Volunteer Global

Worldwide, there is a need for dedicated volunteers to help with social work, education, health care, and other issues. You can find the perfect program that suits your interests, skills, and background -- just take a look around!

Volunteer Programs

• Where would you like to go?
• What would you like to do?
• Click here to see all programs.
• Submit your organization to be listed on this website

Good things to know

• Choosing the right program
• Fundraising for your trip

First of all, what are service trips?

These are trips you can take to virtually any part of the world to work on a cause important to that area. Individuals, groups, families, students, interns, and seniors all are welcome on service trips like these.

Many service trips and volunteer vacations cost a little less, or the same as, a regular vacation you can take on your own time. You have the chance to experience a new culture and “give back” to the host community.

They can last from one weekend to several years, and are open to anyone willing to participate. It's just a matter of finding the program that's right for you -- and making sure you're right for that program.

You said it “costs” something to take one of these vacations? Why?

Yeah, I know your first instinct is to think it’s a rip-off to pay to volunteer. You’re giving your time to help with a program anyway, so why give them money too? Here’s a breakdown on where your payment usually goes:

• The Community – Includes funding for community projects, tools for those projects, and education for those living in the area.
   
• Your Housing – Almost all volunteer programs offer housing, and of those that do, the majority place you with a host family. For many families, this is some of the only income they receive.
   
• Your Food – Same as above; locals often grow or purchase, and then prepare, all of your meals.
   
• Project Costs – This includes tools, maintenance and upkeep, and more directly related to the project you are helping with.
   
• In-Country Transportation – Many programs provide airport pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation to and from the project site.
   
• Administration – Your payment also helps the program stay up and running; most of these groups’ only form of income is from volunteer donations! You’re helping to keep volunteers safe with in-country staff who can help and train those who work on the projects, as well as to provide some income for the locals who assist with the group.

If you’re still unsure about paying to volunteer, you should speak with a representative with the program. I often see angry blog posts criticizing volunteer vacations as a scam because the participants are expected to pay a fee. My advice is twofold: Dig deeper, and contact the program when you’re unsure.

It’s no surprise to me that frustration arises primarily from those only viewing the first page or so of a search engine results for “Volunteer Vacation.” There are many programs who have found it lucrative to place volunteers with other, smaller groups. If you figure out who that smaller group is, you can contact them directly and more often than not, pay a lower fee.

Think of it this way. If you search for “Computer,” the first things to pop up are megastores selling all kinds of computers – Mac, Dell, Toshiba, HP, and more. And of course, many of them raise the prices on the computers, because they have a business to run. Well, the same goes for placement groups. Searching for something as broad as “Volunteer Vacation” will yield millions of results. Digging deeper and figuring out where you want to go, what you want to do, and more will help you figure out exactly the right program.

Once you’ve found a few programs you might like, but you’re still unsure about payment, ask! The coordinators there will be happy to tell you where your funds are going – it’s a very common inquiry.

Click here to continue reading about how to choose a volunteer trip.