Volunteer abroad

Volunteer work abroad is the most popular choice for a career break. In this section, you can find out:

• How to choose a volunteer project
• Where you can volunteer abroad
• How to make sure your volunteer project is ethical
• Why most volunteer projects need you to pay for it

If you're not quite ready for a career break volunteering abroad yet, read about volunteer holidays and volunteering in the UK.

Facts about volunteering abroad:

• You can volunteer abroad from as little as 1 week to as much as 2 years
• You usually have to pay for your volunteer project unless you go for a year or more
• Most volunteer projects are in poorer countries
• You usually have to be 18 or over to volunteer abroad and there is no maximum age limit
• Almost any professional skill can be used in volunteer work abroad, and some projects require no experience

Career breakers volunteer abroad because:

• We want to help people less fortunate
• We want something more out of a trip abroad than simply travelling
• The skills we learn look great on our CV
• It's an unforgettable experience

Sponsored feature

Oyster Worldwide offer a wide range of volunteer abroad projects. You can work with children or adults, refugees, and people affected by HIV. Projects exist in community development, animal conservation, health and social care, and teaching. Click here to find out more.

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