Countries that need volunteers

Theoretically you can volunteer anywhere in the world, but most volunteer opportunities are in poorer countries.

You can volunteer all over Africa and South and Central America. There are also volunteer projects throughout South and South-East Asia, and China.

Although a less common option for career breakers, there are volunteer projects in Eastern Europe, often working with children or in community development projects. There are very few opportunities in the Middle East, and volunteer projects in the West don't usually take foreign volunteers.

When you are volunteering abroad, remember that you may need more than a tourist visa, regardless of how long you're staying. Your volunteer organisation will be able to advise you on this, and may even sort your visa out for you.

• See a list of volunteer companies
• Order information from volunteer companies

• In this section
• Volunteer abroad homepage
• Choosing a volunteer opportunity
• Paying to volunteer overseas
• Ethical voluntary work abroad
• Volunteer holidays
• Volunteer in the UK