3 Powerful Ways to Volunteer Abroad with Children

Volunteering is an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience, especially when you have the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives. Volunteers get the chance to create a lasting impact in diverse communities, gain experience with children of all ages, and reward their own inner child. 

There are plenty of opportunities for individuals who wish to volunteer abroad with children. We’ll explore these today, along with how you can make a difference with children around the world.

1. Step Into the Role of Teacher

Education is one of the most important and necessary volunteer opportunities available. Get to work in a school setting as a teaching assistant and shape the minds of tomorrow with the help of local communities and like-minded volunteers. 

There’s no requirement for a degree or relevant experience to volunteer as a teacher abroad. We only ask that you have a passion for teaching, learning and working with children! 

Many schools abroad offer English language classes, where you can step into the role of a native speaker to improve pronunciation and fluency. However, teaching English isn’t the only way you can help. 

As a volunteer teacher, you’ll typically work in a school with children from primary age to high school. You might be able to help with specific subjects that you’re passionate about, such as music, drama or maths, or you can get stuck into a variety of lessons throughout each school day. 

Benefits of Volunteer Teaching

There are several benefits of volunteering as a teacher or classroom assistant, including: 

• Shape the minds of tomorrow: Have a hand in boosting children’s academic confidence by providing personalized attention that may not otherwise be offered. 
• Expand your global perspective: Encourage your curiosity about the world beyond your community and home country, learning about topical issues and local traditions. 
• Share learning approaches from around the world: Show children a new way of learning to spark interest and excitement around school, such as interactive lessons or creative problem-solving. 
• Empower local teachers: Share resources, lesson ideas and techniques that support stronger classroom environments during your time abroad. 
• Develop confidence, leadership and transferable skills: Boost self-esteem and practical skills through managing a classroom and planning lessons in unfamiliar environments. 

2. Provide Childcare for Families in Need

Volunteering as a childminder in underprivileged communities is an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new culture while giving back and contributing to addressing global issues.

Many families around the world are lacking the resources for reliable childcare. We help parents by providing a safe place for them to leave their children while they’re at work, rather than leaving them home alone. This provides security and relief while ensuring their children thrive in a fun, warm and engaging environment. 

Volunteering in childcare is a wonderful way to develop close relationships with children and an opportunity to take on the role of mentor. You’ll be able to help with lessons and homework, organize fun activities and after-school programs, and create a place where children can’t wait to come back to. 

Our childcare volunteering opportunities range from kindergarten and early years to high school, so you can choose the age group with which you want more experience. You can also contribute to youth support programs and help improve the lives of street children.

H3 Benefits of Childcare Volunteering

You’ll experience countless benefits and opportunities when volunteering abroad in childcare settings, including:

• Develop emotional intelligence: Responding to children’s needs with patience and empathy can help you mature emotionally.
• Become more adaptable: Childcare settings are often unpredictable, so you’ll have the opportunity to improve your creative problem-solving and flexibility. 
• Experience a profound sense of purpose: Knowing you’re contributing to a child’s early development and daily well-being is a wonderful way to fulfil your goals of helping others. 
• Earn hands-on experience in early childhood development: Further your future career if you’re passionate about working in childcare, psychology, education or nursing. 
• Grow your cultural awareness: Get the opportunity to observe families, how they nurture and raise children in different parts of the world.

3. Coach Sports and Inspire Young Minds

If you’re passionate about playing and coaching sports and want to make a difference in the lives of children, why not consider volunteering abroad as a children’s sports coach? You’ll get the opportunity to organise programs, matches and coach teams in any sport you choose. 

Many people agree that sports are a universal language, so no matter whether you choose to organise a soccer competition between schools or teach students the relaxing craft of golf, you’ll be able to bring children together and have fun volunteering in a new, vibrant environment. 

At Volunteering Solutions, we offer a range of sports coaching volunteer opportunities, some of which include specific sports to coach, such as surfing in Portugal, while others give you the freedom to create engaging programs yourself. You’ll work with a team of volunteers to bring excitement and friendly rivalry to your chosen country. 

Sports are often reserved for after school, so you may also be required to teach English or help out as a teaching assistant during school time. 

H3 Benefits of Volunteer Sports Coaching

If you’re considering volunteer sports coaching, there are plenty of benefits to help sway your decision. These include: 

• Sharpen your coaching and mentoring skills: Improve your childcare skills by guiding students with varied skill levels and personalities. 
• Increase your resilience and teamwork: Sports are all about collaboration, so you can boost teamwork by collaborating with local coaches and navigating resource-limited environments. 
• Boost physical fitness: Enjoy playing with your team, improving your physical abilities and sports skills while teaching others. 
• Develop your leadership abilities: Especially when motivating kids, organizing sessions, and encouraging positive sportsmanship. 
• Enhance global coaching perspective: Learn how sports can bring communities together in different cultures and contexts through volunteering abroad. 

Why Volunteer With Volunteering Solutions? 

If you’re thinking of volunteering abroad, it can be daunting to plan everything that goes into your adventure. Volunteering Solutions strives to alleviate this stress, allowing you to focus on getting excited about your trip instead of worrying until your flight time. 

Benefits of working with Volunteering Solutions include: 

• Years of expertise: With over 15 years of experience and 25,000+ happy volunteers, we’ve helped thousands of people achieve their goals and enjoy an incredible experience abroad. 
• Affordability: We pride ourselves on providing affordable programs which cover all the basic benefits required, including accommodation, airport transfer, meals and orientation.
• Prior and in-country support: We have team members in every destination across the globe, on hand and ready to provide 24/7 support whenever you need it. 
• A variety of programs: We currently offer over 250 programs in over 25 destinations across the world, so if working with children isn’t your passion, we’re certain we can find the perfect fit in our catalogue. 
• Volunteer experts you can trust: We’re trusted by travellers all over the world and strive to be better every single day, so you can rest assured that you’re working with an organization that truly cares.  

Ready to Plan Your Volunteering Opportunity Today? 

Volunteering with children is an incredibly powerful way to give back to the world, whether you choose to teach, provide childcare, or coach sports. At Volunteering Solutions, we offer opportunities all over the world, allowing you to choose a destination based on the culture you’re most passionate about. 

If you’re ready to take the leap and start planning your next adventure, check out our volunteering abroad opportunities to find a program that fits your goals.