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How to find the right volunteer project?

Read through this guide to learn how we can help you to find a suitable volunteer program.

Linda Anderson avatar
Written by Linda Anderson
Updated this week

We know that sometimes the high amount of volunteer programs offered on our platform might seem overwhelming at first. This is why we can help you with finding a suitable volunteer program. We also created special platform functions on our website to facilitate the search process for you.

Find Your Perfect Volunteering Program

Start Your Search: Find Programs That Fit You

Our search bar is designed to help you find the volunteering program that suits you best in a heartbeat.

The search bar is divided into three sections, making it easy to find programs that match your preferences:

  • Destination – choose the country where you want to volunteer.

  • Dates – select your preferred travel period.

  • Category – pick the type of volunteering you’re interested in.

To get started, click on the search box in the center of the page and enter your criteria in one or more sections.

Destination

You can find your destination in three ways:

  1. You know where you want to go: type the country, continent, city, region, or island in the “Where” box.

  2. Explore all destinations: click on “All destinations” to see all programs, wherever they are.

  3. Get ideas: scroll through the most popular destinations to discover programs you might like.

Dates

Click on the Dates section to open the menu. Here you can:

  • Select your start and end dates using the calendar.

  • Choose “I am flexible” if your travel dates are open.

  • To clear your selection, click the cross in the Dates section.

Category

Next, choose your preferred field of volunteering. Ask yourself: "How do I want to make an impact?"

Your choice to volunteer should be internally motivated, as help is needed in almost all aspects of life, all over the world. Due to the fact, that volunteering is not your typical packed holiday, but actually requires you to work in harsh circumstances, it is necessary to have a strong sense of the purpose you are supporting.

It is helpful to think about some questions, for example: "What social injustices bother me the most"? Is it animal cruelty? Underprivileged children? Environmental issues? Inequality of women or minorities? This way, you can determine your focus.

Once you choose a category that matches your interests, click on it to narrow your search.

For example, you would like to take care of children, so you click on "Community".

Your advisor will guide you to the result overview showing all opportunities that fit your choices.

Click on the Category section to choose the type of volunteering you’re interested in. You can select one category to see programs that match your choice.

Search

Once you’ve set your preferences, click the green “Search” button to see programs that match your criteria.

Narrow Down with more Filters

Once you’re on the results page, you can refine your search further by clicking on “Filters” on the right. A complete list of options will help you find programs that match all your criteria.

For example:

  • Budget: Use the slider to set your minimum and maximum budget, or type the amounts directly in the boxes below the slider.

Other available filters include project language, accommodation type, age (if you are a minor), and program suitability.

These filters make it easy to find the programs that best fit your preferences.


What are your skills and strengths?

Secondly, you could ask yourself, “What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing?” We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and almost every type of skill is valuable somewhere. Take a moment to evaluate your skill set and think about where your abilities could be most useful. Whether you’re handy with tools or a good listener, there’s a place where your helping hand is needed! You might also consider trying new challenges that you’d like to immerse yourself in.

Please keep in mind that certain volunteer tasks, such as medical assistance, often require prior knowledge. You can read more about the specific requirements.

Do you need more information? 

If you still have questions, you can always send a message to the social projects you’re interested in. They can provide more details and answer all your questions about the program.

We also recommend applying to more than one program, as each application must be reviewed by the project. Please make sure your applications are serious to avoid creating extra work for the projects.

Finally, you can always email helpcenter@volunteerworld.com or reach out via our live chat. Our support team is happy to assist with any questions or issues—don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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