Want to find out the best gap year volunteer programs abroad? After years and years of textbooks, classrooms, and exams, you’re probably feeling ready for a change of scenery. Why not take your learning beyond the four walls of a classroom and take a gap year?
Gap years are an awesome way to learn more about yourself and the world around you. There are endless options to choose from for your gap year experience; gap year programs operate all over the world for a range of different experiences and activities. There really is a program for everyone!
Become a gap year volunteer abroad!
But while you’re off scratching that travel itch, why not help others as well? Many travellers choose to volunteer abroad for gap year. It is a rewarding way to spend time abroad, and allows you to explore new places while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. Gap year volunteer programs abroad are the best choice to plan your trip. They are a great resource for finding volunteer placements, and many help with visas, meals, accommodations, and more. Here are our top picks for program providers for gap year volunteer programs abroad!
The best providers for volunteering on your gap year this year:
11 best programs for gap year volunteering
These providers set the bar for a volunteering gap year. *Editor’s note: This data was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Impact Gap Year
"South Africa has been the best experience ever! Sports volunteering was brilliant. The kids were a pleasure to coach and welcomed me with open arms. The coaches at the schools are doing great job and I will miss them all greatly! I came to South Africa alone and was very nervous but everyone did a fantastic job of making me feel this was my home. I'm leaving here feeling more than content with a completely different outlook on life." — Read more Impact Gap Year reviews here.
- Where? Africa and South America
- When? 6 months, April-October
- Why? Make a lasting impact during an immersive experience spanning South Africa, Ecuador, and Peru. Engage in community initiatives, conservation, and business projects. Begin in South Africa as a Sports Coach, inspiring Cape Town’s youth. Move to Ecuador for sustainable development, renovating heritage sites, and empowering local communities. Conclude in Peru's rainforest, contributing to environmental sustainability and connecting with indigenous wisdom.
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2. International Volunteer HQ
“Such an amazing experience, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and do not want to leave! The staff really helped make the experience great, the program coordinators were extremely helpful and so kind and truly tried to help make your stay as fun and comfortable as possible. I volunteered at [an] animal shelter which was very enjoyable and fell in love with all the animals! I also volunteered at children’s hospital CRIT, which was such an amazing organization and the children were all so wonderful! The house was great and I met lots of wonderful people from all over the world!” — Read more International Volunteer HQ reviews here.
- Where? 40 countries worldwide
- When? Year round, duration depends on program and location (1—24 weeks)
- Why? With 10 years running and 40+ destinations worldwide, choosing your gap year volunteer abroad placement with International Volunteer HQ means that you’ll be spoiled for choice! Their mission is to find a placement that fulfills your gap year goals. Most of their programs offer volunteer housing, meals, and support included, so you can spend more time giving back to the community and getting to know fellow volunteers.
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3. Raleigh International
“My time with Raleigh international was absolutely fantastic. Living with a host family was a great way to immerse yourself into the local culture and develop strong relationships with the community. I would highly recommend this experience regardless of your background, skills, or experience; everyone can benefit from it.” — Read more Raleigh International reviews here
- Where? Costa Rica and Nepal
- When? Spring, Summer, and Fall; 4-10 weeks
- Why? Raleigh Expeditions are safe and responsible service programs that have been running for over 35 years, so they have plenty of experience! Raleigh unites young people from around the world to create lasting change through their Community and Environmental projects. Volunteers also get the opportunity to take part in the Adventure Leadership Trek through incredible diverse landscapes. Throughout all aspects of the program, volunteers develop their teamwork and leadership skills whilst making friends for life.
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4. Gapforce
“This trip has changed my life. Before discovering it I was at a loose end with no real direction, now at the end of my 12 weeks here, all that has been changed, I feel inspired and I am so grateful. I have had some wonderful, once in a lifetime adventures, which I couldn't have experienced anywhere but here and with the people that shared and helped create them! — Read more Gapforce reviews here
- Where? Various locations worldwide
- When? Year round, 4—12 weeks
- Why? Gapforce knows gap years! They offer exciting gap year expeditions abroad, including the option multi-country extended trips. Their mantra is to offer a thrilling and safe adventure for gap year volunteers abroad, with plenty of adventure travel mixed in with volunteer responsibilities. They offer many longer-term programs (a month or more) to allow for an exciting mix of experiences!
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5. TIVNU Building Justice
“My 9 months with Tivnu were truly wonderful. The amazing staff, beautiful Portland, and assisting/working with houseless and low income families was a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On this program I’ve made life long friends, memories, handyman skills, and confidence. If you have the chance, definitely take it.” — Read more TIVNU Building Justice reviews here
- Where? Portland, Oregon
- When? Fall start, 9 months
- Why? Are you of Jewish faith? Do you have a yearning for the wild outdoors of the Pacific Northwest? Would you be ecstatic to find a way to combine Jewish life and social justice? If the answer is a resounding YES to all of the above and you're a 17-20 year old high school grad, then TIVNU's gap year program in Portland, Oregon is the one for you. During your 9-month stint, you'll have the chance to advocate for immigrants' rights, cook meals for houseless Portlanders, grow food with children, and more. You should expect nothing short of a meaningful and enriching experience! (Note: Participants are not required to be Jewish, but should be aware and respectful of the presence of Jewish values and history during this gap year.)
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6. Carpe Diem Education
“When I graduated high school I was not prepared for college... After my gap year with Carpe Diem, I feel as prepared as possible. I gained skills in leadership, communication, independence, and more through the activities that we performed throughout the trip... I was immersed in the cultures that we visited and learned more than I ever could from a text book or a documentary. The experiences that I have living with the locals and hearing their stories will stay with me forever. Carpe is great about encouraging this cultural exchange and is extremely respectful of the host cultures. The itinerary on this semester is packed with wonderful opportunities that I never knew I would experience. I 100% recommend this semester to anyone who is thinking about it!” — Read more about Carpe Diem Education here
- Where? Various locations worldwide
- When? Spring or Fall start, 3—8 months
- Why? Carpe Diem Education is all about education outside of the classroom, as well as education outside of your comfort zone. As travellers, our best learning and growth occur when our comfort zones are pushed—Carpe Diem believes that during a gap year is the time to challenge yourself. Along with other gap year programs, they offer volunteer projects all around the world, including their “Latitudes Year” program, which offers 24 week travel experience, which can include a three-month volunteer placement.
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7. Pacific Discovery
“It was an adventure of a lifetime. It's itinerary is the perfect mixture of adventure, cultural immersion, and volunteer activity. I was introduced to countless new things that have changed the way I experience the world. I am open to new things, confident in travel, and have made lifelong friends. The leaders were mentors and became amazing friends as well! I would recommend this program for anyone who wants to experience the world, find growth through new things, and make lifelong friends!” — Read more Pacific Discovery reviews here
- Where? Central and South America, Nepal, Tibet, Ecuador, Galapagos, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
- When? Spring or Fall start dates, 4—12 weeks
- Why? Pacific Discovery focuses on experiential and hands on learning projects—get ready to get your hands dirty. If you are interested in immersion, adventure, and nature, then Pacific Discovery may have the program for you. Many of their programs spend a significant amount of time in nature and have a focus on wildlife research and sustainable conservation.
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8. United Planet
“This experience was absolutely breathtaking. I can try to use all kinds of adjectives and descriptors to describe how I felt during my experience, but I don't think it would do it justice at all. I can totally write a book on how much I learned about the culture, the mannerisms of the people there, the food, the environment, everything... The work I did there was amazing and I felt I made a large impact on people's lives while I was there, as they certainly made an impact on mine.” — Read more United Planet reviews here
- Where? 35 countries worldwide
- When? Year round, 1 week—1 year
- Why? Their mission is in their name: to unite! United Planet wants to create a global community through personal relationships. They connect volunteers to service programs. While some volunteer abroad gap year programs heavily focus on adventure travel, United Planet focuses on the relationships created between volunteers and the community to create a more authentic experience.
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9. Impactrip
“This summer I decided to volunteer in Portugal with ImpacTrip and I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only were the living conditions clean and safe, but the Impact House was absolutely beautiful. I am from Canada, but I met people from all over the globe, such as Australia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, etc. Living with the other volunteers gave me the chance to truly get to know them and make long lasting friendships. They are passionate about their sustainability mission and it is inspiring to see them achieve that with this organization.” — Read more Impactrip reviews here
- Where? Various locations across Portugal
- When? Year round, 1 day—12 weeks
- Why? Have you ever wanted to visit Portugal? Well here’s your chance to visit, all while giving back to a beautiful country! Impactrip has volunteer programs from as short as a day (for example, a day of ocean garbage cleanup and diving) to 12 weeks. They offer a range of experiences to make your gap year in Portugal truly amazing.
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10. Conservation Travel Africa
“I knew volunteering at an animal conservation was going to be difficult and I knew I was going to walk away with some scratches and bruises (here’s looking at you, cutting down trees). I also knew it would be incredibly rewarding, and I was not wrong. [This project] was an experience that I shall never forget. The people in the community, the animals and the staff were all truly wonderful in every way... I would and will recommend the volunteer program to anyone with not only a passion for animals but a passion for people as well.” — Read more Conservation Travel Africa reviews here
- Where? Various locations across Southern Africa
- When? Year round, 1—12 weeks
- Why? If you’re passionate about wildlife, then Conservation Travel Africa is the program for you. Their focus exclusively on conserving African wildlife and on establishing sustainable ways for humans and wildlife to live in harmony. They use both conservation methods and education to help communities respect and conserve the environment around them.
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11. African Impact
"Really didn't know what to expect from this trip. I have volunteered for many other organisations before but wanted to keep an opened mind on African Impact as well as the Zambian (Livingstone) community. From the set go of meeting Benny (AI driver) the mood and tone was set for what was to come. The arrival, through to the induction, the meet and greet of the other volunteers and then the next day into the start of projects. The formulas and flexibility on how and which projects you would like to participate in were run very clearly and on time. Mixing with the community (Kids and adults) on these projects of course gave you a sense of purpose aligned with personal activity with the community and growth...Besides the community, the main highlight of these projects and programs, are easily the staff. Working with Sander, Sjeel and Anne was not only a pleasure, but the balance of professionalism, humour and the ability to engage with volunteers on all levels is a credit to them all and African Impact... Overall, I highly recommend the experience and African impact. The staff are what made the difference for me. Well done and keep up the amazing work you are all doing."—Read more reviews of African Impact
- Where? Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- When? Year round, 1-12 weeks
- Why? As winners of GoAbroad's Top Rated Volunteer Organization awards for three years running, African Impact knows their stuff. If you're looking for meaningful, high-impact and diverse projects on the African continent, let these experts be your guide.
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[Explore ALL Volunteer Gap Year Programs]
You’re ready to volunteer abroad for gap year!
Enjoy the magic of gap year volunteer programs.
Volunteering abroad for gap year is one of the best ways to travel in a meaningful way. You will learn about the day to day life of locals, while providing aid and leaving a positive impact. Volunteering abroad is a learning experience unparalleled to anything you can learn in classroom—so if you’ve been itching to trade in your school books for a suitcase, then you should volunteer abroad for a gap year!
Gap year volunteer abroad programs take the stress out of planning so you can focus your efforts on helping the community. It’s a rewarding experience for travelers and the community alike, and the best part is, there is such a wide variety of gap year volunteer programs all over the world, so there is truly something for everyone. It’s time to pack up your bags and volunteer abroad for gap year!
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