Founded in Jan 2015, Volunteer World is the largest comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We connect volunteers and volunteer organizations in more than 80 countries. Volunteer World collaborates with local organizations in various sectors, including wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and education.
Award-winning social innovation
Volunteer world was already able to succeed in several competitions based on its sustainable concept:
Next to the title best startup in Düsseldorf/Germany 2015, the title best startup in the Rheinland/Germany 2016 in the follow-up competition was obtained. The young company was also nominated as the best start-up in Germany in the category "Travel/Tourism" in the same year.
Furthermore, Pascal Christiaens, co-founder of Volunteer World, was listed in the SE100 Social Enabler Index (global index for social entrepreneurship) in 2017. In 2018, he also made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the category social entrepreneurship.
A new framework for ethical volunteering
Based on the latest web technology, the platform offers a user-friendly experience. Volunteers can explore, compare and apply to social projects worldwide according to personal preferences concerning location and tasks. Volunteer World believes that fairness, transparency, and independence are key factors to create a sustainable positive change in the volunteer industry.
Therefore, the platform aims to eliminate the risk of volunteers losing money to mediating agencies and to improve the volunteer experience for both volunteer organizations and international volunteers.
For this purpose, we offer various services to provide you with financial safety (Best Price Guarantee, Flex Option, and Refund Guarantee), as well as assistance throughout the process, and a guarantee of high ethical standards.
Understanding Eligibility for Volunteering
Volunteer World provides options for volunteers of all ages, including senior citizens. There is no upper age limit; the primary consideration is physical ability, as some programs may require a certain fitness level. Volunteers over 50 can find suitable projects specifically geared toward their needs. Information about such programs can be accessed through the Volunteer World platform. Additionally, program-specific questions can be addressed by contacting the project coordinator directly.
How to Participate
Becoming a volunteer through Volunteer World involves a few straightforward steps:
Explore Opportunities: Browse the diverse range of programs listed on Volunteer World.
Select a Program: Choose a program that aligns with your skills, interests, and availability.
Understand Financial Considerations: Volunteer positions are unpaid, and host organizations typically charge a fee to cover costs like accommodation, meals, and transportation (e.g., airport pickup). These details are outlined on the program pages.
Apply and Communicate: Once you've selected a program, contact the project coordinator if you need additional information before committing.
Geographical Reach and Limitations
Currently, Volunteer World does not support all countries for volunteer placement. While the platform is actively working to expand its reach, some countries are not yet covered. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to explore available options on the platform for programs that meet their preferences and goals.