If you're looking to make a difference in the world in 2025, I've got the ultimate inspiration for the best countries where you can volunteer abroad in 2025. This year has been a challenging one and it has left some of us questioning everything, but one way to start the new year fresh is to look at how we can make a difference in the world. As someone who has volunteered both in the UK and across the world, I've found it a really rewarding experience to be part of something greater and to know the impact you can have on communities around the world.
I'm Lucy, a solo travel expert who has been travelling the globe for over a decade to more than 50 countries. A huge part of the reason I encourage people to travel is human connection, it really is what drives me to explore this world. To understand more about how other communities live, about different ways of life so I can learn, change and grow. Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience and I'm a big believer that giving back to a place when you visit, helps you to connect with it on a deeper level. It also encourages slower and more purposeful travel, which is a far more sustainable and impactful way to explore this world.
Some of the best countries to volunteer abroad in 2025 include Thailand, South Africa, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, Peru, Namibia, Guatemala and Tanzania. These are also some of my favourite countries for solo travel – so it could be a great opportunity to take your first solo trip! If you're nervous to travel solo for the first time, booking a volunteer abroad programme can be a great way to ease yourself in while giving yourself a purpose and community when you arrive.
Want to Volunteer Abroad in 2025? Here's where you'll find:
- Is volunteering abroad worth it?
- 5 things I've gained from volunteering abroad
- Voluntourism – Is volunteering abroad ethical?
- 5 Tips for Volunteering Abroad in 2025
- Travel Insurance for Volunteering Abroad
- 14 Best Countries to Volunteer Abroad in 2025
- What is the best place to volunteer abroad?
- Can you volunteer abroad for free?
- Why is it so expensive to volunteer abroad?
Is volunteering abroad worth it?
I'm a huge advocate for travelling with purpose and if you think you might like to volunteer abroad in 2025, I'm here to help you make that a reality. Personally I've always volunteered both at home in the UK and when I travel, so I see the choice to volunteer abroad as an extension of the impact I also have when I'm at home. Here are some of the amazing volunteering experiences I've had over the last decade of travel:
- I've volunteered to teach English to children in Thailand and adults in Romania
- I've volunteered with food banks and homelessness charities
- I've helped to look after elephants in Thailand who had been rescued from tourism and logging
- I've volunteered and worked to support military children bereaved of a parent
- I've volunteered my marketing & digital skills to help charity organisations & projects worldwide
Each volunteering experience has taught me so much and has pushed me to slow down, to really experience a place on a deeper level instead of travelling on a whistle-stop tour of the most popular attractions. It is a privilege and a luxury to have the time (and annual leave) to be able to travel in this way and it won't be possible for everyone, but if you have the possibility of volunteering abroad in 2025, I recommend making it happen.
Of course, I always share the good and the bad experiences and a lot of lessons were learned when I was invited to work with the Angloville programme which offers teaching English placements abroad for free. I was excited to work with them and travelled to Romania with them, but unfortunately my experience was horrifying. So much so that I refused to work with them and wrote about my concerns after the company blocked me following a complaint. I'm not sharing this to scare you, I learned a lot of lessons from that experience and I've shared them in this blog post and in the tips below so you can avoid the same happening.
>> READ: Angloville – an honest review of teaching English abroad
Here's 5 things I've gained from volunteering abroad:
- New practical and language skills – and the confidence to use them
- A greater understanding of and sensitivity towards the challenges faced by a country's people
- Strong friendships and bonds with those I volunteered with
- Valuable work experience and networking opportunities
- The feeling of being part of something greater than myself – perspective
Read How to Prepare for First Time Solo Travel before booking your first trip!
Voluntourism – Is volunteering abroad ethical?
There's a lot of controversy over the concept of voluntourism vs volunteering and whether it is ethical and actually has a positive, or a harmful, impact on communities when we travel. Many critics argue that Western saviourism can be harmful and that we should focus our energy on making a difference within our own communities. Others suggest that volunteer programmes that are well set up will cater for those who can only volunteer for shorter timeframes by allowing them to feed into larger programmes which have a wider impact.
No matter where you stand on the voluntourism debate – I'm a big believer that finding ways to give back really helps to enrich our travels and supports the local community. Not all volunteering or voluntourism is good, but there are ways to really have a positive impact by making good choices and doing your research before booking a trip. As someone who worked in the charity sector for years, I know how much of an impact even volunteering for a day can have on an individual in need.
5 Tips for Volunteering Abroad in 2025
Ready to make a difference? Okay, well it's time to think about booking a placement and finding the vocation for you. It can be a minefield finding programmes you can trust, researching and actually organising your trip. Here's some tips for planning a trip to volunteer abroad in 2025:
- Start with a cause or a country that means something to you – this is a great way to help you decide what to book
- Do your research on the company, the programme and the cause. Read reviews from others who have done the programme!
- Try to volunteer for as long as possible – if you want to work with children I recommend 1-2 months minimum to really have an impact.
- Be wary of free opportunities to volunteer – particularly if you are a solo female traveller
- Always check what support is in place from the company – is there an emergency line? What will they do if something goes wrong?
Travel Insurance for Volunteering Abroad
I thrive on adventure, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential provides coverage in 175+ countries, and I have complete control over when my policy starts and stops at any time. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong its great to have back-up in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged. I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes, so it's good to know that when things go wrong I've got a good insurance policy in my corner that cover:
- Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
- Emergency dental care up to $1000
- Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
- Coverage for lost checked luggage
- Flights home if something bad happens
- Continued coverage for visits back home
- Coverage for motor accidents
- Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities
If you need coverage for a longer period, you might consider looking at their Complete plan - includes all Essential features, plus comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, most countries in the world, including in your home country.
Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers
14 Best Countries to Volunteer Abroad in 2025
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of my favourite countries for wildlife and did you know that nearly 30% of the country is national park? It's so protected, and you can help to further support the incredible natural biodiversity of the country by volunteering with sloths or sea turtles. Escape your day-to-day and you could be helping to protect these creatures from threats like illegal poaching, hunting, and environmental damage. When sea turtles lay their eggs, there are mass nesting events called "arridabas" when thousands of turtles start their march towards the ocean. You could be helping to protect them on this journey and to ensure their future.
If volunteering with animals isn't for you, there are also opportunities to teach local children English or you could even get involved with hands-on construction projects that directly benefit communities in need. Supporting with essential building tasks, such as repairing a primary school, redoing a public library roof, or installing plumbing in new public toilets.
- Sea Turtle Conservation Project – Volunteer now!
- Sloth & Wildlife Rescue Sanctuary – Volunteer now!
- Wildlife & Sea Turtles - Volunteer now!
- Costa Rica Superheroes – education – Volunteer now!
- Construction Projects – Volunteer now!
Don't forget to read Solo Travel in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
Volunteer in South Africa
No matter what cause you are passionate about, South Africa has a volunteering programme for you. Make a tangible difference by supporting disadvantaged children through early childhood education and community care, help out at an emergency foster car or even provide mentorship to help children feel more confident in the ocean.
Experience the real South Africa by discovering the treasures of the Indian Ocean when you volunteer for an ocean conservation project. You could be helping to collect data that helps to indicate reef health and climate change. Imagine a bucket-list trip but you get to volunteer on the front line of South African conservation by working at a private game reserve, tracking the Big 5 or even helping to protect some of the most endangered animals in the world.
Volunteer in Tanzania
This could be a life-changing experience with opportunities to volunteer with the local community that has lived in the foothills of Kilimanjaro for generations, spend a few days living with the Maasai tribe and teach local women entrepreneurship skills. But that's not all – imagine if volunteering in Tanzania was followed by the chance to conquer Africa's highest peak in a five-day climb up the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Donate your time to support ongoing initiatives led by passionate locals to support environmental conservation and community empowerment. Projects to support local women in developing their handicraft businesses, helping disadvantaged children or even planting trees.
- Trek & Empower Tanzania – volunteer now!
- Explore & Empower Tanzania – volunteer now!
- Mother Nature Mt. Kilimanjaro – volunteer now!
- Tanzania Community – volunteer now!
- Zanzibar Community – volunteer now!
Volunteer in Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular countries in the world to volunteer and with over 10 million visitors annually, it's easy to see why. The country is perfect for solo travellers and volunteering provides a gentle start and a unique experience to kickstart your travels. If you choose to volunteer in Thailand, you could be helping to look after elephants which have been rescued from cruel tourism and logging. I volunteered with rescue elephants during my first solo trip to Thailand and it was one of the best experiences of my life. You could also give up your time to look after rescued street dogs who just want some love and affection, or help to teach English to monks in Thailand – what a unique experience!
- Street Dog Rescue & Rehabilitation – volunteer now!
- Elephant Rescue & Rehabilitation – volunteer now!
- Trunks & Tails Rescue – volunteer now!
- Teaching Monks in Thailand – volunteer now!
Volunteer in Ecuador
Visit this bucket-list destination for a truly unique volunteering experience where you will get to experience one of the most breathtaking places in the world. The Galapagos Islands are teeming with wildlife found nowhere else on Earth – like giant tortoises, Galapagos penguins, and marine iguanas. You could be helping to protect these animals and support conservation, education and personal development causes. Everything from planting trees to help with community reforestation, to teaching English, to teaching teenagers to play football.
Volunteer in Namibia
Immerse yourself in south western Africa and camp wild under the stars in the Namibian bush. Help local farmers put the necessary infrastructure in place to protect the towns and elephants so they can live in peace. Patrol for elusive elephants and see fully grown bull elephants in the wild during this bucket-list experience. This arid country is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies with the highest sand dunes in the world just waiting for you to pick up a sand-board.
Volunteer in Peru
Your Peruvian travel dreams could become a reality if you book a volunteering opportunity in the Amazon Rainforest in 2025. Visit the "Lungs of the Earth" where you could be helping with conservation efforts and reforestation of the greatest rainforest on the planet which is currently under threat. Go off-grid and help project staff with tasks that will have you knee-deep in an isolated jungle location around 10 hours from Cusco, in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Volunteer to rehabilitate wild Amazonian animals in Peru, a biodiversity hotspot. Help at an animal shelter while contributing to conservation efforts of one of the most important wild spaces left on the planet.
Volunteer in Nepal
Have a positive impact while exploring Nepal with a volunteering abroad placement in 2025. Experience sacred traditions dating back centuries in the heart of the Nepalese mountains and have the opportunity to live with a local family. You could be making a difference by providing orphanage care, monastery education or teaching English at schools. Immerse yourself in the local community by supporting women’s empowerment projects and providing childcare. Or you could be helping injured and traumatised animals in need just outside Kathmandu – these animals have suffered severe neglect or been rescued from a slaughterhouse. If you're feeling adventurous, you could go on a multi-day trek through one of the highest mountain ranges on Earth to live among the locals and teach English.
- Humanitarian Nepal – volunteer now!
- Namaste Nepal – volunteer now!
- Trek & Teach – volunteer now!
- Dog & Farm Animal Shelter Nepal – volunteer now!
Volunteer in India
Volunteer with local community projects in India and you could be helping to make a tangible difference in shaping the future for the locals. Support with a range of projects including Women or Girls' Empowerment, Renovation and Beautification, Sports Education, Childcare and Teaching English. You could work with a government-funded school to provide high quality English, arts or sports education for those most vulnerable. Work with local Tibetan NGOs to provide non-formal education to adult refugees and assist in essential skill development for monks. Help support and motivate Indian women to pursue their education, empowerment and self-development. Support local waste management NGO team to enable community education on environmental waste management and protection.
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Stay in rural Sri Lanka where you'll have the opportunity to volunteer with trusted wildlife research and conservation organisation. Have a positive impact on wild elephants and a huge range of diverse animal life by monitoring, recording, and helping where necessary in three main objectives: elephant research, bird & butterfly research, and a carnivore study. Record important data and witness nature at its finest as you stay next to a bird and butterfly sanctuary at the foot of the iconic Knuckles Mountain Range.
Don't forget to read Sri Lanka | What you need to know before you visit
Volunteer in Croatia
Head to the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia for a peek at the country's incredible marine ecosystems. It will help to be a confident diver, but those comfortable under the sea could be contributing to an important reef and seagrass meadow clean-up initiative. Those new to diving will have the chance to get their SSI Open Water certificate, while those already qualified will get the chance to complete a Marine Ecology course to further their education.
Volunteer in Ghana
Explore West Africa with a volunteering opportunity in Ghana – a paradise for first-time travellers to the continent. Hosted in the capital, Accra, you'll have the chance to volunteer and assist with either teaching or football coaching, contributing to valuable projects. Interact with Ghanaians of all ages and explore the city, getting an intimate snapshot into the life and culture of this gorgeous country.
Volunteer in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is such an underrated gem for conscious travellers and if you want to head off the beaten track to volunteer in 2025, this could be the perfect destination. You could be making a difference by contributing to critical conservation efforts in a remote corner of Nicaragua, Los Brasiles Island. It's one of the most secluded and untouched beaches on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua lined with mangrove forests. Help to protect baby sea turtles by observing and recording data at the on-site hatchery, where at-risk nests and eggs are brought to incubate safely. By night, move at-risk nests to the hatchery and research. Support beach clean-ups and help with construction.
Volunteer in Guatemala
One of my favourite countries in the world – volunteering in Guatemala would be the perfect gateway to travelling Central America solo. Make a genuine difference in the community by supporting at an assisted living facility for the elderly or a special school for children with disabilities. You’ll be helping to improve the quality of life for the elderly or providing love and care for children with disabilities – both selfless causes that help some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Or, if you prefer to work with animals, you could be volunteering at an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or exotic animal refuge around Antigua. Everything from domestic cats and dogs, to crocodiles, snakes, geckos and turtles!
Don't forget to read The Solo Travel Guide To Guatemala (2025)
What is the best place to volunteer abroad?
Thailand remains the most popular one of the best countries to volunteer abroad. It's perfect for first time solo travellers and those who are younger and less experienced to find their feet, it was actually the first country I travelled alone. There's also lots of great causes where you can volunteer your time and have a positive impact by volunteering with animals including rescued elephants from logging and tourism, or with street dogs. You could even give up your time to teach English to monks for a really unique experience you will never forget. Every year more than 10 million travellers flock to the beautiful country, and it is a paradise for travellers with a well trodden tourism route which makes it ideal for extending your trip to experience more.
If you're thinking of visiting Thailand to volunteer, make sure you read Solo Travel in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
Volunteering programmes can be expensive at times but most of these costs are for your accommodation and food while you are at a programme. By paying these costs you are stopping any financial pressure on the organisation and offering your services. There is always a cost for the experience and it's worth noting that when I worked with a company that I wouldn't recommend in Romania, the volunteering programme was actually paid for by those on the receiving end. We were teaching English to business professionals who had paid a lot of money for the experience, but we were all teaching English with very little formal training. Both the volunteers and the professionals we were working with felt the programme was lacking and really wasn't worth the money they had paid. So if you're considering a free programme, its worth considering the value and the true cost of volunteering when you don't pay.
14 Best Countries to Volunteer Abroad in 2025
- Costa Rica
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Ecuador
- Namibia
- Peru
- Nepal
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Croatia
- Ghana
- Nicaragua
- Guatemala
