Best Volunteer Abroad Destinations for Europeans in Spring and Summer Break 2025
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If you’re planning to embark on a life-changing journey, you should make the most of your Spring Break or Summer Break in 2025.
As a European, you have the opportunity to travel abroad and volunteer at your favorite destination, contributing to local communities while exploring stunning locations and immersing yourself in the authentic cultural vibes of the place. Are you wondering where you should consider volunteering abroad as a European?
We’ve compiled this guide to assist you in making your decision regarding where to go and what activities to engage in.
Which are the best destinations to volunteer abroad as a European?
We believe that no matter where you go, and which project you join – you’ll have a unique experience while working for something meaningful. However, over the years, we have seen that there are a bunch of destinations that European travelers prefer and thus, we’ve compiled a list of the best destinations where you can volunteer as a European.
1. Volunteer in Tanzania
If you’ve always dreamt of an African adventure, then now is the time to fulfill your dreams. Volunteering Solutions has a wide range of affordable volunteer programs in Tanzania, including Childcare, Teaching English, 2 Weeks Special, Football Coaching, Coral Reef Restoration, etc..
Over the weekends, you can travel to Serengeti and Ngorongoro to soak in the wilderness and catch a glimpse of the African Big 5. Our programs are available in Arusha and Zanzibar, hence, if you’re a beach lover, you must spend a week or two, enjoying the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
2. Volunteer in Kenya
Trust me when I say this, your volunteering experience in Kenya will change the way you look at life. We have a bunch of amazing volunteering programs in Nairobi, including Teaching, Childcare, and Community Development. Medical and nursing students have the option to join the Medical and Healthcare Volunteer Program in Kenya to acquire international hands-on experience. If you have just a couple of weeks in hand, then you can be a part of the 2 Weeks Special Voluntour, which will let you volunteer and travel across Kenya and experience the thrill of the game drives.
3. Volunteer in South Africa
South Africa, often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation,’ offers a wide array of experiences for travelers. It boasts world-class surf breaks, a diverse local cuisine, opportunities to climb mountains, vibrant cities to explore, charming small towns for peaceful getaways, picturesque desert landscapes to capture through your lens, and an abundance of wildlife to observe.
What could be more rewarding than embarking on an enriching volunteering journey to South Africa? You can either choose to volunteer in Cape Town and soak in the vibrancy, or head off to Port Elizabeth and enjoy the quaint vibes.
In association with local organizations, we are hosting a bunch of incredible opportunities including Childcare, Teaching English, Sports Development, Medical Volunteering, Wildlife Reservation, and the Penguin Rescue Program.
4. Volunteer in Ghana
For those who wish to explore offbeat Africa, Ghana is the perfect place to be! Volunteering Solutions offers volunteer and internship programs in Tamale, Accra, and Axim. The most preferred programs in Ghana include Childcare, Teaching, Football Coaching, Teaching and Community Development, Kindergarten, and Medical Volunteering.
Embrace the cultural diversity, bustling traffic, and spirited bargaining, and you might find yourself falling in love with the destination. Ghana’s welcoming people make it one of the most hospitable places in West Africa. With its captivating history, vibrant clothing patterns, and delicious cuisine, travelers are drawn back to this country time and time again.
5. Volunteer in India
If there’s one country that Europeans have loved to explore for centuries, then it’s undoubtedly India! We have curated some meaningful opportunities in India, including the 1 week and 2-week special programs. Whether you’re planning to stay for a week, a month, or even longer, you will undoubtedly encounter experiences that will astonish, test, and transform you.
India offers a variety of volunteering opportunities, such as Childcare, Teaching English, Women’s Empowerment, and Elephant Care. For pre-med students or those pursuing medical studies, there is the option to participate in a Medical and Healthcare Internship, providing valuable firsthand work experience.
6. Volunteer in Nepal
This quaint Himalayan nation is considered to be one of the world’s least developed countries, grappling with deeply rooted social issues. The majority of its population still resides in villages, with approximately 19% living in urban areas. VolSol offers a wide range of volunteering and internship opportunities for enthusiastic participants in this Himalayan nation.
You can opt to participate in Childcare, English Teaching, Dental Electives, Medical Internships at local hospitals, and Short-Term Projects, allowing you to make the most of your spring/summer break. These programs are based in the capital city of Kathmandu, providing ample opportunities to explore the picturesque Himalayan trails.
7. Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka stands out as one of Asia’s and the world’s most stunning beach destinations, providing a compelling reason to visit. As a volunteer, you have a wide range of wonderful and affordable volunteer programs to choose from, including Childcare, Teaching English, Women’s Empowerment, Sea Turtle Conservation, Teaching Monks Program, and Pre-Medical and Pre-Nursing volunteer projects.
For those seeking a unique experience, there’s the captivating Wild Elephant Conservation & Research Program in Wasgamuwa National Park, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. Nature enthusiasts can also participate in the Environmental Conservation & Dog Care Program.
These volunteer projects in Sri Lanka are primarily located in the southern and central regions. While volunteering, don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the beautiful beaches in Mirissa and Welligama, embark on a hike at Sigiriya, and explore the Dambulla Caves.
8. Volunteer in Thailand
Thailand is renowned as a paradise for backpackers, attracting thousands of European travelers every year in search of sun-soaked adventures. Once you arrive in Thailand, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the picturesque beaches of Koh Samui and Pattaya, groove to the music in Bangkok’s vibrant pubs, interact with elephants in Chiang Mai, and savor delectable Thai curry and seafood at the floating markets.
We offer a wide range of affordable volunteer abroad programs in Thailand, including opportunities in Childcare, Teaching Monks, Elephant Volunteer Work, Medical Internships, 2 Weeks Special Volunteer Travel, and more.
Our volunteer programs in Thailand are situated in two distinct locations: Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
9. Volunteer in Vietnam
If you were to ask me about my favorite travel destination, it would undoubtedly be Vietnam! From the lively city of Hanoi to the enchanting cruises through Ha Long Bay, exploring the historical marvels of the Imperial Citadel of Hue, and stepping back in time in the charming town of Hoi An, my journey was filled with awe-inspiring experiences.
For those planning to visit Vietnam, I highly recommend considering volunteering for a meaningful program that contributes to improving the lives of the underprivileged in the country. If you have a passion for working with children, you can choose either the Child Care Program or the Volunteer Teaching Program.
10. Volunteer in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rugged rainforests, secluded volcanoes, and pristine beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines have long been a draw for travelers, thanks to its natural beauty. If Costa Rica has been on your bucket list, now is the time to put an end to all procrastination and embark on that eagerly anticipated volunteering journey.
Volunteering Solutions offers a diverse range of fantastic and affordable opportunities for European high school, college, and university students seeking the perfect Spring/Summer Volunteering Program. Some of the most popular volunteer programs in Costa Rica include Childcare, Teaching English, Turtle Conservation, and opportunities to work at the Wildlife and Rescue Center for Animals, among others.
11. Volunteer in Peru
Are you eager to explore the enchanting ‘Land of the Incas’? As a volunteer in Peru, you’ll have the opportunity to both travel and work in the city of Cusco and even embark on a tour of the remarkable Machu Picchu ruins. You’ll uncover the wonders of the Sacred Valley of the Inca Civilization and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture in a truly unique way while contributing to this project.
This experience offers ample opportunities to delve into the country’s rich history and its evolution over time. You can select from a wide array of volunteering projects, including Teaching, Kindergarten, Childcare, Disabled Care, and more. For dental students, medical students, as well as pre-med students, there are options such as the Dental Elective Project and Health Care Project, providing invaluable firsthand learning experiences while working alongside professionals.
Now that you have the list of best destinations to volunteer in 2025, you can start with your research and choose where you want to travel to.
If you prefer to volunteer as a group during the Spring and Summer holidays, please feel free to send us an email at [email protected], and our team will respond to assist you in planning your group volunteering experience.
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