Volunteering abroad was one of the methods that helped me stretch my travel budget in the early stages of my round-the-world trip. When you are beginning as a long-term traveler, this is the best way to learn about other cultures and improve your travel game.
You will meet a lot of people who will be your friends forever. It’s so much easier to make friends if you are volunteering because of the same setting you are all in.
While it can make you lasting friendships, it teaches you how to thrive solo. Imagine going to a place where you don’t know anyone, and then you are expected to figure things out immediately.
The good thing about it is you can stay in a place you like for long periods. The minimum stay for a volunteering gig is 10 days, and the maximum is 3 months.
It all depends on your host. This is the best way to eat, speak, cook, sleep, and breathe a culture far from yours.
Volunteering abroad vs work exchange
I’ve volunteered abroad and worked in exchanges, and I want to explain the slight difference. Many new long-term travelers confuse this volunteering with charity, but this is not always the case.
The keyword in this type of volunteering is work exchange, where you can get food and accommodations for free in exchange for a 5-hour maximum work daily, with 2 days off per week.
While work exchange and volunteering involve offering your time and skills, there are some key differences.
| Work Exchange | Volunteering | |
| Purpose | Primarily for cultural exchange and budget travel. Work exchange allows you to explore new places affordably by working in exchange for accommodation and sometimes meals. | More focused on contributing to a cause, charity, or community project. It’s often driven by a desire to help others or support a particular mission. |
| Hosts | Usually private individuals, families, or small businesses (e.g., farms, hostels). | Typically non-profits, NGOs, community organizations, or charities. |
| Compensation | Non-monetary: you receive food and lodging instead of a salary. | Generally unpaid; you will receive basic accommodation and food, but often you cover your own expenses. |
| Duration | Often short-term, ranging from a few days to a few months. | Can be short-term or long-term, with some projects lasting several months to a year or more. |
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How volunteering abroad works
Step 1: Sign up for a volunteering website
There are many volunteering websites; you can choose whatever fits your preference and budget. They are usually paid (from $69-$120 per year).
You must fill out a profile with your background, skills, interests, and travel plans. Think of it as your introduction to potential hosts. Mention any relevant experience and what kind of work you’re interested in.
Step 2: Browse opportunities
First, search for hosts. All volunteering websites have search tools to find hosts around the world. You can filter opportunities based on location, type of work, and duration.
Hosts post detailed descriptions of what they need help with, ranging from farming and gardening to childcare and hospitality.
Other tasks include:
- Farming: Planting, harvesting, caring for animals.
- Childcare: Babysitting, playing with kids, helping with homework.
- Hostel Work: Reception duties, cleaning, guest interaction.
- Eco-projects: Building sustainable structures, permaculture.
Step 3: Contact hosts
Once you find opportunities that interest you, message the host. Please introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in their project. Ask any questions you have about the work and living conditions.
Since you have not been to the place yet, ask any questions you have about the work and living conditions. When I was backpacking Asia, I was just looking into free accommodations and I did not even check that the volunteering work I applied for did not have a shower!
The area was remote, and they only had the river to bathe in. I arrived there and committed to a one-month stay before checking the living conditions.
However, it was a very grounding experience since I could see how others live their daily lives. This experience was very enriching!
Here’s what to discuss with the host, and make sure to clarify the specifics:
- Work Hours: Confirm the number of hours you’ll work each day (usually around 5 hours).
- Accommodation: Find out what kind of lodging you’ll have (e.g., private room, shared space).
- Meals: Ask if meals are provided or if you’ll need to prepare your own food.
- Expectations: Understand what tasks you’ll be doing and any skills you need.
Step 4: Agree on Terms
Some hosts might require a Skype interview. The work exchange movement in the world is BIG, so you are not the only applicant! Most work exchange hosts only accept four volunteers per month or season.
You can finalize your plans once you and the host are clear on the terms. Ensure everything is agreed upon in writing, including work hours, days off, accommodation, and other essential details.
From there, you have to arrange your travel to the host’s location. They do not do this for you, but they will give you instructions and details on how to get to their place.
You also have to check the visa requirements in that country if you plan to stay longer.
Step 5: Stay and Work
When you arrive, get acquainted with your host and your new surroundings. They’ll likely give you a tour and explain the daily routine.
It is also important to put boundaries on your work schedule. Only work for the agreed number of hours each day. The type of work can vary, and you will learn new skills!
Beyond work, you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Engage with your host and community, try local foods, and explore the area.
You can explore, relax, and meet other travelers during your free time. Most hosts give 2 days off per week.
👉🏼 See also: Journeying Sri Lanka Episode 2: My host mom in Colombo
Where to find volunteering abroad opportunities
Here are some websites that I can share with you. If you are a beginner traveler, you can sign up for my Transformative Travel Academy, and I will help you get started with volunteering abroad and getting gigs!
1. Worldpackers
Worldpackers is a platform that connects travelers with hosts worldwide who offer work exchange opportunities.
They offer a WP Safeguard program, which covers the cost of emergency stays if your experience doesn’t go as planned. They also have a responsive support team available 7 days a week to assist travelers.
Annual membership fee: from $99
👉🏼 You can use my code PSIMONMYWAY10 to get $10 off on your membership!
2. Workaway
Workaway is usually centralized on cultural exchange and learning. Travel cheaply and stay for free, making a difference to the communities you visit.
Put your existing skills to good use, or try something new you‘d never normally get to do and pick up new skills along the way.
There is an ever-growing list of 1000s active hosts in over 155 countries offering all kinds of places to stay.
Annual membership fee: from $59
3. HelpX
HelpX is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farm stays, homestays, ranches, lodges, Bnbs, backpackers hostels, and even sailing boats that invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.
2-year membership fee: $22 for an individual account
4. WWOOOF
Get hands-on experience on organic farms, gardens, and smallholdings – all offering food, accommodation, and learning in exchange for practical help on the land.
They have individual websites for each country so the search will be personalized and easy!
Annual membership fee: $22 for an individual account; $34 for a couples (or 2 friends)
5. All Hands Volunteers
All Hands Volunteers is a volunteering website specializing in countries affected by natural disasters. The application process is longer than usual because they have to make sure you will have the capability to respond or live in a disaster zone.
No membership fee, but fundraising is expected but not required. This organization relies heavily on donations.
6. Idealist
Idealist is a global platform that connects people, organizations, and resources for social good. They list over 100,000 volunteer opportunities from trusted partners. These range from one-time events to ongoing commitments.
Aside from volunteering gigs, they also have paid opportunities for real employment. The website is easy to use because of its filter feature.[No membership fee]
Idealist is the world’s largest social-impact job board, featuring thousands of job opportunities in various sectors such as education, environment, human rights, and more.
They also provide a tool to help you understand salary expectations for nonprofit roles.
Aside from volunteering gigs, they also have paid opportunities for real employment. The website is easy to use because of its filter feature.[No membership fee]
7. VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch is the largest network in the nonprofit world, connecting volunteers with opportunities to make a difference. It helps people find volunteer work that matches their interests and skills, and supports nonprofits in recruiting volunteers1.
8. Points of Light
Points of Light is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging people and resources to solve social problems through volunteer service. Founded in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush, it mobilizes millions of volunteers across 38 countries3.
9. HelpStay
HelpStay is a platform that connects travelers with hosts around the world, allowing them to exchange volunteer work for free accommodation. It offers a variety of volunteer opportunities in over 100 countries, making travel meaningful and affordable5.
10. All Out Africa
All Out Africa is a volunteer organization that focuses on community development and conservation projects in Africa. They offer various programs for volunteers to participate in, including wildlife conservation, education, and community health initiatives.
11. Do Good As You Go
DoGoodAsYouGo is a platform that connects travelers with local volunteer opportunities, allowing them to give back to the communities they visit. It promotes responsible tourism by encouraging travelers to engage in meaningful volunteer work during their trips.
12. KindMankind
KindMankind is a platform for independent changemakers, formerly known as volunteers. It was created in March 2011 by Kamiel Verwer and Yeon Choi, building upon their experience with Charity Travel.
KindMankind connects independent volunteers with grassroots projects in need of support, making it easier for them to contribute where needed.
How to create a stellar volunteering profile
Since volunteering hosts don’t know you, you have to showcase your talent and skills through your profile, so take it seriously – don’t just sign up!
This is particularly challenging for first-time volunteers, especially if you do not have a recommendation from a host yet.
Your host needs more information about you – something more personal. They want to know your interests (aside from traveling, of course), what kind of food you eat, what’s your goal in traveling the world, etc. Even your family background can be a crucial part of the selection!
Create an attractive headline
Not all volunteering websites require this, but if you are to describe yourself in a short phrase, how will you do it? A headline is one of the highlights of your profile.
It’s kind of similar to “current mission.” Sample of a catchy headline: Honest, hardworking, and reliable backpacker from the state of Texas available to volunteer.
Your bio
Introduce yourself briefly, including what you have been doing before traveling the world, your career background, a little about where you grew up, your hobbies, and what made volunteering an interesting choice to sustain your travels.
Remember that hosts are not after your skills. They are not looking for a cleaner — they are looking for real people who are kind, outgoing, charismatic, and easy to work with.
Past volunteering experiences
Of course, your experience should be the bulk of your profile. Where have you volunteered? How many volunteering gigs have you done? What did you do?
The experience should be authentic and very specific. Tell them about how you loved being around pets or how you’ve taken cared for horses in Argentina.
Any relevant experience related to volunteering should be in this part of the profile. Write something. Tell your story!
High resolution photos
Great photos should be up on your profile. Ensure that the images are clear and reflect your personality as a person. Do not stage photos like raking leaves outside your backyard or cleaning the kitchen.
Photos make lasting impressions, and if you present your true, authentic self, you can surely land a volunteering gig anywhere in the world. Show yourself in different situations.
Include your social media profiles
Social Media has been the easiest way to get to know people worldwide because it’s comfortable. Everyone’s life is broadcasted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc, so showing yours to the hosts will give them a more visual idea of who you are.
In my experience, I always give my blog link and it works – I always get the gig through showing my blog even if I only had 3 posts when I started volunteering a few years ago.
Personalize your application letter
In the first stages of my volunteering, I made an e-mail macro, which I could just copy/paste and mass send to all hosts, but this technique didn’t last long.
There was one time when I was rushing to find a host. My visa was expiring, and I had to leave the country I was in, so I immediately went to a volunteering website to plan my next move.
The macros are really good, but I forgot to change dates and edit the salutation. I only realized the mistake when I had already pressed send. The worst part is I sent it 10 hosts! Yikes!
What I learned from using email macros: highlight the part where you need to change info. You can create your application letter on Google Docs and use the highlight feature for you to see what needs to be changed easily.
Tips for volunteering abroad
Unfortunately, not all hosts are the same. A big bulk of listing is taking advantage of volunteering websites to avoid paying real employees and this is not the true essence of volunteering.
Volunteering gigs should be focused more on cultural exchange rather than hosting foreigners to work without pay. Below are some of the rights you need to know if you plan to volunteer:
This is not a 9-5 job!
Maximum volunteering hours is 5 hours. The rest of the day should be dedicated for you to explore the city you are in and/or do something else.
If a volunteering job is more than 5 hours, then don’t take it. I might as well report it to the website and ask why they are asking for so many hours.
If food is not included, say no
Don’t apply to listings that don’t offer food. By default, food should be included for volunteers. Sure, you agreed to work without monetary compensation but the food is very important in your shift.
What if you have a 12:00 – 17:00 shift? You won’t have time to make lunch because you will be packed with a lot of tasks.
You can’t even go out to grab food during work hours. Demand for food because it’s the right thing to do. If you don’t, you are contributing to the already high numbers of abusive hosts.
Clean working/living environment
You will come across filthy kitchens and dirty dorm rooms but you won’t know this until you come. Upon arrival, if you see something wrong (i.e. dirty volunteer dorm toilet), tell your host right away.
Along the way, it will be the volunteer’s job to maintain cleanliness, but the host (or their paid staff) should have a thorough cleaning schedule at least once a week.
Unsanitary living environments will increase the risk of you getting sick and you don’t want that! You want to be healthy so you can travel farther.
Volunteer in places that will have an impact on you
Don’t just think about volunteer work, free food, and accommodation because all volunteering posts have them. Think about how a specific program will impact you and how you think it will contribute to your well-being.
Determine your skills set
All the applications are made online, so you must be clear on what you can and can’t do. A lot of organizations rely solely on volunteers, especially hostel bars.
For example, if they ask for “experience in bartending” as one of the qualifications, ask if there is a need to know how to mix drinks or if it’s just a service kind of job.
Although most jobs don’t require previous experience, make sure you only venture into something you know of.
Hit two birds with one stone
When choosing a volunteering gig, it’s best to combine your goals. Look for posts that will help you achieve your travel goals efficiently. For example, we know that traveling to the Galapagos is very expensive.
Lucky for us, there are a lot of volunteering placements there that can get you to the island for free.
However, they require a minimum 3-mo stay for volunteers because it can save them time and energy. If you’re willing to stay in Galapagos for 3 months, then it’s a win-win situation for you.
Consider your hosts as family
You are not a guest on their property. You are there to help them. Make sure to have a genuine connection with your host, such as by telling them about your family or cooking your country’s traditional food.
Always ask for a reference
After volunteering, ask your host to refer to their experience in hosting you. Most hosts won’t do this unless they want you to do the same for them.
References will strengthen your profile and help you quickly search for the next volunteering gig. Remember that hosts prefer volunteers who have comments/reviews from other people.
You can volunteer forever but it’s not sustainable
Volunteering is only a stepping stone for you to be accustomed to being out here. It only cuts costs, but money is not coming in. If you want to pursue a higher level of long-term traveling, you can leverage volunteering to get ideas and angles on sustaining your life on the road.
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I wish I would have read this about 7 years ago when I wanted to volunteer around the world. I didn’t in the end, as life had other plans for me. Your advice is incredibly useful. I especially think it’s relevant to have a personalised letter! That is super important and it helps with any job. Will share this with my friends, thank you for writing this.
This is an awesome resource for people to volunteer abroad. I’ve done a little bit of volunteering abroad and have heard of workaway and wwoofing but never knew there were so many other options! I have to look into this!
Bookmarked it! Very good information.
I’m travelling & using Workaway to find placements – I love it! I usually volunteer in hostels, although sometimes I prefer some quiet time away from all the people, as usually the bed is in a dorm so you never really leave “work” 😀
This is a great overview on the practical side of volunteering, thank you – great for people who want to make a difference but don’t know where to start.
Thanks Trish, I think I just asked you about this and here you are, giving yet another very detailed and informative post. I would like to try one of this soon.
Great detailed post, and some important tips, on volunteering. It is a great way to see a destination from a totally different perspective, and be able to give back while learning so much. I have wanted to do WWOOF for a while, but the timing has never worked out. Maybe I finally need to pull the trigger and make it happen!
A very well written article. You have tried to answer and summarize everything how, where and what volunteer should look for in the opportunities and what are his rights. I have never opted for any activity till day but would love to give a try in near future. thanks for sharing.
I wish I read this article years ago when I was researching the subject. I remember spending months of digging through mountains of information trying to figure out how reliable and trustworthy those sources were. It is so nice when someone who had actual experience shares insights. Glad that you mentioned Idealist. Even going back to my 9-to-5 days decade ago, they were a great resource for those who wanted to leave a positive impact.
I started volunteering for short periods last year and have continued to rely more on this recently, and I agree how beneficial it is for backpackers and long term travelers. Some new websites here as well. Thanks for these tips!