The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs For 2023 & 2024

Looking to unplug from everyday life and reconnect with nature? Located off the coast of Tanzania, the island of Zanzibar boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, unique wildlife, charming locals and vibrant culture.

IVHQ’s Zanzibar program is perfect for animal and nature lovers who want to get a taste of Africa. As a volunteer traveler, you can live in a beachside bungalow and regenerate wild turtle populations on the Turtle Conservation project. Alternatively, you can stay in a rustic forest camp and protect endangered species, such as the Red Colobus Monkey, snakes, lizards and tortoises on the Rainforest & Coastal Conservation project.

This is a unique opportunity to go off the beaten track to help protect delicate ecosystems, preserve natural spaces and tackle climate change. Volunteering in Zanzibar can easily be combined with IVHQ’s Tanzania program too.

For those who want to explore the incredible area of Victoria Falls, but want to volunteer to help local people in the community, check out IVHQ’s Zambia program. Volunteer opportunities in Zambia include Construction & Renovation, Elderly Care, Kindergarten, Medical, Rural Teaching, and Teaching.

This is the perfect destination for adventure-seekers and adrenaline junkies and was even named one of the Lonely Planet’s top trending destinations for 2023 thanks to its thrilling activities! Whether you want to swim on the ledge of a mighty waterfall or take a walking safari, Zambia is the perfect spot to witness nature at its best while making a positive impact within the community.

Volunteers on the Ghana program consistently rave about the immersive cultural experience and welcoming community vibes. And this has been reflected in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2023, where Accra, Ghana (where IVHQ’s program is based) was named one of the top places to connect with the local community! The local people you’ll work with and the incredible support team will make you feel at home from the moment you land in Ghana. The local team has a long history of providing dedicated support to ensure IVHQ volunteers achieve positive outcomes across the communities they work within.

As a volunteer in Ghana, you’ll develop a strong sense of connection to your host community and your contribution will be recognized with a great deal of gratitude from your local hosts. In your free time, you’ll be able to explore Ghana’s best kept secrets, thanks to the popular tips the local team has to offer. Explore our 2023 volunteer opportunities in Ghana below.

Morocco is a glowing cultural hub with a unique fusion of European, African and Middle Eastern influences that result in an upbeat lifestyle, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. IVHQ’s Morocco volunteer programs are based in the stunning regions of Rabat, Casablanca and Sale.

With volunteer projects ranging from the thrilling Amazigh Immersion in the Atlas Mountains to Sports Education, Women’s Education and a range of Teaching projects - there’s a volunteer program to suit every skill set and interest.

Volunteering in Guatemala with IVHQ offers the ultimate volunteer holiday for those who like to go off the beaten track. With a rich fusion of Mayan and Spanish cultures, there are plenty of fascinating colonial towns, ancient Mayan ruins and quaint rural villages to explore. Guatemala’s incredible volcanoes, lush rainforest, beautiful lakes and fascinating cultural cities make this country a hit with nature and city lovers alike.

IVHQ’s volunteer opportunities in Guatemala range from unique programs such as Mayan Cultural Immersion in the Highlands, Eco-Agriculture on a local coffee farm - to Medical, Childcare and Teaching projects in the bustling city of Antigua.

Volunteers on our Ecuador volunteer program can choose from a range of volunteer abroad projects, including Teaching English, Street Children Work, School Support, Kindergarten, Summer Project and NGO Support. Volunteer programs are based in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito and its hinterland. Nestled high in the Andes, Quito is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South America, however there is still a great need for volunteers to assist with the development of the city.

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in Ecuador in a more coastal setting, explore the volunteer project options in Santa Elena, based on the Pacific coast.

Our Belize program is based on a stunning private island 45 minutes from mainland Belize in the Caribbean, with a focus on preserving endangered marine life. Volunteers receive comprehensive training so they can assist local marine biologists to gather data, conduct surveys and remove invasive species.

The Marine Conservation project involves going on 13 scuba dives a week to collect data and carry out surveying, so if you don’t have your open water diving certification, you’re able to get PADI qualified on the program. You can expect to see lionfish, corals, whale sharks, turtles, queen conch and many more fascinating underwater species on your dives.

Volunteers monitor the reef, whale sharks and other marine life, eradicate invasive species, help set sustainable fishing limits and take part in weekly beach clean-ups to preserve the fragile reef ecosystem, protect against global warming and remove harmful plastics from the ocean.

Our USA volunteer programs bring people from all walks of life together under one common cause. This is a unique opportunity to support local organizations and NGOs that work to empower marginalized communities, minority populations and important environmental causes in two of the most vibrant cities in the US.

With volunteer programs in San Diego and New Orleans, this is an exciting chance for Americans to gain a new cultural perspective without crossing any borders, or international volunteers to get a taste of American culture and history while helping those in need.

Whether you want to help the homeless, combat pollution, build homes for those in need or provide safe spaces for young people - IVHQ’s volunteer programs in America empower you to help overcome some of the greatest social and environmental challenges of our time.

A gem of the Mediterranean, Croatia is an amazing place to volunteer abroad and a glistening coastal country that has fast become a favorite for travelers to Europe - especially in the summer and fall. Our Croatia volunteer program is based in the popular city of Split, which is vibrant all year round, and has become iconic as the film set to a whole bunch of Game of Thrones scenes.

Volunteer projects include Marine Conservation, Youth Support, Animal Care, Special Needs Support and a unique Creative Technologies opportunity. There’s nothing like watching the sunset over the Mediterranean coast from an idyllic beach-side perch.

Is the appeal of Europe drawing you in? Our Romania volunteer program is the stand-out option, with its misty mountains, vast forests and fascinating history. The IVHQ Romania volunteer program consistently gets fantastic volunteer feedback, with the in-country program support often singled out for special praise.

The local team in Romaina welcomes every volunteer into community, giving you a rare insight into authentic Romanian life and culture. There is plenty to keep volunteers busy in their downtime, with the rest of Europe on your doorstep. The program is based in the town of Miercurea Ciuc in the distinctive region of eastern Transylvania. IVHQ has a wide range of top rated volunteer abroad projects available in Romania, including Teaching English, Sustainable Agriculture and Animal Care.

Jordan is a beautiful country in the heart of the Middle East that boasts diverse landscapes and people - and it’s safe to travel around! You can experience the peaceful and humble Bedouin way of life in the desert, the fascinating ancient kingdom of Petra and the progressive vibrant city of Amman - where our volunteer programs are based. This has led to Jordan being named one of the top places to unwind in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2023!

We’re incredibly proud that our Jordan program was shortlisted as a finalist for the Innovative New Volunteer Abroad Program Award in the GoAbroad Awards in 2020. Our local coordinator of this unique program was once an IVHQ volunteer herself. Back in 2013, Masar volunteered with IVHQ in South Africa, India, Colombia and Kenya, which had a profound impact and inspired her to establish a volunteer program in her home country of Jordan.

Volunteer opportunities in Jordan include Arts and Music, Special Needs Support, Teaching, Women’s Education, Youth Support and a unique Ramadan project.

If you’re looking for the one of the top volunteer programs in Asia, look no further than Bali. As a volunteer in Bali, you can choose from two locations: Ubud - the cultural hub of Bali, or Lovina - the laid-back coastal beach town. (Find out where you should volunteer in Bali).

For travelers who want to volunteer in Indonesia, this is the perfect volunteer program for surfers, nature lovers or anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity off the beaten path. The Bali program is one of IVHQ’s best volunteer abroad programs, with between 40-80 volunteers starting each month. There are six different projects available, with everything from Turtle Conservation to Kindergarten Support, so there’s plenty of variety to customizes your meaningful volunteer trip to Asia.

Vietnam is known for its culture, cuisine and natural beauty. As a volunteer in Vietnam, you’ll get to experience a mix of all that, as well as many local secrets and traditional traveler highlights. At the same time, you’ll help make a positive and lasting contribution to the Vietnamese community that you’re immersed in, making it the best way to experience Vietnam.

Volunteers are highly valued by the local community and the welcoming nature of the IVHQ Vietnam local team makes this volunteer program a firm favorites with Vietnam volunteer program participants. You can volunteer in Vietnam teaching English or if you’re on the path to a medical career, this is one of IVHQ’s best medical volunteer abroad programs. Learn more about becoming a volunteer in Vietnam.