Where you can volunteer

Fees vary by country and project, but the lowest fee on the site starts from $534. Nepal, India, Kenya, and Tanzania tend to sit toward the lower end of the price range, while destinations such as Argentina and Ireland are priced higher due to program design and location. The exact cost also depends on duration and project type, so it's worth comparing individual country fees rather than assuming by region alone.

Most first-time volunteers do well anywhere on this list, since every country runs through the same local team structure with 24/7 in-country support and a safeguarding policy applied consistently across programs. If you want extra reassurance, look at countries with family-friendly options or shorter minimum stays, and check the minimum age for the project you want, since it starts at 16 and rises to 18+ on some programs.

South Africa, Kenya, Argentina, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bali all run wildlife conservation and animal care projects. All of them are welfare-focused: volunteers assist local keepers and conservation staff with feeding, enclosure upkeep, monitoring, and habitat work. There is no riding, bathing, cuddling, or posing with animals on any program, regardless of destination.

Teaching and childcare programs run in most of the countries on this page, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Peru, and the Philippines among others. See the full list on the teaching programs hub. Volunteers assist qualified local teachers or care staff with lessons, activities, and daily routines, and are never left in sole charge of a class or group of children.

Tanzania, South Africa, Peru, Kenya, and the Philippines all have medical volunteer programs. Volunteers observe and support local clinicians in clinics or wards; they do not diagnose, prescribe medication, or carry out clinical procedures. These placements suit students and graduates in health-related fields who want exposure to a different health care setting under supervision.

Most programs run on fixed weekly or twice-monthly start days rather than a single annual intake, and the exact pattern is set per country and project. The next available start across the site is 14 Sep 2026. Program length ranges from 1 to 24 weeks, so you can usually fit a placement around an existing travel window. Check the start dates page for exact days by country.

Yes, some volunteers book back-to-back programs in two countries, usually within the same region to keep travel time manageable, such as pairing two South America or two Africa destinations. Dates and logistics need to line up between the two placements, so it's best to plan this with the team before booking either program. Contact us to check availability for a combined itinerary.

Each country page lists its available projects and cities, the minimum age and any eligibility notes, program length options, start dates, and the fee breakdown, including what the $249 deposit and program cost cover — see where the fee goes for the general breakdown. It also explains accommodation, meals, and the in-country support team, so you can compare countries on the same basis.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the country you choose, so there is no single answer that covers every destination on this page. Some countries allow a tourist visa on arrival for short stays, others require an application in advance. Check the specific requirement for your passport and chosen country with the relevant embassy or consulate before booking, and confirm details with the in-country team once placed.

Book as soon as you have a country and start date in mind, since popular weeks in busy destinations such as India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Tanzania can fill up. A $249 deposit secures your place, and the flexible booking policy lets you change your program for free up to 45 days before departure if your plans shift.