{"id":30888,"date":"2019-03-17T14:13:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-17T14:13:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2020-09-25T13:55:28","modified_gmt":"2020-09-25T13:55:28","slug":"2019-best-volunteer-abroad-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rubyskynews.com\/index.php\/2019\/03\/17\/2019-best-volunteer-abroad-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Best #Volunteer #Abroad #Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve resolved to travel and make a difference in 2018, there\u2019s no shortage of amazing volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs awaiting you.<\/div>\n
All of the organizations outlined below have excellent reviews from very happy volunteers, interns, and teachers here on Volunteer Forever\u2013read on to see what they\u2019ve said and to find the perfect volunteer abroad, internship abroad, teach abroad, Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), or language program.<\/div>\n
While traveling abroad can be expensive, we feature wonderful programs such as International Volunteer HQ<\/a><\/strong>, which are super affordable and available in over 45 different destinations<\/strong><\/a>, including Bali<\/a>, South Africa<\/a>, Costa Rica<\/a>, Peru<\/a>, Fiji<\/a>, Nepal<\/a>, and Italy<\/a>. They have supported over 85,000 travelers to volunteer abroad safely since 2007 and have an experienced team of volunteer travel experts who will ensure you are well prepared for your trip. Their top rated programs and focus on safety are what makes IVHQ the world\u2019s most popular choice for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups<\/strong>. They also have the world\u2019s largest range of projects to choose from with volunteer opportunities in Healthcare<\/a>, Childcare<\/a>, Teaching<\/a>, Conservation<\/a>, Construction<\/a>, Wildlife and Animal Care<\/a>, and more. Some of the most popular destinations to check out are Madagascar<\/a>, Vietnam<\/a>, Kenya<\/a>, Cambodia<\/a>, Spain<\/a>, and Thailand<\/a>, and they\u2019ve recently opened new programs in Jamaica<\/a>, Greece<\/a>, Malaysia<\/a>, Belize<\/a>, Belgium<\/a> and USA \u2013 New Orleans<\/a>.<\/div>\n
Plan My Gap Year<\/a> is another excellent organization that offers affordable & trusted volunteer projects overseas<\/strong>. They\u2019re transparent about their fees and are a wonderful choice for solo, female travelers<\/strong> (93% travel solo and 83% of volunteers are female). Their most popular destinations to check out are Sri Lanka<\/a>, Cambodia<\/a>, and Bali<\/a> and they will soon offer projects in Costa Rica<\/a>, Peru<\/a>, and Ecuador<\/a>.<\/div>\n
If you\u2019re interested in an immersive volunteer volunteer trip to Latin America, check out Maximo Nivel<\/a><\/strong>, which offers impactful and educational placements in Costa Rica<\/a>, Guatemala<\/a>, and Peru<\/a>. Some of Maximo Nivel\u2019s volunteer abroad opportunities include construction<\/a>, conservation<\/a>, teaching English<\/a>, working with kids<\/a>, and working with indigenous communities<\/a>. You also might consider enrolling in a Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification program<\/a>, which prepares you for ESL job placements around the world \u2013 or on the flip side, if you\u2019re looking to learn a new language, be sure to check out Maximo Nivel\u2019s Spanish Immersion programs<\/a>.<\/div>\n
Whether you\u2019re a student, or you\u2019re taking a gap year, or you\u2019re a professional or a career break traveler, you\u2019re guaranteed to find a volunteer placement<\/a>, language immersion opportunity, TEFL certificate course, or hands-on internship<\/a> such as a teach English abroad internship<\/a> (no teaching experience required<\/strong>) from the award-winning organization, Global Vision International, that will allow you to explore the world, make a difference, and meet new friends. Teaching English to children<\/a> in a classroom setting is also a great way to participate in childcare projects in an ethical and sustainable manner.<\/div>\n
If you\u2019re a current or aspiring doctor, nurse dentist, or other healthcare professional, you will find a ton of medical volunteer opportunities and internships below. Some great volunteering projects include Volunteering Solutions\u2019 medical volunteer program in Peru<\/a>, Plan My Gap Year\u2019s mental health placement in Ghana<\/a>, Khaya Volunteers\u2019 Cape Town Children\u2019s hospital placement<\/a>, and Camp Thailand\u2019s medical volunteer program<\/a>. If you\u2019re looking for a medical internship, then be sure to check out Love Volunteers\u2019 medical internship in Ecuador<\/a> and SAVE\u2019s healthcare internship in South Africa<\/a>.<\/div>\n
Or if you\u2019re interested in volunteering with animals, <\/strong>then check out Plan My Gap Year\u2019s wildlife conservation projects<\/a>, some<\/strong> of the most popular in the world<\/strong>. <\/strong>If you want to work with animals <\/strong>in exotic locations, then check out Fronteering<\/a>, which offers a Husky Ranch<\/a> volunteer project in Canada and Predator Research Internship<\/a> in the Amazon.<\/div>\n
Lastly, if you are in high school and looking for a teen volunteer abroad opportunity<\/a><\/strong>, then be sure to check out the under 18 projects offered by Global Leadership Adventures<\/a>, an organization whose founder was recognized by President Obama or these super affordable teen volunteer projects<\/a>from Plan My Gap Year!<\/div>\n
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International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)<\/a><\/h1>\n
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\"IVHQ<\/a><\/div>\n
Founded in 2007 by Dan Radcliffe, International Volunteer HQ<\/a> offers over 200 affordable volunteer trips<\/a> to 45 destinations in Africa, Latin America, the USA, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. IVHQ has placed more than 85,000 volunteers<\/strong> overseas<\/strong> on projects ranging from teaching, to healthcare, to childcare, and more. Programs last one week to 24 weeks and start at $180. Given the affordability of IVHQ\u2019s programs, volunteers could very well volunteer abroad for free by fundraising on Volunteer Forever and applying for our volunteer abroad scholarships!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

IVHQ OPPORTUNITIES TO CHECK OUT<\/h2>\n
Volunteer in Bali: Ubud<\/a> and Lovina<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
Looking for a beach getaway in an island paradise where you can do good? Volunteer with IVHQ in Bali! Travel to the cultural center of Ubud<\/a>, where you can volunteer with a teaching project, in a kindergarten, with construction and renovation, turtle conservation, environmental education, or healthcare edcation. Or head to the coastal town of Lovina<\/a>, where you can lend a hand with kindergarten support and teaching, or with school and community renovation. During your free time, go snorkeling or diving, embark on a cycling or trekking tour, explore temples and waterfalls, and much more! IVHQ\u2019s trips to Ubud<\/a> and Lovina<\/a>, Bali start from one week at a very affordable $295.<\/div>\n
Volunteer in South Africa: Cape Town<\/a> and Table View<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
Have you always wanted to visit Africa? If so, IVHQ may have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Travel to central Cape Town<\/a> or to nearby Table View<\/a> and immerse yourself in South African culture while volunteering on impactful initiatives.<\/div>\n
In Cape Town, you can choose between childcare, teaching, computer training, sport development, or surf outreach volunteer trips. If you decide to volunteer in Table View, check out IVHQ\u2019s Surf, Skate & Swim volunteer program, which supports students from low-income communities. Other Table View volunteering opportunities include kindergarten, special needs care, sport development, and the Holiday Club project, which keeps students active and engaged during their school holidays. During your free time, you can explore the area, and even take a long weekend to go on a safari or check out the Garden Route. IVHQ\u2019s South Africa volunteer programs in Cape Town<\/a> and Table View<\/a>start from only $250 for one week.<\/div>\n
Volunteer in Costa Rica<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
Embark on an adventure to Costa Rica<\/a> with IVHQ, where you can choose from several different volunteer programs in San Jose, Manuel Antonio, and beyond! Programs that you can be a part of include:<\/div>\n
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  1. Childcare and working with children at daycares and schools<\/li>\n
  2. Turtle conservation and research<\/li>\n
  3. Healthcare at clinics for disabled children, hospitals, and other locations<\/li>\n
  4. Construction and renovation<\/li>\n
  5. Teaching English at public schools, in homes, or even at a local fire station<\/li>\n
  6. Eco-agricultural conservation in the central highlands of Costa Rica<\/li>\n
  7. Special needs care for students with intellectual and physical disabilities<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    IVHQ also offers a Holiday Experience during Christmas and the New Year, where you can participate in a variety of volunteer projects, including working with children and the elderly, planning celebrations for underprivileged children, and sprucing up community centers. And if you would like to gain university credit while volunteering in Costa Rica, check out IVHQ\u2019s Spanish Service Learning Course<\/a> in San Jose!<\/div>\n
    During your weekends and free time, you\u2019re invited to explore San Jose and other areas of the country, including volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches. Volunteering with IVHQ in Costa Rica<\/a> starts from one week at only $365.<\/div>\n
    Volunteer in Italy<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
    Volunteer in beautiful Italy with IVHQ<\/a>! Travel to Naples for two to 12 weeks on this wonderful program, where you can:<\/div>\n
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    1. Teach English at a public school or after school program<\/li>\n
    2. Take part in an after school care initiative that aims to keep children and youth off of the streets<\/li>\n
    3. Preserve UNESCO World Heritage Sites around Naples, including archaeological ruins, protected marine life, and more<\/li>\n
    4. Provide support to local NGOs working in the areas of community development, child and youth welfare, immigration and migrant support, and human rights (LGBT community)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      During your stay in Italy, you will have the opportunity to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area, or even travel to Rome, Mt. Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast, and much more. This program starts from only $685 for your first two weeks in Italy<\/a>.<\/div>\n

      IVHQ PROGRAM REVIEW: KAITLYN, GUATEMALA<\/h2>\n
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      I volunteered in Guatemala with IVHQ and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had<\/strong>! My program cost less than half of some of the other programs I was looking at and gave me more than those programs did \u2013 from the great food at meal times, to the actual program and the pickup at the airport and lots of options for support if it was needed!! Overall IVHQ is amazing and they are definitely the organization to volunteer with<\/strong>!<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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      Plan My Gap Year<\/a><\/h1>\n
      \"Plan<\/a><\/div>\n
      Founded in 2011, Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)<\/a> offers among the world\u2019s most affordable placements<\/strong> for travelers who would like to volunteer in childcare<\/a>, English teaching<\/a>, wildlife conservation<\/a>, community projects<\/a>, and mental health<\/a> projects in Africa and Asia. PMGY prides itself on transparency and accountability, with all programs personally inspected and vetted by the PMGY team to ensure project safety and to be certain that you will be matched with an initiative that complements your skills and interests. Since 93% of PMGY\u2019s participants are either solo or female, this organization is a great fit for people who will be volunteering alone and want to meet other like-minded travelers. And with recognition such as the Shell LiveWire Grand Idea Award, Thailand Green Excellence Award, and Special Recognition from the United Nations<\/strong> in Sri Lanka, Plan My Gap Year is a wonderful organization to check out if you want to make sure you\u2019re helping with sustainable, impactful projects.<\/div>\n

      PLAN MY GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITIES TO CHECK OUT<\/h2>\n
      Volunteer in Sri Lanka<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
      Located in Ambalangoda, the Southern province of Sri Lanka<\/a>, this program invites you on several different volunteer experiences, including child care, English teaching<\/a>, medical care, turtle conservation, and much more. As PMGY\u2019s most popular destination<\/strong>, there\u2019s plenty of opportunity for exploration, adventure, and impactful volunteer work that you can take on in Sri Lanka. This program<\/a> starts on the first and third Saturday of every month, and is based in a gorgeous island beachside location. You can stay from two weeks to over six months, and depending on the project you sign up for, your first two weeks abroad cost only $400.<\/div>\n
      Volunteer in Bali<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
      Another wonderful opportunity to check out with Plan My Gap Year is their Bali, Indonesia volunteer program<\/a>, where you can care for children in need, teach English in a classroom, and much more. Bali is also featured in PMGY\u2019s Ultimate Round the World Tour, which takes you to 9 different destinations over 36 weeks. Based in Tabanan, PMGY\u2019s Bali volunteer program is extremely affordable, starting from just $330 <\/strong>for your first two weeks onsite.<\/div>\n
      Volunteer in Ghana<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
      If you have always dreamed of visiting Africa, PMGY has many different meaningful volunteer projects in Ghana<\/a>, including supporting disabled children, teaching English, providing medical care, and even helping out with mental health and psychology initiatives. As a volunteer, you\u2019ll be based in an urban neighborhood of Kumasi, and have the chance to visit Cape Coast, Elmina, and Mole National Park. This program starts from only $375 for your first two weeks in Ghana, and you can stay up to six months, depending on the project you sign up for.<\/div>\n
      Volunteer in Vietnam<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
      Travel to Vietnam<\/a> and work beside NGO professionals as a Plan My Gap Year volunteer, and gain experience in marketing and promotion! Put your writing and social media skills to great use while you learn about economic, environmental, and social issues in the developing world. If you have an affinity for graphic design or web development, your fresh new ideas and energy can make a difference with NGOs in need of extra help with fundraising, marketing, and more. Program fees start at only $435 for two weeks<\/strong><\/a>, and you\u2019re invited to stay up to six months.<\/div>\n
      Volunteer in India<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
      If you\u2019re more interested in visiting India, join Plan My Gap Year in Haryana<\/a> and be part of a program that provides computer and vocational training for young women. Through this initiative, these women have a greater chance of employment and education success in what traditionally is a male-dominated community. Everyday skills that you may take for granted \u2013 such as sewing, arts and crafts, and even basic numeracy and English language \u2013 can help overcome cultural barriers, make new friends, and help these women build bright futures for themselves and for their families. Program fees start at just $330 for two weeks<\/strong><\/a>, and you can stay up to six months.<\/div>\n
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      Maximo Nivel<\/a><\/h1>\n
      \"Maximo<\/a><\/div>\n
      Maximo Nivel<\/a> is Volunteer Forever\u2019s top-ranked program <\/strong>with over 250 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating<\/u>. Their programs are very affordably priced<\/strong>, starting at just $595<\/a> (for one week) and appeal to a broad base of participants from high school students to graduate students and working professionals.<\/div>\n
      Maximo Nivel was founded in 2003 and has hosted over 25,000 participants for its volunteer abroad<\/a>, internship abroad<\/a>, study abroad<\/a>, Spanish Immersion<\/a>, Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL<\/a>), Semester Abroad, and High School Abroad programs. Maximo Nivel offers its projects in three countries in Latin America: Costa Rica<\/a>, Guatemala<\/a>, and Peru<\/a>.<\/div>\n
      Whether you\u2019re looking for a one-week adventure or a full gap year experience, Maximo Nivel<\/a> is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a high-quality, affordable, and enriching experience in Latin America.<\/div>\n

      MAXIMO NIVEL OPPORTUNITIES TO CHECK OUT:<\/h2>\n
      TEFL \u2013 Teaching English Abroad<\/a><\/div>\n
      Right now, Maximo Nivel is offering TEFL certification courses<\/a> for travelers who want to teach English and gain new skills abroad. You\u2019ll start with an intensive, four-week, accredited certification course in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru (online courses<\/a> also are available), after which you\u2019re free to look for paid teaching abroad placements.<\/div>\n
      Maximo Nivel provides lifetime job-seeking support for their alumni, and even hires three to five graduates each month to work as teachers in their Native English Program<\/a> in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. There are lots of different types of teaching opportunities Maximo Nivel will help you find, including business English teaching, private tutoring, school teaching, and much more, depending on your skills and interests.<\/div>\n
      Volunteer Adventure<\/a><\/div>\n
      On this two-week volunteer adventure<\/a>, you\u2019ll spend five days volunteering, and six days traveling in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. A few volunteer projects you can take on include working with kids, teaching English, construction, conservation, animal care, or medical \/ healthcare.<\/div>\n
      For the tour portion of your trip, you\u2019ll go zip lining, touring on a catamaran, hiking through a national park, visiting waterfalls and volcanos, and much more, depending on which country you decide to visit. This is an excellent opportunity to combine international community service, learning, and adventure.<\/div>\n
      Education Internship<\/a><\/div>\n
      If you\u2019re currently studying education, secondary education, or a related field at your college or university, you are invited to take part in Maximo Nivel\u2019s education internship abroad<\/a>. Through this placement, you\u2019ll work alongside professional teachers to gain insight into teaching in classrooms for early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school students. ESL-specific placements also are available.<\/div>\n
      You\u2019re invited to stay for a minimum of four weeks and can expect to work four to six hours per day Monday through Friday each week. As an intern, you\u2019ll have the wonderful opportunity observe classroom instruction and management, help with planning and conducting lessons, learn about Latin American culture, and develop your teaching and leadership skills.<\/div>\n
      Micro Business Internship<\/a><\/div>\n
      Maximo Nivel also offers a micro business internship<\/a> for students interested subjects such as business development and management, marketing, sales, client services, accounting, and much more. For four weeks, you\u2019ll work with a local company or entrepreneur in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru to assist with marketing, client needs, administrative work, and other tasks that can help keep the company running, scale it appropriately, and set it up for success over the long-term.<\/div>\n
      You must have intermediate Spanish language ability to apply, and you\u2019re encouraged to enroll in Maximo Nivel\u2019s online Spanish class<\/a> or native Spanish program<\/a> to gain the language skills you\u2019ll need to be successful on your internship.<\/div>\n

      MAXIMO NIVEL PROGRAM REVIEW: ALEXA HART<\/h2>\n
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      \u201cI went to Cusco, Peru on a one-way ticket back in 2009 and had the time of my life. Maximo was a big contributor to my positive experience. I volunteered with underprivileged kids and helped paint a battered women\u2019s shelter. I also took inexpensive Spanish lessons with them.
      The accommodation they provided was great (I recommend Arcopata Family House). I lived with fellow participants of the program in a house and was provided really good meals. When I got sick, they had a doctor come to the house to check on me and give me medicine too.
      After volunteering, I became TEFL certified with them during a 4-week course. All in all, I was very impressed, and I would recommend them to anyone. The experience changed my life.<\/strong>\u201c<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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      Love Volunteers<\/a><\/h1>\n
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      \"love<\/a><\/div>\n
      Founded by a brother-sister team, Love Volunteers is a low-cost international volunteer organization<\/a> that provides meaningful, life-changing projects in over 34 countries around the world<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Every year, thousands of Love Volunteers from all over the globe are placed into 1 week to 6 month projects in Central and South America, Asia, Africa, The Middle East, and Europe. A few of Love Volunteers\u2019 popular locations include:<\/div>\n