(214) 390-7947 (Overseas Callers)

Toll-Free: 1-800-675-2504 (US/Canada)

Summer Volunteer Abroad

Your lifetime opportunity to have an impact by working with impoverished communities through love and care while experiencing the adventure of new culture and travel.

Get more info now

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Home » resources » Summer Volunteer Abroad

Summer Volunteer Abroad

Are you looking for an exciting way to spend your summer vacation? Do you dream of travelling to places of great interest during your summer break and work in impoverished communities? Now, look no more. IFRE’s summer volunteer abroad is your best bet. They offer you affordable travelling and volunteer opportunities abroad.

Summer programs are hard to come by sometimes, however, when they do, they offer a perfect opportunity to support and work with suffering people and animals while living like a local in the community.  It is also a great and life-changing opportunity to travel for free and explore the world without paying for it. Additionally, you will grow, expand your social network, and attain special skills including leadership and teamwork.

IFRE’s offers the best and most affordable volunteer abroad programs since 2006.  Over the years, they have expanded and are currently offering over 200 programs in 20 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. When you take up IFRE’s summer volunteering programs abroad you will help boost the economy of impoverished communities with sustainable programs that are also beneficial to the future generations.

You together with your group can now join summer programs to improve lives of poor and suffering animals for incredible experience. Talk to IFRE today for more information on this great free opportunity to work with poor people and while exploring great local and beautiful scenery.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Table of Content

  • Benefits of Joining Summer Volunteer Abroad
  • Popular Summer Volunteer Abroad
  • Skill and Qualifications
  • The Start Date(s)
  • The Fee
  • Housing and Food
  • How can I apply?
  • Why go with IFRE Volunteers?
  • How can you go as a group?
  • How to prepare for volunteer abroad trips?
    • Flight
    • Visa and Passport requirements
    • Do I need any vaccinations?
    • What do I need to pack?
    • Extra money
    • Your adventure begins
  • How to make volunteer abroad experience rewarding?
  • Safety While Volunteering Abroad
  • Completing your project and returning

If this sounds good to you why not consider Summer Volunteer Abroad?

IFRE Volunteers can provide lots of different summer programs, but whatever their specific focus they all offer the experience of traveling and making great memories, with the once in a lifetime chance to have a positive impact on people who really need you.

Summer volunteer abroad programs are available to suit people of all ages, from students to the retired. There are programs on pretty much every continent, in a whole range of areas including health care and the environment. There are many benefits available to those who pursue summer volunteer opportunities abroad.

  • Everyone has something to offer, so can easily find a summer abroad volunteering program which can make good use of what they can offer a project, Volunteers with practical skills such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrics may find themselves building houses for the homeless, while English speakers are always needed to teach the language, and encourage students to have the confidence to use it.
  • Of course summer programs are also a great opportunity for volunteers to develop their own foreign language skills. There’s no substitute for immersion in a culture when it comes to improving your listening and speaking skills.
  • Anyone curious about what working in a particular job is like may find summer volunteer opportunities abroad provide the insight they need to take the next step and develop a new career, or use the time spent helping others to gain some vital practical experience to match their academic learning.
  • Everyday life can easily become all about getting through, simply holding on for the next paycheck, then spending cash on more possessions without feeling any real sense of achievement.
  • Using your vacation time to join of the many summer volunteer programs abroad is a wonderful way to get some space from your usual routines, and connect with others in an entirely new environment.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

IFRE Volunteers best Summer Volunteer Abroad

IFRE Volunteers offer various summer volunteer abroad programs across twenty countries around the world. Whatever kind of volunteer project you are looking for you will find with Ifre. For those looking to volunteer in the summer here are 10 of the best volunteer projects.

Costa Rica

Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Pacuare)

volunteers with tutrles in costa rica

Reserva Playa Tortuga is a non-profit research center for sea turtle and environmental conservation. Playa Tortuga is largely an Olive Ridley turtle-nesting beach although it is possible that other species occasionally come to this beach and thanks to the efforts of the Reserve, it was legitimately acknowledged a nesting beach in 2014.

When you join summer volunteer abroad opportunities for high school students you will have the opportunity to learn about the biology of sea turtles. You will see adults, babies and eggs, and learn about its life cycle. Natuwa Macaw Sanctuary also provides refuge and protection to the wild animals that have been endangered by human actions.

When you join, your primary purpose is to conserve native, wild macaws of Costa Rica and develop a captive management and breeding program to rescue, rehabilitate and reintroduce them back in to their natural habitat.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

Apart from this volunteer sea turtle conservation program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Costa Rica. We have variety of programs including orphanage, wildlife conversation, teaching English, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Peru

Orphanage Work in Peru

With no government support staff in Peru’s orphanages must work hard to care for the children they provide shelter too. Often abandoned or abused, these kids need help from summer volunteer abroad participants who are kind, and patient.

If you could help raise funds, cook, clean and engage with these wonderful children then an affordable summer volunteering trip abroad could be a great match for you. Basic Spanish is a bonus to ease communication, but not essential.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Peru

Other than this summer volunteer experience overseas, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Peru. We have variety of programs including street children, medical, teaching English, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Guatemala

Medical/Healthcare/Hospitals

medical volunteer guatemala

Guatemala is a beautiful country in Central America with beautiful volcanoes and interesting culture. However, they have been dealing with the problem of poverty for a long time. Many people here are under the poverty line and deprived of access to the basic infrastructure. A lack of adequate health services is one of the leading problems that have caused lots of people to lose their lives to diseases, which were treatable. And lately, new hospitals have been constructed, but there is still a lack of manpower in these hospitals, which is a huge issue.

So, if you are looking to join medical volunteer summer program abroad or have plans to pursue your career in the medical profession, then volunteering for the medical project in Guatemala is the best option for you. Not only will you be able to help those in need of the medical attention, education and counseling, you will also learn new skills and techniques used in Guatemala.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala

Besides this volunteer medical program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Guatemala. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, street children and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Argentina

Teaching English In Rural Schools in Argentina

Argentina is a beautiful country with snowcapped mountains, photogenic cities, and the famous white sandy beaches. As a country blessed with many natural wonders, tourism is one of the most viable source of income for the local people.

Therefore, English has now become an important skill for everyone to have, and it has the potential to pull many out of poverty. Sadly, many schools especially in rural Argentina are not well funded and neglected. The schools do not have well-trained teachers, and the children often find it hard to improve, especially in the English language. 

IFRE works in collaboration with the local schools to provide qualified English teachers to local primary schools. While at volunteering abroad opportunities during summer for college and high school students, you can teach English in Argentina, so that the children can have a brighter future ahead of them. While you’re there, enjoy the splendor the excursion around the country.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Argentina

A side from this volunteer teaching English program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Argentina. We have variety of programs including orphanage, medical, street children and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Ecuador

Galapagos Conservation Program

galapagos conservation project in ecuador

Galapagos is the San Cristobal Island. This unique and famous chain island was developed in unique isolation, spawning myriad bird species, giant tortoises, sea lions, and marine iguanas, all which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. As a summer volunteer abroad your work includes the restoration of habitats in the Galapagos Islands, working with the local community and helping to improve trails and tracks.

You will be able to combine environmental, community and social initiatives to improve the sustainability of the islands while exploring and travelling around.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador

A part from this volunteer Galapagos conservation program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Ecuador. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, medical and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Nepal

Teaching English To Buddhist Monks (Kathmandu)

Many Buddhist temples and monasteries in Nepal run community schools that provide education to monks and disadvantaged children. However, there is a constant lack of native English speaking teachers. Due to this the monks and other children have not been able to improve their English skills.

Today, sound knowledge of the English language has become vital to find a lucrative job in Nepal. IFRE has designed this project with the aim to improve the English skills of these monks and disadvantaged children and invites you to contribute. Joining summer volunteer opportunities abroad, you will share your native English skills with the monks and poor kids, while getting acquainted with Buddhist customs and culture

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal

A part from this volunteer teaching Monks program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Nepal. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, medical and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

India

Women Empowerment Project

women empowerment in india

Working to join summer volunteer abroad programs like this lets you make a difference to the women of India, who still experience severe gender discrimination and inequality in all areas of life.

Many miss out on school so are unable to read and write, or to earn enough money to live comfortably; but this project helps women to become financially independent through craftwork.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in India

Besides this volunteer women empowerment program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in India. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, medical and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Thailand

Health Care Volunteer Experience (Surin, Thailand)

Thailand is famous for wild nightlife Hood and numerous beautiful white beaches. Despite the fact that Indian government has been working to provide medical care for everybody, the goals have not yet been met especially in rural areas. Unfortunately, many rural families suffer from immerse poverty and proper medical care is neither available nor affordable. Participating in best medical volunteering trip abroad during summer, your support will improve basic medical care in hospitals, including bridging the gap in understaffed hospitals to be able to attend to more patients in Thailand.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Thailand

A side from this volunteer healthcare program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Thailand. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, elephant conservation and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Bali

Sea Turtle Conservation

turtle conservation in bali

Many sea turtles always try to return to their nest on the beach where they were hatched, but almost always, most of them never make because of all the natural predators hunting for them. The sea turtles that do successfully get back have a lot of problems, which are harmful to their survival, including eroding beaches, pollution and many other serious human activities.

As a college student volunteer during summer, you’ll be classifying turtle species, gathering eggs, nursing and cleaning of turtles and the equipment at the center, examining nests or inspecting baby sea turtle hatchlings find safe passage to the sea. Additionally, you can assist with proactive preservation efforts that will improve the nearby environment via beach cleanups, waste management development and teaching locals about the issues facing Bali’s sea turtles and what can be done to help.

Other volunteer opportunities in Bali

A part from this volunteer sea turtle conservation program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Bali. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, medical and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

South Africa

Wildlife Conservation Project (Port Elizabeth)

South Africa is most famous for African Safaris and the big 5 wildlife. However most of the wildlife in the park is endangered due to human encroachment. While volunteering abroad in summer programs, you will work in the park and assist in conservation management. You will also gather data that will be utilized by the professionals of Port Elizabeth reserve. A wildlife specialist will work to ensure that you have a wonderful learning experience, leave with a stronger understanding wildlife behavior and care.

By joining summer volunteer abroad you will be provided with inspirational practical experience in research, conservation management, education and community development.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa

Other than this volunteer wildlife conservation program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in South Africa. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, medical and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Tanzania

Health Project in Tanzania

health assistance in tanzania

Medical professionals are desperately needed on summer abroad volunteer health projects in Tanzania. If you are a qualified (or training to be a) doctor, nurse, paramedic or similar your time and skills will be invaluable on this project.

Urban healthcare is advancing rapidly, but as a consequence poor sick people in rural areas are being overlooked. Combine your work offering basic medical assistance to the disadvantaged with free time spent exploring national parks and coffee plantations.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania

A side from this volunteer healthcare program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Tanzania. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, HIV/AIDS and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Ghana

HIV/AIDS Project in Ghana

HIV volunteer program in Ghana offers an amazing opportunity to those interested or experienced in the medical field to save lives by raising awareness around HIV/AIDS, while also providing support to those affected by both conditions.

Open minded and flexible volunteers can enjoy the sights of Accra, a popular seaside town, in their free time on this summer volunteer abroad project.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ghana

Other than this volunteer HIV/AIDS program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Ghana. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, medical and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Sri Lanka

Elephant Conservation Project in Sri Lanka (Kegalle)-Sri Lanka

elephant conservation in srilanka

If you have at least two weeks to spare for volunteering abroad in summer programs and you love the idea of working with elephants then this is the perfect program to apply for.

Volunteers are temporary assistants to the experienced Sri Lankan elephant handlers who feed, bathe and care for these magnificent creatures. Once forced to work hard without adequate care or rest, now they are fed well, spoiled with love and allowed to live a natural elephant lifestyle.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka

Other than this volunteer elephant conservation program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Sri Lanka. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, medical and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Kenya

Healthcare Project in Kenya (Nairobi)-Kenya

If you already have a medical qualification, or are still training to be a nurse, doctor or paramedic and would like to gain some practical experience, this interesting summer volunteer abroad opportunity offers the opportunity to do just that.

Due to cultural factors many city based medical staff don’t want to work with poor people living in the countryside, so volunteer abroad summer programs provide invaluable extra help to those who really appreciate it.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya

Other than this volunteer healthcare program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Kenya. We have variety of programs including orphanage, teaching English, HIV/AIDS and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Skill and Qualifications

With the exclusion of medical summer volunteer programs that you will require a medical certification, no specific skills or qualifications are needed to join volunteer programs abroad. But you should be patient, kind, loving and flexible. You also need to be hard working and passionate about working with underprivileged people in poor communities.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

The Start Date(s) 

IFRE’s summer volunteer abroad start each Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints or trouble getting to the country on that day, your chosen program can also begin on any day of the year

The Fee

Since 2006, IFRE offers the most affordable best summer volunteer programs abroad. Program fee starts as low as $165 per week including small registration fee in many countries. The fee covers for airport pick up, accommodation and food, project donation and support local IFRE country coordinators. For transparency program fees are paid directly to the in-country coordinator.

To learn more about the fee for each country please follow this link.

Housing and Food

While on summer volunteering programs for high school students abroad you will be accommodated by a local host family. For your comfort, host family’s home is safe, comfortable and modern. Similarly, they will offer to you delicious traditional home-cooked meals. Please note that some programs in different countries also offer alternative accommodation in a volunteer house or a hostel.

To learn more about what kind of accommodation or food available in each location, please feel free to contact us or see the individual link of the project given above.

How can you apply?

Summer programs application process is simplified and fast. Just click the APPLY NOW button and complete the information in the application form and submit.

To apply to summer volunteer abroad please follow the APPLY NOW button at the top of the page.

Why go with IFRE Volunteers?

With over 200 programs in 20 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America IFRE has hosted over 22,000 happy volunteers. IFRE provides the best safe and cheap volunteer abroad programs in the industry since 2006 A registered non-profit, it is highly considered for safe, affordable, highly impact and sustainable programs.

How can you go as a group?

IFRE designs unique and reasonable programs for adventurous travellers to volunteer together as a group. It is a perfect chance to learn together while engaging in the new culture and getting to know each other better. If you and your group are looking for the volunteer abroad summer student college programs, we got your back! Contact us today learn more about this unique and affordable unique group opportunity.

How to prepare for volunteer abroad trips?

Volunteering abroad can be an overpowering process that needs extensive preparation and details. To have a rewarding and fulfilling program abroad, you need to be fully prepared for your trip abroad and research as broadly as possible.

Flight

To take part, you are required to buy your ticket to the selected volunteer destination. Depending on when you buy your ticket, you can save hundreds of dollars. IFRE recommends our volunteers to buy their tickets at least two months in advance. Goggle Flight, Kayak and CheapOAir, usually have deals all year round.  Plan to arrive at least one day prior to the date of your program commencement

Visa and Passport requirements

When travelling internationally, you will be required to have a valid passport, with two blank visa pages and about six months before date of expiry. If you do not have a passport apply in advance to avoid last minute rush.

A tourist visa is normally required to participate in summer volunteering opportunities abroad. In some countries you can get on arrival visa depending on your nationality. If it’s not available, you need to get a visa from the Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Do I need any vaccinations?

YES! You need vaccinations especially for treatable communicable diseases. Consult your personal doctor in advance, since some vaccinations need up to 6 weeks to be effective. You can also check the Control Diseases Center website for more information on the vaccinations you are required to travel to your destination.

What do I need to pack?

You may have been searching relentlessly online to see what you need to pack to travel to your destination. Worry no more, IFRE will normally provide you a basic packing list. However, you need to pack light and most importantly pack appropriate clothing depending on your destination. IFRE encourages you to bring a gift for the host family or for the project you will be working for during summer volunteer abroad.

Extra money

It does not matter where you are travelling to you need to be prepared and ready just incase of an eventuality. From experience we advise volunteers to budget wisely, and also include extra money in case of an emergency. Often times things come up that were not foreseen and it helps if you are financially prepared for it.

Your adventure begins

And now that you are where you wanted to be, how do you make you time fulfilling and worthwhile? We will take you through this process one step by one.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

How to make volunteer abroad experience rewarding?

Summer volunteer abroad can be one of the best decisions you have made in your life if you spend your time abroad wisely with maximum reward. To get the most out of your travelling experience you have to have a passion about the program. It is also important to have low expectations and learn the local language. Travel as much as you can because every adventure counts.

Safety While Volunteering Abroad

Your safety is of great importance to us. IFRE takes considerable steps to ensure that you always feel safe and comfortable. You will be supported in all the necessary preparations, and once at the project you will have an in-country coordinator available at all times of day should there be any problems or complications. A very inclusive orientation will be conducted about your safety once you arrive for summer volunteer abroad programs.

Completing your project and returning

After completing your summer volunteering project abroad, it is vital that you unpack everything that you learnt and compare with what you knew before travelling abroad. It is important to write a thank you letter or card to your host family or the program as a sign of appreciation for hosting you and letting you in on their culture and traditions. It would also help if ‘d could speak to others looking for a meaningful volunteer experience abroad.

 You can also check out our amazing volunteer opportunities in Brazil, Cambodia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco.

Check out ‘A Complete Volunteer Abroad Guide: Everything You Need To Know’ to learn more about what is volunteering abroad. If you want to know how to volunteer abroad for free, go through our Volunteer Abroad for Free article. If you are a college student and searching for meaningful summer volunteering programs, check out our popular articles Community Service Trips For College Students and Summer Volunteer Programs For College Students.

Check out our other summer volunteer programs:

Volunteer Abroad Summer Student College

Summer Volunteer Programs For High School Students Abroad

Volunteer Abroad Summer Student Programs

Youth Summer Volunteer Abroad

Summer Nursing Volunteer Programs

Summer Community Service Programs for High School Students

Summer Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Summer Adventures for College Students

Summer Community Service Programs for College Students

Summer Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

Summer Volunteer Programs for Middle School Students

Summer Volunteer Programs For Teachers

International Summer Programs for High School Students





TOP DESTINATIONS