Over 40s Volunteering

Volunteering for the over 40s, 50s & 60s

You are never to old to volunteer! Globalteer doesn't cater only to young people; we have volunteering opportunities abroad for all ages. At Globalteer we get a much higher proportion of older volunteers than many organisations; which is just great for us and our projects on so many levels. Most of all because the mix of people from different backgrounds and age groups means our volunteers have a huge range of experience and knowledge to draw on which is of huge benefit to our projects. And of course the diversity of our volunteers makes the experience much richer for everyone. Interested in volunteering abroad for over 40s, 50s & 60s? Then Globalteer is a great match for you!

We often ask our older volunteers in particular why they choose to volunteer with us. Mostly they tell us it’s because we are a registered charity and non-profit. Also because Globalteer promotes ethical and responsible volunteering, something volunteers consider hugely important! And because we really look after you when you are actually volunteering.

Which Globalteer projects suit older volunteers?

If you interested in Volunteering Abroad for Older Adults then Globalteer is a great match for you! All our projects welcome mature volunteers. None of our projects have an upper age limit. The most important thing for us is that you are able to carry out at least some, if not all of the tasks required of our volunteers. There is some flexibility with tasks at certain projects; but we would recommend that you have a good level of fitness for any of our projects involving physical work in hot and humid climates. Read some of our accounts from older volunteers to see just how rewarding it can be to join our projects at any age!

Erika Oakley, 56, Colombia Community Project Volunteer

"The children were challenging at times but after ten weeks of trust and fun and at times tough love they gave us as much reward as we gave them. I loved working with the children; it was so rewarding and fulfilling and I knew I wanted to continue doing a meaningful job once I returned home. I now work for Mencap assisting people to live independently and I love it. Globalteer changed my life. I would never have thought about working with people of all ages with challenging behaviour and learning difficulties; now I feel fulfilled, challenged and wanted in my job."

Chas Noble, 60, Cambodia Elephant and Clean Water Volunteer

"I would recommend volunteering through Globalteer to anyone; especially the older generation. I knew that I always had the support of a great group of people to help me with any unforeseen problems. The other volunteers I met were like minded individuals of all ages and nationalities; sharing their stories of travelling and volunteering on the various projects. I especially remember the social evenings; whether it was just going out for a meal or taking part in the local trivia quizzes. To those who are in two minds I would just say "go for it" you will not regret the experience."

Sally Bateman, 56, Cambodia Community Volunteer

"You hear people say that they have had life changing experiences. This was. At 56 and with my own children in their early 20’s I wondered if I would fit in: both at the school but also with the other volunteers. I needn’t have worried. The volunteers I met on my first day will, I hope, remain lifelong friends. No matter our ages, we were all sharing an experience that would change us and create amazing memories. There was a lot of laughter and, when it was time to say goodbye, many tears.
You can’t help but be affected by the Cambodian people. They have so little but give so much. Their smiles and warmth, acceptance of their life and appreciation of even the smallest things are very humbling. But it was the children at the project that truly won my heart. My role in the school was to assist with teaching English to the children; working on pronunciation and allowing them to hear English from a native speaker. I was also lucky enough to be able to prepare and deliver some very easy lessons; something I never expected to do but which I thoroughly enjoyed. Think you're too old to volunteer abroad over 50 ? You're not! Trust me!"

Melinda, 53, Cambodia Community Volunteer

"I thought there wouldn't be many volunteering opportunities for older people. While some of them were too expensive, majority of them were for young people. Not many places offer volunteering opportunities to people of my age. I did some research on community volunteering projects for kids and ethical NGO's, where Globalteer checked all the criteria boxes for me. Besides, I have been wanting to do this for a while and this time there was no stopping me!
Volunteering at the Cambodia Community Project was magical. The crafts that I brought for the kids was absolutely worth every penny. They enjoyed it very much. It also developed an interaction among themselves which you don't get to see back in the UK as it is something very normal for them. But it was a big deal for these kids. It just got me thinking as to why did I not do it all this while."

Options for Volunteer Abroad Projects

What are our volunteers saying about us?

Read real reviews on Facebook and Google.

  • 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

    Robert Bisson Avatar Robert Bisson
    1/12/2018
  • Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff. I had an amazing experience volunteering with Globalteer earlier this... read more

    Jessica Robinson Avatar Jessica Robinson
    1/12/2018
  • 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

    Diego Alonso Avatar Diego Alonso
    11/13/2017
  • This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Globalteer at... read more

    Kayla Lynne Kiteley Avatar Kayla Lynne Kiteley
    1/25/2018
  • 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

    Nathan Crook Avatar Nathan Crook
    1/25/2018
  • Great organisation making a real difference. Great organisation making a real difference in Peru.

    Nick James Avatar Nick James
    12/20/2017
  • I would really recommend them to anyone... Great company who genuinely want to improve the lives of... read more

    Evie Rollinson Avatar Evie Rollinson
    12/26/2019
  • 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

    Geraldine Parkin Avatar Geraldine Parkin
    2/06/2018
  • 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

    Fiona Mehmet Avatar 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

    Sally Bateman Avatar Sally Bateman
    1/17/2018
  • Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor... read more

    Katrina Baxter Avatar Katrina Baxter
    7/04/2017
  • Plenty of people you can ask for guidance. Great place to do your internship. Good atmosphere in the... read more

    ragnhild helgesen Avatar ragnhild helgesen
    11/29/2019
  • 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

    Jeff Bartlett Avatar Jeff Bartlett
    6/30/2017
  • 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

    Tiarne Biviano Avatar Tiarne Biviano
    2/02/2019
  • Would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. A wonderful organisation that's truly dedicated to helping the communities... read more

    Anna Hilbert Avatar Anna Hilbert
    9/30/2019
  • 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

    Jess Robinson Avatar Jess Robinson
    1/12/2018
  • 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

    Hope Wilson Avatar Hope Wilson
    1/16/2018
  • 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

    Crystal Avatar Crystal
    2/13/2018
  • 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

    Hannah Verity Stone Avatar Hannah Verity Stone
    6/30/2017
  • The staff working there are dedicated but also good fun. What an amazing experience! We spent a week with this... read more

    Hercules Moriarty Avatar Hercules Moriarty
    9/22/2018
  • 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

    Lauren Franklin Avatar Lauren Franklin
    6/30/2017
  • Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. I volunteered for a month with Globalteer in Peru and... read more

    Eli Joshua Echt-Wilson Avatar Eli Joshua Echt-Wilson
    3/15/2019
  • Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. Such a rewarding experience. Candice and Globalteer were there every... read more

    Peter DiFrancesca Avatar Peter DiFrancesca
    7/10/2017
  • If you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and... read more

    PICKLE SMART Avatar PICKLE SMART
    8/31/2019
  • 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

    Colin Elkington Avatar Colin Elkington
    1/13/2018
  • 100% recommend to volunteer with them Globalteer is a great charity that will help you every... read more

    Elise Mousset Avatar Elise Mousset
    10/03/2019
  • 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

    A.N. Barry Avatar A.N. Barry
    1/14/2018
  • Accommodation was perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Perfect mix of authenticity and safety. Stayed with the best... read more

    Crystal Moniz Avatar Crystal Moniz
    2/13/2018
  • The most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I have had. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more

    Colin Elkington Avatar Colin Elkington
    1/14/2018
  • The staff really made me feel welcome. I had a great experience with Globalteer in Peru. The... read more

    AJ Rodney Avatar AJ Rodney
    11/05/2017
  • The benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. I worked on the clean water project in Siem Reap... read more

    Justine Auton Avatar Justine Auton
    1/14/2018
  • 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

    Ann Quinlivan Avatar Ann Quinlivan
    5/31/2018
  • 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

    Mark Catling Avatar Mark Catling
    6/30/2017
  • Would absolutely do it all over again! Amazing! They matched me with the perfect project and went... read more

    Casey Scholl Avatar Casey Scholl
    1/12/2018
  • 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

    burcu eren Avatar burcu eren
    1/10/2019
  • 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

    Katharine Hughes Avatar Katharine Hughes
    2/28/2018
  • 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

    Eva Deix Avatar Eva Deix
    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

    Holly Bygrave Avatar Holly Bygrave
    7/26/2018
  • 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

    Anna Von Foerster Avatar Anna Von Foerster
    6/30/2017