Volunteer Abroad Opportunities for Seniors and Retirees

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

One impactful volunteer opportunity to consider is International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). Since its founding in 2007, IVHQ has placed more than 130,000 volunteers around the world on 300+ projects from community building, to medical care, and everything in between. 

With programs in 40+ countries including Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, IVHQ has listed many opportunities with common concerns for senior travelers on this page, who want to make a difference and pursue adventure. There’s something for you whether you’re traveling on your own or with a group, or for a week or several months.

NGO Support Programs

Perfect for senior travelers, IVHQ’s NGO support volunteer programs offer the opportunity to help build capacity and support for local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. You can choose from 10 programs in 9 locations. Some tasks you might be able to take on as a volunteer include general administration, grant writing, research, marketing, fundraising, IT support, website development and teaching English. 

Right now, IVHQ offers NGO support placements in Portugal, Ecuador, Greece and Nepal – just to name a few.- This is a wonderful way to assist local community-based organizations that are understaffed or underfunded, but that can make an excellent impact with volunteers like you.

Medical and Health Programs

Through IVHQ’s medical and healthcare volunteer programs, you will have the chance to work alongside local professionals in hospitals, clinics, and community centers to provide medical and healthcare, support, and education within the community. For years, IVHQ has provided medical placements not only for students who want to learn more about their future work, but also for medical mission teams composed of professionals who’d like to put their hard-earned skills to use with grateful communities in need. 

Right now, IVHQ is offering medical and healthcare placements in Bali, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Zambia, the Philippines, and more!   

Environment and Conservation Programs

Share your vast experience and leave a legacy when you volunteer in support of the environment. IVHQ volunteers work on conservation projects in various locales: marine, jungle, coastline, and sustainable organic farms. Choose one and begin a new adventure! You’ll work closely with members of the local community and NGOs as they strive to protect their environment. Countries with IVHQ eco-volunteer opportunities include the Galapagos Islands, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Nepal, and more!     

With 20+ destinations offering eco programs, there’s myriad choices – start your adventure today!

Wildlife and Animal Care Programs

Take your passion for the environment and its inhabitants abroad as an IVHQ volunteer for Wildlife and Animal Care! 

Choose to work with sea turtle protection in China, or abandoned dogs and cats in several Latin American shelters. Volunteer duties include support in feeding, caring for and playing with animals, as well as facility maintenance and general cleaning. 

Locations include Jamaica, Italy, Victoria Falls, and South Africa, just to name a few!  If you’re up for a new challenge and don’t mind getting hands-on, volunteer projects are available year-round.

GoEco

A leading ecotourism company, GoEco was created by experienced volunteers who have carefully vetted every project to ensure high standards for safety and quality. Founded in 2006, the organization placed more than 15,000 volunteers in programs around the world in their first 15 years. They’ve also been recommended by the Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. 

With more than 150 initiatives, GoEco offers plenty of volunteer abroad opportunities that specifically suit senior citizen volunteers and retirees, including a selection of projects geared specifically towards mature volunteers. Currently, GoEco is offering a special travel grant where you can stay for the 3rd week free! Check out the qualifying programs here! 

Bali Sea Turtle Rescue

Head to the tropical island of Nusa Penida, Indonesia with GoEco. Work closely with sea turtles and contribute to conservation strategies. Daily tasks include cleaning and feeding the turtles at the center, as well as assisting with public outreach. You’ll also collect turtle eggs brought by fishermen who’ve saved them from being taken as pets or eaten.

Just 45 minutes on a speed boat from Bali, Nusa Penida is known for its gorgeous beaches and incredible nature. You’ll stay at a volunteer house that’s right near all the action. You can also add a highly recommended culture week to meet other volunteers and learn about Balinese culture.  

Cape Town Community Projects

Journey to South Africa, where you’ll work to create sustainable community projects for impoverished communities. Duties include teaching at education centers, arranging sports activities, assisting nonprofits with fundraising, educating the public on important health issues like HIV/AIDS, and working in vegetable gardens. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the local community and you’ll feel your impact right away.

You’ll stay in a volunteer house (can upgrade to a private room), and you’ll have free time to check out sites in Cape Town like Robben Island. This program qualifies for staying the 3rd week free!

Wildlife Ranch in South Africa

Another highly rated South African volunteer adventure is helping African animals in an accredited and ethical wildlife ranch located in Western Cape. This sanctuary houses 90 species of animals and reptiles, as well as a cheetah breeding program. You will get to see and interact with cheetahs, lions, white tigers, meerkats, and lemurs. Your tasks may include feeding animals, cleaning their cages and habitats, playing with them, and also maintaining the ranch. This program is recommended for those who are fit and healthy since it can be physically demanding.

When you are not working, you can opt for tours on the weekends such as elephant experiences, horseback safaris, ostrich farms, and the famous Cango Caves. For more details, click here! This program qualifies for staying the 3rd week free!

Maximo Nivel

Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel offers many different programs in Latin America for travelers who want to volunteer, intern abroad, teach abroad, learn Spanish, and more. More than 25,000 travelers have signed up with Maximo Nivel, which offers affordable placements in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. 

For senior volunteering, Maximo Nivel can be an excellent option for solo travel, to learn Spanish abroad, or even to vacation with your spouse or family.

Learn Spanish in Latin America

If you’ve always wanted to become fluent in Spanish, now is your chance through Maximo Nivel’s Spanish language immersion programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, where you can take courses customized to your learning requirements. Group classes range from 2 to 8 participants, allowing for a great balance between engagement and personalized attention. You also can choose to take private classes while visiting Central or South America. 

You can learn at your own pace and choose how intensive your instruction is – whether you would like to take a full day of classes every day, or even just one hour of tutoring while exploring the area and immersing yourself in the culture. Volunteering with Maximo Nivel is an excellent way to learn a new language while spending time abroad.

Volunteer Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel offers several different volunteer programs that can let you use your skills and knowledge – or pick up new skills while exploring Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. Programs include:

1. Teaching English
2. Conservation and the environment
3. Construction
4. Animal care
5. Eco-agriculture
6. Medical/healthcare
7. Working with indigenous communities

No matter your background or age, Maximo Nivel has wonderful opportunities to make a difference in communities in need. And if you’re traveling with a group or with your spouse or family, Maximo Nivel can arrange meaningful and engaging trips as well.

Projects Abroad

For over 25 years, Projects Abroad has offered volunteer programs throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. As one of the world’s largest volunteer travel organizations, Projects Abroad sends more than 10,000 volunteers on high-quality programs each year, ranging from archaeology, to teaching, to medical assistance, and much more. Projects Abroad offers many different volunteer programs perfect for older travelers, particularly skilled placements in areas such as medical care, journalism, or NGO support.

You’re never too old to change the world! That’s why Projects Abroad offers Grown-up Specials for volunteers aged 50+. Volunteering abroad has been popularized by teens, college kids and gap year students, but there’s no age limit to doing good globally. If you’re 50 or older, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the rest of the world.

Grown-up Specials are ideal if you’re in retirement, or are considering a career break. Traveling to a new country can be a complicated process. Projects Abroad will help you every step of the way to make sure you get the most out of your trip, and importantly, impact those in need. Whether it’s teaching English in local communities, protecting the environment through conservation activities, or renovating a school, there are different ways for you to make a difference.

The Grown-up Special trips follow set itineraries filled with a balance between altruistic, cultural, and leisure activities to give you a holistic experience of the country you visit. You’ll be placed in a group with other like-minded volunteers—an opportunity to make new friends and connections around the globe.

Grown-up Specials to look out for:

1. Volunteering with animals in Botswana
2. Protect the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands
3. Immerse in the local Khmer culture of Cambodia

Reawaken your spirit of adventure. Make the most of your senior years by helping those who need it most while seeing the world.

African Impact

African Impact is a responsible, sustainable volunteer travel organization that has won multiple industry awards, including being voted the world’s Top Volunteer Abroad Organization by volunteers on GoAbroad four years in a row. Since 2004, they have hosted over 35,000 participants on 20 projects across 6 countries. The organization believes in the spirit of Africa and that the volunteer experience is just as important as the impact made. 

African Impact manages its own projects and can provide tangible, real achievements regularly. The organization has a clear Child Protection Policy and ensures that volunteers complete a criminal record check before involvement. Experienced staff is on the ground to support volunteers day-in-day-out and the organization does not use volunteer support in replacement for a local person.

In addition to making a positive impact, African Impact also believes that volunteering abroad should be enjoyable. The organization offers a range of activities for volunteers, including teaching in Zanzibar, assisting with wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe, working in hospitals or clinics in Kenya, and carrying out shark and marine research in South Africa.

Volunteering with African Impact allows individuals to gain new skills, knowledge and practical work experience, while also making a lasting impact on local communities and conservation efforts. The organization believes that volunteering in Africa helps to change perceptions and stereotypes about Africa and its people, while providing local communities with an exchange of culture, mindsets and ideas.

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Program

The African Big 5 Wildlife Conservation project is a volunteer program in South Africa that offers participants the opportunity to work with expert field guides and research teams in the Greater Kruger Area, one of the world’s last remaining wildlife strongholds. The Greater Kruger Area encompasses over 20 private wildlife reserves on the west side of the Kruger National Park, and it is home to many of Africa’s iconic “Big 5” animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Participants in this program will have the chance to collect information about these animals and to help protect them from threats such as poaching and habitat loss. They will also be able to track the movements and behaviors of herds of elephants and prides of lions, and to witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat on unforgettable night drives.

During their time on the project, participants will live in a private volunteer lodge in the heart of the Greater Kruger Area. The lodge offers a safari-style camp experience, with amenities such as a swimming pool, viewing deck, WiFi, and hot showers. Participants will be able to relax and socialize in the outdoor area, and to enjoy the stunning views of the African bush.

This volunteer program is open to people of all skill levels and backgrounds, and it is suitable for anyone with an interest in wildlife, nature, or conservation. No prior experience is necessary, and participants will be able to choose from a range of start dates and duration options to suit their schedules and preferences. Once they have submitted their application, a Destination Specialist will be in touch to discuss the project and to answer any questions they may have.

Sports & Community Development In Zambia

Turn your love of sport into real impact in Livingstone, Zambia. On African Impact’s Sports & Community Development project, you’ll design lively PE sessions, run after-school clubs, and coach games — from football to obstacle courses—that build confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits in local students. No professional coaching experience required; you’ll be supported by experienced staff and local coaches every step of the way. 

Available year-round for 2+ weeks, the program includes accommodation, meals, airport transfers, 24/7 support, and in-country orientation. Your base is a friendly backpackers with a pool and Wi-Fi, a short walk from town and within easy reach of the mighty Victoria Falls — perfect for weekend adventures. Arrive on a Monday into Livingstone (LVI) and join a welcoming crew of changemakers. Bring your passion (and any spare equipment you can donate), and help ignite a lifelong love of movement in Zambia’s youth. Ready to make a difference on and off the field? 

Dolphin and Marine Conservation Project 

Volunteer in Zanzibar on African Impact’s Dolphin and Marine Conservation Project and make a real difference to the sustainability of dolphin tourism. As a volunteer, you will monitor human-dolphin interactions, promote ethical dolphin tours, and contribute to the conservation of marine life in the area. This project is ideal for those passionate about marine conservation and the environment. In your free time, you can explore the beautiful coastlines and vibrant culture of Zanzibar. You will live in a private volunteer house near the coastal village of Kizimkazi and work with local communities and organizations to protect the marine ecosystem. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while enjoying a truly amazing location.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Searching for a transformative volunteer abroad experience? Involvement Volunteers International (IVI), established in 1989, is a non-profit and charity that beckons individuals to be part of 25,000 volunteers who’ve positively impacted 112 projects in 23 countries. Take a look at the below programs for a truly impactful experience.

Nutrition and Public Health in Fiji

If you’ve ever worked or are interested in nutrition, dietetics, nursing, physiotherapy and community health, then this program in Fiji is calling for you! This project tackles the major health problems facing in Fiji right now. Since 34% of Fijians live in poverty, there is lack of adequate nutritional food and lack of education in healthy eating. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise. Volunteers are asked to help with a variety of health programs alongside a qualified practitioner. Some program tasks include performing health checks, promoting and running outreach campaigns on education in healthy eating, exercises, and diabetes awareness. Located in Nadi, Lautoka, & Manamanuca islands, you will stay in a home stay or at a resort, and it includes 3 meals! This program needs a minimum of 2 weeks commitment. For more information, check it out here!

Rural School Community Support in Bodhgaya, India

This rural community just outside of Bodhgaya needs tremendous help in various areas such as teaching, conducting healthcare checks (if qualified), educating the community in hygiene, nutrition, and first aid, or help in renovation projects around the community. Bodhgaya, in itself is an interesting destination, as it was the place where Guatama reached Enlightenment as Buddha. Therefore, it is a religious site and an important Buddhist pilgrimage stop. You will have plenty to explore and sights to see in this ancient town, home to the famous Mahabodhi Temple and the Great Buddha Statue. This project needs a minimum of 1 week duration, included with accommodation in the volunteer center. More information can be found here!

Women’s Empowerment and Education in Nepal

Make a positive impact and empower women in Nepal in this volunteer program. Rural women in Nepal are poor because they are disadvantaged in education, and lack even the basic education. With your help in educating these women, their narrative can change for a better future with more growth opportunities. You will work with a trained teacher to help teach a variety of subjects, especially conversational English lessons for young to elderly women. You can also empower women by inspiring them with different perspectives, and discover their hidden talents. Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, this destination is rich in history and surrounded by majestic mountains making it a popular tourist site. You will have plenty to see and experience. Start your adventure here!

Volunteering Solutions

Another excellent volunteer organization to consider for senior volunteer opportunities overseas is Volunteering Solutions, or VolSol. Founded in 2007, Volunteering Solutions has placed 17,000 volunteers on more than 150 meaningful projects in 25+ countries all over the world. 

Teach English in Zanzibar

One of the many different volunteer opportunities you can sign up for right now with VolSol invites you to teach English at a nursery school, primary school, or secondary school in Zanzibar. Schools in this region often lack basic infrastructure and have trouble developing a solid curriculum for their students, so there is quite a lot that you can accomplish as a volunteer. If you are an educator by profession, you can truly make a difference in these classrooms by teaching basic subjects such as English (including vocabulary, pronunciation, and other skills) and math. A few of your tasks will include preparing lesson plans, helping teachers conduct lessons, assisting with general work such as reception and translation, preparing tests, and implementing new teaching methods. Outside of volunteering, you’ll have time to sample Tanzanian cuisine, explore marketplaces, visit the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, and learn about Swahili culture.

Volunteer for Wildlife Conservation in Australia

Join Volunteering Solutions’ Wildlife Conservation program and support licensed shelters caring for orphaned and injured native animals. As a volunteer, you may bottle-feed young animals, assist with rescue calls and emergency care, clean and maintain enclosures, help repair fencing, and keep the grounds tidy — no prior animal experience required, just enthusiasm and teamwork. 

Placements are available in select locations, including Cairns, rural Gladstone (Queensland), and Yackandandah (Victoria). Many volunteers placed in New South Wales travel via Sydney to Albury for pickup by the project team. 

Plan extra time before or after your placement to explore Australia—if you’re stationed in Cairns or Gladstone, the Great Barrier Reef is within easy reach, while those in Victoria or New South Wales can enjoy great regional sights nearby.

Global Vision International

Founded in 1997 by Richard Walton, Global Vision International (GVI) is an award-winning organization that provides volunteer and internship opportunities in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. GVI has sent more than 25,000 volunteers overseas on programs ranging from construction, to animal care, to education, and beyond with 95% of past volunteers stating they would want to travel with them again. GVI is unique from other volunteer programs in three ways: they operate their own volunteer projects to ensure real, sustainable impact on the ground; they provide 360 degree support before, during, after your placement; and lastly their alumni network provides increased access to higher education and career development opportunities. GVI’s differentiators and their emphasis on volunteer safety make the program very appealing to first-time international volunteers and senior volunteers – they even have specially selected projects for volunteers who are aged 50 and up! Their projects start from one week and can last up to one year. Projects mix community service with global and cultural awareness to inspire and encourage volunteers to continue learning and serving even after they’ve returned from their trip.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the Canary Islands

If you’ve ever been fascinated by dolphins and whales, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about these magnificent mammals, contribute to a sustainable conservation project, and have fun exploring a beautiful island! Based in Tenerife, you will help with whale and dolphin conservation research by taking pictures, observing and recording their behaviors and numbers while on a boat. You will be able to see pilot whales and buttlenose dolphins but also possibly humpback whales and killer whales. Another part of your volunteering will be teaching tourists in choosing ethical whale and dolphin watching tours. In your free time, there are many experiences such as tours, cooking classes, and biking included in your program fees! For detailed information, click here!

Teaching English and Community Development Projects in Costa Rica

Travel to Cartago, Costa Rica with GVI to teach English. This is one of GVI’s most popular programs and so it can fill up quickly. This is a great opportunity to visit the beautiful Costa Rica country, and at the same time leaving a positive impact. No previous teaching experience is required, just the enthusiasm to teach. You will also engage students in physical activities and other group activities to develop social skills. In your free time, there are many places to visit such as tour San Jose city, coffee plantations, and national parks. Get started here!

Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand

If you’d like to visit Asia, GVI has an amazing opportunity right now in Thailand to volunteer with elephants that have been rescued from working in the tourist industry. Although volunteers are not allowed to directly handle the elephants due to ethical conservation guidelines, you will help in conservation research by observing and recording their behaviors, assist in fieldwork and biodiversity surveys, and check for physical illnesses. The research center is located in a mountainous village in Chiang Mai. Your accommodation will be provided by a local host family in the Karen community so you will be able to immerse and interact with the local community. For costs and other details, visit GVI’s site!

Marine Conservation Expedition in Mexico

Another excellent conservation program through GVI — great for adult and senior volunteers — is based in Puerto Morelos on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Here, you’ll join a marine research team helping to restore and protect the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. After scuba training, you’ll assist with underwater coral reef surveys, species identification, reef restoration and marine debris removal. The data you help collect supports local authorities in making sustainable coastal management decisions. In your free time, you can snorkel or dive the reef, swim in nearby cenotes, relax on the beach, and visit Mayan archaeological sites.

Community Development Expedition in Fiji

One more wonderful volunteer opportunity you can sign up for right now brings you to Fiji, where you will be able to enjoy a tropical island getaway while also lending a hand to a local community development initiative. On this program, you’ll have five areas of focus: WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), health and nutrition, income generation, education enrichment and empowerment, and environmental management and protection. If you want to empower people to build healthy lifestyles through sustainable development, this is a great way to do it. GVI’s Fiji expedition also has the option for side trips, where you can visit world class dive sites, see dolphins, and even relax at an island resort.

Teach English to Cambodian Buddhist Monks

Based in Siem Reap, this GVI program invites you to teach conversational English to Buddhist novice monks in the mornings and locals in the evenings — supporting their access to higher education and future employment while contributing to UN SDG 4: Quality Education. 

You’ll help plan and deliver lessons alongside local partners and the GVI team. The program typically runs 35 hours per week, with flexible stays from 1–12 weeks and a supportive 1:6 staff-to-participant ratio. 

When you’re off duty, immerse yourself in Khmer culture with curated experiences such as learning to cook Cambodian dishes, visiting the Lotus Textile Farm by tuk-tuk, joining a monk blessing ceremony, watching the Phare circus, or exploring floating villages near Siem Reap.

Love Volunteers

With more than 20,000 travelers placed on service trips and internships abroad since 2009 (and 4,000 in just the past year!), Love Volunteers is one of the fastest growing international volunteer organizations in the world. A few of Love Volunteers’ popular locations include:

• Nepal
• South Africa
• Kenya
• Ecuador
• Costa Rica
• Thailand
• Bali
• Zambia
• Tanzania

Love Volunteers has placements in 34 countries worldwide, with more than 120 different projects.

Education Support in Nepal

In the slums of Kathmandu, some of Nepal’s poorest suffer from a lack of quality education – something vitally important to breaking the cycle of poverty. As a volunteer, you can help by working with schools in need of manpower and resources – a few ways that you can be a part of the change including assisting teachers with their lessons, teaching conversational English to the students, and even teaching important life skills and the importance of good hygiene for long-term health.

A Broader View Volunteers Corp

A Broader View began in 2007 intending to offer people a way to travel while doing meaningful service work. The organization has 245 programs across the world (and counting).

Woman Support Programs

ABV offers programs specifically focusing on the plight of young woman and destitute woman in impoverished communities. These programs aim to help the women by giving them support, guidance, and life skill training. Volunteers work with grassroots woman’s groups and teach English; they also help to initiate income generating activities and to create sustainable solutions to the challenges the woman face on a day-to-day basis. Locations include Colombia, Nepal, India, Tanzania, Peru, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. As a volunteer, you will assist with training woman in several life and income generating skills and to carry out research to find alternative solutions to fight poverty. There are no specific requirements to sign up, except willingness and enthusiasm to help women. The mission on this program is to help foster the growth of independent, self-sufficient, decision-making women, by encouraging self-empowerment.

Teaching English Programs

In communities around the world, there is a an ongoing need for native English speakers to help provide lessons and instructions in rural and urban schools. Most of the schools A Broader View places volunteers in are in poor neighborhoods and rural locations, and the schools lack native English-speaking teachers. As an education volunteer, you will help students learn the correct use of English words and master English grammar. Location include Tanzania, India, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, India, Ecuador, Uganda, Ghana, Nepal, and more. Students are very eager to learn and develop their conversational English, and as a volunteer you will not only assist teaching, but your presence is also a proven morale booster to the teachers, parents, and students alike. You do not have to be a teacher to volunteer on this English teaching project. Volunteers receive assistance from the local teacher with lesson plans.

Language Immersion Lessons

Delve into a new language: Spanish! A Broader View Language & Cultural Immersion programs provide the opportunity to volunteer in a humanitarian mission (clinic, schools, and more) while learning Spanish at the same time. These Immersion programs range from one week to one month. Students at all levels are welcome to join, and lessons are provided two to four hours per day Monday to Friday (depending of the country). The remainder of your day will be spent in the local school, clinic, or other project of your choice. Choose from programs in Chile, Peru, Honduras, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

Fronteering

Looking for a program that offers something different? Consider Fronteering, an organization known for taking you off the beaten path to remote and unspoiled locations. Operating in more than 15 countries across the globe, Fronteering offers plenty of exciting volunteer abroad opportunities for retirees and senior volunteers.

From helping save the koalas in Australia to pre-school teaching in South Africa, Fronteering has a unique variety of options. You’re certain to find a program that suits you.

Ready to look for volunteer abroad opportunities with Fronteering? Begin searching here. And check out the awesome retiree and senior volunteer programs below!

Volunteer at a Bear, Deer & Wolf Haven in Ontario, Canada

Join a team that has the privilege to care for Ontario’s diverse animal species, including bears, deer, wolves, racoons, moose, beavers, and coyote. Main duties include helping raise, rescue, rehabilitate, and even release wild animals. You’ll get to hand and tube feed animals, maintain records regarding health and feeding, clean enclosures, and more. It’s an amazing experience getting to be so up close and personal with these creatures.

Please note that the only priority is a passion for wildlife and the outdoors. Check with your healthcare provider about vaccines before going. You’ll stay at a shared rustic accommodation and have plenty of time to explore Ontario during free time. Visit Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park, and Niagara Falls, and more.

Volunteer to Teach in the Amazon in Guyana

If you’re passionate about helping indigenous cultures preserve their way of life, this volunteer teaching program in Guyana is right for you. You’ll serve as an assistant in a village primary school, helping out mostly with English and math lessons but also sports as well. Other duties may include teaching villagers IT skills, helping out with building construction, and providing additional support for the local Amerindian community. Your service is crucial in making it possible for the indigenous community to support itself and maintain their way of life.

When you’re not volunteering, take advantage of the opportunity to learn even more about Amerindian culture. From ancient legends to natural healing remedies, there’s a lot to learn. Please note prior teaching experience is preferred (but not mandatory). You should also be physically and mentally fit. Be sure to check with your local doctor about needed vaccines and medications before departure.

Global Volunteers

Global Volunteers works in 16 countries worldwide, placing families, groups, couples, or individual travelers on meaningful projects that are developed through community-based partnerships with host leaders. Founded in 1984, the organization is led by experts in human and economic development. More than 34,000 volunteers of all ages have worked in 202 host communities on programs that range from teaching conversational English, math, science, and computer literacy; building, repairing, and painting community facilities; providing health, hygiene, nutrition, and infectious disease education; establishing school and household gardens; caring for at-risk people, and more. Global Volunteers was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations in 1999, and has partnered with UNICEF since 2008.

Retirement isn’t the time to slow down. Join like-minded people making a positive impact on the lives of students through a service program for retirees and seniors with Global Volunteers. Travel the world and take time to make new friends, and mentor a young person, help a community in need while on a travel opportunity abroad.

Ready to Travel?

These were just a few of the many different amazing volunteer abroad opportunities available to travelers over 50 – whether you would like to teach, or put your years of experience and carefully honed skills to use for a community abroad, you’re sure to find an engaging and worthwhile trip. If you’d like to learn more about volunteer programs open to seniors and retirees, please click here to start searching for the perfect opportunity.