Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteering abroad, no matter the project type, generally has\na lot of benefits of which you will carry with you for the rest of your life.\nWe have listed a few of these benefits here for you to review, but there are\nmany, many more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore\npotential career fields while reflecting on life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of people opting for gap year travel\nopportunities are young. This is important because one of the major benefits of\nvolunteering abroad is that the practical experience you receive on these\nprograms will allow you to essentially\n\u201ctry-out\u201d different jobs and career types.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, taking time off to get practical field experience\ngives you the opportunity to reflect on your studies and career choice. You\nwill have more mental space to decide which educational or career path is best\nfor you before you commit and invest all your time and money into one specific\nfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn to\nbe flexible <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you participate in a gap year abroad volunteer program, there will be a\ncertain amount of flexibility that\u2019s required from you whether you realize it\nor not. As you\u2019re nudged out of your comfort zone you will realize that, little\nby little, you become more adaptable and relaxed in scenarios that may have\ncaused stress previous to your travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Control\nand customize your experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gap year programs work to your advantage. Because these\nexperiences are longer and visa requirements generally only permit you to stay\nin a given country for 3-4 months, you can select multiple programs and travel\nto 3-4 countries. In that way, they can very much be molded to your needs and\ninterests. This may look like taking a combination of paying internships,\nvolunteer positions, and temporary jobs even. With so many top gap year programs\nabroad at your disposal, you create the dream gap year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gain independence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteering is the best chance for you to be on your own and build\nyour independence.<\/a> This affordable gap year program can be a steppingstone\nto college and a chance to try new things. Taking a gap year means having the\nchance to grow your independence and get to know yourself outside of the school\nsetting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sense of\npurpose<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest benefits of the volunteering gap year programs abroad is\nthat it can help\ngrow your sense of purpose.<\/a> The gap year is your chance to invest in\nyourself, while also contributing to something you believe in. Do you love\nanimals? Do you love children? Do you want to teach English? Whatever you love,\nthis is your chance to pursue it with your whole heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What do you want to get out of taking a gap year? What are you\nlooking for in gap year benefits? Do you want to see the world? Advance your\ncareer? Get ready for college or graduate school? Find yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are some of the questions that might be on your mind\nbefore starting a gap year travel program project. Rest assured! There is a gap\nyear program for everyone with any goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to get started with one of IFRE\u2019s programs, then you will probably\nhave few questions as how to get on board and start this life changing journey.\nNo need to worry, we\u2019ve covered and explained everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Go for a program based\non your skills and interest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a variety of skills interests and qualities that\npeople possess that can make them a great volunteer. For instance, being able\nto show compassion, kindness, and empathy for people is essential. These\nqualities will help you significantly, while being a part of your gap year\nprogram abroad. Being able to contribute your services in a foreign land is a\nwonderful gesture, however, to be effective, you need to be warm and friendly\nwith the local people at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also important to accept traditions and customs that you\ndon\u2019t understand. Always have it in your mind that the volunteering abroad gap year program is the\nfirst learning experience, and just the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After your personal qualities, the next important aspect is to\npick the program that fits your personality. There are a few ways to approach\nthis, and there are no hard and fast set rules to do it. The best rule to live\nby is – always go with your instincts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Select a program from\nyour future point of view<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Next is to consider what skills you have to offer. What are\nyour best personality traits? You should always consider and focus on the\nactivities you enjoy the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, if children are appealing for you and if you\nlove working with children, then look at choosing from our broad selection of\ngap year programs that focuses on helping kids in orphanages. Or, if your\ndomain is the wilderness, then go for one of our best gap year programs abroad\nthat connect volunteers with local animals and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, another big question to ask is, where do you want to\nsee yourself in the future? For instance, those looking forward to making a\ncareer in a medical related field, can opt for a medical-related project or\nhealthcare program in a developing country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Select the best travel\nprocedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once done with the selection of a program, your mind will be\nset on the travel procedures and requirements. First and foremost, due to\nstrict visa regulations, none of IFRE\u2019s affordable gap year programs are for a\nfull year and are not restricted to a single country. Generally, we recommend\nyou volunteer in 3 to 4 countries with each volunteering opportunity lasting 2\nto 3 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In line with your travel program, here are some valuable tips\nthat you should always have in mind, when making a plan for the best affordable volunteer gap\nyear programs abroad. Think about budgeting. A good tip is to select\ncountries that share common borders or are next to each other. This will save\nyour significant costs on airfares. If the countries are really close, then you\ncan opt out for a bus ride between countries, saving you flight costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose mixed-bag of\nprojects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s always a productive idea to add variations to your best\nand cheap gap year programs, which can be done by choosing different projects. Try\nand mix up things, for example, you can choose an orphanage project in one\ncountry, and wildlife conservation in another. In doing so, it will allow you\nto try different programs that will help you in gaining a wide range of\nexperience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Re-invent yourself and shape your future by opting for IFRE\u2019s\nvolunteering opportunities! It\u2019s time to choose the program that fits your\ninterests and desires; start today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n IFRE has various volunteer projects\nthat cater to different interests, budgets, time constraints and travel goals.\nAt IFRE we have a program or project for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guatemala is gorgeous country known\nas a world-class travel destination in Central America, but unfortunately this\ncountry struggles with poverty. This affects many Guatemalan children, leaving\nthem without parental love and the care they need. Some orphanages try they\nbest to offer a safe environment for these kids, but they are chronically\nunderfunded and lack personnel resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you volunteer in Guatemala, you\nwill teach children English. You will also help with day-to-day skills such as\nteaching the children to dress properly, educating on personal hygiene, and\ntravelling to school safely. You may also be asked to educational and fun\nextracurricular activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your support will make a huge impact\non the lives of the children living in the orphanage. By sharing love and hope\nwith the kids you will inspire and change the lives of many Guatemalan\nchildren. Since many of the staff are over worked and underappreciated, you\nwill be providing much needed emotional support to the adults as well as the\nchildren. You can have a direct change over\nthese children\u2019s circumstances by providing love and nurturing to them through\nwork and play. Your compassion can inspire these children to break out of their\nrough beginnings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel moved to work with these\nunderprivileged children as part of your study abroad gap year volunteering plan, please read\nmore program details on the webpage link.<\/a> You may also reach out to us by\nemail and let us know your thoughts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other volunteer opportunities you\nmay choose to incorporate in your gap \nyear experience are empowering women, teaching English, assisting in\nhealthcare efforts, and more! To learn more about options for volunteer\nwork in Guatemala<\/a>, follow the link below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The elephants of Sri Lanka face constant abuse and are forced\ninto logging activities, making them victims of poor tourism practices and\nunwanted domestication. These elephants need help from compassionate and caring\nvolunteers like you to live better lives and keep the species healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you join this volunteer abroad gap year program, you will be assigned various\nresponsibilities ranging from caring for the elephants to providing medical\ntreatment. You may help feed, bathe and play with the elephants or provide your\nhelp on the organic farm each day, growing fresh vegetables and herbs. There is an after-school program that is also\nthe part of this project, where you will be teaching English to the community\nto give them a better understanding for a sustainable future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This wildlife experience will allow you to give back to\nanimals in need. You will show a kinder version of humanity to some amazing\nelephants by ensuring their health, well-being and survival. You will also\ncontribute to the project\u2019s future goal of providing elephant dung fertilizer\nto poor farmers, giving them an environmentally friendly way to grow their\ncrops and offering the villagers a new perspective on human-elephant relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join this animal movement as part of your college gap year volunteer\nabroad experience and bring peaceful co-existence to Sri Lankan\nelephants.\nLearn more by following the link .<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Other opportunities to support\nprograms in Sri Lanka include assisting in the medical field, teaching English\nto Buddhist monks, working in orphanages, and more. Follow\nthe link below to learn about other opportunities.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cambodia\u2019s government has made major strides in supporting\ncitizen\u2019s healthcare, but many low-income citizens still lack basic access to\nmedical services. There is also a significant need for ongoing education about\nprevention of diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteers embarking on abroad gap year programs will spend the majority of their time in hospitals\nshadowing medical staff. Exact responsibilities will vary depending on\nexperience, education, and needs., however you may be asked to work in physical\ntherapy or rehabilitation, provide basic care, or assist with administrative\ntasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through this unique hands-on medical\nprogram, you will gain benefits of cultural exchange, invaluable medical\nexperience, and knowledge about the inner workings of a different culture\u2019s\nhealthcare. Your role as a medical volunteer in Cambodia will support people in\nneed and make a life-changing impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to travel to\nCambodia and leave a positive impact, follow\nthis link to learn more about program details:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like to learn about other volunteer opportunities in\nCambodia for gap year\nvolunteer abroad programs, such as working with a local NGO,\ncontributing to HIV\/AIDS awareness, please\nfollow this link:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From sweeping savannahs filled with herds of elephants and prides of lions, to rugged coastlines and mountainous hiking trails, South Africa has an impressive arrive of flora and fauna. Unfortunately, many ecosystems face threats such as poaching, illegal trading, and habitat destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As local organizations become aware and educate\nlocal populations, they work to fight issues of species extinction in South\nAfrica. However, caring for wildlife is a full time job and projects are often\nunderfunded, which means that more hands are desperately needed and greatly\nappreciated. As a college\nstudent embracing\nthis gap year volunteering program abroad in South Africa, you will be\nresponsible for monitoring animals, removing non-indigenous plants from the\nreserve, planting trees to combat erosion, patrolling reserve hikes and trails,\nassisting veterinarians, feeding animals in rehabilitation, and much more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your passion for wildlife conservation will make a great\nimpact on flora and fauna of South Africa. Your work will help save species\nfrom extinction and improve the chances of survival for injured individuals in\nrehabilitation. You will be part of the solution these animals and plants need\nto thrive in their natural environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If this wildlife conservation speaks to your\npassion, please contact IFRE today to let us know you are interested! We will\nhelp you with the rest of your application process. For more information\nincluding program dates, fees, accommodation, etc. please follow the\nlink <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are searching for other programs\nin South Africa, look no further. IFRE offers programs such as social welfare,\nchildcare, and physical education projects as well.\nLearn more here:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the best international volunteer gap year programs like\nhealthcare, medical, and teaching English do have specific\nrequirements<\/a>. To work in healthcare, you must be a pre-med student, and to\nteach English you must be a fluent speaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, the only requirement in\ngeneral to participate in these volunteer opportunities is that you have an\nopen-mind and passion for the project you are supporting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about specific program\nand project requirements, please follow this link:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All volunteer and internship programs\nstart on Mondays, although we will work with you if you have a travel conflict.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n IFRE is a non-profit organization\ntrying to change the world. We promote global humanitarian efforts and\nvolunteer experiences at the most affordable rate for student volunteer gap year programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, IFRE asks for a $299\nregistration fee which goes toward paying for local support, airport transfers,\nprogram donations, etc. You will also be asked to pay a weekly program fee\nwhich is goes directly to your host family and service project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even with low program prices, IFRE\nmaintains outstandingly high-quality volunteer programs. We do everything we\ncan to ensure safe, fun, and meaningful volunteer abroad experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn about registration\nand program fees, please follow this link:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The housing and food accommodations\nyou receive depend on your project and country. Most volunteers stay with at\nleast one other same-gendered student with one of our wonderful host families.\nHowever, you may also be asked to stay in a shared volunteer house, hostel, or\ncabin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whichever gap year volunteer abroad programs you decide\nto join, our outstanding field staff will ensure that you are happy and\ncomfortable in whatever type of accommodations you receive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To\nlearn more about specific accommodation and food, please follow this link or\nconsult your project of interest\u2019s webpage:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer applications\nstraightforward. Apply online and submit your application to us. Once we\nreceive your completed application, we will reach out to you within 24 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To\nlearn more about our application process, please read more here:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n IFRE Volunteers is a well-respected\nglobal non-profit whose goal is to make a real and lasting impact on the world\nthrough our volunteer programs. We are an experienced and honest organization.\nEstablished in 2006 and trusted by more than 22,000 volunteers, our volunteer gap year student\nabroad projects encourage community growth and change individuals\u2019 lives\ndaily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you volunteer with IFRE, you\nknow where your money goes because you pay your program fees directly to the\nlocals involved in your project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite being the most affordable\nprogram in the world, we still deliver impeccably high-quality and\noutstandingly safe programs. When you volunteer with IFRE, you\u2019ll form strong\nbonds with our unparalleled field staff and heart-warming host families, who\nwill enrich your experience and make your time abroad worth so much more than\nyou expected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about why you\nshould volunteer with IFRE here:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can do a volunteer abroad gap year for student volunteers with a group.<\/a>\nYou will need to contact IFRE directly so we can work with you to select and\ncustomize a project that suits your groups\u2019 interests, needs, schedule, and\nbudget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also check out our\namazing volunteer opportunities in Brazil<\/a>,\nEcuador<\/a>,\nBali<\/a>, Zimbabwe<\/a> and Morocco<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out \u2018A Complete Volunteer Abroad\nGuide: Everything You Need To Know<\/a>\u2019 to learn more\nabout what is volunteering abroad. If you want to know how to volunteer abroad\nfor free, go through our Volunteer\nAbroad for Free<\/a> article. If you are a college\nstudent and searching for meaningful summer volunteering programs, check out\nour popular articles Community\nService Trips For College Students<\/a> and Summer\nVolunteer Programs For College Students<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer\nPrograms for Young Adults<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Opportunities\nto Volunteer Abroad<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter\nBreak Volunteer Abroad<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel\nabroad volunteer program<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n One Month Volunteer Abroad Opportunities<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer Charity Work Abroad<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n International\nVolunteer opportunities for Adults<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Best Volunteer Abroad Programs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer Work Abroad Programs<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Legitimate Volunteer Abroad Programs<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Long\nTerm Volunteer Abroad Programs<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long Term Volunteer Opportunities Abroad<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Short Term Volunteer Abroad <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer Overseas Short Term<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Short Term International Volunteer Opportunities<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The Benefits Gap Year Volunteer Programs Abroad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can you join gap year volunteer abroad programs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Popular Gap Year Volunteer Programs Abroad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Guatemala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Work in An Orphanage in Guatemala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"work](\"https:\/\/www.ifrevolunteers.org\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/work0in-orphanage-in-guatemala.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sri Lanka<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Work In An Elephant Orphanage (Pinnawala)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"work](\"https:\/\/www.ifrevolunteers.org\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/work-in-elephant-orphanage-pinnawala.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cambodia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Health\/Medical Project in Cambodia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"medical](\"https:\/\/www.ifrevolunteers.org\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/medical-project-in-cambodia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther Volunteer Opportunities in Cambodia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
South Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wildlife Conservation Project (Port Elizabeth)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"wildlife](\"https:\/\/www.ifrevolunteers.org\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/wildlife-conservation-project-south-africa.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOther Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skill and Qualifications <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Start Date(s) <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Fee <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Housing and Food <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can you apply? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why go with IFRE Volunteers? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can you go as a group? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Other possibilities are featured in:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n