Staying Safe While Volunteering Abroad as a Woman

Volunteering abroad is an incredible experience, and feeling safe is key to enjoying it. While risks exist everywhere, most destinations are safe with proper planning. Preparation, awareness, and choosing a reputable program make all the difference.

Research Your Destination

Before your trip, learn about local customs, laws, and safety conditions. Media can exaggerate risks — many places labeled “dangerous” are now safe for travelers. For real insight, connect with female travelers via Facebook groups, Instagram, or YouTube. Alumni networks and LinkedIn are also great for advice on cultural norms and what to expect.

Respecting local customs can help you blend in and stay safer.

Build a Support Network

Many women volunteer through trusted organizations where female staff, shared housing, and peer support are common. Ask your provider about other solo travelers and coordinate arrivals with fellow volunteers when possible.

Practical Safety Tips

• Plan Transport: Arrange airport pickup or use licensed taxis or ride-share apps. Avoid walking alone at night.
• Choose Safe Housing: Stay in vetted volunteer homes or host families. Lock doors and avoid sharing your address.
• Protect Valuables: Carry only essentials. Use money belts and lock away important items.
• Be Streetwise: Learn local phrases, stay alert, and avoid distractions in public. Trust your instincts.
• Stick Together: Explore in groups — it’s safer and more fun.
• Stay Connected: Use a local SIM or roaming plan. Share your location and check in regularly.
• Health First: Get travel insurance, bring necessary meds, and locate nearby clinics.
• Follow Guidelines: Listen during orientation and follow program rules. Providers like Projects Abroad and African Impact offer 24/7 support.
• Be Prepared: Know emergency phrases and store key contacts. A personal alarm or whistle adds peace of mind.

With the right steps, volunteering abroad can be both empowering and safe, letting you focus on making a meaningful impact.

Choose Reputable Volunteer Organizations

One of the best safety nets is joining a well-established volunteer program that values volunteer care.  Here are some examples of trusted volunteer providers and their safety commitments.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) 

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers an exceptional range of well-supported volunteer experiences that are ideal for solo and female travelers. 

From women’s empowerment projects in Medellín, Colombia, to environmental conservation in Puerto Villamil on the Galápagos Islands, and sustainable agriculture in both Nepal and Romania, IVHQ provides thoughtfully designed programs in diverse settings. 

One standout option is the Surf, Skate & Swim initiative in Table View, South Africa, where volunteers teach life skills through sports — surfing, skateboarding, and swimming — while supporting youth in under-resourced communities . 

These programs are built with solo volunteers in mind, featuring group orientations (including dedicated video calls to meet your hosts and fellow travelers), safe volunteer-house accommodations, and 24/7 in-country support. 

GoEco 

GoEco offers a diverse array of meaningful volunteer opportunities around the globe, making them a strong choice for women seeking both impact and support. 

Whether you’re teaching English and engaging in cultural exchange in a traditional mountain village in Nagano, Japan, or helping to rescue surplus food from cafes and grocery stores to support vulnerable communities in Lisbon, Portugal, GoEco ensures immersive, hands-on experiences supported by knowledgeable local teams.

For those drawn to environmental projects, their Sea Turtle Conservation program in Lombok, Indonesia, allows volunteers to care for endangered turtles, assist in hatchling releases, and support beach cleanups — all while living in close-knit group accommodations by the coast 

Maximo Nivel 

Based in Latin America, Maximo Nivel offers volunteer, intern, and TEFL programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel delivers exceptional in-country support through its network of four local institutes and a dedicated support team available seven days a week.

Their programs focus on education, healthcare, conservation, and community projects, and they highlight cultural immersion and safety in their orientations.

Projects Abroad 

Projects Abroad is an award-winning organization with over 30 years of experience placing thousands of volunteers annually across a variety of impactful programs. Safety is at the heart of their mission, demonstrated by rigorous vetting of local staff, operations exclusively in stable destinations, and the availability of in-house advice. 

Volunteers receive full airport transfers, carefully selected secure accommodation, and thorough orientation on local norms and emergency protocols. Ideal projects range from teaching English in vibrant communities in the Philippines and Mongolia to coaching sports in Argentina. 

Conservation enthusiasts can join shark research in Fiji, marine conservation dives in Thailand, or wildlife conservation projects in Botswana. Additionally, cultural and environmental conservation initiatives in France offer rewarding, immersive experiences. 

African Impact 

If you’re considering volunteering in Africa, African Impact offers well-supported programs across six countries with a strong emphasis on safety and cultural immersion.

Their project lineup includes:

• Big Cat & Elephant Research in Kenya, where you’ll assist with wildlife monitoring in reserves like the Greater Maasai Mara.
• Wildlife Photography & Conservation, allowing hands-on experience capturing Africa’s iconic species in their natural habitats.
• Teaching & Community Support in Zanzibar, where volunteers help improve education and empowerment through English and math lessons.
• Medical and Public Health Volunteer Work, involving community clinics and outreach programs.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) 

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) is an Australian non-profit with more than 200 projects in over 20 countries. Volunteer safety is foundational to IVI, which conducts regular proactive risk assessments and enforces rigorous protocols before and during placements.

Ideal projects include:

• Public Health & Nutrition in Vanuatu: Volunteers collaborate with healthcare professionals to deliver community health education, nutrition workshops, and basic screenings in rural villages.
• Refugee Humanitarian Work in Greece and Turkey: Participants support essential services — food distribution, educational outreach, and empowerment initiatives for Syrian women in Izmir.
• Animal Shelter Volunteering in Mexico: Volunteers care for rescued animals, provide shelter support, and promote animal welfare in Puerto Escondido.
• Construction and Community Farming in Uganda and Malawi: Hands-on placements help build sustainable infrastructure in Mangochi, Malawi, and support local farming projects near Kanjansi, Uganda.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) 

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers a rich selection of volunteer programs, pairing meaningful service with robust safety standards.

Their comprehensive safeguarding policy ensures that adults and children are protected throughout every placement .

Highlighted programs include:

• Conservation volunteering in New Zealand: Participate in native tree planting, pest control, and species restoration alongside local ecological teams.
• Wildlife conservation in Australia: Engage directly with native fauna and habitat preservation efforts under expert supervision.
• Charity shop volunteering in Ireland: Receive homestay accommodation while supporting community organizations through retail assistance.
• Community development in Barcelona, Spain: Help local NGOs with empowerment projects and social services.
• NGO support in Morocco: Work hands-on with rural projects, assisting local organizations in development efforts .

Global Vision International (GVI) 

Global Vision International (GVI) has over 25 years of experience running conservation and community programs with a strong focus on safety. Each project includes detailed pre-departure guidance, comprehensive in-country orientation, and oversight by trained local staff. 

Explore some standout opportunities:

• Desert Elephant Conservation in Namibia: Work in Damaraland’s remote wilderness to build protective barriers around water sources, track elephant herds, and collect data to mitigate human–elephant conflict.
• Marine Conservation in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia: Volunteer aboard boat-based surveys, protect sea turtles, and support local reef conservation while living in a village on Perhentian Kecil.
• Turtle Nest Monitoring in Nicaragua: Join beachside efforts to monitor nesting sites, protect eggs, and engage communities in marine conservation.
• PADI Divemaster & Marine Conservation in Panama: Complete a professional-level diving credential while assisting with coral reef monitoring and data collection.
• Child Education & English Teaching in Vietnam: Empower local children through classroom work, English tutoring, and extracurricular youth programs.

Empowered to Explore

Volunteering abroad as a woman is an empowering and enriching experience when approached with the right mindset and support.

By researching your destination, respecting local customs, staying connected, and choosing reputable organizations, you’ll gain access to vetted programs with strong safety protocols and 24/7 support. 

Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, women’s empowerment, healthcare, or community development, these programs provide the structure, supervision, and community needed to travel safely and make a real impact. With the right preparation, your volunteer journey can be safe, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.