We are seeing more people show interest in volunteer work with children abroad in 2026. Every child deserves access to education, support, and opportunities to grow. Yet in some communities across Cambodia and Peru, children still face challenges that many of us take for granted. That's why more people are choosing to volunteer abroad and support programs that make a lasting difference.
This means childcare volunteering schemes over 20 years old rely on local leadership, child protection, and community transformation. Here's everything you need to know about why volunteer work with children is in trend and how you can be part of the change.
What Does Volunteering with Children Abroad Actually Involve?
Volunteering with children overseas means helping students at the local school, motivating them for regular attendance and contributing your teaching skills. Typical tasks may include:
- Supporting English, maths, and arts classes with local teachers
- Providing breakfast and daily nutrition programs
- Help in sports, games, and trust-building tasks
- Customised support in homework and learning.
- Child safety and hygiene awareness meetings.
- Classroom and playground maintenance
It takes about 4-6 hours of volunteer labour each day, guided by expert local staff. You don’t need any prior teaching expertise. Just be patient and follow the lead of the locals. Volunteering abroad as a family is fully supported, with both Cambodia and Peru programs, which welcome families with adults.
What are The Various Types of Childcare Volunteer Programs?
The following guide about orphanage volunteer work with local childcare opportunities abroad being available year-round, all with full-time local staff, child safeguarding policies, and background check verification.
1. Cambodia Community Programme in Siem Reap
Each volunteer works on strategic education projects in and around Siem Reap communities. One of these initiatives includes offering free education to children in some of Cambodia's poorest villages. As a volunteer teaching assistant, you will work with local Cambodians on arts and crafts, a daily breakfast project for kids, sports, and English classes.
- Duration: 1–12 weeks | From: £450 / US$495
- Includes: Daily transport, in-country support, project training, orientation, project donation
Accommodation: Volunteer House, Standard Hotel, or Upgrade Hotel
Learn more:Cambodia Community Programme →
2. Volunteer Work at a Community-Led School
This community-based children's programme engages more than 2,800 children in seven schools and villages in rural areas of Siem Reap and throughout Cambodia. It provides education, a daily nutrition breakfast program, sports for over 2,000 children, family social care, child protection awareness, and university scholarships. With this initiative, our volunteers have impacted over 30,000 lives since 2006. The volunteers help teachers and staff in education, child care, and daily tasks in an absolutely secure way.
Learn More: Volunteer at the Rural Community School →
3. Peru Community Project - Volunteer Work with Children in Cusco
This is an after-school program that serves 80 underprivileged children in a mountain village, just outside of Cusco. Founded in 2010, this program offers free classes in English, Computing, Arts, Chess, Photography, Traditional Peruvian music and dance, and a daily nutritious meal. Volunteers work only in the afternoons (1 pm-5 pm), and mornings are free for Spanish classes and tours of Cusco. Furthermore, family volunteering holidays are also encouraged with this initiative.
- Duration: 1–12 weeks | From: £396 / US$475
- Includes: Airport pick-up, Volunteer house or Homestay, and project support for daily transport.
Learn More: Peru Community Project →
4. Cambodia Sports Project - Volunteering with Children Through Sport
The Cambodia Sports Project provides regular sports classes to over 2000 children in parallel to the local school in Siem Reap. These volunteers work with children as a team and promote physical growth through football, volleyball, and traditional Khmer games. Moreover, this is a great opportunity for athletes, coaches, and non-patrons who enjoy volunteering with children.
- Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Duration: 1 to 12 weeks, year-round
Learn More: Cambodia Sports Project →
5. Cambodia Combined Placements For Multiple Projects
Want to get the best from your influence? Under the Cambodia Combined Placements course, you can allocate your time between 2 or more of the options available: Community Project, Sports Project, Clean Water Project, and Women's Empowerment Project. It is perfect for volunteer overseas orphanage interested in gaining a general overview of child welfare's role in local growth.
- Duration: 1–12 weeks | From: £720 / US$792
Learn More: Cambodia Combined Placements →
What are The Top Destinations for Child Volunteering in 2026?
Choose a volunteer destination not just for its climate or cost, but for where you can make the greatest difference. Check our destinations for child volunteering and select the right one for you.
Cambodia: Siem Reap
Cambodia is among the most rewarding places to do volunteer work with children abroad. Even though it is a region with an expanding economy of tourism, the situation of rural poverty is high. The cost of living is very low – a tuk-tuk is $1-2 and a meal at the market is about $1 only. You’ll have some evenings and weekends available to tour Angkor Temples, visit the local markets, and float about on Tonle Sap Lake!
Peru: Cusco
Sitting at 3,400 meters in the Andes, Cusco blends UNESCO World Heritage status with Inca ruins, mountains, and rich culture. Volunteer shifts run in the afternoons, leaving mornings free for Spanish classes, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. The cost of living is low, and volunteer jobs abroad in amazing locations across South America are available.
How to Choose the Right Volunteer Program?
There are so many childcare volunteer options, but it can be difficult to filter them all. Consider the following factors before you commit and rrad our full guide on how to choose a volunteer organisation:
1. Check the organization's ethical credentials
A proper and responsible volunteer program should have a child protection policy, volunteer background checks, and full-time staff who manage the program without relying solely on volunteers.
2. Think about duration
Do you have a week to spare or a year? Whether you're looking for a short-term or long-term volunteer experience, there are options available for volunteer work with children abroad to suit everyone's needs and preferences. So, before you decide, find a few minutes to check out the short vs long-term volunteering debate.
3. Consider your skills
You don't need to be a qualified teacher to be a volunteer. The key is patience, enthusiasm, and being led by the local staff. Some courses may be a better match for individuals with backgrounds in education and sport, while others might suit creative, arts, and health enthusiasts.
4. Consider family volunteering
One of the most dynamic activities that you can do is volunteering abroad as a family. You’ll get specific programs that encourage shared memories, empathy, and the education of youth about global realities in a structured, safe way.
5. Understand what's really included
Regardless of the program documentation, always ask what is included in your program fee. Ask about transport, support in the country, training, equipment, and accommodation. Be alert to hidden extras and check if the organizations provide public financial reports.
What to Expect Day-to-Day When You Do Volunteer Work with Children Abroad?
As you get ready to volunteer, one of the most frequent inquiries is: What will my day look like during the journey? Here is a typical day in the Cambodia and Peru volunteer programs:
A Typical Day in Cambodia (Siem Reap)
You begin your day on a bus tour through rice paddy fields to the project. In the morning sessions, volunteers will individually work with children who require additional support in English or maths. Following a break, sessions move to the arts, sports, or games. By mid-afternoon, you'll be done and have your choice of temples, markets, and the famous Pub Street of Siem Reap for the evening.
Typical Day in Peru (Cusco)
In the morning hours, it's your time. You can choose between Spanish lessons and visiting the Inca ruins and the colonial town of Cusco. At lunchtime, the city bus will arrive in Oropesa to help you set up the lunch program. English lessons, homework help, computers, art, and traditional dancing are carried out in the afternoon. In the early evening, you'll be returning to Cusco.
The Honest Breakdown of Costs and What's Included in Volunteer Programs
Volunteer work with children abroad means helping local teachers and bringing your skills and energy where they're needed most. On a typical placement, you can expect to be involved in:
- Cambodia Community Program: £450 / US$495 with in-country support, project training, and project donation provided. An additional package includes an airport transfer and a hotel with a pool.
- Peru Community Project: Airport pickup, Volunteer House or homestay, daily transport, and project support for £396 / US$475. Flight, Travel insurance, vaccinations, and the background check fee are not covered.
Read more: Why Do You Have to Pay to Volunteer Abroad?
How Globalteer is Different: What Makes This Volunteer Work with Children Abroad Stand Out?
Not all volunteer jobs abroad are created equal. Globalteer volunteer programs are special in the following ways:
- UK registered charity: Charity no. 1119706, independently audited. Not a business.
- Child protection is not negotiable: All volunteers must be subject to background checks and a formal Child Protection Policy.
- 20+ years of community trust: Local trust since 2006 in Cambodia and Peru since 2007.
- 4.9/5 stars: Verified by more than 4,500 people around the world.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are ready to be part of the change, then Globalteer placements are available year-round, starting from £396 / US$475. People volunteer with children abroad at various life stages, from diverse backgrounds, and with varying abilities. If you are doing volunteer work with children abroad, or if it is your second placement, Globalteer team is ready to help you in choosing the right program, location, and time.