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First Steps on Volunteering Abroad
How to find the right volunteer project?
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 over a week ago

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.

Where do you want to go?

Our advisor will be happy to assist you find the most suitable destination for you.

First, click on the "Where are you going?" box in the middle.


Then you have three different options:

1. You already know where you want to go: Enter your selected destination in the

"Where are you going" box at the top, or

2. Take a look at our Top 20 Destinations 2022/23 for inspiration, or

3. If you do not really care where you will volunteer, click on the

"I'm flexible" button.

Next up, you can choose your preferred field of work and ask yourself "How do I want to be engaged?"

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?, because that way you can determine your focus.

Once you've chosen the category that best matches your interests, simply click on the category button to narrow down your search even more, as you will again see several options to specialise your focus.

For example: You would like to take care of children, so you click on "Humanitarian Projects" and then click on "Childcare" to set your focus.

The advisor will guide you to the program overview with all volunteer programs that exactly fit your needs and specifications.

If you want to narrow down your search even more, you can click on "more filters" where you can choose a project language, an accommodation type, your age (if you are a minor), the number of weeks you want to stay or whom the program is suitable.

On the left side you can also set your budget.


What are your skills and strengths?

Secondly, you could ask yourself, "What am I good at? What do I like to do?".
We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Almost any type of skill is required somewhere, so you can evaluate your skills set and think about where your abilities could be most useful. No matter if you are a handy person who is good with tools, or if you are a good listener... There is a place where your helping hand is needed! You could also think about new challenges, that you would like to immerse yourself in.

Please keep in mind that certain volunteer tasks, like medical assistance, oftentimes require you to have prior knowledge. Here you can read more about the requirements.

Do you need more information? 

If you feel, you still need more information, you can always send a message to the social projects you are considering to volunteer with. They can answer all of your questions about the program and give you further details.

Furthermore, we advise you to apply to more than one volunteer program, as your application still needs to be reviewed by the social project. However, please only send serious applications to avoid unnecessary workload for the social projects.

Finally, you can always send a mail to helpcenter@volunteerworld.com or get in touch with our support team via our live chat. Our personal support team is always happy to help you with any problems that might arise. Don't hesitate to ask us!

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