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Family Volunteer Abroad

Your family’s chance to make an impact by helping the less fortunate through love and care while on a life changing adventure.

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Family Volunteer Abroad

Is your family looking for a rewarding and affordable volunteer trip abroad? Do you have an adventurous spirit and would like to start exploring new parts of the world while also making a difference as a family? If yes, then IFRE’s programs for family are a great way to set off on an adventure abroad with the people you loves the most.

Family volunteer abroad is a great way to build a strong bond since you’re all family members will work as a team during your volunteering time. It brings a sense of fulfillment when you help people in need and even save their lives by sharing your love and support. In addition, while volunteering you will help your family nurture empathy and teaches children how important the little things in life are while developing the family’s social network and safety net.

IFRE is a leading cheap volunteer organization featuring the safest and most impactful high value programs. Since 2006, IFRE has hosted over 22,000 happy volunteers in more than 200 programs in 20 countries across the world. When you join family volunteer opportunities abroad you will not only focus on bridging the gaps that prevent efficient delivery of basic community services but also foster partnerships that will positively change your family dynamics forever.

This is your family’s chance to help those who are less fortunate. You will be able to learn a new language, immerse in a vibrant culture and community, and have an experience that will open your eyes to the world. Contact us now to join for this life-changing volunteer opportunity.

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Table of Contents

  • Benefits of Joining Family Volunteer Abroad
  • Popular Family 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

Benefits of Family Volunteer Abroad

Build strong bond amongst family members

Due to hard work, study and other causes, today’s family members don’t get to spend a great deal of time together. Family members get busy with their own matters, meaning there is a lack of bond amongst them. Volunteering abroad is a great way to build a strong bond because you’re all family members will work as a team during your volunteering time. Teamwork and communication are the essential part of volunteering, providing a unique opportunity to get familiarized with each other and build a strong bond.

Working as a team

When you set off on a volunteering trip abroad with family, you will work together to bring positive change to the lives of disadvantaged peoples or animals lives. You will carry out various volunteering tasks, like preparing meals, gardening, teaching and cleaning as a team. These volunteering jobs will help your family better at working as a team.

Kids and parents get to see each other in a different light

A family trip abroad is an amazing opportunity for both kids and parents to work together. The work of the parents is a mystery to the children as most of the parents work outside of the home. Similarly, what your children do in school all day can be equally as mysterious to you.

When the all the members of your family take part in a project, both kids and parents get to see and appreciate each other’s talents, personalities, competence and skills. This wonderful task not only gives you the chance to work together, but also help the disadvantaged people and animals.

Kids gain confidence and parents strengthen their mental peace and happiness

When you join a family volunteer abroad as a family, your kids get an amazing chance to boost their confidence. As a volunteer, you will work in a completely new setting with volunteers from around the world. This lets your kids develop various skills, like interactive skills, leadership skills, time-management skills and teamwork skills. These skills learned during the meaningful volunteering period helps kids boost their confidence and find a better job in the future.

You also get to share your skills and talents to make a positive change to the lives of people in need. This provides you with a sense of achievement and helps you strengthen your mental peace and happiness.

Apart from these benefits, family volunteer programs abroad have many countless benefits. Volunteering is an antidote to pessimism and hopelessness, and makes you a positive person.

Volunteering nurtures empathy and teaches your kids how important the little things in life are. Most importantly, volunteering develops the family’s social network and safety net. Embarking on a family trip is an awesome way to spend your vacation.

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IFRE’s Top Family Volunteer Abroad

IFRE offers you an amazing chance to experience a great selection of family trips abroad that address different passions, ideas, goals, destinations and budgets.

Monk Teaching Project in Nepal

monk teaching project in nepal

Nepal is a fantastic country to visit as it offers amazing decors, eye-catching landscapes, unmatched landmarks and the breathtaking Himalayas. Over 80 % of Nepalese people follow Hinduism, however, it is a very important place for Buddhists as well. There are Buddhist monasteries and temples all over Nepal. Thousands of young Buddhist monks study in these monasteries.

The problem is that there is a lack of native English teachers, meaning that these monks have not been able to improve their English skills. Knowledge of the English language has become crucial to finding a better job. Without it, it will be extremely difficult for these monks in the future. This best affordable family volunteer opportunity abroad aims to provide English education to the young monks and prepare them for their future.

When you join this project, you will mostly teach English to monks. You can spend your spare time immersing yourself into the Buddhist culture and traditions. This is a perfect opportunity if you are a family and interested in or curious about Buddhism and the serene and enlightened lives of Buddhist monks.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal

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

HIV/AIDS Project in Cambodia

Volunteering in Cambodia for the HIV/AIDS project is the best family volunteering vacation opportunity for you. Due to extreme poverty, lack of education and other social causes, thousands of Cambodians have gotten infected with the HIV virus. Every year, a lot of Cambodian families lose their family members due to this often fatal disease.

There are several local organizations and government agencies that are trying to halt the spread of this deadly virus, however, they have not been able to reduce this problem due to the lack of sufficient resources, creating the need for a volunteer like you. IFRE has designed this project with the aim to stop the spread of the HIV virus by providing Cambodians with health education, and supporting the HIV victims.

IFRE is working with many local organizations on a variety of programs. When you join this project as a volunteer, you will work in collaboration with the local organizations on a variety of HIV prevention programs. You will participate in health awareness projects, and, more importantly, you will provide the victims with much needed support and care.

Your other roles include counseling infected patients, educating locals, assisting clinics/hospitals, assisting with voluntary HIV counseling and testing and so on.

To join this family volunteer abroad no specific skills are required. However, you are expected to be flexible, dedicated and should have a passion and love for the poor and HIV-infected people of Cambodia.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Cambodia

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

Elephant Conservation in Thailand

elephant conservation in thailand

This project is located on the outskirts of the Surin Province in the farming community of Tha-Tum. This community is home to approximately 250 people and over 30 elephants. Previously, these elephants were used for farming and carrying goods. Now that logging has been outlawed, these elephants have become redundant. As these elephants eat over 400 kg of food in a day, taking care of them has become extremely expensive.

Many elephant owners (known as Mahouts) have sold their elephants or taken them to the streets of big cities to beg for money from tourists, which is illegal and very dangerous and harmful for the elephants.

There are several non-profit organizations and government agencies that are trying to take care of these elephants, however, they are unable to provide adequate support and care due to the lack of sufficient resources and manpower. These elephants in Thailand are facing tragic situations and are in desperate need of your help.

This is a wonderful volunteer experience abroad for a family who loves to work for the welfare of elephants. When you join this Elephant Project in Thailand, you will take part in the feeding, grooming and caring for these elephants. If you have previous veterinary experience, then you can also provide medical treatment with the help of local veterinary personals.

Besides the family volunteer abroad, IFRE has an impressive selection of other volunteering opportunities, including the international volunteer programs for adults, long-term volunteer abroad programs, one-month volunteer abroad programs, and gap year volunteer abroad projects.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Thailand

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

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

Teaching English (Delhi, Jaipur)

India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Best known for the temples, Bollywood movies and the delicious cuisine.  Despite growth in international trade and ever growing tourism industry in the country English language is still not widely spoken in India.

English fluency around the country is very poor and there is a shortage of qualified teachers, and even those that are qualified aren’t up to international standards for India population. When you join IFRE’s volunteering with family abroad program you will not only be improving English skills in schools but also feel fulfilled knowing that you are positively changing lives and communities in general while enjoying the tourist attractions in India.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in India

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

Work In An Elephant Orphanage (Pinnawala)

work with elephants in srilanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island in South Asia set on the Indian Ocean. It features remarkable combination of sandy white beaches, stunning landscape and captivating cultural heritage and experiences. The elephants in Sri Lanka are often domesticated to run errands that fetch money.

They do work like carrying loads and tourists on their backs. Unfortunately they often get sick and injured rendering them inactive and a burden to the owners. By joining affordable family volunteer work opportunity abroad you will not only be caring for sick, old and injured elephants to ensure they are safe and care for them as they recover but also fulfilling your life dream, knowing that you have made real positive impact in animals in Sri Lanka

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 teaching English, orphanage, medical care, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Organic Farming in Costa Rica

Are you a family of nature lovers? Are you looking to volunteer in Central America? If yes, then this organic farming in Costa Rica project is the ideal family volunteering holiday trip for you.

Costa Rica is one of the largest coffee producers in the world. This means that millions of farmers are relying on the success of their coffee production to feed and take care of their families. They are now beginning to recognize the importance of organic and sustainable farming. Like other developing countries, Costa Ricans need help understanding the importance of their natural surroundings and the value of preservation. They also need dedicated volunteers who are willing to motivate and inspire local conservation staff in Costa Rica.

IFRE’s family abroad volunteering organic farming project intends to help these local farmers with various farming and harvesting activities. When you join this project as a volunteer, you will work alongside farmers, setting up new systems of agriculture and possibly conducting interviews and surveys.

You will spend a large amount of time physically at the farms, picking coffee and learning and sharing information on organic practices. When you are not volunteering, you get to explore the mesmerizing landscapes, beaches and jungles of Costa Rica.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

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

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

Work In An Orphanage (Cusco)

work in orphanage in peru

Join IFRE’s volunteer abroad with family in Cusco to support abused and abandoned children in Peru and to help them find proper family care and support. Your role during family volunteer abroad will be to teach English to these children, either in an orphanage or a local school. Additionally, you will provide daily life-skills, involving physical dental hygiene and other school related activities. Engaging them in creative chores will support children to build their self-confidence and allow them to make outstanding progress as growing adults.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Peru

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

Work In An Orphanage

Guatemala is a beautiful country filled with beautiful volcanoes and lush forests.. Unfortunately, Guatemala also suffers from desperate poverty and rampant diseases leading to constant increase of orphaned children.

The children in the orphanages require education and care that is not available due to lack of reliable sufficient staff and resources. By joining volunteering with family abroad program you will not only improve lives of children by loving, caring and teaching them to create a better future but also you feel fulfilled that you are making real positive change in the community by inspiring and loving the children of Guatemala.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala

A side from volunteer orphanage program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Guatemala. We have variety of programs including teaching English, women empowerment, medical care, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Volunteering With Underprivileged Children

volunteering with underprivileged children in argentina

In Argentina, IFRE works with many local based organizations to give support and help disadvantaged children living very poor and rural communities. By joining family volunteer vacations abroad you will have a great opportunity to change the lives of underprivileged children to make their lives better.

Often, schools based in poor areas cannot provide the same services provided in richer city areas.  By travelling in Argentina, you will be providing support to local initiatives and being a source of inspiration for young needy children. Over your free time, you’ll have the opportunity to also travel extensively in Argentina.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Argentina

Other than volunteer with underprivileged children program, IFRE offers other incredible programs in Argentina. We have variety of programs including teaching English, dental care, medical care, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

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

Galapagos Conservation Project

The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are famous for their amazing and unique biodiversity. Sadly, its plants and animals are currently under threat from intrusive species and the impact of human activities that is actively going on in the island.

IFRE works with local conservation experts to help protect the environment and we are always looking for volunteers like you to help and learn at the same time. When you join family volunteer abroad program you will be assisting conservationists at the Galapagos National Park. You’ll do this by learning, caring, and conserving plants and animals found nowhere else in the world apart from this beautiful island. 

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador

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

Childcare Project

care for children in brazil

Brazil is best known for its famous wild sandy white beaches, the tourist attractions. However, the favelas are over crowded with poor orphaned children with nowhere to go. The children do not have anywhere to live and have no access to good education and parental guidance and love.

When you volunteer as a family abroad you will work in childcare centers and help the local staff with the day-to-day activities. IFRE works with adventurous and open-minded volunteers to support young children change their lives and the cycle of poverty.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Brazil

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

HIV/AIDS Project in Ghana

HIV/AIDS remains a serious health threat in Ghana. Due to the lack of education and illiteracy, thousands of Ghanaian people are infected with the HIV virus. Considering this, IFRE has designed this project with an aim to provide health education and care for the HIV victims.

When you join this family volunteering work abroad, you will work in collaboration with local organizations. Your allocated tasks will depend on your skills and qualifications. You may directly provide support and care to HIV/AIDS infected patients, including children, or engage the public in educational training and activities that are meant to increase awareness and slow the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

The second focus area includes HIV/AIDS treatment/awareness programs to increase the community’s understanding of HIV/AIDS and provide information on prevention and how to protect you from contracting the disease.

Though there are no specific skills and qualifications needed to join family volunteer abroad , volunteers must demonstrate love and willingness, and compassion. A high level of patience and flexibility is mandatory.

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 teaching English, orphanage, medical care, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

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

Work In An Orphanage (Moshi)

orphanage-project-in-tanzania

Severe poverty, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic have caused many children in Tanzania to become orphaned. Also, many families due to financial problems and human trafficking have abandoned their children. Local organizations in Tanzania run orphanages where these children live are offered education.

By joining family volunteer trip abroad you will fill in the space caused due to inadequate manpower in the orphanages. You will offer love, affection and attention to the children for them to grown in a great environment. There is also an opportunity for you to teach English, life skills and personal hygiene. Depending on personal experience, you can also participate in administrative works or help with cooking, cleaning and gardening during your free time.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania

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

Help In An Orphanage (Nairobi)

If you are looking for the best country to volunteer abroad with family, then Kenya should be on your list. Apart from friendly people, Kenya is also home to the great Maasai Mara and over 10 Rift Valley formed lakes. Nevertheless, Kenya is resource-poor country with many families struggling for their livelihood.

Due to poverty and the effects of HIV/AIDS many children have become orphans and are forced to live in the streets. They are disadvantaged and lack basic parental love, a stable home with no love and care. You will support children to overcome this situation and lead better lives.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya

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

Wildlife Conservation Project (Port Elizabeth)

wildlife conseervation project south africa

Are you a family of animal lovers and are looking to explore real Africa while having the real safari experience? Look no further! IFRE offers you the opportunity to join the day-to-day activities of an experienced wildlife conservationist in South Africa. 

When you family volunteer abroad you will be assisting with wildlife capture, collar predators for research purposes, microchip the horn of a rhino or carry out pregnancy tests on rare wildlife species. You will be also be involved in a wide range of exciting activities required to ensure that the animals native to the National Park are able to survive the environmental changes, as well as poaching.

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 teaching English, orphanage, medical care, and many more that will meet your interest and passion.

Teach English In Rural Schools (Kampala)

Uganda is famously known as the pearl of Africa. It is the source of River Nile and home to Lake Victoria the largest fresh water lake in Africa. Sadly more than half the population in Uganda lives in below the set poverty levels.  Proper education is not affordable to many poor and rural communities in Uganda.

There is also a lack of professional English teachers in the country. By volunteering as a family abroad you will be teaching conversational English to children. Additionally, you will help in organizing extracurricular activities for the children as well as encouraging the children to maintain their health and personal hygiene while touring around this beautiful African country.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Uganda

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

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

Skill and Qualifications

No specific qualifications or skills are required for your family volunteer abroad. IFRE however expects you to be flexible, compassionate and patient with a passion to love and care for the poor people. However, to join medical and healthcare programs you will be required to have a medical certification or experience.

The Start Date(s) 

IFRE programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

The Fee

IFRE provides cheap family volunteer abroad opportunities compared to other organizations in the industry. A one-week stay at the program fee is just $165. The program fees are paid directly to the host family and the project you are working on which guarantees that your money is not for company profit.  The weekly program fee covers accommodation, food, field support, airport transfers and project donation.

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

Housing and Food

A caring and respectful host family will provide your accommodation to you. For your comfort and safety, the home is modern in a secure neighborhood. In addition IFRE regularly vets all the host homes to ensure your safety. 

You will also be served with three home cooked meals (breakfast, Lunch and dinner) per day. In some countries when you take up best inexpensive family volunteering opportunities you will stay at a volunteer house of a project hostel.

Learn more about what kind of accommodation or food is available in each location. Please feel free to contact us or see the individual link of the project given above

How can you apply?

To apply for IFRE’s program is straightforward and easy. Simply click the APPLY NOW button and fill out the requested information in the application form and submit.

To apply for family volunteer  abroad program, please follow the APPLY NOW button at the top of the page.

Why go with IFRE Volunteers?

Founded in 2006 in Dallas, Texas IFRE is a top volunteer abroad best provider. As one of the most affordable volunteering organizations, it has over 200 projects in 20 countries worldwide and has worked with more than 22,000 volunteers since inception. IFRE is committed to have the best high value programs with professional local coordinators, and a personalized personal dashboard easy application process.

How can you go as a group?

IFRE has unique and impactful programs available for you are your family.  There is also an open chance to custom make a project that you would like to participate in. This exciting opportunity offers you and your family a life changing experience while exploring and immersing in different cultures. Contact IFRE today to join a unique family volunteer vacation abroad matches your objectives and passion.

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

How to prepare for volunteer abroad trips?

Now that you have decided to take your family trip abroad, you will be required to do extensive preparation before travelling to your country of choice. It is also important to research online to learn more about your volunteer trip abroad.

Flight

You flight costs is not included in the family volunteer abroad program fees. You will need to buy your ticket to your destination. To save money we advice you to look for affordable tickets in websites like Kayak, CheapOair and Goggle Flights. Arguably, the earlier you purchase your tickets, you are bound to save hundreds of dollars as opposed to last minute purchase. Share your flight details with your local coordinator to arrange for airport pick up and transfers.

Visa and Passport requirements

If you do not have a passport be informed that to travel internationally, you will need a valid passport. If you do not have a passport arrange to get one as soon as possible as in some countries it can take up to four months to get a passport. Also ensure that your passport has more than six months before the expiry date.

To join family volunteering opportunity abroad you will need a tourist visa. You can get a tourist visa from the official embassy or consulate of the country you are travelling prior to your departure. Visas can cost from $20-$80, with on-arrival-visa available in some countries depending on your nationality

Do I need any vaccinations?

Before travelling to the country you intend to volunteer, you need to get vaccinated for various communicable diseases. IFRE highly recommend that you consult with your local doctor before actually taking vaccinations to understand what is good for you. You can visit the CDC website to learn more.

What do I need to pack?

When packing for family volunteer vacations abroad purpose to pack only what you need and pack light and conveniently. Usually you will be offered a packing list depending on the country you are travelling. However, do not forget to bring basic things including a camera, a book, a journal and even a gift for your host family or the project you will be working for.

Extra money

IFRE programs include accommodation, food, airport pick up and local support. Local travels, excursions, daily transportation and restaurant bills are not included in the fees. We advise all volunteers to budget for this costs and carry along enough extra money to avoid being fixed with no money in a foreign country.

Your adventure begins

As soon as you arrive in the country you are volunteering your adventure has officially began. It is now time to use this opportunity to help poor people while you travel and make the best out of your family volunteer abroad.

How to make volunteer abroad experience rewarding?

Volunteering abroad is not an easy task; you are leaving your comfort zone to stay with strangers in a far away land. The best thing to do is making the best out of this opportunity by travelling around amazing life-changing places of interest.

You can take a safari, or hike the Himalayas or take the Incan trail in Peru. Be adventurous and open-minded. Purpose to learn the new language, try all the local food and even learn how to cook it. It is also important to have positive energy and be passionate about the program you are volunteering as a family abroad.

Safety While Volunteering Abroad

For your safety, you’ll have an assigned in-country coordinator who will be available to assist in case there is a problem. In addition a comprehensive insurance and evacuation plan is available for you to ensure you are safe at all time while working in our volunteering project. We also advice all volunteers to look out for any signs of danger and report immediately. Avoid walking alone carrying a lot of money or expensive jewelry.

Completing your project and returning

Now that you have successfully completed your volunteer program abroad with a family, we would like to get your feedback. Your feedback helps IFRE adjust the program or correct any mistakes that may have occurred. Do not forget to continually follow the progress of the program via social media or email. Also keep in touch with all the people you met while volunteering abroad.

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

You can also check out our amazing volunteer opportunities in Bali, 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 family volunteer programs:

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