Mission Trips
Looking for short-term mission trips? Every year, International Volunteer HQ supports more than 15,000 people to volunteer abroad on mission trips in 52 destinations around the world. Since 2007, IVHQ has helped more than 127,000 volunteers complete mission trips to Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Central America, North America, the Caribbean, Middle East and the Pacific.
IVHQ offers mission trips for teens, college students, families and individuals at any stage of life, as well as for those seeking summer and medical mission trip opportunities. With long-term and short-term missions starting at just $20/day including accommodation, IVHQ is the world’s leading mission trip organization.
IVHQ offers both short-term and long-term mission trips with durations ranging from 1 to 24 weeks. Through IVHQ, you can choose from a diverse range of volunteer projects to support, inclduing: childcare, wildlife conservation, environmental, medical, teaching and much more. These international volunteer opportunities enable you to support locally-driven projects that uplift under-resourced communities around the world.
If you’re looking to join a mission trip in 2023 or 2024, we’ve outlined IVHQ’s most popular types of mission trips and all the information you need to know to find your perfect program.
What is a mission trip?
Mission trips are international volunteering opportunities that focus on collaborating with local communities to provide support where it’s needed most. They can either be religious or non-religious mission trips that uplift individuals, local economies and natural environments around the world.
IVHQ’s volunteer abroad programs are inclusive of all individuals, regardless of your age and stage of life. Our wide range of mission trips allow you to make a tangible impact around the world. In the process, you’ll build new friendships, discover new cultures and broaden your horizons - all while giving back to those who need it most.
Why do people go on mission trips?
Mission trips are a popular way to combine your desire to travel and see with world with your desire to give back and make a difference in the world. While some people see mission trips as an opportunity to put their faith into action, others go on mission trips for a variety of non-religious reasons, including:
-
To make a difference: Many people go on mission trips make a positive impact in the world through providing support to communities in a range of different ways. This could involve teaching English, building schools or homes, providing medical care, volunteering with animals or supporting environmental conservation.
-
To gain a new perspective: Traveling to a new country and immersing yourself in a different culture can be a life-changing and transformative experience. Mission trips allow you to see the world with fresh eyes and gain a better understanding of different cultures and ways of life.
-
To meet new people: Mission trips offer an opportunity to connect with people from all around the world. International volunteers work together towards a common goal, often forming life-long friendships and connections along the way.
-
To get out of your comfort zone: Mission trips are an opportunity to discover a new sense of purpose by stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering new countries and cultures, and living like the locals. This can be equally challenging and rewarding! Taking a mission trip is an opportunity to growth as person, discover your strengths and weaknesses and redefine your purpose in life.
While people go on mission trips for a variety of reasons, at the heart of it is a desire to make a positive impact on the world, connect with others and build a better future together.
I recently returned from a mission trip to Sri Lanka and it was everything I dreamt it would be. I lived with a family in the jungle next to the longest river in the country, volunteering in a disabled childcare center. I was so happy with the project and had a wonderful - and sometimes challenging - experience. I would recommend this mission trip to anyone who wants to travel alone.
How much does it cost to go on a mission trip?
The cost of going on a mission trip varies depending on the destination and duration of the trip. IVHQ makes mission trips accessible to volunteers worldwide through affordable volunteer program fees and flexible durations.
For example, the cost of a 2-week mission trip with IVHQ to Tanzania is US$415, while a 4-week trip to Sri Lanka is US$585. These costs cover accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, and in-country support from IVHQ’s local team.
Additional costs that volunteers need to consider include the IVHQ registration fee, airfares, travel insurance, and any necessary visas or vaccinations. However, IVHQ provides detailed information and support to help volunteers prepare for their mission trip and manage these additional costs.
It’s worth noting that IVHQ also offers a range of fundraising ideas and resources to help volunteers cover the costs of their trip. For example, volunteers can create a fundraising page via IVHQ’s fundraising partner and share it with friends and family to collect donations.
IVHQ’s fees are transparent and inclusive, making it easy for volunteers to plan and budget for their trip without breaking the bank.
Why do a mission trip with IVHQ?
If you’re looking to join a mission trip, you likely have a social or environmental cause in mind that you’d like to contribute to. Just as you place importance on the program you join, it’s equally as important to choose a responsible mission trip organization.
At IVHQ, we believe that mission trips should contribute positively towards society. Environmental and social impact has always been at the heart of what we do, which is why we’ve undergone rigorous assessment to become a Certified B Corporation, holding us to the highest ethical standards. We’re also the first and only global volunteer travel provider to declare a Climate Emergency and our operations are certified as 100% carbon neutral.
With a B Corp stamp of approval, Program Fees starting at just $20/day including accommodation, and more than 15 years of experience, IVHQ is proud to be the mission trip organization of choice for thousands of individuals and groups looking to take a meaningful mission trip in 2023 & 2024.
Best mission trip opportunities across the globe
Find the best mission trip for you
Mission trips for teens & high school students
Joining a mission trip is one of the best ways to step outside of your comfort zone, gain new perspective and give back to communities in need. IVHQ offers a range of mission trips for high school students and teens, meaning you don’t need to be 18 to go abroad and make a difference.
Since 2007, IVHQ has supported thousands of young people to volunteer around the world on our youth mission trips. More than 20% of our volunteers are under 20, so we know a thing or two about providing life-changing, reliable travel experiences for young explorers.
We offer safe and affordable volunteer opportunities for teens and high school students in 17 destinations around the globe. Learn more about how to join a mission trip if you’re under 18 here.
Top mission trips for teens & high school students:
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Volunteer in Guatemala
Volunteer in Tanzania
Mission trips for college students
Today’s student demographic is more progressive than ever before. That’s why student mission trips have become a popular alternative to studying abroad. Instead of doing a study exchange, many are opting for a more meaningful form of international travel - one that is regenerative and makes a positive impact on local communities.
IVHQ offers mission trips for college students in more than 50 destinations around the world. Our mission trips to Africa are particularly popular amongst students. With fees starting at just US$20 per day, our mission trips are an affordable way for students and young professionals to discover a new country and gain a global perspective while making the world a better place.
Top mission trips for college students:
Volunteer in Victoria Falls
Volunteer in Zambia
Mission trips for families
Planning a family mission trip can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to accommodate multiple age groups. IVHQ’s fully-hosted mission trips mean that you can get away and make a difference without having to coordinate and plan for the entire family. The best part? Lots of IVHQ programs offer private room and accommodation upgrades at a very affordable price!
If you have young children, IVHQ has great options that will give you quality time together while instilling the values of service. Family mission trip opportunities are available in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America and South America.
Our team of Volunteer Travel Experts can provide you with personalized family mission trip recommendations to match your budget and the causes you care about. Learn more about how you can go on a mission trip as a family here.
Top mission trips for families:
Volunteer in Guatemala
Volunteer in Kenya
Volunteer in Portugal
Best short-term mission trips
IVHQ offers short-term mission trips for 1 to 3 weeks in over 50 destinations, starting at just CA$28 per day including accommodation. This means you can get away and experience a new culture without needing to take ample time away from your day-to-day priorities.
Our short-term mission trips are designed for those who want to maximize impact in a short period of time and are perfect for students and professionals who are looking to take an alternative break. With everything organized for you, including airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, you can hit the ground running as soon as you arrive at your destination. Check out our top short-term mission trips for 2023 & 2024:
Top short-term mission trips:
Volunteer in Croatia
Volunteer in Mexico
Best summer mission trips
Summer is one of the most popular times of year to go on a mission trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture and interact with locals while soaking up the sunshine. With time off from work and school, it’s the perfect opportunity to see the world and make a difference alongside like-minded people.
Whether you’re an animal lover or an aspiring medic, check out these top summer mission trips for 2023 & 2024. For more information on IVHQ’s top summer volunteer abroad projects, click here.
Top summer mission trips:
Volunteer in Puerto Rico
Volunteer in South Africa
Volunteer in Zanzibar
