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Community Development Volunteer Abroad Programs

Community Development Volunteer Abroad Programs

Are you passionate about improving the quality of life for those in under-resourced communities around the world? International Volunteer HQ offers a range of Community Development projects that allow volunteers to improve the circumstances of local communities.

IVHQ offers affordable and impactful Community Development volunteering projects in Africa, Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Each program is unique to the location and ranges from general Community volunteering to Youth Support, Food Outreach, Homeless Support and Cultural Immersion.

As a Community Development volunteer, you’ll work in the heart of disadvantaged communities to boost resources like food, shelter and clothing, while providing education to help lift local people out of poverty.

  • Choose from 42 Community Development programs across 23 destinations worldwide
  • Suited to compassionate and caring volunteers - no experience required

  • Support a diverse range of initiatives that help uplift communities in need

  • Help break the cycle of poverty through educating and empowering individuals

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What to expect from Community volunteering abroad

What to expect from Community volunteering abroad

IVHQ has a range of different community volunteering opportunities, so whether you’re looking to volunteer with youth, support local soup kitchens or help the homeless, we have a project suitable for you.

Each of our programs are unique to the local community and are structured around what resources are needed most. In addition to general Community Development projects, we also have initiatives that specifically focus on education, resource development and more.

If you are an active individual and want to help with a range of tasks, our general Community Development projects are a great way to get involved and make a real difference. For example, as a Community Development Volunteer in Madagascar, you’ll work in a village school and support with maintenance and building while also participating in the Teaching project. As a Community Development Volunteer in New Orleans, USA, you may be placed in a warehouse, food bank or church to provide targeted support where it’s needed.

For those interested in Homeless Support and Food Outreach IVHQ has programs in Colombia, Portugal, Greece and Vietnam. On these projects, you’ll help feed, clothe and shelter marginalised and overlooked individuals.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to volunteer with young people, IVHQ offers Youth Support programs where volunteers can act as mentors, teach English and provide a safe space for youth to learn and grow.

Best Community Development volunteer opportunities abroad

Croatia

Youth Support in Split

Program Fees from £822 for 2 weeks

Ecuador

Shelter Support in Quito

Program Fees from £248 for 1 week

Greece

Community Support in Athens

Program Fees from £822 for 2 weeks

Greece

Homeless Support in Athens

Program Fees from £510 for 1 week

Showing 12 of 42 projects

Why join a Community Development project abroad?

Why join a Community Development project abroad?

Many communities around the world lack the proper resources to support local populations. As a result, individuals are often undereducated, overlooked and unable to break the cycle of poverty. External volunteers and resources play an important role in helping to complete projects, maintain community infrastructure, educate locals and uplift communities.

As an international Community volunteer, you’ll help transform local communities and the people within them, so that future generations can flourish in a more sustainable way. Your volunteering efforts will help support nearly all of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including #1: No Poverty, #2: Zero Hunger and #10: Reduced Inequalities.

IVHQ’s programs are available year-round and are well suited to active, passionate volunteers who are comfortable working in a range of different environments.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty

More than 10% of the world’s population live in extreme poverty, struggling to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation, to name a few. Growth must be inclusive to achieve sustainable development and an economy that benefits all.

”I loved absolutely every aspect of the project, the women and their children were beautiful. The staff at the center did everything to make sure volunteers were comfortable and always included in day to day duties. I also found it amazing that volunteers were able to start their own projects and see them completed before finishing with their volunteer program. I felt very appreciated and supported throughout my time in the project. My favourite moments were definitely seeing the smiles on the childrens' faces every time they would see us and being able to help make a difference in the lives of the women and children I worked with.”

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!