to answer any questions. The school itself was really well run and the kids were brilliant to work with. It felt like such a worthwhile way to spend my holiday. Will definitely be going back! read less
Holly Bygrave
7/26/2018 -
Everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. Volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor House was an incredible experience... read more - everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. I can fully recommend volunteering with them to anyone who wishes to spend their time and energy on a worthwhile charity project! read less
Hannah Verity Stone
6/30/2017 -
Could not fault the hard work these people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. Great experience in Peru, couldn't fault the hard work these... read more people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. No ones perfect but all you can do is your best. Thanks guys read less
Mark Catling
6/30/2017 -
The most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I have had. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Communication with Globalteer leading up to and during my trip was easy and constant. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! read less
Colin Elkington
1/14/2018 -
Wish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience... read more I had! I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about. Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! Thanks much for this great experience read less
burcu eren
1/10/2019 -
The staff working there are dedicated but also good fun. What an amazing experience! We spent a week with this... read more incredible sanctuary in August 2018. The passion for the animals in the care of this rescue sanctuary is genuine and heartfelt. The staff working there dedicated but also good fun. Loved the interactions with the monkeys, deer, and birds and building the monkey house for the howlers, I hope they enjoy it for many years to come. I strongly recommend anyone who is visiting Peru and wants to genuinely help wild animals to be returned back to their natural habitat to spend time here. read less
Hercules Moriarty
9/22/2018 -
Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work! This experience was one of the most rewarding things I... read more have done - it opened my eyes to how other cultures in different countries cope without luxuries that we take for granted each day. I began volunteering with Globalteer on the Clean Water project in Cambodia for 2 weeks. Each week consisted of 3 days of building the water filters and 2 days going to the different villages and giving the water filters to those who needed them. All of the stages were important and I felt like I was really making a real difference. Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work for the day! I loved going into the villages the most, as you could see how grateful the locals were to receive such an important gift into their lives! After my two weeks of volunteering I managed to get a job with globalteer running the sports project ... yes that is how much I fell in love with Cambodia, the people, the culture and their way of thinking! Globalteer is brilliant and were so hands on with any problem or issue that arose! I have had nothing but positive experiences and will always follow the amazing things they do daily! read less
Robert Bisson
1/12/2018 -
The benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. I worked on the clean water project in Siem Reap... read more in October 2018 and it was one of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had. Although the water project was with another NGO (with who Globalteer is a partner), the benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. As a woman doing this adventure on my own I was part of the Globalteer family and very well looked after. Having that security mattered. The accommodation was terrific, the Globalteer volunteer co-ordinator who was my go-to person (the wonderful Theavy) was amazing, meeting and socialising with other volunteers was huge fun and spending some time with Chris, the country manager, was educational and insightful. I'm going back this year to do it all again. Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones while making a tangible difference to the lives of many. read less
Justine Auton
1/14/2018 -
The Globalteer staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. One of the best experiences I've ever had! The Globalteer... read more staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. Whenever there was an event going on, they always made me feel included. Such an amazing experience helping animals and being in such a great city. read less
Anna Von Foerster
6/30/2017 -
It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Cambodia with Globalteer!... read more I worked at Helping Hands School in a rural village outside of Siem Reap--very different from my native New York City. Globalteer representatives Jillian and Theavy worked with me to find a placement that allowed me to use my skill set. I am a School Librarian, and I was able to start a lending library with books that had been donated by students at my school in New York. I also assisted with English classes. The Globalteer staff was supportive, and the students and teachers were absolutely amazing. It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. read less
Ann Quinlivan
5/31/2018 -
They are great in every way. I have worked with them twice and I am counting down the days until I return next. Working with Globalteer and Picaflor house is amazing. They're great... read more in every way. I've worked with them during two extended stays in Peru and I'm counting down the days until I return next. read less
Jeff Bartlett
6/30/2017 -
Great organisation making a real difference. Great organisation making a real difference in Peru.
Nick James
12/20/2017 -
If you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and... read more a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret it. read less
PICKLE SMART
8/31/2019 -
Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff. I had an amazing experience volunteering with Globalteer earlier this... read more year. Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff and a great range of really worthwhile and sustainable projects! Definitely recommend!!! read less
Jessica Robinson
1/12/2018 -
It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month... read more in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. I didn't have to worry one bit about the organisation of both volunteer groups, even though they were on the opposite sides of the country, it was an easy process with the staff being so quick and prompt in replies and helpful when I arrived in Cusco. I genuinely had an incredible time with so many life lessons and learning experiences taught throughout the trip. Would definitely recommend even if this is your first time overseas alone - as it was mine. read less
Tiarne Biviano
2/02/2019 -
Accommodation was perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Learnt so much in an authentic and safe environment. Accomdation... read more was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself read less
Crystal
2/13/2018 -
I felt very much taken care of and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects. Coming from a country with very few organisations that offer... read more international volunteering jobs (Austria), I had to trust online reviews from other volunteers when I tried to find a suitable project for my sabbatical. And in my research, Globalteer was described as a very reliable organisation which offers an authentic insight into the countries where it operates. As a volunteer of the Cambodia Community Project for 4 weeks where I worked as a teacher in the rural Helping Hands Cambodia School outside of Siem Reap, I can only say that I had made the best choice. Everyting worked out perfectly - all my questions were answered promptly before my stay, I felt very much taken care of during the project and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects and they have all become an important part of my life. I think my teaching job out there in the country couldn't have given me a better insight into the life of this young country. I feel very much connected with the teachers and especially these fantastic kids that I met and since my return I have been following all their projects very closely. Should you want to know more about my volunteering experience with Globalteer, you can visit my blog, which you find if you google for: evaoff4abit.wordpress read less
Eva Deix
1/14/2018 -
If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. I had an AMAZING experience volunteering on two different projects... read more with Globalteer. You really get to experience life in a completely different culture, whilst making a significant difference to the projects and local communities. The Globalteer staff are all so helpful and welcoming, and the little things like being picked up from the airport and being shown around the local area made my trip so much easier, and meant I settled in straight away. If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. read less
Jess Robinson
1/12/2018 -
All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Communication with Globalteer leading up to and during my trip was easy and constant. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! read less
Colin Elkington
1/13/2018 -
Would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. A wonderful organisation that's truly dedicated to helping the communities... read more they work with. They ensure the volunteers are contributing as much as possible and putting their skills to the best possible use. I had an incredible experience with Globalteer and would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. read less
Anna Hilbert
9/30/2019 -
Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor... read more House. From the Moment I arrived I was collected by staff and shown around Cusco. I also got to enjoy the weekly quiz nights with staff from globalteer. The staff went out of there way to make me feel welcome. I had an amazing time at picaflor house. The children were beautiful. Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend globalteer!!!! read less
Katrina Baxter
7/04/2017 -
Had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. Having done lots of research on volunteer projects, I decided... read more that this program was the best for me. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. They did not disappoint, I had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. read less
Diego Alonso
11/13/2017