Best Volunteer Abroad Programs For 2025 For Students
4,277 Views
In today’s date, people are growing to be more sensible and opting to set out for ‘Responsible Tours’ rather than just a relaxing holiday! Undoubtedly, volunteering vacations are being a thing – and it’s all for good. Many backpackers, couples, families, gap year travelers, solo explorers, and vagabonds have started adding volunteer work to their expeditions and it’s becoming a source of gaining experience, exploring cultural immersion, and knowledge sharing.
This altruistic change has only increased over time, and we hope that it’ll grow bigger, better, and much more fruitful in the days ahead.
Here are the 13 best volunteer vacations abroad that you can choose from, and set out for experiencing something unique in 2025.
Which location would you prefer for volunteering?
1# Volunteer Vacation in Thailand
Well, of course, there can’t be a second thought on this! Thailand has forever been a favorite hotspot for travelers from different parts of the world. While previously, people were more keen to explore the islands and beaches of Thailand, the trend has been changing over the last decade, and more travelers are setting foot on Northern Thailand, exploring the highlands and jungles as well.
A volunteering tour in Thailand will not only encourage you to make a positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged people, but it’ll also allow you to explore the country differently.
Volunteering Solutions has nearly 20 amazing and affordable projects in 3 different locations in Thailand – Bangkok, Surin and Chiang Mai. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the gateway for overseas travelers arriving in the country. This bustling city has everything that a traveler would enjoy – from charming nightlife, delicious food, huge shopping arcades, and heart-melting hospitality.
The largest and the most culturally significant city of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a picturesque destination that can never fail to mesmerize anyone. The most popular program in Chiang Mai is the Elephant Camp Project, where you’ll get to live in a serene village, work with the mahouts and look after the gentle giants!
The love and affection for elephants in Thailand are world-famous, and Surin can be considered as the hub for it. If you are an animal lover and have been longing to spend some quality time volunteering with animals, then there can be no better option than this!
Well, if you have just about 2 weeks’ time and want to have some fun during your volunteer vacation, then the best option is to go for the Elephant 2 Beaches Program! As the name suggests, this would allow you to volunteer with elephants for a week, and then you can head off to the beaches to dive in the turquoise waters and soak in the beach vibes!
2# Volunteer Vacation in India
If India has been there on your travel bucket list since forever, then now is the time to pack your bags and set out for a volunteer trip. Volunteering Solutions provides an opportunity to explore and experience the vibrancy of India and you can choose from a diverse range of meaningful, safe, and affordable volunteer projects ranging from 1 week to 6 months. High school/ college/ university students, as well as gap year travelers and backpackers, families, and couples, can take part in these projects at any time of the year, as per convenience. The programs are designed in a way that the host community gets benefitted and the volunteers can gain the best experience at the same time.
Start your journey in India from New Delhi, the capital city, and explore the heritage sites and historical monuments such as Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and more. You can head off to see the Taj Mahal in Agra and walk around the streets of the Pink City, Jaipur.
If you are craving to soak in the sun and wanna go crazy at the beaches, then we can arrange for a Goa Beach Week trip for you as well. Known as the ‘Hippie Paradise’, Goa will never disappoint you!
3# Volunteer Vacation in Nepal
Wedged between the lofty Himalayas and the steamy Indian plains, Nepal is a land of snow peaks and Sherpas, yaks and yetis, monasteries and mantras. This landlocked country lying close to India and China houses the highest peak of the world, Mt. Everest and termed as ‘The Most Budget-Friendly Destination’ by Lonely Planet.
Volunteering Solutions offers some funfilled opportunities to travelers who are looking forward to serving the underprivileged communities in Kathmandu, as well as soak in the pristine Himalayan vibes. The best options would be the 2 Weeks Special Voluntour, but you can also opt for Childcare or Teaching Program if you love to be with kids.
A volunteer vacation in Nepal would be an incredible experience as you’ll get to explore the ancient temples and relics of Buddhism as well as the National Parks and the mountain trails. Take a break and head off to Pokhara, where you’ll get to witness the views of the majestic Annapurna Range and go for boating in the Phewa Lake. Nepal is also famous among the adventure junkies for the different types of activities that are offered here, including high altitude trekking, bungee jumping, and river rafting.
4# Volunteer Vacation in Cambodia
If you have always thought that the ruins of Angkor are the only things to see in Cambodia, then you are wrong! Being one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world, this country welcomes millions of travelers every year, from all across the world. Experience an incredible volunteer vacation in Cambodia with Volunteering Solutions, and contribute towards the well being of the people living in the outskirts of Phnom Pehn.
Slowly stepping out of the terrible regime of Pol Pot and a dark past, Cambodia’s tourism scene is still on a stage of development and you’ll surely land up at some of the virgin places during your trip. Undoubtedly, Angkor Wat forms the heart of the country, but the jungles, mountains, forests, and beaches are no less beautiful.
Whether you are a solo backpacker looking for a learning journey or thinking about going for a family holiday or maybe a quick trip with your partner – Cambodia will be a treat for you! Walk down the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh and explore the museums, take a boat ride down the fabled Mekong River, gaze at the beauty of Ta Phrom in Siem Reap, binge on the delicious Khmer cuisine, go for snorkeling in Sihanoukville and teach little kids at a rural school in Kampong Speu – every bit of your experience in Cambodia will change the way you look at life and turn you into a more humble person.
5# Volunteer Vacation in Australia
Do you need a reason to head off to this gorgeous land in the South where something is amusing in every corner? Well, guess not! “Australia is a wild and beautiful place, a land whose color palette of red Outback sands and Technicolor reefs frames sophisticated cities and soulful Indigenous stories.” – That’s exactly how Lonely Planet describes Australia – a country as big as to cover a continent on the Indian and Pacific Ocean!
No matter how much time you have in hand, venturing across this continent will never leave you bored! Whether it’s about volunteering for a conservation project or diving deep to get closer to the Great Barrier Reef, or setting out on a road trip from Sydney to Melbourne – there’s possibly nothing in Australia that you wouldn’t want to do! Over the years, Oz has become more popular as a holiday destination among people from different parts of the world, who are seeking a responsible holiday, apart from just having fun!
Volunteering Solutions will ensure that you get to experience an incredible volunteer vacation in Australia, and we provide programs in different cities including Adelaide, Bendigo, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, and Townsville. Spend a few days exploring the gorgeous beach town of Cairns and go for yacht trips, travel to Gold Coast and visit the fancy malls and amusement parks, head off to Sydney to soak in the sun at Bondi Beach – and in between everything else, spend some time volunteering for a conservation program and help in protecting Mother Nature! And of course, if you have the Great Ocean Roadtrip on your bucket list, we can make that happen as well!
6# Volunteer Vacation in Costa Rica
Known for its verdant coffee plantation covered hills and volcanic national parks, Costa Rica also has dense tropical forests, stunning waterfalls and roaring rivers that make it the ideal destination for travelers who love to explore the diverse landscapes and are looking for a perfect volunteering opportunity abroad! A Central American country that proudly boasts both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, your time here will pass by the wink of an eye.
While nature has beautifully crafted the forests, mountains, beaches, and hot springs, mankind has also added to it most magnificently. The architectural grandeur of Costa Rica is worth cherishing. During your holidays in Costa Rica, you’ll surely get an essence of the “Pura Vida” – ‘Pure Life’ as the natives call it. You’ll be touched by their warmth and methods of simple living. Living with the locals, you’ll get to experience the authentic Costa Rican lifestyle, learn their language and savor the delicious tastes of their cuisine.
The most popular choice in Costa Rica is undoubtedly the Turtle Conservation Program, being a part of which you’ll mostly spend your days by the beach, protecting the turtle nests from the predators and cleaning the beach. Other than that, you can also choose to volunteer with kids or live amidst the wilderness while working at an aminal rescue center.
7# Volunteer Vacation in Peru
The lost city of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca Lines, the colors of Rainbow Mountains, the dense Amazon forests and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca – Peru undoubtedly is one of the greatest adventure travel destinations of the world, welcoming people from all across the world. No other way can be better to explore Peru than a volunteer vacation which not only gives you a chance to serve the natives but also helps you know about one of the ancient civilizations of the world, closely.
Being a developing country, Peru is an extremely affordable destination for solo travelers, backpackers and gap year students who are seeking an offbeat travel experience. Travel to this South American country to give something back to society, apart from just exploring the lanes of history.
Volunteering Solutions will ensure that you get to contribute effectively, being a part of a meaningful program and gain incredible experience that you can cherish forever. You can choose to volunteer with children in Cusco or join a medical program. If you’ve 2 weeks in hand, then the best choice would be to go for the Special Peru Voluntour, being a part of which you can work on the weekdays, and explore Macchu Picchu, Sacred Valley and more, over the weekends!
Make the most of your voluntour in Peru and inspire others to follow your footsteps!
8# Volunteer Vacation in South Africa
Excited to set out and explore the ‘Rainbow Nation’ during your volunteering holiday? For all those who are looking for a fun-filled and adventurous journey – South Africa is calling you! Whether you wish to be a part of a conservation project and get up close and personal with the African wildlife, or you want to go diving with the sharks – anything is possible here!
Volunteering Solutions offers interesting programs in two most enthralling cities of South Africa – Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. each of these programs is specially crafted, to benefit both the giver and the receiver. Cape Town, the most popular place in the country, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa and travelers there can get to enjoy a perfect blend of the rich historical past with the modern dynamics. There’s a wide variety of projects available, ranging from Teaching Project to Health Care Project, Sports Development Project, and much more. Participants who are interested in working with animals can join the Wildlife Reservation Program or the Penguin Rescue Program in Port Elizabeth.
And of course, it’s needless to say that you can head off to explore the town! Go for a hike at the Table Mountains and get a bird’s eye view that’ll take your breath away! You can also take a road trip from Cape Town to Kruger, and enjoy the game drive there – spotting the Big 5! South Africa will never fail to mesmerize you with its beauty and cultural radiance and by the end of the trip, you’ll know why it is known as ‘The Rainbow Nation’.
9# Volunteer Vacation in Kenya
While you might be thinking that Kenya is all about wildlife and game drives, let me tell you that there’s a lot more than that! From museums to local markets, culture and cuisine, lakes and beaches – Kenya will surely mesmerize you and leave you craving for more. Known to be ‘The Safari Mecca of the World’, Kenya surely deserves a visit and it can turn out to be the perfect destination for your next volunteer vacation.
Kenya, being a developing country, still, has certain sections of underprivileged people who need a little help to have a better place in society and live a good life. Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs located in and around the capital city of Nairobi. you can choose to volunteer at a Childcare Center or teach the kids in a rural school. We also have an amazing 2 Weeks Special Voluntour, being a part of which you’ll get to work and travel at the same time!
In Nairobi, you can spend your time exploring the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, Mamba Village, Bomas of Kenya, Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Park and much more. Go for thrilling game drives in Maasai Mara & Amboseli, soak in the rugged vibes of the land and experience a holiday like never before.
10# Volunteer Vacation in Tanzania
Popular among wildlife enthusiasts all across the world, Tanzania has everything from lions and elephants to beaches, friendly tribal people, interesting cultures, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro as well as the archipelago of Zanzibar. No matter what you are looking for – you’ll surely find it here!
One of the most visited destinations in the world, Tanzania still has a huge underprivileged population seeking to help hands from volunteers, and if you are willing to make a difference in the lives of the people here, then what can be better than volunteering trip in this magical African country. Volunteering Solutions offers effectively curated as well as customized programs for travelers who are keen to set sail abroad and experience a holiday of a different kind! No matter whether you’re a solo traveler, or a couple on the go, or probably someone looking for a perfect family holiday abroad – we’re here to offer you the best and turn your journey into a memorable adventure.
Whether it’s a Medical Program or Childcare Program in Arusha or a Teaching Project in Zanzibar, your experience in Tanzania will undoubtedly change the way you look at life and make you a more humble person. You’ll learn the fact that people can be happy, even with the little things and a sense of gratitude will dawn on you.
11# Volunteer Vacation in Spain
A holiday in Spain is something that we all dream of, and what can be better than engaging in something meaningful! Here, you’ll be greeted by the warm weather and more warming people, who’ll be delighted to show you around their country’s hidden gems. Tap your feet with the flamenco dancers, join the carnivals, binge on the local cuisine and try your hands in cooking some, set out for a road trip or indulge in some adventure activities like skydiving or scuba – well, Spain has options for everything that’s there in your wishlist!
Volunteering Solutions will help you to make a long-lasting impact while you’re there! While Madrid and Barcelona are indeed worth visiting, an escape to Valencia for volunteering would surely be an experience to rejoice! And you can also plan for a volunteering trip to the fishermen’s town of Denia that’s just 100 km from Valencia., where the Marine and Coast Conservation Project is available.
Being a volunteer in Valencia and Denia, you’ll not only get to contribute towards the environment, but you’ll also adopt the skills that are required to be a responsible traveler. Being a volunteer, you’ll get to spend time with the locals and know more about their culture and lifestyle. You’ll get to learn the Spanish language from the locals, and end up making some amazing friends during your trip!
12# Volunteer Vacation in Ireland
From Europe’s largest green space to the longest defined coastal touring route in the world, Ireland is a country that’s brimming with fun and fascinating ways to spend your holidays! In case you’re planning to head off to this island nation in the North Atlantic and soak in the beauty that the land has to offer, you can as well opt for getting engaged in some sort of charity work and make your journey memorable.
Volunteering Solutions, in association with local Irish organizations, has curated some amazing programs in the towns of Cork and Clonmel. You can make good use of your skills, being a part of the projects and also get to know more about the local people, finding ways to help them. Not just that, but it’ll also be a great chance for you to make friends from different parts of the world and explore Ireland with them! (Sounds exciting, right?)
Soak in the old world charm as you walk around the castles and museums, spend a few days relaxing by the beaches, and maybe you can plan to hop to Great Britain as well, once you wrap up your volunteering endeavor in Ireland! To say the least, it’s gonna be a worthy adventure out there!
Now that you know in detail about the popular volunteering destinations, how about planning for your next vacation soon? In case you have more doubts or questions, you can write to us at [email protected] and our experts will get in touch with you!
Since the travel trends are changing, let’s hope that more and more travelers become aware of adding volunteering work to their expeditions and make this world a much better place for everyone.
About The Author
