Search guidebooks
Want to volunteer abroad, but not sure where to start?
We’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Scroll down to explore, or click one of the links to the right to jump to the section that interests you. Learn more about volunteering abroad by reading our guidebooks and searching for programs!
1.Learn about volunteering abroad
If you're new to volunteering abroad, we recommend going through a few of our top guidebooks to familiarize yourself with how to find the right program, and what to expect on your travels.
Top volunteering guidebooks
Guidebooks for each traveler type
2. See where to go and what to do
Make a Real Impact Volunteering Abroad With Maximo Nivel!
Guidebooks by project type
Guidebooks by destination
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Guidebooks by season & duration
3.Find a program
Ready to narrow your options? Here's how to use Volunteer Forever to find an amazing program abroad!
Visit our Volunteer programs page, where you’ll find hundreds of organizations and projects all over the world.
Click on an organization name to learn more about who they are, what they do, and how you can get involved.
Want to know more about travel opportunities with that organization? Follow the link to their website to explore and start your application!
4.Plan your travels
Once you’ve decided on your dream project, it’s time to apply! Here are a few of our top recommended partners.
Maximo Nivel provides high quality volunteer, intern, study, and teach abroad programs in Latin America. Since 2003, they have offered volunteer programs to travelers in medical and healthcare, teaching, childcare, and much more. Programs are located in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru!
Established in 2007, IVHQ is the world's leading volunteer abroad organization offering projects in over 40 international destinations. Whether you are traveling for one week or even taking a gap year, or simply wishing to assist a community abroad, IVHQ has the program for you.
Founded in 2011, Plan My Gap Year offers affordable volunteer trips for childcare, English teaching, wildlife conservation, and more. As 93% of their 3,000 participants per year are either solo or female, PMGY is a great fit for those volunteering alone and want to meet other like-minded travelers.
