Gap Year Volunteer Abroad Programs

On teaching and childcare placements you assist local staff through weekday mornings and afternoons, following lesson plans or activity schedules they set. Conservation and wildlife placements follow feeding, monitoring or habitat routines set by the host organization. Evenings and weekends are free, and most volunteers live in a shared house with others in a similar age range. The exact setup depends on the country and project type, which run across teaching, childcare, community development, special needs care, medical volunteer and wildlife & animal care.

It suits school leavers taking a year before university, students on a break, and anyone doing their first extended trip abroad without family. Programs run from 1 to 24 weeks, so you can fit a short placement around travel plans or commit to a longer stretch. Most programs accept volunteers aged 16+, with 18+ on some programs, and no prior volunteering experience is required for most roles.

Fees start from $534, with a $249 deposit due at booking, and cover shared accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation and in-country supervision. Flights, visas and travel insurance are arranged separately. See how program costs break down for the full picture, since exact fees vary by country and length.

Placements run from 1 to 24 weeks, so you can slot in a short break or a full gap-year stretch. Start dates run on a fixed weekly or monthly schedule depending on the program, with the next available date 23 Sep 2026. Check exact dates by country on the start dates explorer. Extending once you are on the ground is possible where the project has space.

Programs run across 16 countries, with the most bookings currently in South Africa, India, Peru and Ireland. The full list includes South Africa, India, Peru, Ireland, Philippines, Kenya and 10 more countries, spanning teaching, childcare, community development, special needs care, medical support and wildlife and animal care. Each destination has its own local team, so housing, orientation and project setup vary by country. Compare options on the destinations page.

An in-country coordinator meets you at the airport, runs orientation on day one, and stays reachable for the length of your stay. You live in shared volunteer accommodation rather than alone, with support available for anything from a lost passport to a medical issue. This setup is built for people traveling independently for the first time, not just seasoned travelers.

No. Volunteers assist local staff and are never left in sole charge of a classroom, a child, or an animal. Placements involving children or vulnerable adults require a background check before travel, under our child and vulnerable adult protection policy. Wildlife placements are welfare-focused, with no riding, bathing or posed photos, only supported hands-on care.

Yes. Many gap year volunteers raise part of their fee through platforms such as GoFundMe or JustGiving, and students can also look into university bursaries or scheme funding. See how to fundraise your trip for a starting point before you book.

Most programs accept volunteers from 16+, with a smaller number set at 18+ on some programs depending on the nature of the work. Under-18 volunteers usually need a signed parental consent form. There is no strict upper age limit, and many placements also suit people in their twenties taking a break between study or work.

Book by telling our team your preferred country, dates and project type; a $249 deposit secures your place. If your dates or program need to shift afterward, our flexible booking policy allows free changes up to 45 days before departure. The remaining balance is due closer to your start date.