Short Term Volunteer Abroad Programs & Mission Trips (1 Week & 2 Weeks)

Updated for 2025-2026

If you want to make a meaningful impact while traveling abroad during a short school or career break, then check out the volunteer programs below. You will be surprised to learn that even a few weeks of your time can be incredibly beneficial to a community in need while allowing you to explore a new culture and destination.

Short-term Volunteering: How to Volunteer When You Have Endless Passion and Limited Time

Have you ever wanted to volunteer but worried that you didn’t have the time? Are you unable to take a lengthy career break but desperately want to dedicate your time and hard work to producing positive change in a community in another country? You may not think that volunteering abroad is an option with your busy schedule and possibly limited funds, but we believe that great volunteer abroad opportunities exist for everyone who has the hands and the heart to work.

Everyone knows that volunteering abroad can be life-changing, but what many people don’t realize is that you can have substantive, beneficial volunteer abroad service trips that are as short as one week. In fact, International Volunteer HQ, which has been trusted by over 130,000 volunteers, offers numerous one-week volunteer trips as part of the 300+ projects it offers; they have even put together this handy guide for volunteers to maximize their impact during short-term volunteer trips. 

In addition, GoEco is another great choice if you are short on time: many of their projects can be as short as one week, like this program in Belize, and are designed for you to maximize your impact in a short period of time.  

You’ll also learn about the top programs that offer short-term volunteer opportunities, including Maximo Nivel, which offers lots of one- to two-week volunteer abroad programs throughout Latin America, from teaching, to sea turtle conservation, to medical care, and beyond. Maximo Nivel is particularly well-suited to short-term volunteers from the United States due to its proximity to Latin America. 

If you are interested in volunteering in Africa, then we recommend checking out the award-winning volunteer organization, African Impact, which offers two-week projects in the areas of wildlife conservation, public health, and more!

Also, Volunteering Solutions has many amazing opportunities where you can travel from one to two weeks (or longer) in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond on impactful programs. Take a look at their curated programs for the best summer volunteer programs, for medical internships abroad, or wildlife conservation projects for outdoor adventures!

There are projects of all kinds that allow passionate volunteers to donate their time as they are available. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the benefits of short-term volunteer abroad opportunities, introduce you to some of the opportunities that our volunteers love the most, and even let you hear from volunteers just like you– who didn’t think they had the time of funds to volunteer but found the perfect program that helped them create the change that they wanted to see– all within a few weeks.

How to Find the Perfect Short-term Volunteer Abroad Opportunity

There are many pros to short-term volunteer abroad trips. Because of their length, shorter volunteer abroad trips are typically much less expensive than their long-term volunteer abroad counterparts, not just because of the shortened time frame but also because of the less independent nature of many of the volunteer abroad opportunities.

Also, because many projects are especially designed to meet the needs of volunteers with limited time and funds, the projects are much more likely to be able to connect you to reasonable and convenient housing options or even provide housing on-site for volunteers.

Short-term volunteer projects are also good in that they may be a more appropriate option for groups or corporate volunteer teams, as short-term volunteer projects do not require volunteers to take lengthy breaks from work.

One- to three-week volunteer opportunities are also great for travelers passing through an area who are interested in volunteering for a shorter time period, so that they can either continue with their travels or experience the region in other ways. Finally, short-term volunteer opportunities are perfect for professionals, students, or anyone else who wants to put their time and energy into a volunteer project despite their busy schedule.

The world is flush with short-term volunteer abroad opportunities, catering to every kind of specialty, geographic location, or even the type of volunteer interested. The perfect program is out there waiting for you– but finding it can sometimes be the most stressful part of your experience.

To make things easier for you, we’ve made a short list of must-have attributes of short-term volunteer abroad experiences and have even put together a list of different organizations that will meet your needs and have been vetted by volunteers just like you. These volunteer organizations aren’t just highly ranked by real volunteers just like you, but also dedicated to helping short-term volunteers make an impact that lasts.

Read on to learn more about these fantastic 1 week, 2 week, 3 week, and 4 week volunteer abroad opportunities.

Short-term Volunteer Abroad Opportunities Worth Checking Out:

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

About the program: International Volunteer HQ works hard to provide over 300+ safe, affordable volunteer projects in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America. IVHQ partners with local NGOs and organizations so that high-quality, skilled volunteers are able to join a variety of different kinds of local projects. Depending on your preference, you can volunteer for 1 to 24 weeks in over 40 destinations around the world.

IVHQ is especially well-known for its intensive online training that helps prepare volunteers for life in their home country, their specific roles as a volunteer, and the intricacies of the project that the volunteers will be working with. All volunteers are encouraged to complete this training prior to leaving their home country to align their expectations with the realities of being an international volunteer. Returned volunteers almost always mention just how spot-on and helpful they found the pre-trip training, so it is definitely something worth fully investing yourself in.

Volunteer in Madagascar

Prospective volunteers might especially be interested in IVHQ’s forest conservation program in Nosy Komba, Madagascar. Although Madagascar has long been known for its incredibly diverse and unique ecosystems, much of Madagascar’s wildlife is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. To aid researchers and activists in preserving wildlife, volunteers who are passionate about the environment travel to the dense rainforest of Nosy Komba and monitor native wildlife. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with lemurs, conduct field surveys, collate data, and assist researchers in analyzing findings.

Volunteer in Greece

Help the homeless population in Athens, Greece. As a volunteer, you will assist local NGOs in providing basic necessities, such as food, clothing, water, and legal documentation to this vulnerable population. Specifically, you will help with food preparation, outreach projects, and help prepare legal documents. In return, you will gain experience in community outreach, learning about NGOs, and, at the same time, enjoying Greek culture and history. Programs start as short as one week. Check out more details about this program here. 

Volunteer in India – Kerala

Even a little time spent on the right project can have a big impact when you volunteer abroad with IVHQ to help empower young women. The Women’s Education program in Kerala, India, allows you to share your experience in education, health, and financial budgeting to help girls and young mothers improve their English speaking skills and their employability. Share practical knowledge, such as sewing and crafting, and help the women start their own small jewelry-making or tailoring businesses. 

You’ll stay in a volunteer house in Kochi, run by local coordinators. If your short stay in Kerala lasts through the weekend, spend it exploring the beautiful beaches and verdant tea plantations of this beautiful region of India.

Volunteer in Vietnam

Are you up for a heart-touching challenge? Hard-working and caring volunteers are needed for IVHQ’s Special Needs Care project in Hoi Chi Minh, Vietnam, helping children and young people affected by Agent Orange. You’ll work in schools, hospitals, community clinics, or orphanages, looking after mentally disabled children and supporting the day-to-day operations of these centers. Tasks can include rehabilitation exercises, treatments, playing with children, entertaining and educating them through games, music, and art, painting murals, renovation work, and developing fundraising initiatives. 

You’ll work alongside local placement staff, so no experience is necessary to sign up. Accommodation is in a volunteer dormitory at a Tourism College nearby. Program fees start at $300 for one week.

GoEco

Since 2006, GoEco has offered affordable volunteer abroad programs and internships in over 40 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australasia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. With more than 150 different long-term and short-term programs, GoEco is a great organization to check out if you’re looking for a variety of impactful trips to choose from, from wildlife conservation to teaching English. 

GoEco was recently recognized as the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization by GoAbroad, Top Eco-Enthusiast by Greenmatch, and has been recommended by Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and more. As a volunteer, you will have 24-hour support from the GoEco team, from start to finish. Currently, GoEco is offering a special travel grant where you can stay for the 3rd week free! Check out the qualifying programs here!

Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion in Japan

Spend a week volunteering in one of Japan’s beautiful, quaint islands, Sago Island! You will arrive first in Tokyo for 3 nights and then travel to the island. Your help is needed in protecting the endangered native bird on the island, called the Crested Ibis. You will also lend your hands in promoting sustainable farming, preserving rice fields and temples, restoring traditional houses, assisting in bamboo workshops, and more, while immersing yourself in this unique culture. You will get to stay in a traditional Japanese temple on the island. There are many activities to do on this island that you would want to extend your stay! This rural, coastal island experience is very different from the typical city tourist experience. For more information, click here. 

Animal Rescue and Release Sanctuary in Peru

Have you always wanted to experience the Amazon jungle? Then look into this program in Peru that needs volunteers to help in wildlife rescue so these animals can return to their natural habitat. These orphaned and injured animals are usually a result of habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. You will help care for these animals, such as in feeding, cleaning, and repairing their enclosures, and helping the vet in various tasks.

Women’s English Literacy Program in Sri Lanka 

Empower Sri Lankan women through this English literacy program to give them better chances of employment and confidence. You will lead English lessons, as well as help them practice English speaking skills in creative ways. Each day, you will spend 2 hours teaching and then some time on planning lessons. Located in Galle, you can enjoy this coastal beach town or do nightly yoga sessions in your free time. This program starts from a minimum of 1 week. 

Liveaboard Dolphin Research Expedition 

For those with a special interest in dolphins, join a unique experience living aboard a historic boat to collect dolphin data along the Italian coast! Your minimum commitment is one week. You will work closely with the crew in this research project and get to learn dolphin behavior while helping to record, film, and photograph them. There will be many chances to get glimpses of ocean life such as whales, manta rays, schools of fish, etc, while out in the sea, which is daily weather permitting. For the costs and other details, click here!

Maximo Nivel

If you’re looking for a one- to two-week volunteer abroad opportunity, Maximo Nivel may be the right fit. Based in Latin America, this organization has provided accredited language courses, internships, volunteer abroad programs, and more since 2003 to 25,000 travelers from all over the world.

Each project includes airport pickup, 24/7 emergency support, orientation, certificates, wifi, salsa dance classes, Spanish books and materials, and lots more.

Volunteer in Construction

As a construction volunteer, you’ll help build and improve schools, homes, and shelters. You’ll be placed alongside a local team in a rural village, with your project led by professional foremen, architects, and engineers.

As a volunteer, you’ll take on work such as digging, removing dirt, carrying bricks, mixing cement, painting, cleaning, and more. Construction programs are available in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, and you can expect to work 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday, on morning and afternoon shifts. To learn more about this program, check here!

Volunteer in Animal Care

Ideal for those passionate about wildlife, Maximo Nivel’s Animal Care Volunteer Projects offer opportunities in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. As a volunteer, you can engage at various facilities, such as dog and cat shelters, wildlife rescue centers, sustainable farms, and even a university-run zoo. Depending on your placement, tasks may involve animal care, obedience training, feeding, cage cleaning, hosting visitors, and providing overall support and maintenance. The projects aim to address the lack of education and resources for animal welfare in these regions, promoting rehabilitation, adoption, and proper animal care practices. Volunteer commitments start at one week, with work schedules from Monday to Friday, spanning 3 to 4 hours each day, either in the morning or afternoon. To learn more about Maximo Nivel’s animal care volunteer opportunities, visit here!

Volunteer Adventure

If you have two weeks to travel, check out Maximo Nivel’s volunteer adventure, which invites you to take on five days of community service and six days of travel through Peru, Costa Rica, or Guatemala. Volunteer activities you can take on include working with children, teaching English, helping with construction, assisting with environmental conservation efforts, supporting animal care, and providing medical or healthcare services.

The adventure portion of your trip depends on where you travel: in Costa Rica, you’ll go on a city tour, visit Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall, a catamaran Tortuga Island tour, and a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. In Guatemala, you’ll hike to Volcano Pacaya, take surf lessons, take a zip line adventure, and spend the night in Tikal. And in Peru, you’ll go on a tour of Cusco city and the Sacred Valley, a two-day tour of Machu Picchu, and a two-day tour of Lake Titicaca and Puno. Learn more about Maximo Nivel’s volunteer adventure trips at: http://maximonivel.com/adventure/full

Projects Abroad

About the program: Projects Abroad has the mission to provide the gold standard of staff support and safety, so its volunteers and interns can fulfill their potential, discover themselves, and create positive change in the world. Founded in 1992, Projects Abroad has sent more than 120,00 volunteers abroad.

With the help of passionate volunteers and interns and the support of dedicated in-country staff, Projects Abroad focuses on implementing long-term, sustainable solutions, not on quick fixes. Each project solves a specific problem in a specific place. This might be to save sea turtles from being wiped out in Mexico, or to fight gender inequality in Ghana.

The projects run year-round, no matter how many volunteers it has, so you can choose your own start and end dates. Projects Abroad also offers several projects where you can participate for one to two weeks. Even if you’re only there for a short time, you’ll become part of ongoing efforts to make a difference.

Projects Abroad programs are some of the most highly reviewed on Volunteer Forever. Volunteers praise the deep connections they’ve built with local communities and their level of expertise in each of the fields they serve.

Where to go: Projects Abroad runs sustainable, long-term projects in developing countries, from Africa to Asia. Here are some of the most popular project options available worldwide:

1. Support early childhood development and work with kids at a Childcare Project.
2. Protect endangered ecosystems and animal species, like the Amazon Rainforest in Peru or sea turtles in Mexico, on a Conservation Project.
3. Help run medical outreaches in areas where healthcare services are severely limited through Public Health Projects.
4. Build important infrastructure like toilets, houses, and classrooms in struggling communities on a Building Project.

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in Botswana

Live in Botswana’s remote Tuli Block and help protect Africa’s Big Five on this hands-on wildlife conservation program. You’ll assist experienced conservationists with elephant research, anti-poaching patrols, species surveys, and building or maintaining vital waterholes for animals along the Limpopo River. 

Days are active and outdoors, with early-morning fieldwork and relaxed afternoons back at camp. Evenings mean starry skies, campfires, and swapping stories with volunteers from around the world. It’s an immersive way to gain real conservation experience, disconnect from city life, and contribute to safeguarding a precious wilderness. Ideal for nature lovers, aspiring scientists, and adventurous gap years.

Sea Turtle Conservation in Sri Lanka

Volunteer on Sri Lanka’s southern coast and help protect endangered sea turtles at a conservation center near Balapitiya. Your days might include cleaning tanks, preparing food, monitoring hatcheries, and checking nests for hatching babies. You’ll join beach cleanups and nighttime patrols along Galbokka Beach, relocating vulnerable eggs and releasing hatchlings safely to the ocean. 

Beyond the shoreline, you’ll help run community awareness sessions about marine conservation and plastic pollution. Stay with a local host family, experience Sri Lankan culture, and build practical conservation skills while contributing to healthier beaches and thriving turtle populations. Perfect for passionate ocean lovers worldwide.

African Impact

African Impact is an award-winning, responsible travel organization that offers volunteer and internship opportunities in 6 countries across Africa. It was founded in 2004 and has since hosted over 35,000 volunteers. African Impact has over 20 different projects, ranging from teaching in Zambia to marine conservation in Zanzibar. The organization is known for its long-term objectives and measurable change. It is also recognized as a trusted specialist on volunteering and interning in Southern Africa. African Impact offers internships, as well as group, family, and high school projects. The minimum age requirement for their projects is 16, making African Impact a great option for teen and high school volunteers.

Big Five and Wildlife Conservation, South Africa

For two weeks or longer, you’ll have the chance to monitor and study the African Big 5 (leopard, rhino, lion, buffalo, and elephant) and help local researchers and foundations with protecting endangered species. Based in the game reserves of the Greater Kruger Area, your volunteer tasks can include researching animal behavior and movements, helping with reserve conservation work such as clearing brush and maintaining waterholes, compiling data at the research lab, and much more to help understand animal behavior and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Learn more here!

Sports Coaching and Development, Zambia

Located in Livingstone, Zambia, this Sports & Community Development program is an amazing way to get active, coach sports, and support much-needed physical education in local schools. As a volunteer, you’ll help lead dynamic PE lessons in community schools, design fun fitness challenges and games, support after-school and holiday clubs, and share your favourite sports with enthusiastic students. You can also combine this program with other meaningful projects in Livingstone – such as teaching and educational support, public health initiatives, or female empowerment work – to create a diverse volunteer experience that matches your passions. Learn more and register here!

Education and Community Support, Zanzibar

Located in the picturesque village of Jambiani on the island of Zanzibar, this enriching volunteer opportunity lets you contribute to community upliftment through education and support. Engage in a variety of tasks, including teaching English and Maths to local students of all ages and abilities, empowering women through specialized education and income-generation initiatives, and fostering early childhood development in nursery schools. Your involvement will extend to teaching adults in literacy classes, helping them enhance their employment prospects. 

This 10-day minimum trip not only promises personal growth but also a chance to immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Your daily activities might include strolls along the beautiful beaches as you commute to various teaching sites, where your efforts will help improve the local learning environment and support community development. Learn more and sign up here!

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Take a look at some programs by IVI. Involvement Volunteers International (IVI), established in 1989, is a non-profit volunteer abroad organization that beckons individuals to be part of 25,000 volunteers who’ve positively impacted 112 projects in 23 countries. They offer programs that can last from 1 week to 3 months. We encourage a longer volunteer duration whenever possible because your experience will be more impactful. But when time is not enough, here are some examples of short-term volunteer opportunities.

Stray Dog and Cat Rehabilitation in Guatemala

Stray animals have been a problem in Antigua, and these grassroots organizations have taken charge of helping with the issue. Volunteers will help out local animal shelters to take care of stray dogs and cats from the streets of Antigua. No experiences are required, just a love and care for animals! Volunteer tasks include daily grooming, feeding, walking, and general care for the animals. Other work may include animal obedience training, helping out with medical procedures as appropriate, and community teaching on stray animals. 

Located in the city of Antigua, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will have the chance to roam through beautiful Spanish colonial architecture surrounded by volcanoes. For more information, click here!

Beach Clean-up and Nature Reserve

If you are an outdoorsy person, consider a volunteer trip to the southern Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, for a 2-week project, and experience pura vida (“simple life” or Costa Ricans’ way of life)! This project is focused on environmental conservation that includes beach clean-ups, trail maintenance of the nature reserve, and assisting in research and education. 

You will get the chance to see a variety of native wildlife in the nature reserve and know that your work is towards protecting them. The tasks can vary based on your experience and season. Meals and accommodation are included in the program fees. But note that accommodation at the reserve is basic but comfortable. During your free time, there are many famous tourist sites nearby, such as Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Click here for more details!

Community Construction Peru

Construction volunteer projects have the highest impact on the local community. Volunteers are directly involved in helping to improve someone’s housing or provide safe schools, churches, or centers for community members. Even a week of volunteering will be beneficial to the community. For this specific project in Cusco, Peru, you work with other volunteers supervised by a foreman to help build or renovate community buildings and houses. You will be taught many construction skills and safety procedures. While this can be physically hard work, you will be able to see tangible results. Located in Cusco, you will have the opportunity to enjoy this scenic city and the ancient city with other team members during your free time. For prices and details, click here.

Volunteering Solutions

Volunteering Solutions, or VolSol, as it has been nicknamed by its 17,000 volunteers and volunteer alums, has been in the business of connecting passionate volunteers with great international projects since 2006. VolSol was founded by volunteers who wanted to help international volunteers connect to highly specialized, community-based local projects.

VolSol has a full staff of experienced coordinators who assist volunteers before, during, and after placement, providing resources such as international insurance, a connection to a network of passionate global citizens over 10,000 strong, and resources on how to volunteer ethically and mindfully.

Volunteering Solutions has programs all over the world on six continents. Volunteers can’t go wrong with projects like Volunteering for Child Care in Cusco, Perú, where volunteers have the opportunity to work with local at-risk children to teach them to become global citizens or or Volunteering in Chiang Mai, Thailand where volunteers have the opportunity to work in local schools in one of the most culturally rich cities in Thailand— and that’s saying something! Volunteers can search through programs by visiting VolSol’s project page on Volunteering Forever, where all projects are described and rated by volunteers like you.

Teach English to Monks in Thailand

If you have two weeks to volunteer, why not check out Volunteering Solutions’ amazing opportunity to teach English to novice Buddhist monks in Chiang Mai? As a volunteer, you’ll work at one of five different monastery schools to teach English to students aged 12 to 18.

A few activities you can take on include working alongside local teachers to conduct lessons, teaching conversational English to students, helping out with other subjects such as computer literacy, and sharing new ideas and views with your students through conversation and activities. You’re also encouraged to take weekend trips throughout Chiang Mai and visit ancient temples, heritage sites, marketplaces, and much more.

Short-Term Volunteering in Peru

Another adventurous, two-week volunteer opportunity you can sign up for right now, through Volunteering Solutions, invites you to Peru to volunteer and travel to some of South America’s most spectacular sites. You’ll start with an orientation and intercultural project for your first week in Cusco, where you’ll volunteer in a rural nursery school to provide love, care, and attention to children from impoverished families.

After that, you’ll have some time to explore Cusco by yourself before embarking on a guided Sacred Valley tour, and then an amazing tour of Machu Picchu. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture while exploring the Inca Trail and bringing a smile to the face of some of the country’s neediest children.

Sports Coaching in South Africa

If you’ve always wanted to visit Africa, Volunteering Solutions is offering a chance for you to coach sports at a local primary school in Cape Town. Physical education has only recently been introduced into the school curriculum in Cape Town, so many schools are still building up their resources to accommodate these programs. As a volunteer, you’ll be a mentor to these children, assist teachers with lessons when you’re not coaching, and you’ll teach children how to stay physically fit and motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle. In addition to your volunteer work, you’ll be able to travel throughout Cape Town and visit areas such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Lion’s Head, and more to gain the most from your adventure in South Africa.

What Volunteers Have to Say:

My experience with Volunteering Solutions was great! I had an amazing time in Thailand teaching Buddhist monks English, travelling, and exploring Thai culture! The whole experience also felt safe and comfortable (if something completely out of one’s comfort zone can still be called that)! I really enjoyed everything that happened to me, and am really happy that I made a decision to go!

The Volunteering Solutions team was also responsive and welcoming during my experience, and was frequently checking up on me, so that I don’t have any issues! – Maria K

Global Vision International

As one of the most popular and consistently well-rated programs among our volunteers, the award-winning Global Vision International is well-known for coordinating well-planned, productive volunteer opportunities for volunteers of all ages.

Global Vision International seeks to mix cultural awareness and critical project work through providing programs that are research-based, community-supported, and fully responsive to the needs of the area or community.

Due to Global Vision International’s widespread network of relationships with local NGOs across the world, volunteers are able to find programs in the areas of marine conservation, women’s empowerment, teaching English, and healthcare. Global Vision International also supports volunteer abroad opportunities for volunteers under 18 through specialized trips and group opportunities.

Global Vision International coordinates all kinds of volunteer abroad projects from volunteering with coral reef conservation in Seychelles to working with women’s empowerment in India. Volunteers who are interested in a particularly unique volunteer abroad trip may be interested in volunteering with Buddhist novice monks in Cambodia.

Teach English to Buddhist Monks in Cambodia

Join our program in Siem Reap, a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and historical significance, and contribute to the education of Buddhist monks and local children. This initiative supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by offering structured English and Maths classes. Volunteers will teach conversational English to monks each morning and engage with children in the community in the evenings, enhancing their prospects for higher education and skilled employment. Learn more and sign up to make a meaningful impact while experiencing the rich Cambodian heritage.

Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand

Another short-term volunteer program you can sign up for with GVI invites you to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where you will work with mahouts to care for elephants rescued from the tourist industry. During your stay, you will have the chance to conduct health inspections on the elephants, go on forest walks with the elephants, and observe the animals to collect data on social interactions and food preferences. You can also teach English and help with other local initiatives within the community; click here to learn more and to register!

Community Development Expedition in Fiji

For a tropical island adventure, check out GVI’s community development expedition to Fiji, where you will help with a variety of local projects to help build a sustainable community. The five core focuses of this expedition include WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), health and nutrition, income generation, education enrichment and empowerment, and environmental management and protection. This is a wonderful way to get a glimpse of how sustainable community development programs operate.

Wildlife Research in South Africa Expedition

On this volunteer trip, you’ll have the chance to work alongside a local wildlife research team to track animals, study their behavior, and learn more about the diverse wildlife of South Africa. You’ll get started with a training session to get you acquainted with the program and the types of animals you’ll study, and from there you will volunteer each day tracking wildlife, conducting research, assisting with data entry, and even participating in community education about conservation; learn more and sign up here.

What Volunteers Have to Say:

I attended the GVI Under-18s South Africa program in the summer of 2023 and it was amazing!!! I had a brilliant time tracking animals, learning about the wildlife in the South African bush and helping in local community projects. I even made some lasting friendships with like-minded people from around the world! All in all a fantastic experience for anyone who is interested in nature or helping others/the environment. 100% would recommend!!! – Izzi

Get going on your short-term volunteer abroad trip!

Now that you know that time is not an issue when volunteering abroad and have an idea of some of the incredible programs that are out there, your only question should be, “When?” Each of the volunteer abroad opportunities above is perfect for the volunteer with limited time and funding, and these programs are representatives of a much larger pool of sustainable, short-term volunteer opportunities. In almost any country, there are dozens of fantastic opportunities just like the ones above. All you have to do is use Volunteer Forever’s tools to find the perfect volunteer abroad opportunity for you and take the steps to create change that is truly extraordinary– all within a few weeks.

P.S. If you’re still looking for a volunteer opportunity, check out our list of the best volunteer abroad programs and recommended volunteer projects in Africa, Latin America, and Thailand. You can also read about Gap Year Medical Internships and Veterinary Volunteer Abroad Projects, Top Dental Internships Abroad for 2024, and nursing volunteer abroad projects for students and nurse professionals. Or, if medical volunteer projects aren’t for you, be sure to read about our sports and coaching volunteer abroad, wildlife conservation and veterinary abroad, teach abroad, and intern abroad programs. Lastly, if you’re under 18, you may be interested in a teen volunteer abroad from one of our many great partners.