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Volunteer in Africa

Dreaming of volunteering in Africa? International Volunteer HQ has 16 years experience in providing the world’s most trusted, safe and affordable Africa volunteer programs.

Every year, thousands of international volunteers take volunteer trips to Africa with IVHQ, as it enables them to be immersed in vibrant cultures, discover unique wildlife and make valuable contributions to the local communities.

Wondering what volunteer work in Africa is available? IVHQ offers an extensive range of impact-led volunteer programs in Tanzania , Zambia , Victoria Falls , Ghana , South Africa , Madagascar , Zanzibar , Kenya , Namibia and Morocco . From animal and wildlife volunteering to community development, childcare and volunteer teaching in Africa, there’s something to suit all ages and interests.

• South Africa
• Victoria Falls

Why volunteer in Africa with IVHQ?

Whether you’re seeking the best mission trips to Africa, short-term humanitarian trips or wildlife volunteering in Africa, IVHQ’s programs are available year-round and you can volunteer for 1 - 24 weeks. With flexible booking and unlimited free changes , program orientation, 24/7 support, safe accommodation, meaningful volunteer work and everything in-country organized for you, IVHQ offers the best Africa volunteer abroad programs.

Program fees from only $275 for 1 week

Aligns with un sustainable development goals, fully hosted, including accommodation, meals & more, flexible booking, 24/7 support & unrivalled safety, best africa volunteer programs abroad in 2024 & 2025.

Discover the top places to volunteer in Africa right now and explore our full range of Africa volunteer opportunities below.

Volunteer in Ghana

Volunteer in Kenya

Volunteer in Madagascar

Volunteer in Morocco

Volunteer in Namibia

Volunteer in South Africa

Volunteer in Tanzania

Volunteer in Victoria Falls

Volunteer in Zambia

Volunteer in Zanzibar

Where in the world do you want to make a difference?

”There was never just one memory that was my favorite, there were to many to choose from. My time spent in Africa will always remind me of when I was happiest, theres just something about it that made me feel a sense of belonging I had never felt before. It was amazing and I'm so thankful I chose to go to Arusha. The friends I made were from all over the world and we were all so different, but at the same time so similar we were there with a purpose, all of us. I still talk to so many of the friends I made there, its so amazing. The program manager, Victoria, was awesome I was never afraid to ask questions and she was always there for me and any volunteer no matter what time or what day, not only that she's one of the good hearted people I've ever met. The whole staff really made the visit so enjoyable.”

Addy Wilson, American, 19

Common questions about volunteering in Africa

What volunteer work in africa does ivhq offer.

Volunteering in Africa in 2024 or 2025 is an opportunity to make a significant impact during a time of need.

IVHQ offers a huge range of Africa projects, which have been set up to tackle the most pressing issues in each region. Whether you want to volunteer and teach English in Africa, support construction projects, wildlife volunteering, or nursing and medical volunteer abroad projects, IVHQ has volunteer work in Africa that is suitable for volunteers with a range of skills and experience.

What are the most popular Africa volunteering opportunities?

• Medical in Tanzania
• Teaching in Zambia
• Wildlife Conservation in Victoria Falls
• Marine Conservation in Madagascar
• Healthcare Outreach & Education in Ghana
• Childcare in Kenya
• Surf Outreach in South Africa - Cape Town
• Wildlife Conservation in South Africa - Kruger National Park
• Coastal and Marine Conservation in Zanzibar
• Women’s Education in Morocco

How much does it cost to volunteer in Africa?

IVHQ makes it super easy and affordable to book volunteer trips to Africa. Our fully hosted Africa volunteer programs start from as little as $20/day! This includes your accommodation, meals, airport pickup, orientation and comprehensive support services that you won’t find elsewhere.

How to volunteer in Africa

Applying to volunteer in Africa is simple! Once you’ve decided which country you want to volunteer in and which Africa project you would like to join, you can apply . It’s free, only takes a few minutes and there is no commitment needed at this stage. Our team of Volunteer Travel Specialists will then guide you through the next steps to secure your spot and start preparing for your trip.

You can learn more about how to get started here .

What are the best Africa mission trips for 2024 & 2025?

IVHQ offers a diverse range of mission trips to Africa. Choose from 10 of the most sought after destinations across the continent for your Africa humanitarian trip:

• Tanzania - Arusha
• Zambia - Livingstone
• Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
• Madagascar - Nosy Komba
• Ghana - Greater Accra region
• Kenya - Nairobi
• South Africa - Cape Town
• South Africa - Kruger National Park
• Zanzibar - Jozani and Nungwi
• Morocco - Rabat, Casablanca and Sale

Find out how recent volunteers in Africa got on: Read Tonja’s story from Ghana , about Aysha’s experience in Tanzania or hear from senior volunteer, Julien, about his programs in Ghana and Tanzania .

Is it safe to volunteer in Africa?

Thousands of IVHQ volunteers travel to Africa every year without encountering any issues. We have a comprehensive approach to managing safety and reducing risks across all of our programs, which gives volunteers the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe, secure and healthy. This includes:

• All local teams are trained in volunteer management, are required to undertake first aid training and ensure that programs adhere to IVHQ’s Risk Management Policy .
• All IVHQ volunteers receive pre-departure and 24/7 in-country support, are required to have travel insurance and are strongly encouraged to take our online pre-departure training which can be accessed for free.

What are the best Africa volunteer programs to include a safari?

If you’re looking to contribute to wildlife volunteering in Africa while experiencing safari and game drives as part of your program, IVHQ’s Wildlife Conservation projects in Victoria Falls and South Africa - Kruger National Park are excellent options.

If you’d prefer to volunteer on a community-focused Africa project and go on safari during your weekends, or at the start or end of your trip, check out these programs:

• Tanzania : IVHQ offers a range of affordable safari tour add-ons in Tanzania , which can be booked after registering for your program.
• Zanzibar : Most volunteers transit via Tanzania making it easy to add one of our Tanzania safari tours to the start or end of your Zanzibar program.
• South Africa : Book a safari trip to one of the surrounding National Parks with our local team once you arrive in-country.
• Kenya : Safaris to Maasai Mara, Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park can be organized with our local team once you arrive in-country.
• Zambia : Zambia boasts 20 National Parks, so jump on a weekend safari and book via our local team when you arrive in-country.

Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Africa with IVHQ

Considering volunteering abroad in Africa? Watch this webinar replay where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad adventure.

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• Volunteer Abroad

Humanitarian Trips: What They Are & How/Why You Should Take One

Kaylan is the founder and editor-in-chief of African American in Africa, a collective founded on ...

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Make a difference in the lives of others

Learn the 411 on humanitarian trips for all ages—youth, college students, teens, high school students, the whole family, and more.

For some folks living for themselves is just enough. And then there are those of us who know life is much bigger than our little bubbles. We read about challenges oceans away and feel compelled to do something—to act. If these feelings sound familiar, then a humanitarian trip is the move you need to make. 

So what are volunteer / humanitarian trips all about? They’re a powerful way to fuse travel and volunteer work to help improve a challenging socioeconomic situation abroad. From natural disaster relief to molding the future leaders of tomorrow, there are plenty of fulfilling ways to get involved with humanitarian work. As you finalize your decision to go on a humanitarian trip, you’ll want to think about your volunteering interests and what culture you’d like to explore. The organization you decide to volunteer with also deserves mucho consideration! 

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry. We’re breaking everything you need to know about humanitarian trips down just below.

FAQs on humanitarian trips

Who can take them.

The awesome thing about humanitarian trips is that just about anyone can take one. Humanitarian trips for youth, humanitarian trips for high school students ...you’ll find plenty of tailor made trips for people of all ages and backgrounds. There are humanitarian trips for teens looking for a truly meaningful way to complete community service (because stacking books in the library is a big yawn). Humanitarian trips for college students can provide young adults with a way to gain experience in a field while giving back to a worthy cause. 

These projects give students a grassroots view of the ins and outs of humanitarian crises which is valuable in just about every industry. Or maybe you’re sprung from an entire family of do-gooders. There are even family humanitarian trips that you, mom, dad and big sis can sign up for and complete together. As a team, family humanitarian trips practically guarantee you’ll make double or quadruple the impact! One more thing! Don’t get caught up thinking you need to fit the stereotypical aid worker profile. When it comes to volunteering abroad, everyone has something to offer.

Medical humanitarian trips could mean more clean drinking water for more people.

Where can you go?

Humanitarian trips are all over the globe. Looking to teach children in Latin America? Start researching humanitarian trips to Cuba. Are you a teen whose drawn to Brazilian culture? Look into humanitarian trips for teens in South America. Just about any place you can think of will have a space for you and a need to fill.  

[ Browse Dozens of Volunteer Abroad Destinations ]

South Africa . Just twenty-five years ago South Africa was emerging from the throngs of apartheid. So it’s no wonder the country is still reeling from the effects of its colonial past. South Africa faces a very wide income inequality gap as well as challenges in poverty, crime, women and children’s rights, HIV, drug addiction, high unemployment, and more. And yet despite those ills, incredibly diverse and beautiful South African cultures thrive, complete with a rich history. It’s why South Africa is one of the most popular places for humanitarian trips to Africa. Volunteers will find opportunities to lend assistance across many sectors all over the country. To make the experience even more special, visit a center like Joburg’s apartheid museum for a deeper understanding of Mzanzi’s historical landscape.

Uganda . Yearning for even more exciting humanitarian trips to Africa? In Uganda, you can help out with humanitarian work during the day and catch a sight of the big five after hours. On humanitarian trips in Uganda, volunteers could be stationed in the capital city of Kampala or in the rural communities, where most of the country’s population lives. Humanitarian projects exist in education, health awareness, animal conservation and more. The needs in Uganda are many, your personal rewards you’ll on a humanitarian trip in Uganda will likely be even more. Before you leave, squeeze in a visit to see the famed mountain gorillas. Or, for a more cultural experience, stop by the Igongo Cultural Centre for a walk through south western Ugandan history!  

Thailand . It’s easy to chalk Thailand up to gorgeous beaches and delicious foods. However, beyond the tourist attractions the country is facing real socio economic problems. Issues like poverty, high youth unemployment, and in some pockets, political violence, means there’s plenty of humanitarian work to be done. Thai humanitarian projects span from refugee assistance to conservationism and teaching English. And humanitarian trip programs exist all over the country. So whether you’re volunteering in a tropical rainforest or bustling Bangkok, humanitarian trips in Thailand are some of the best opportunities to give back.

India . In a country exploding with over a billion people, humanitarian work volunteers in India will have no trouble finding work to do. Each corner of India offers a vast array of service projects and cultural experiences. While Delhi is a popular location for humanitarian volunteers, projects exist all around the country. Common humanitarian work fields available in include teaching, dentistry or general medical, community development, and women’s empowerment volunteering. Humanitarian trips for youth development are also available.

Unwrapping privilege while giving back and having an adventure is a tall order that’s worth every step of the journey.

Is it responsible tourism?

Now, you may have noticed that we’ve highlighted a lot of ways humanitarian trips can benefit volunteers. Well, because of that there has been debate about the effectiveness of humanitarian trips . For starters, shorter term volunteer trips can have little impact because realistically, two weeks in a country can only achieve but so much. A constant rotation of short term volunteers can even disrupt the flow of development projects in-country. Now pair that with the fact that volunteers generally have to pay humanitarian work organizations to participate. Humanitarian trips can quickly start looking like they’re more about the volunteer’s travel experience than the actual impact. The truth is, it's totally fine for volunteers to get something out of their experience, as long as reciprocity is weaved into the project.

[ Find Out Which Volunteer Projects Have the Most Need This Year ]

Other critics say “voluntourism” can instill a sort of paternalistic condescension. Translation: foreigners thinking they know more about how to fix problems than locals do. This is why applying to organizations with cultural sensitivity training ingrained is always a win.

While at first glance, many humanitarian trip organizations may sound like they’re doing wonderful things for needy communities abroad, its crucial for volunteers to vet organizations properly. Projects without a proven track record of results in-country or that don’t hire local staff are red flags. So when you’re applying to humanitarian work programs, keep an eye out for the most transparent and effective organizations. A good program can ensure that even a short term humanitarian trip has sustainable results. You can vet programs by reading program reviews and by looking for actual long term impact.

Are humanitarian trips expensive?

Family humanitarian trips are a great way to expose your youngins’ to more cultures around the world.

The costs of humanitarian trips depends on several factors: where you’re heading, how long you’re planning to stay, and even the type of volunteer program you apply to. Countries with lower costs of living tend to have lower humanitarian work program fees. For example, with Vina Volunteer you could do agricultural development work in Vietnam for two weeks for less than $600 (not including roundtrip airfare but this is still a steal!)! Or, you could volunteer with children in Costa Rica for the same amount of time with GVI for $2245 per week (flights not included here either). 

Whatever you do, don’t let higher price tags get you down. Many humanitarian volunteers find crafty ways to raise the money. Fundraising is one popular option in which you explain your humanitarian goals to friends, family, and professional contacts and ask them to donate to your travel plans. You can also get a part-time and start saving up or apply to volunteer abroad scholarships (yes, they do exist!). 

How safe are humanitarian trips?

This depends on where you’re going and what you’re up for. Now’s the time to get clear about how deep into a challenging situation you’re comfortable going. If you’re dead set on volunteering in a warzone (we don’t recommended humanitarian trips for high school students in these spots!), then honestly, it’s not going to be the safest environment. On the other end, even the world’s most safe countries have pockets of very real poverty. Expectation management is also important here. Why? 

[ More Safety Tips for Volunteering Abroad ]

Because in general, the places in the world that need the most help aren’t in the most comfortable or safe communities. No matter where you’re going, sign up with a humanitarian work organization with a structured safety and emergency plan. Simple protocol and heeding the advice of program staff is what keeps the majority of humanitarian volunteers safe abroad .  

5 awesome short term volunteer trips abroad

1. International Volunteer HQ

These guys have over programs in over 40 countries around the world for volunteers from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds. Looking to volunteer in construction and renovation? Or what about special needs center or old age home abroad? Whatever your humanitarian interests, with your personal GVI volunteer travel expert, you be fully supported throughout your application period and on the ground as a volunteer. 

• Where? 40 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Pacific.
• More info: Read International Volunteer HQ reviews  

2. Projects Abroad

Ready to join a legion of over 10,000 volunteers and 425 humanitarian work programs? With Projects Abroad, you’ll be trained by a combo of in-country staff and seasoned former volunteers. The organization’s values include “changing individuals and communities”, “transforming through travel”, and “building meaningful connections”. Good stuff! And, if you’re looking for flexible options, projects abroad has programs for volunteers for tweens to the over 50 crowd, along with team trips options designed to help you tackle a goal paired with friends or relatives.

• Where? 25 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and The Caribbean, and the South Pacific.
• More info: Read Projects Abroad reviews

3. Maximo Nivel

If you have a passion for Latin American culture and want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider Maximo Nivel. They specialize in programs in the region, offering humanitarian trips in Peru, Costa Rica, and Guatemala (keep researching if you’re looking for those ever so popular humanitarian trips to Cuba packages!). Volunteers can work with children, teach English, help out in health centers or construction sites and more. Aside from their self-described affordable yet transparent programs, you’ll have the opportunity to learn Spanish during your project too. Want to receive college credit? Maximo’s School of Record will allow you to earn. 

• Where? Peru, Costa Rica, and Guatemala
• More info: Read Maximo Nivel reviews

4. Global Dental Relief

In some parts of the world, even dental care is not a guarantee. However, on a humanitarian trip with Global Dental Relief, you can bring much needed dental care to children in Nepal or brighten the smiles of kids in Cambodia. This program offers fantastic humanitarian trips for college students which equal a priceless experience for anyone studying dentistry. During your free time, you'll have sightseeing opportunities to explore spots like Katmandu or the Maasai Mara. While volunteers with skills and passion for dental outreach are preferred for dental outreach work, the program has space for non-dental volunteers to help out too.

• Where? Guatemala, India, Kenya, Nepal, Cambodia
• More info: Read Global Dental Relief reviews

5. Cross-Cultural Solutions

This program has a quarter century of experience in childhood development. Even better? A key aspect of their humanitarian trips is that they’re in partnership with in-country locals. They have volunteers work in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Back in 2003, CCS was even granted consultative status by the UN. Basically, CCS has the sustainable volunteering game on lock! They offer volunteer programs around the world in everything from internships, gap year programs, and high school and group humanitarian trips.

• Where? Greece, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, Morocco, Peru, and Thailand.
• More info: Read CCS Reviews

Take your first humanitarian trip!

Now’s your time to give back.

Picked a program and a locale? Here’s a few things you can do before departure to help ensure your humanitarian trip will be as impactful as possible. Read in-country newspapers and blogs. This will give you even more of a feel for the socio economic challenges in the country. You’ll gain insight that will undoubtedly aid in your effectiveness on the ground. Another tip? Start learning the local language ! You won’t have to be fluent, but the more you know the better you’ll connect with the people you’re there to help.

Alright, are you ready to embark on this epic journey? Humanitarian trips are often filled with emotional extremes. Some days you’ll feel like a proud papa when you look at the work you’ve contributed. Other days, you may feel like your project is hopeless. Embrace the rollercoaster but lean toward to the positivity. Once you’re abroad, you’ll probably start to redefine your definition of success and learn to appreciate the smaller wins. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and apply to humanitarian trips overseas now!

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Humanitarian Trips to Africa

We are humanitarian travel specialists who support independent start-up organizations through to International NGOs. Whether you’re booking humanitarian trips, supporting a visa application, or in the event of an emergency, our experienced specialists in humanitarian travel provide assistance whenever it is needed. This is why we are trusted by 2,000 organizations in the US and have maintained an extremely high client retention rate since our inception as a humanitarian travel agency.

We help organize humanitarian trips to Africa

Our expert humanitarian specialists are here to support you when organizing a humanitarian trip to Africa. We have worked with over 2,000 organizations ranging from independent start-ups to NGOs that provide aid to those who need it most. 

Years of experience and valuable insight

In order to ensure a humanitarian trip to Africa runs smoothly, they require a lot of care, planning and organization. Having the pleasure to successfully arrange an array of humanitarian trips worldwide has provided us with so much valuable experience and insight. 

When planning a humanitarian trip to Africa, it is essential to do your research and find one that suits your skillset and interests . 

Helping you deliver live-saving medical aid

One of the most common ways to help out on Humanitarian trips to Africa is by offering medical aid . This can involve anything from giving vaccinations to assisting in surgeries. 

Less stress, more time to focus on your goals

Our valuable insight and unparalleled buying power come from years of experience working in the humanitarian sector. 

We will also inform you of the correct documentation everyone will need in order to get involved with a humanitarian trip to Africa and find accommodation with trusted partners to make sure your party is working as safely as possible. We also promise exceptional service and fantastic value throughout.

Great value airfares & baggage allowance

We can also offer fantastic benefits when it comes to arranging everything airfare related for humanitarian trips to Africa.  

It’s comforting to know that when planning a humanitarian trip to Africa or beyond, having the ability to hold seats provisionally for up to 11 months, and securing the lowest fare until you are ready to commit, is such an added bonus…especially in such uncertain times.

Efficient, customer-focused travel

We promise to provide value-focused travel solutions.

We know how important every penny is on these trips and we promise to provide value-focused travel solutions that unlock access to fares and rates exclusive to Diversity Travel. 

Recognized as a leading travel management agency in humanitarian travel, we have unparalleled relationships with suppliers, generating cost efficiencies that are passed on to our clients. Our unrivalled level of service is no exception when it comes to humanitarian trips to Africa.

We’re an award-winning humanitarian trip organization

Whether we are booking your next humanitarian trip to Africa, or any other location, we can assist. Even in the search for a global hotel program or in the event that support is needed for one of your travelers on Thanksgiving, you will always be speaking to a friendly member of the Diversity Travel team.

We have built an exceptional team of humanitarian travel experts who are trusted to manage the travel programs of some of the world's highest-profile organizations.

We're only a call away

When arranging a humanitarian trip to Africa, you can be confident that we provide a reduced change and cancelations fees should your plans change after your booking is confirmed. No minimum stay and a maximum stay of up to a year.

  Remember that nothing is too much trouble, and there is no better team than Diversity Travel to have in your corner when planning a humanitarian trip to Africa. Visit our humanitarian trips page to view all of our trips.

Call us on:  (+1) 619 320 2424

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Volunteer in Africa

Join a volunteer project in Africa and support local communities

Volunteer in Africa and focus on long-term, sustainable development in African countries. Through voluntary work in Africa, you’ll gain a deeper insight into people’s lives and the challenges they face. You’ll also be immersed in a new culture, contributing to your own education and personal growth.

On our volunteer opportunities in Africa, you can do things like :

• Volunteer with animals in Africa and work with wildlife conservation experts to protect endangered species like elephants, giraffes, and lions.
• Volunteer with children in Africa and help caregivers with Early Childhood Development.
• Teach in Africa and support education by working with teachers in local schools.
• Build a school in Africa and ensure that disadvantaged children have access to basic education.

No matter where you go in Africa, our Project Experts can help you find the volunteer project or internship that suits you. We can also help you plan the ultimate gap year in Africa!

With our volunteer programs in Africa, we take care of the details, so you can have a hassle-free experience . Our local staff are available to help you 24/7. This means you can focus all your energy on making a real impact in the community where you’re working.

Why volunteer in Africa?

Africa is one of the most popular destinations for volunteers abroad, and for good reason. In the countries where we work, communities face numerous challenges and need extra support. As a volunteer, you’ll provide resources, offer your skills, and work directly with local people towards long-term goals.

Volunteers in Africa do things like :

• Treat wounds for leprosy patients and test for malaria in Ghana
• Build classrooms in Maasai villages in Tanzania
• Protect endangered species of giraffe in Kenya

And so much more!

These are Africa-specific issues that need people like you to offer your time for long-term solutions. At the same time, you get to explore a unique culture in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.

How to become a volunteer in Africa

Want to know more about how to volunteer in Africa? The good news is that we make it incredibly accessible!

Just follow these steps to make your Africa volunteer travel dreams into a reality :

• Think about the work you want to do, whether that’s helping children, protecting endangered wildlife, or building houses. If you have your heart set on a particular country in Africa, then choose your favorite project in that destination.
• Reach out to our Project Experts, who can provide more information. They'll help you make the right choice for your interests and goals.
• Decide how much time you have to travel to Africa, how flexible your dates are, and if you’d rather travel alone or as a group. This will determine what kind of trip is right for you. You could join a  Flexi Trip , a Team Trip, or a High School Special for students aged 15-18.
• Once you know which African country to visit, what work to do, and how long to travel for, simply  fill in the application form  and book your place!

How old do I have to be to volunteer in Africa?

All our volunteer opportunities in Africa are open to people aged 16 and over. To join a project, all you need to do is check you meet the requirements and apply.

Most of our volunteer abroad projects have minimum requirements which are stated clearly on the project page.

We also offer volunteer programes in Africa for high school students aged 15-18. Our High School Specials give teenagers the support and care they need as young travelers.

And there’s no upper age limit! We believe you’re never too old to do volunteer work in Africa. In fact, your experience and skills are much needed to support development in African countries.

Is volunteering in Africa ethical?

Rest assured you’ll have an ethical experience with us in Africa. We hold our volunteers to a high standard, especially when working with children, animals, or in a medical setting.

As champions of  responsible volunteer travel , we follow an eight-point checklist for all projects, including our service trips to Africa. This guarantees an ethical travel experience for all involved.

Learn more about our policies and approach to ethical volunteering .

Do we offer short-term volunteer opportunities in Africa?

Looking to do a one-week volunteer program in Africa? We encourage you to maximize your impact by volunteering in Africa for longer. But, if you prefer, you can volunteer in Africa for a week.

Read our blog that explains how we approach short-term volunteering .

Can I volunteer in Africa for free?

We want you to have an experience abroad that is safe and impactful. We can’t achieve our  long-term sustainable development goals without adequate funding.

That's why we charge a fee for our volunteer projects in Africa. This fee covers food, accommodation, and much more. The money you pay to volunteer abroad ensures you have a safe and hassle-free trip. This gives you time to focus on making a positive transformation.

Read more about why you can’t volunteer abroad for free .

People often ask “How much does it cost to volunteer in Africa?”. The answer depends on where you go, what you do, and how long you volunteer for. But it’s probably not as much as you think.

Especially when you consider that our program fees include :

• Three meals a day
• Accommodation
• Transportation to and from your placement

Plus, if you’re looking for low-cost volunteering in Africa, the longer you stay, the lower the cost per week. 

You can also take advantage of our flexible payment plans . We understand that paying in one go isn’t always possible. That's why we just ask for an initial deposit. Then, you can pay as much or as little as you like in a series of small installments.

We’re completely flexible, but the full fee does need to be paid in full before you leave for your project.

We also offer advice and support for volunteer fundraising , so you can get the funds for the adventure of a lifetime! Our staff and alumni are experts in raising funds. We’ll ensure that you’re able to secure the required amount.

Is it safe to volunteer in Africa?

Many people ask if it’s safe to volunteer in Africa. When you volunteer with us, this is something you can stop worrying about. We’ll place you in African countries that are politically stable and safe to visit. Our local staff constantly keep a close eye on changing situations.

We only work in the safest countries in Africa to volunteer. This means that you can really get stuck into making a positive change in the local community. As always when traveling abroad, volunteers in Africa should stay alert.

Local staff will be on hand to offer tips and advice on keeping yourself and your belongings safe. They’re contactable 24/7.

All our Africa placements are fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.

Find out more about safety and backup .

Where to Volunteer in Africa

Our volunteer opportunities in Africa include the following countries :

Volunteer in Botswana

Live in the heart of the African bush and help protect endangered wildlife and biodiversity

Ghana Volunteer Programs

Support local communities while experiencing life in this colourful West African country

Volunteer in Kenya

Give back to disadvantaged communities while surrounded by the African savannah

Volunteer in South Africa

Live and work in the southern-most point of Africa and support disadvantaged communities

Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania

Support community development in the shadow of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, with awe-inspiring natural wonders and a rich cultural heritage. We do volunteer work in several African countries and can help you find the best volunteer program in Africa for you.

In each African country we work in, we’ve identified the needs of the local communities. Our volunteer placements in Africa all work toward supporting sustainable development and helping people overcome these challenges.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us as a volunteer in Africa today, and become part of something bigger!

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PLEASE NOTE: IMMERSION Staff will be out of office Sept. 11-15. After submitting a form, use the link in your email to schedule a call for Sept. 18-22!

Service opportunities assigned to each community or program are not guaranteed to be part of every trip. Fill out an interest form to learn more.

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Africa Mission Trips

For groups and individuals.

Serve for 10 days or 1-9 months in Southern Africa! EM short term mission trips to Africa connect groups and individuals to opportunities to serve with local ministries and schools, build meaningful relationships with families, churches, and local kids, and discover what makes Africa special and unique.

Find the right trip for you! Check out 10-day group trips or mission trips to Africa for a year or 1-6 months for young adults. However you're looking to serve, we're here to help make it a reality. Upcoming trips available to South Africa, Namibia, and Lesotho below. Click on missionary trips to Africa below for program details and upcoming trip dates!

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414 .

View Small Team Trips

Which trip are you interested in?

Individuals (age 18-30):, verify your email address, which position are you applying for.

Short Term Mission Trips Africa

Join us on one of Go Volunteer Africa’s short term mission trips Africa and experience how God can use you to change the world. This is a great opportunity take part in a cross-cultural experience, share the good news and also to explore Africa as a local.

Short term mission trips to Africa organized by Go Volunteer Africa offers an incredible opportunity for people from all walks of life to step out and share the good news of salvation. Mission trips to Africa vary from 2 weeks up to 8 weeks and opportunities are available throughout the year and in various destinations across Africa .

Go Volunteer Africa brings you some unique short term mission trips in Africa. Our selection of meaningful and diverse community volunteer projects in Africa will enable you to make a real difference to the lives of people as well as get closer to the local culture and give something back to the community.

SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS FOR ALL

Go Volunteer Africa offers many kinds of short term mission trips for college and high school students, church groups, working adults and families. The choices are endless in terms of destinations across Africa and skills or gifts needed for your short term mission trip service.

We have many different opportunities for summer mission trips, spring break mission trips and winter mission trips in Africa. Each trip looks a little different depending on the specific needs we set out to meet, but each provide life-changing experiences and excellent opportunities for  making a positive impact.

Short-term mission trips are often nothing more than glorified vacations. They can be sightseeing tours filled with sporadic service opportunities that give people an opportunity to pat themselves on the back while doing little to advance the gospel in a reproducible, sustainable way in another culture. If you are out for the summer from college or just have a few days to spare, short term mission trips Africa are a convenient way to serve when you can’t commit long term.

Whether your passion is sustainable community development or vital healthcare work, Go Volunteer Africa can offer you an unforgettable experience. Whilst on the short term mission trip to Africa, you will also go on excursions and exciting tours that will allow you to enjoy the culture, history, people, wildlife or landscape of African countries.

“Go Volunteer Africa offers meaningful affordable volunteer programs, projects and trips across Africa. Go Volunteer Africa is the leading and largest volunteer travel organization in Africa. ” 

HOW TO APPLY

To start the process fill  Volunteer application form  and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime  contact us .  Or Give us a call | WhatsApp | Telegram | Viber | Imo at  +254-796-786292  to talk to a Program Specialist.

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Short Term Volunteer Abroad Programs & Mission Trips (1 Week & 2 Weeks)

By Brittany Edwardes

Updated for 2023-2024

If you want to make a meaningful impact while traveling abroad during a short school or career break, then check out the 11 volunteer programs below. You will be surprised to learn that even a few weeks of your time can be incredibly beneficial  to a community in need while giving you the opportunity to explore a new culture and destination.

Short-term Volunteering: How to Volunteer When You Have Endless Passion and Limited Time

Have you ever wanted to volunteer but worried that you didn’t have the time? Are you unable to take a lengthy career break but desperately want to dedicate your time and hard work to producing positive change in a community in another country?

You may not think that  volunteering abroad  is an option with your busy schedule and possibly limited funds, but we believe that great volunteer abroad opportunities exist for everyone who has the hands and the heart to work.

Everyone knows that volunteering abroad can be life-changing, but what many people don’t realize is that you can have substantive, beneficial volunteer abroad service trips that are as short as one week. In fact, International Volunteer HQ , which has been trusted by over 130,000 volunteers, offers numerous one-week volunteer trips as part of the 300+ projects it offers; they have even put together this handy guide for volunteers to maximize their impact during short term volunteer trips . In addition, GoEco is another great choice if you are short on-time: many of their projects can be as short as one week, like this program in Belize , and are designed for you to maximize your impact in a short period of time.  Also, Volunteering Solutions has many amazing opportunities where you can travel from one to two weeks (or longer) in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond on impactful programs. Take a look their curated programs for the best summer volunteer programs , for medical internships abroad , or wildlife conservation projects for outdoor adventures!

There are projects of all kinds that allow passionate volunteers to donate their time as they are available. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the benefits of short-term volunteer abroad opportunities, introduce you to some of the opportunities that our volunteers love the most, and even let you hear from volunteers just like you– who didn’t think they had the time of funds to volunteer but found the perfect program that helped them create the change that they wanted to see– all within a few weeks.

You’ll also learn about the top programs that offer short-term volunteer opportunities, including Maximo Nive l, which offers lots of one- to two-week volunteer abroad programs throughout Latin America , from  teaching , to sea turtle conservation , to medical care , and beyond. Maximo Nivel is particularly well-suited to short-term volunteers from the United States due to the close proximity to Latin America. If you are interested in volunteering in Africa, then we recommend checking out the award-winning volunteer organization, African Impact , which offers two-week projects in the areas of wildlife conservation , public health, and more! Lastly, if you’re passionate about climate action programs and promoting sustainable fashion, then check out this 1-week Fast Fashion Awareness project in Cambodia !

How to Find the Perfect Short-term Volunteer Abroad Opportunity

There are many pros to short-term volunteer abroad trips. Because of their length, shorter volunteer abroad trips are typically much less expensive than their  long-term volunteer abroad  counterparts, not just because of the shortened time frame but because of the less-independent nature of many of the volunteer abroad opportunities.

As an example, Volunteering Solutions , which is very popular with single, female travelers, offers one-week trips  starting at just $260 .

Also, because many projects are especially designed to meet the needs of volunteers with limited time and funds, the projects are much more likely to be able to connect you to reasonable and convenient housing options or even provide housing on-site for volunteers.

Short-term volunteer projects are also good in that they may be a more appropriate option for groups or corporate volunteer teams as short-term volunteer projects do not require volunteers to take lengthy breaks from work.

One- to three-week volunteer opportunities  are also great for travelers passing through an area who are interested in volunteering for a shorter time period so that they can either continue with their travels or experience the region in other ways. Finally, short-term volunteer opportunities are perfect for professionals, students, or anyone else who wants to put their time and energy into a volunteer project despite their busy schedule.

The world is flush with short-term volunteer abroad opportunities, catering to every kind of specialty, geographic location, or even the type of volunteer interested. The perfect program is out there waiting for you– but finding it can sometimes be the most stressful part of your experience.

To make things easier for you, we’ve made a short list of must-have attributes of short-term volunteer abroad experiences and have even put together a list of different organizations who will meet your needs and have been vetted by volunteers just like you. These volunteer organizations aren’t just highly ranked by real volunteers just like you, but also dedicated to helping short-term volunteers make an impact that lasts.

Read on to learn more about these fantastic 1 week, 2 week, 3 week, and 4 week volunteer abroad opportunities.

Short-term Volunteer Abroad Opportunities Worth Checking Out:

International volunteer hq (ivhq).

About the program: International Volunteer HQ works hard to provide over 300+ safe, affordable volunteer projects in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America. IVHQ partners with local NGOs and organizations so that high-quality, skilled volunteers are able to join a variety of different kinds of local projects. Depending on your preference, you can volunteer from 1-24 weeks in over 4 0 destinations around the world.

IVHQ is especially well-known for its intensive online training that helps prepare volunteers for life in their home country, their specific roles as a volunteer, and the intricacies of the project that the volunteers will be working with. All volunteers are encouraged to complete this training prior to leaving their home country to align their expectations with the realities of being an international volunteer. Returned volunteers almost always mention just how spot-on and helpful they found the pre-trip training, so it is definitely something worth fully investing yourself in.

Volunteer in Madagascar

Prospective volunteers might especially be interested in IVHQ’s forest conservation program in Nosy Komba, Madagascar . Although Madagascar has long been known for its incredibly diverse and unique ecosystems, much of Madagascar’s wildlife is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. To aid researchers and activists in preserving wildlife, volunteers who are passionate about the environment travel to the dense rainforest of Nosy Komba and monitor native wildlife. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with lemurs, conduct field surveys, and collate data, and assist researchers in analyzing findings.

Volunteer in Greece

Help the homeless population in Athens, Greece. As a volunteer, you will assist local NGOs to provide basic necessities, such as food, clothing, water, and legal documentation to this vulnerable population. Specifically, you will help with food preparation, outreach projects, and help prepare legal documents. In return, you will gain experience in community outreach, learning about NGOs, and at the same time, enjoying Greek culture and history. Programs start as short as one week. Check out more details about this program here . 

Volunteer in India – Kerala

Even a little time spent on the right project can have a big impact, when you volunteer abroad with IVHQ to help empower young women. The Women’s Education program in Kerala , India allows you to share your experience in education, health and financial budgeting to help girls and young mothers improve their English speaking skills and their employability. Share practical knowledge, such as sewing and crafting, and help the women start their own small jewelry-making, or tailoring businesses. You’ll stay in a volunteer house in Kochi, run by local coordinators. If your short stay in Kerala lasts through the weekend, spend it exploring the beautiful beaches and verdant tea plantations of this beautiful region of India.

Volunteer in Vietnam

Are you up for a heart-touching challenge? Hard-working and caring volunteers are needed for IVHQ’s Special Needs Care project in Hoi Chi Minh, Vietnam, helping children and young people affected by Agent Orange. You’ll work in schools, hospitals, community clinics, or orphanages, looking after mentally disabled children and supporting the day-to-day operations of these centers. Tasks can include rehabilitation exercises, therapeutic treatments, playing with children, entertaining and educating them through games, music and art, painting murals, renovation work, and developing fundraising initiatives. You’ll work alongside local placement staff, so no experience is necessary to sign up. Accommodation is in a volunteer dormitory at a Tourism College nearby. Program fees start at $300 for one week.

Since 2006, GoEco has offered affordable volunteer abroad programs and internships in over 40 countries throughout Africa ,  Asia ,  Australasia ,  Central America ,  Europe , the  Middle East , and  South America . With more than 150 different long-term and short-term programs , GoEco is a great organization to check out if you’re looking for a variety of impactful trips to choose from, from  wildlife conservation  to  teaching English . GoEco was recently recognized as the  Top Volunteer Abroad Organization from GoAbroad, Top Eco-Enthusiast by Greenmatch, and has been recommended by Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and more. As a volunteer, you will have 24-hour support from the GoEco team, from start to finish.  Currently, GoEco is offering a special travel grant where you can stay for the 3rd week free! Check out the qualifying programs here !

Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion in Japan

Spend a week volunteering in one of Japan’s beautiful quaint islands, Sago Island! You will arrive first in Tokyo for 3 nights and then travel to the island. Your help is needed in protecting the endangered native bird on the island, called Crested Ibis. You will also lend your hands in promoting sustainable farming, preserving rice fields and temples, restoring traditional houses, assisting in bamboo workshops, etc. while immersing yourself in this unique culture. You will get to stay in a traditional Japanese temple on the island. There are many activities to do on this island that you would want to extend your stay! This rural, coastal island experience is very different from the typical city tourist experience. For more information, click here . 

Animal Rescue and Release Sanctuary in Peru

Have you always wanted to experience the Amazon jungle? Then look into this program in Peru that needs volunteers to help in wildlife rescue so these animals can return to their natural habitat. These orphaned and injured animals are usually results of habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. You will help care for these animals such as in feeding, cleaning and repairing their enclosures, and helping the vet in various tasks. This program starts from $730 for 6 days.  

Women’s English Literacy Program in Sri Lanka 

Empower Sri Lankan women through this English literacy program to give them better chances of employment and confidence. You will lead English lessons, as well as help them practice English speaking skills in creative ways. Each day, you will spend 2 hours teaching and then some time on planning lessons. Located in Galle, you can enjoy this coastal beach town or do nightly yoga sessions in your free time. This program starts from a minimum of 1 week. 

Liveaboard Dolphin Research Expedition  

For those with a special interest in dolphins, join a unique experience living aboard a historic boat to collect dolphin data along the Italian coast! Your minimum commitment is one week. You will work closely with the crew in this research project and get to learn dolphin behavior while helping to record, film, and photograph them. There will be many chances to get glimpses of ocean life such as whales, manta rays, school of fishes, etc while out in the sea, which is daily weather permitting. For the costs and other details, click here !

Volunteering Solutions

About the Program: Volunteering Solutions , or VolSol, as it has been nicknamed by its 17,000 volunteers and volunteer alums, has been in the business of connecting passionate volunteers with great international projects since 2006. VolSol was founded by volunteers who wanted to help international volunteers connect to highly specialized, community-based local projects.

VolSol has a full staff of experienced coordinators who assist volunteers before, during, and after placement, providing resources such as international insurance, a connection to a network of passionate global citizens over 10,000 strong and resources on how to volunteer ethically and mindfully. VolSol is one of the most affordable programs in the world with one week projects starting at just $200 USD (UK readers can check out their program fees here ).

Where to Go:  Volunteering Solutions has  programs all over the world  on six continents. Volunteers can’t go wrong with projects like  Volunteering for Child Care in Cusco, Perú , where volunteers have the opportunity to work with local at-risk children to teach them to become global citizens or  Volunteering in Koh Samui, Thailand  where volunteers are lucky enough to work in local schools in one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand– and that’s saying something! Volunteers can search through programs by visiting VolSol’s project page on Volunteering Forever, where all projects are described and rated by volunteers like you.

Teach English to Monks in Thailand

If you have two weeks to volunteer, why not check out Volunteering Solutions’ amazing opportunity to  teach English to novice Buddhist monks in Chiang Mai ? As a volunteer, you’ll work at one of five different monastery schools to teach English to students aged 12 to 18.

A few activities you can take on include working alongside local teachers to conduct lessons, teaching conversational English to students, helping out with other subjects such as computer literacy, and sharing new ideas and views with your students through conversation and activities. You’re also encouraged to take weekend trips throughout Chiang Mai and visit ancient temples, heritage sites, marketplaces, and much more.

Short-Term Volunteering in Peru

Another adventurous, two-week volunteer opportunity you can sign up for right now through Volunteering Solutions invites you to Peru to  volunteer and travel to some of South America’s most spectacular sites . You’ll start with an orientation and intercultural project for your first week in Cusco, where you’ll volunteer in a rural nursery school to provide love, care, and attention to children from impoverished families.

After that, you’ll have some time to explore Cusco by yourself before embarking on a guided Sacred Valley tour, and then an amazing tour of Machu Picchu. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture while exploring the Inca Trail and bringing a smile to the face of some of the country’s neediest children.

Sports Coaching in South Africa

If you’ve always wanted to visit Africa, Volunteering Solutions is offering a chance for you to  coach sports at a local primary school in Cape Town . Physical education has only recently been introduced into the school curriculum in Cape Town, so many schools are still building up their resources to accommodate these programs. As a volunteer, you’ll be a mentor to these children, assist teachers with lessons when you’re not coaching, and you’ll teach children how to stay physically fit and motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle. In addition to your volunteer work, you’ll be able to travel throughout Cape Town and visit areas such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Lion’s Head, and more to gain the most from your adventure in South Africa.

What Volunteers Have to Say:

I volunteered twice with Volunteering Solutions – once for 3 weeks in Arusha, Tanzania and once for 2 weeks in Cusco, Peru. I had a great time with both programs, though they were quite different. I worked in a hospital in Tanzania and mostly shadowed a nurse in the surgical unit for a majority of the time. We mostly worked with babies that had burns to help clean them and keep their wounds dressed. It was quite sad but really interesting work. I stayed in a volunteer house which I loved since the community of volunteers was really great and we all got to be great friends. In Peru, I stayed in a homestay, which was a very different experience than the volunteer house. It is great for immersion into the culture – you get to live amongst the people, eat their food, and live like they live. However, I found it a bit isolating since I was the only volunteer in Peru at the time. I think it would have been better if I was a little better at Spanish – as I think the language barrier contributed to the isolation. I didn’t have any problems not knowing Swahili in Tanzania. I worked in a daycare in Peru, and the kids were REALLY cute and super fun to play with. Other volunteers would teach English in the same daycare if there were older kids there – but there happened to be younger kids (3-4yo) when I was there. Overall, I would highly recommend Volunteering Solutions as a company to volunteer through. Though the programs vary greatly – there’s definitely something for everyone! — Kirsten Nedd, January 2016

Maximo Nivel

If you’re looking for a one- to two-week volunteer abroad opportunity,  Maximo Nivel  may be the right fit. Based in Latin America, this organization has provided accredited language courses, internships, volunteer abroad programs, and more since 2003 to 25,000 travelers from all over the world.

Maximo Nivel’s short-term volunteer abroad programs are extremely affordable, starting from just $595 for one week. Each project includes airport pickup, 24/7 emergency support, orientation, certificates, wifi, salsa dance classes, Spanish books and materials, and lots more.

Volunteer in Construction

As a  construction volunteer , you’ll help build and improve schools, homes, and shelters. You’ll be placed alongside a local team in a rural village, with your project led by professional foremen, architects, and engineers.

As a volunteer, you’ll take on work such as digging, removing dirt, carrying bricks, mixing cement, painting, cleaning, and more. Construction programs are available in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, and you can expect to work 3 to 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday, on morning and afternoon shifts. To learn more about this program, visit:  http://maximonivel.com/volunteers/construction/

Volunteer in Animal Care

Perfect for animal lovers, Maximo Nivel’s animal care program invites you to Guatemala or Peru to work in a dog rescue shelter, an amphibian/reptile rescue center, or a small zoo. Your work will vary depending on your placement, though it can include caring for the animals, helping with obedience training for the dogs, feeding animals at the zoo, cleaning cages, hosting zoo visitors, and providing general assistance and maintenance at the reptile and amphibian center. This program starts from one week, and you’ll work Monday through Friday, for 3 to 4 hours per day. To learn more about Maximo Nivel’s animal care volunteer opportunities, visit:  http://maximonivel.com/volunteers/animal-care/

Volunteer Adventure

If you have two weeks to travel, check out Maximo Nivel’s  volunteer adventure , which invites you to take on five days of community service and six days of travel through Peru, Costa Rica, or Guatemala. Volunteer activities you can take on include working with children, teaching English, helping with construction, assisting with environmental conservation efforts, supporting animal care, and providing medical or healthcare services.

The adventure portion of your trip depends on where you travel: in Costa Rica, you’ll go on a city tour, visit to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall, a catamaran Tortuga Island tour, and a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. In Guatemala, you’ll hike to Volcano Pacaya, take surf lessons, take a zip line adventure, and spend the night in Tikal. And in Peru, you’ll go on a tour of Cusco city and the Sacred Valley, a two-day tour of Machu Picchu, and a two-day tour of Lake Titicaca and Puno. Learn more about Maximo Nivel’s volunteer adventure trips at:  http://maximonivel.com/adventure/full

Volunteer with Kids

Through this placement, you’ll be able to  make a positive impact on children’s lives in Latin America . As a volunteer, you’ll provide care and support to children at a daycare center or school who are homeless, impoverished, abused, or whose families suffer from lack of education and resources.

You’ll work alongside local staff to support some of the neediest children in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru, through educational programs, emotional support, hygiene, and so much more. Your assistance will keep vulnerable children off of the street and able to build a bright future for themselves. You’re asked to stay at least one week, though if you have two weeks to travel, you’ll gain more from your amazing experience abroad. Learn more about volunteering with children at:  http://maximonivel.com/volunteers/working-with-kids

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Take a look at some programs off by IVI. Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) , established in 1989, is a non-profit volunteer abroad organization that beckons individuals to be part of 25,000 volunteers who’ve positively impacted 112 projects in 23 countries. They offer programs that can last from 1 week duration to 3 months. We encourage a longer volunteer duration whenever possible because your experience will be more impactful. But when time is not enough, here are some examples of short term volunteer opportunities.

Stray Dog and Cat Rehabilitation Guatemala

Stray animals have been a problem in Antigua and these grassroots organizations have taken charge in helping with the issue. Volunteers will help out local animal shelters to take care of stray dogs and cats from the streets of Antigua. No experiences are required, just a love and care for animals! Volunteer tasks include daily grooming, feeding, walking, and general care for the animals. Other work may include animal obedience training, helping out medical procedures as appropriate, and community teaching on stray animals. Located in the city of Antigua, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will have the chance to roam through beautiful Spanish colonial architecture surrounded by volcanoes. The project cost for 1 week is $435USD and includes meals and accommodation with a host family. For more information, click here !

Beach Clean-up and Nature Reserve

If you are an outdoorsy person, consider a volunteer trip to southern Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica for a 2 weeks project, and experience pura vida (“simple life” or Costa Ricans’ way of life)! This project is focused on environmental conservation that includes beach clean ups, trail maintenance of the nature reserve, and assisting in research and education. You will get the chance to see a variety of native wildlife in the nature reserve and know that your work is towards protecting them. The tasks can vary based on your experience and season. Meals and accommodation are included in the program fees, which is $935USD for 2 weeks. But note that accommodation at the reserve is basic but comfortable. During your free time, there are many famous tourist sites nearby such as Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Click here for more details!

Community Construction Peru

Construction volunteer projects have the highest impact on the local community. Volunteers are directly involved in helping to improve someone’s housing or provide safe schools, churches, or centers for community members. Even a week of volunteering will be beneficial to the community. For this specific project in Cusco, Peru, you work with other volunteers supervised by a foreman to help build or renovate community buildings and houses. You will be taught many construction skills and safety procedures. While this can be physical hard work, you will be able to see tangible results. Located in Cusco, you will have the opportunity to enjoy this scenic city and ancient city with other team members during your free time. For prices, and details, click here .

Projects Abroad

About the program:   Projects Abroad has the mission to provide the gold standard of staff support and safety, so its volunteers and interns can fulfill their potential, discover themselves, and create positive change in the world. Founded in 1992, Projects Abroad has sent more than 120,00 volunteers abroad.

With the help of passionate volunteers and interns and the support of dedicated in-country staff, Projects Abroad focuses on implementing long-term, sustainable solutions, not on quick fixes. Each project solves a specific problem in a specific place. This might be to save sea turtles from being wiped out in Mexico, or to fight gender inequality in Ghana.

The projects run year-round, no matter how many volunteers it has, so you can choose your own start and end dates. Projects Abroad also offers several projects where you can participate for one to two weeks. Even if you’re only there for a short time, you’ll become part of ongoing efforts to make a difference.

Projects Abroad programs are some of the most highly reviewed on Volunteer Forever. Volunteers praise the deep connections they’ve built with local communities and their level of expertise in each of the fields they serve.

Where to go:  Projects Abroad runs sustainable, long-term projects in developing countries, from  Africa  to  Asia . Here are some of the most popular project options available worldwide:

• Support early childhood development and work with kids at a  Childcare Project .
• Protect endangered ecosystems and animal species, like the Amazon Rainforest in  Peru  or sea turtles in  Mexico , on a  Conservation Project .
• Help run medical outreaches in areas where healthcare services are severely limited through  Public Health Projects .
• Build important infrastructure like toilets, houses, and classrooms in struggling communities on a  Building Project .

African Impact

African Impact is an award-winning, responsible travel organization that offers volunteer and internship opportunities in 7 countries across Africa. It was founded in 2004 and has since hosted over 35,000 volunteers. African Impact has over 20 different projects, ranging from teaching in Zambia to marine conservation in Zanzibar. The organization is known for its long-term objectives and measurable change. It is also recognized as a trusted specialist on volunteering and interning in Southern Africa. African Impact offers internships, as well as group, family, and high school projects. The minimum age requirement for their projects is 16, making African Impact a great option for teen and high school volunteers.

Big Five and Wildlife Conservation, South Africa

For two weeks or longer, you’ll have the chance to monitor and study the African Big 5 (leopard, rhino, lion, buffalo, and elephant) and help local researchers and foundations with protecting endangered species. Based in the game reserves of the Greater Kruger Area, your volunteer tasks can include researching animal behavior and movements, helping with reserve conservation work such as clearing brush and maintaining waterholes, compiling data at the research lab, and much more to help understand animal behavior and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Learn more here!

Sports Coaching and Development, South Africa

Located in  Cape Town, South Africa , this program is a great way to get active, coach sports, and provide support for physical education programs in schools. As a volunteer, you’ll assist coaches with PE sessions around Cape Town, help design fitness tests and games at schools, teach sports at after-care programs, and much more – plus, you can combine this volunteer program with other activities where you can work with orphaned and vulnerable children, teach and help with youth development, help with a healthcare program, or join a gender empowerment project.  Learn more and register here!

Education and Community Support, Tanzania

Based near  Mount Kilimanjaro , this 10-day volunteer trip gives you the chance to help build stronger communities through education and support. A few tasks you can take on include facilitating activities for children with disabilities, leading income-generation sessions for a women’s group, teaching members of the Maasai tribe to read and write, and teaching English in a local community program.  Learn more and sign up here!

Global Vision International

About the program : As one of the most popular and consistently well-rated programs among our volunteers, the  award-winning   Global Vision International  is well-known for coordinating well-planned, productive volunteer opportunities for volunteers of all ages.

Global Vision International seeks to mix cultural awareness and critical project work through providing programs that are research-based, community-supported, and fully responsive to the needs of the area or community.

Due to Global Vision International’s widespread network of relationships with local NGOs across the world, volunteers are able to find programs in the areas of marine conservation, women’s empowerment, teaching English, and healthcare. Global Vision International also supports volunteer abroad opportunities for  volunteers under 18  through specialized trips and group opportunities.

Where to Go:  Global Vision International coordinates all kinds of volunteer abroad projects from  volunteering with coral reef conservation in Seychelles  to working with women’s empowerment in India. Volunteers who are interested in a particularly unique volunteer abroad trip may be interested in  volunteering with with Buddhist novice monks in Laos .

Volunteer with Buddhist Novice Monks in Laos

On this program, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and city of  Luang Prabang  to teach practical and conversational English to Buddhist novice monks and to other local lay students. Monday through Friday each week, you will plan and carry out English lessons, which will greatly help your students find better employment opportunities in the future and build a better socio-economic status within their community. This program starts from two weeks at $1,900 –  learn more and sign up here .

Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand

Another short-term volunteer program you can sign up for with GVI invites you to  Chiang Mai, Thailand , where you will work with mahouts to care for elephants rescued from the tourist industry. During your stay, you will have the chance to conduct health inspections on the elephants, go on forest walks with the elephants, and observe the animals to collect data on social interactions and food preferences. You also can teach English and help with other local initiatives within the community. This program starts from one week at $1,840 –  click here to learn more and to register!

Community Development Expedition in Fiji

For a tropical island adventure, check out GVI’s  community development expedition to Fiji , where you will help with a variety of local projects to help build a sustainable community. The five core focuses of this expedition include WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), health and nutrition, income generation, education enrichment and empowerment, and environmental management and protection. This is a wonderful way to get a glimpse of how sustainable community development programs operate – you’re invited to stay two weeks or longer on this  volunteer program in Fiji , which starts from $2,290.

Wildlife Research in South Africa Expedition

On this volunteer trip, you’ll have the chance to work alongside a local wildlife research team to  track animals , study their behavior, and learn more about the diverse wildlife of South Africa. You’ll get started with a training session to get you acquainted with the program and the types of animals you’ll study, and from there you will volunteer each day tracking wildlife, conducting research, assisting with data entry, and even participating in community education about conservation. This program starts from two weeks at $2,390 –  learn more and sign up here.

I was in need of a career break, and was looking to do something out of the ordinary. I was looking to get far away and do something worthwhile. After some heavy research GVI continued to be the organization that ticked all the boxes. They were incredibly helpful when I was choosing my location, and the onsite assistance and support throughout the entire journey was fantastic. I was so lucky to be involved in the Community development program of El Cocal, the children were amazing, I made some friends for life and hopefully one day soon I’ll return for a visit! It really was an unforgettable experience! ” – Amelia Rogers, May 2015

Cerca Abroad

Looking for an exciting and personalized short-term internship experience abroad? Consider Cerca Abroad, a leading international internship provider. Founded in 2016, Cerca Abroad currently offers more than 20 internships in fields such as engineering, medical, dental, art and more. 

What sets Cerca Abroad apart from other short-term volunteer and internship organizations is its personalized approach. Programs run all year round, and you can select dates that work for you. Fees start at just $1,900 for a two-week program. For instance, through Cerca Abroad, you could join the following internships:

• Marine Conservation Internship in Greece : This hands-on internship is through the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation.
• Physical Therapy Internship in Greece : Shadow physical therapists and doctors in Athens at state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics. 

Even better, Cerca Abroad offers a program upgrade in cooperation with Webster University (Athens Campus), allowing you to gain transferable US university credits for all in-person and remote internship programs.

If you’re looking for a 1- or 2-week volunteer abroad or intern abroad program, Cerca Abroad is a great option. You can boost your resume while helping others. Check out two programs below:

Social Work Internship in Greece

You can apply for a short-term two-week social work internship in Athens with Cerca Abroad. During the program, you’ll work side-by-side with professionals, assisting with everything from home visits and data recording to writing articles and creating webinars. Your work will directly help those in need, as well as raise awareness around issues such as poverty, migration, domestic violence, and other social challenges. 

Want to learn more about this internship? Click here . 

Dental Internship in Greece

Gain valuable experience in dentistry and explore Greece with Cerca Abroad’s Dental Internship. During the program, you’ll shadow dentists for up to 40 hours per week in state-of-the-art clinics. Designed for pre-dental and graduate students, this program will help you fortify your medical school application while helping those who need affordable dental care. Program duration can be as short as two weeks. 

Love Volunteers

With more than 20,000 volunteers placed on meaningful programs overseas since 2009 (and 4,000 just in the past year),  Love Volunteers  is one of the fastest growing volunteer organizations that you can be a part of right now. All of their volunteer trips and internships are affordably-priced, starting from only $199 for your first week abroad, depending on where you travel. Right now, Love Volunteers works in 34 countries worldwide, with more than 120 different projects. Some of their popular destinations include:

• Asia:  Nepal ,  Thailand ,  Bali
• Latin America:  Peru ,  Costa Rica ,  Ecuador
• Africa:  South Africa ,  Kenya ,  Zambia ,  Tanzania

Love Volunteers is dedicated to traveler safety as well as sustainability of their programs, and maintains strong relationships with registered NGOs in each of their host countries.

Great Barrier Turtle Conservation

Based in Cairns, Australia, this volunteer program brings you to the  Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre , which provides care and rehabilitation for turtles suffering from disease as well as injuries caused by boats and polluted waters. A few tasks that you can help with as a volunteer include preparing food and feeding the turtles, cleaning and maintaining their tanks and enclosures, scrubbing algae off of the turtles’ backs, transporting and releasing the turtles, assisting with monitoring and research in the reef, and much more. This program starts from one week at $959 –  learn more and sign up here!

Elephant Village Program in Thailand

Based in  Surin, the elephant capital of Thailand , this volunteer trip gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to care for elephants that have been abused and neglected. These elephants were first used as beasts of burden for logging work, which was outlawed in the 1980s, and later they were used as tourist attractions in cities for their owners to pay for their care. Through Love Volunteers, you can work with an initiative that takes the elephants out of the cities and cares for them in their natural habitats, while also providing livelihood support for their mahouts. This program starts from one week at $619 –  click here to learn more!

Community Development in Tanzania

Another excellent program to check out with Love Volunteers brings you to  Arusha, Tanzania  to assist with a variety of community development initiatives. A few projects that you can get involved with include working on grant applications and fundraisers, educating communities about health issues, helping out with school infrastructure projects, and assisting staff with administration and program development. You also can help with tree planting, sustainable gardening, recycling, and other sustainable projects locally. This program starts from one week at $199 –  learn more and apply here!

Medical Internship in Ecuador

On this internship, you will travel to  Quito, Ecuador , where you will assist in a hospital, clinic, or care facility. To start, you’ll shadow a local healthcare and medical professional during your placement, and depending on your education and experience, you can assist with different procedures or help doctors and nurses with their day-to-day work. This internship is open to students and professionals as well as volunteers interested in learning about medical care – if you do not have relevant education or experience, you may only be able to observe, but you will still learn a great deal through your experience in Ecuador. This internship starts from one week at $549 –  learn more and apply!

“I volunteered through Love Volunteers for 2 and a half months in Kenya and Tanzania in 2012 and loved every minute of it. Love Volunteers were extremely helpful and quick to respond to any questions I had. Prior to leaving I was nervous to fly out to Kenya but had email and skype contact with the coordinators in both Kenya and Tanzania. The country guide Love Volunteers sent out was informative and really useful for planning my trip. Love were also very flexible as I changed plans while away and stayed longer and this was all handled seamlessly. I also managed to have the opportunity to do some traveling and day trips while over there. The projects I and the other volunteers worked on were amazing and while I was taken out of my comfort zone on occasion it was truly worthwhile and everything I had hoped for in my trip to Africa. Overall my experience with Love Volunteers was fantastic and I can’t wait to do more volunteering through them.”- Amanda Susan, January 2013

Agape Volunteers

About the program : Based in the United Kingdom,  Agape Volunteers  mobilizes volunteers across the world to provide humanitarian support in volunteer projects in  Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa . Agape sends volunteers to schools that it either funds or operates itself. Volunteers are always working directly for Agape and have the opportunity to purchase educational or adventure excursions to supplement their trip at a low additional cost. In order to best support and recruit passionate volunteers, Agape works hard to maintain reasonably-priced volunteer trips beginning at £510 for a short term trip, which already includes your room & board, registration fee, and  free comprehensive travel insurance .

Where to Go:  Music enthusiasts will be especially interested in volunteering with  Agape’s flagship music school in Ghana . Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with children who would normally not be provided any music education at all. Volunteers plan and run music classes for students of all ages and work with full-time instructors in order to make use of resources available. Classes are offered in basic keyboarding, singing, and music theory. The school owns several organs, keyboards, an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar, and a battered drum kit that volunteers are able to use as they plan lessons to benefit the students. Volunteers on a budget may also want to check out  Agape’s Kenya Program , as a one week all-inclusive (minus airfare) trip costs just under $520 USD and volunteers have the opportunity to choose from working in the areas of medical care, sports, HIV/AIDS, and teaching English to schoolchildren.

“If you want your eyes opened and have a top experience this is the place to go, and Agape Volunteers was there to help at every step. I stayed in Kenya for just under a month – if it wasn’t for the day job dragging me back I’d still be there. Wanting to do something a little different this year I set about searching the web for things to do – every site I went on seemed either really expensive for what you got or just too complicated to sort out. Luckily a friend had recommended Agape so I decided to book with them. Not a seasoned traveler I wasn’t too confident in what I was doing – I considered trying to sort everything out myself and ‘going alone’ but looking back the facilities and guidance which were provided helped massively and I’m glad I booked via them. ” – Tim Holmes, May 2015

Global Works

For over 25 years,  Global Works  has combined community service, cultural exchange, language immersion, and adventure for a fun, impactful travel experience for high school students, educators, and groups. Summer adventures start from 8 days – perfect for short-term travelers – and can focus on conservation, community development, pre-med or public health, and language immersion. A few of the wonderful places you can travel to with Global Works include Puerto Rico, Nepal, Costa Rica, Martinique, and beyond.

Fiji Islands: Sulus, Sun, and Service

With Global Works’ 13-day  excursion to Fiji , you’ll have the amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in Fijian lifestyle, take an eco-adventure, and volunteer within a rural village. You’ll spend the first few days of your trip at an eco-resort on the Sunshine Coast, where you’ll take part in an orientation and welcome, and even volunteer at a local school.

After that, you’ll travel to a remote mountain village, where you’ll volunteer in the community – a few tasks may include building nurses’ stations, refurbishing classrooms, teaching English, or planting trees. You’ll finish your trip with a boat excursion of the Sunshine Coast, an optional SCUBA course, and a waterfall hike.

Guatemala: Mayan Explorer

If you have 12 days to travel, take a look at Global Works’  Mayan Explorer opportunity in Guatemala . You’ll start with an orientation in Quiché in the Guatemalan highlands, and home to the largest indigenous Maya population. After that, you’ll visit the Mayan ruins of Iximche and travel to the town of Chajul, where you will learn about Maya culture and language, and work alongside local community members on projects such as classroom construction, library volunteering, English and photography course teaching, and more.

Once you wrap up your  volunteer work , you’ll travel to Lake Atitlán to go kayaking, shopping, and zip lining – and finally finishing your trip with a visit to Antigua, where you will take a salsa dancing lesson and reflect on your amazing Guatemalan adventure with your fellow travelers.

Puerto Rico: Building Communities

Another short-term adventure not to miss is Global Works’ 8-day  community building program in Puerto Rico . You’ll start with an orientation and guided tour of San Juan, where you’ll see some of Puerto Rico’s historic sites – such as El Morro fort and the Rio Piedras Market – and you’ll even take a dance lesson. On days 2 through 6, you’ll volunteer with community development projects in Villa del Río, a small village where you’ll refurbish homes, help with education programs, and immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll finish your trip with an excursion to Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, and a celebratory dinner to reflect on the great work you did for a community in need.

Plan My Gap Year

Founded in 2011,  Plan My Gap Year  places travelers on affordable volunteer projects ranging from childcare, to teaching, to wildlife conservation, and much more in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. All of PMGY’s programs are personally inspected and vetted by their team to ensure project safety and transparency, and to be sure that you’re matched with a project that complements your skills and interests. With recognition including the Shell LiveWire Grand Idea Award, Thailand Green Excellence Award, and Special Recognition from the United Nations in Sri Lanka, Plan My Gap Year is a wonderful organization to check out if you want to make a positive impact.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Based in  Ambalangoda , an exotic beachside location in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, Plan My Gap Year offers several volunteer trips including child care, English teaching, medical care, turtle conservation, and others. As PMGY’s most popular travel destination, Sri Lanka is a wonderful place where you can embark on an affordable and impactful adventure. PMGY’s Sri Lanka trips start from one week at $375 –  learn more and sign up here!

Volunteer in Bali

Another island destination to check out with Plan My Gap Year is  Bali , where you can teach English, care for children, work in wildlife conservation, or gain experience in medical care for one to two weeks or longer. Bali is PMGY’s top up-and-coming travel destination, and offers lots of amazing scenery and activities for travelers who want to enjoy the beach, go hiking in mountains, and much more. PMGY’s Bali programs start from only $270 for your first week –  click here to learn more!

Volunteer in Ghana

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Africa, Plan My Gap Year has several different chances to  volunteer in Ghana  right now: from supporting disabled children, to teaching English, to providing medical care, and more, PMGY is a great way to immerse yourself in this West African country while making an impact. Volunteer placements in Ghana start from two weeks at $375, with the opportunity to visit Cape Coast, Elmina, and many other locales.  Learn more and sign up here!

Mini India Experience

Experience the  diversity and beauty of India  with Plan My Gap Year’s mini, two-week adventure and volunteer program! After spending five days in Kerala volunteering to care for and teach English to some of India’s poorest children, you’ll explore the tea-covered hills of spice plantations in “God’s Own Country.” Highlights of this trip include yoga lessons, seeing a Bollywood movie, sleeping on a houseboat drifting on the backwater, trekking through Munnar’s tea-growing countryside, learning about the iconic Mahatma Gandhi, trying exotic foods, and wandering through the seaside town of Kochi. This enriching, inspiring program is a two-week journey with fees starting at only $435.

Volunteer in Bali with Wildlife

Spend a week at Plan My Gap Year’s  Bali Wildlife Rescue Centre , where you will spend time caring for rescued animals! As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to care for endangered animals that once were victims of poachers and wildlife traffickers – a few tasks that you will take on include assisting in feeding, enclosure cleaning, performing general maintenance, and spending time socializing with animals to help them overcome their mistrust of people and of each other. With more than three dozen species of animals at the center needing care, you may have the opportunity to assist the veterinarian as well. This program starts at $270, and you can sign up to start on the first and third Sunday of any month.

Fronteering

About the Program : If you’re ready for an adventure that’s exotic, unique, and truly off the beaten path, check out  Fronteering , which offers volunteer programs in wild locations worldwide starting from one week at $695. Destinations include unspoiled locations throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia, with projects ranging from indigenous community support, to wildlife research, to environmental conservation. Check out these three short-term volunteer programs you can sign up for with Fronteering!

Where to Go:  Right now, Fronteering is offering short-term volunteer opportunities all over the world, and no shortage of adventurous projects to choose from. In Australia, you can volunteer at the  Kangaroo Island Wildlife Sanctuary  with different species of animals you won’t find anywhere else in the world – like koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas.

If you want to visit Africa, check out this  whale conservation program , where you’ll research and conserve dolphins and whales on the South African coastline. And in South America, Fronteering invites you to  Guyana , where you can volunteer with an indigenous community, and help with sustainable development, teaching, and much more. Learn more about Fronteering and its many unique volunteer and intern abroad programs  here !

Via Volunteers

Looking for short-term volunteer abroad programs in South Africa? Then look no further than  Via Volunteers . Based in Cape Town, Via Volunteers has over 15 years of experience looking after volunteers in South Africa and is passionate about ethical volunteering.

As a short-term volunteer with Via Volunteers, you can have a rewarding and meaningful experience on a variety of projects, including childcare, community development, and conservation initiatives. Via Volunteers provides excellent support, from pre-departure planning and airport transfers to orientation, accommodation, and in-country support. To date, they’ve hosted volunteers from more than 60 countries. Via Volunteers only supports sustainable projects where there’s a genuine need, so rest assured your short-term volunteer work abroad will have an impact!

Cape Town Children’s Hospital Program

Help special youngsters recover and thrive at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital! As a  Children’s Hospital volunteer in Cape Town , you’ll promote learning and growth through interactions and activities, and reduce children’s stress and strain through play, relaxation, and socialization. To reduce the burden on hospital staff, you’ll also assist with administrative tasks.

Ready to get these amazing children back on their feet? Fees begin from $302 per week. You can join for one week or longer.  Volunteer with children in Cape Town today!

Homeless Feeding Program in Cape Town

Join Pastor John and his staff on this impactful homeless program. When you  volunteer with the homeless in Cape Town,  the core focus will be to get essential meals to residents and visitors. Beyond that, you’ll help underprivileged children with homework, take daily attendance, collect donations, and more. Your help will ensure the residents have a better path to stability and happiness.

When you’re not volunteering, explore the city. The  Via Volunteers app  has a Cape Town bucket list feature so you can experience all the famous sites and activities.

Ready to combat homelessness in Cape Town? Fees begin from $320 per week. You can join for one week or longer.  Volunteer to help the homeless today!

Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation in South Africa

Want to volunteer with monkeys? Then head to a  non-profit primate sanctuary near Kruger National Park . There, you’ll care for over 500 injured, abused, and orphaned vervet monkeys. Duties include:

• preparing food, cleaning cages, and washing blankets
• hands-on care of baby monkeys
• assistance with giving medications
• general monitoring of the monkeys
• participation in educational outreach

Sound like the volunteer adventure for you? The vervet monkey rehab project begins from $305 per week. You can join for two weeks or longer.  Click here to register!

“I had the most wonderful experience through the Children’s Hospital Play Programme. Emmy, the volunteer coordinator, is wonderful and loves her volunteers with such an overwhelming passion! I was so blessed to serve the patients and their families. The happiness that these children brought to my life is ten times the amount of happiness than I could ever have brought them. Such a life-changing experience! Also, Ed and Heather are amazing! They made my time spent in South Africa stress-free.” – Charlotte, a volunteer from the USA, on the Children’s Hospital project

A Broader View Volunteers Corp (ABV)

About the program : Founded in Pennsylvania,  A Broader View Volunteers (ABV) coordinates volunteer abroad projects all over the world for passionate volunteers on a budget. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, ABV offers support through every aspect of volunteers’ travel and prides themselves on serving their communities and volunteers to the best of their ability.

ABV places all of its volunteers in low-income communities so that their service is able to enrich the lives of those who need it the most. ABV also provides housing so that its volunteers are able to live as part of the same community that they serve and allows volunteers to serve in the areas of daycare work, community development, teaching, animal conservation and rehabilitation, and community development. A Broader View is currently one of the top-ranked programs on Volunteer Forever  with over 100 positive reviews of its projects.

Where to Go:  A Broader View  offers plenty of strong volunteer abroad programs including programs in Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Each of these programs has stunning features that might make it the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Premedical, pre-dental, or pre-nursing  students who wish to volunteer abroad have three programs to choose from in each of the countries in which ABV coordinates volunteer abroad projects. Medical students interested in traveling to Guatemala should check out their program in  Quetzaltenango (Xela) . Volunteers who work in Xela have the opportunity to work with a local organization that runs a therapy clinic and assist medical professionals with different types of therapy.

If you’re a medical or dental student interested in volunteering abroad, you should check out ABV’s program in Quito, Ecuador, where volunteers work with a local organization that supports local children and families. Volunteers help local professionals provide a variety of services ranging from the common day-to-day medical needs of children to specialized work including working with children who have learning disabilities or helping physical therapy professionals.

A Broader View’s final pre-nursing/pre-dental/pre-medical program  takes volunteers to San Jose, Costa Rica . Volunteers will be placed in a children’s hospital working with doctors and other professionals covering duties such as assisting doctors on their rounds, running meal time for children, assisting with language therapy and other special projects as assigned by doctors. All programs can be combined with an immersive Spanish Language program for an additional fee.

A Broader View also offers  orphanage support programs  for volunteers interested in working with children and helping children receive services such as basic English lessons, training on how to healthily care for themselves, and whatever other duties as necessary.

Volunteers interested in volunteering in Guatemala should become familiar with their program in Quetzaltenango (Xela). Volunteers in Xela help provide daily child care that includes participating in educational activities for children, leading after-school activities, and facilitating important activities such as mealtime and storytime that help make the kids’ lives much more enriching.

A Broader View Volunteers also coordinates an orphanage  support program in Quito , Ecuador. Medical students interested in serving in Ecuador work in a public hospital that especially serves people without health insurance. Volunteers can help further the mission of the hospital by rotating along with the doctors through different departments of the hospital including pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, and pulmonology. All medical volunteerism projects can be included with an optional Spanish immersion program that volunteers may find beneficial to their overall experience.

Volunteers passionate about working with people who are homeless or endangered of losing their homes will be interested in working with  A Broader View’s Welfare Shelter Program in Quito, Ecuador . Volunteers have the opportunity to work with Quito’s poorest residents, helping them meet their most immediate needs such as helping run the shelter, provide clothing and bathing materials, and connecting them to services that support drug addiction and alcoholism. Volunteers may also be interested in working with the shelter’s technology programs, which teach residents valuable skills in order to thrive in today’s job market.

All ABV volunteers have the benefit of choosing their own start date so that they are able to arrange the program as it best fits their needs. All program fees are a donation and are therefore fully tax-deductible and although ABV does not arrange flights for volunteers, they are happy to support volunteers with whatever they need.

A Broader View provided me with a once in a life time opportunity that I will cherish for the rest of my life. ABV enabled me to go on this amazing adventure, and provided me with every little detail that I needed to have an amazing trip. My accommodation, meals and feeling of security was amazing! I feel like I have a second family and a second home in Costa Rica. The beds were super comfy, something I was not expecting. There was never a time where I didn’t feel safe, and I couldn’t be happier with the living and eating provisions I was given. The A Broader View Support before traveling was stellar. I was provided with detailed packing manuals, instructions and pieces of advice as to how to adapt to the new culture I would be immersed in. Any and all questions I had were answered effectively and promptly. ABV was also very accommodative of my itinerary, as I was traveling for five days after volunteering, and they even suggested some travel agents, companies, and activities. To me, ABV is more than just a company providing volunteer opportunities, but a company built by people who are caring, and passionate, and want to provide their customers with the best experience possible. – Kimberly Moore, November 2014

Raleigh International

Since 1984,  Raleigh International  has offered expeditions for youth and adults to volunteer in Nepal, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Tanzania. Projects include clean water and hygiene, natural resources and sustainability, and community development. So far, 400,000 travelers have signed up with Raleigh International, plus another 800 are expected to go on trips this year. As part of their commitment to quality and safety, Raleigh International helped design and currently holds the BS8848 Safety Standard for organizing and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside of the UK. Volunteer trips with Raleigh International start from five weeks, depending on the program you sign up for.

Tanzania Expedition

If you’re looking for a meaningful trip to augment your summer vacation, check out Raleigh International’s  Tanzania expedition . Starting from five weeks, this trip combines volunteering and adventure – as a volunteer, you will help with community development projects to improve access to clean water, environmental programs to promote sustainability, and much more. During the adventure portion of your trip, you will test your wilderness survival skills on a trek to the Southern Highlands, and have the chance to view animals and learn about conservation at Ruaha National Park.  Learn more here!

Global Leadership Adventures

Another great program to check out if you’re looking for a meaningful short-term trip is  Global Leadership Adventures . Geared toward high school travelers, Global Leadership Adventures has combined community service, experiential learning, and adventure travel since 2004. Because GLA specializes in youth development through travel, they place a great emphasis on safety and support, which you can see outlined in their  five-point safety system . Global Leadership Adventures also has a database of nearly 2,000 references ready to speak to the impact of their programs – in fact, the organization’s co-founder was  recognized by President Obama  for making a positive impact in Africa.

Dominican Republic: Spring Break Service Adventure

If you’re planning a spring break adventure, check out Global Leadership Adventures’ program in the  Dominican Republic . This one-week trip invites you to help with sustainable development initiatives such as building homes and schools using recycled materials, helping with community health projects, constructing vertical gardens, and much more. You’ll also have the chance to learn about Dominican culture, meet with local community leaders, go snorkeling and zip lining, and much more. This eight-day trip costs $1,899 –  click here to learn more .

Galapagos: Preserving Nature’s Wonders

If you’re most interested in spending your trip abroad helping with animals and environmental conservation, Global Leadership Adventures offers an amazing opportunity to  volunteer in the Galapagos Islands . With two different projects on Isabela Island and San Cristobal Island, you’ll volunteer in a tortoise breeding center, and help to clear invasive species to allow tortoises and birds to re-inhabit the area. During this program, you’ll also have the chance to go swimming with sea lions, birdwatching, and much more. This 14-day program has a tuition of $4,599 –  learn more and sign up here .

Cross-Cultural Solutions

Founded in 1995,  Cross-Cultural Solutions  offers international internships,  gap year  experiences, volunteer trips, and high school volunteering programs in throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Programs focus on important topics such as child development, girls’ and women’s empowerment, and global health. To date, nearly 35,000 volunteers have traveled with Cross-Cultural Solutions (with a 99% approval rating from past participants), which offers year-round staffing and support within their host communities, a full-time team of local experts to support volunteers, and among the highest standards of safety and well-being in the volunteer travel industry. Volunteer opportunities with Cross-Cultural Solutions start from one week – perfect for short-term travel!

Cross-Cultural Solutions is offering several different volunteer opportunities in  Ghana , including child development, global health, and girls’ and women’s empowerment. For one week or longer, you can volunteer on projects to teach English, help with malaria prevention, foster economic opportunities for women, and much more in Ghana’s Volta region. During this trip, you will be able to take a guided walking tour of the city of Ho, or even view monkeys, birds, and elephants during a visit Kakum National Park.  Learn more here!

Volunteer in India

If India is on your must-visit list, take a look at Cross-Cultural Solutions’ volunteer trips to  Dharamsala  or to  New Delhi , where you can volunteer for one week or longer on a variety of projects, including:

• Supporting children in community groups and child care centers
• Providing public health outreach, education, and care to vulnerable children and adults in low-income communities
• Helping women create financial independence and leadership skills to support their families and communities

Depending on which trip you sign up for, you can go on a scavenger hunt through Dharamsala, take a tour of New Delhi, visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, or even visit the gorgeous Taj Mahal.

Volunteer in Morocco

As a volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions in Rabat,  Morocco , you will have the chance to help with children’s development, girls’ and women’s empowerment, and global health programs to support low-income communities. During your stay, you can tour the city of Rabat, visit the Chellah ruins, take Arabic language lessons, learn about Islamic history, and much more for one week or longer.  Learn more here!

Naturally Africa Volunteers (NAV)

About the program :  Naturally Africa Volunteers (NAV)  coordinates sustainable, community-centered volunteer abroad projects of two to twelve weeks throughout Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Ghana. Naturally Africa Volunteers seeks to solidify its change on two levels– by coordinating high-impact, well-researched volunteers programs and through supporting its international volunteers from the moment they join the project. NAV is dedicated to making sure that each volunteer has the best experience possible and is able to work fruitfully in communities across Africa.

Where to Go:  Although  Naturally Africa Volunteers  supports programs in many areas of interest, volunteers interested in a short-term volunteer project (2-3 weeks) will especially be interested in  NAV’s Wild Coast School Project , which places volunteers in underfunded rural South African schools supporting full-time staff and volunteers. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with students aged 6-14 promoting computer literacy, often through traveling through rural schools alongside state-of-the-art technology education equipment including laptops that the students usually lack access to.

My time in Malawi was amazing. Meg, Sam and Aug were the main reason. They provided a balanced view on how to go about my role as a volunteer. I can not describe how inspired I was by the whole trip and the staff at the cottage. The structure of the project was brilliant. You can clearly see the priorities. Keeping a good relationship with the village population and the elders was their main focus. Providing amazing support to the wound clinics, HIV support groups, nursery and home based care groups was incredible. I am very lucky I was part of the development of the different village I visited. At the weekends I got to experience other parts of Malawi. Like the landscape and culture outside the village. I wish I could have stayed for longer. I hope to return to Malawi in the near future. – Maria, March 2015

Global Volunteers

Global Volunteers  is a renowned volunteer travel organization, connecting people of all ages and skill levels on placements 16 countries worldwide. Volunteer help establish mutual understanding between people of diverse cultures as they work on meaningful projects in the areas of teaching conversational English, math, science, and computer literacy; building, repairing, and painting community facilities; providing health, hygiene, nutrition, and infectious disease education; establishing school and household gardens; caring for at risk children, and more. Founded in 1984, Global Volunteers has connected more than 34,000 volunteers of all ages with impactful programs on six continents. The organization is led by experts in human and economic development, and its in-country managers are highly educated nationals. Its sustainable programs are developed through community-based partnerships. Global Volunteers was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations in 1999, and has partnered with UNICEF since 2008. Service program contribution, airfare, and visa expenses are tax-deductible for U.S. citizens. First-time volunteers are eligible for deep discounts from Global Volunteers on a limited basis. Ranging from $50 to $500, discounts are available for full-time students, groups, and even for early registration. Earn $100 credit for referrals, with no limit on the number of referrals. Alumni volunteers appreciate the $200 discount when traveling on international programs, and the $50 discount for U.S. programs with Global Volunteers.  Read more  about how you can save money traveling abroad with Global Volunteers.

Global Volunteers in the United States

At a time when there’s a spotlight on America’s richest 1%, a look at the country’s  310 Indian reservations , where many of America’s poorest 1% live, can be more enlightening. Many of the nation’s people who live on Indian Reservations are the poorest of the poor. There are many contributing factors, one being that property is communally held and individuals do not prosper from increasing property values. Indian Reservations are not located in economic centers capable of provide family-sustaining jobs. Another devastated community, the Appalachian region of America’s East Coast, West Virginia, is another option. Read on to learn more about Global Volunteers and its programs in three underserved communities in the United States. Your contribution fee begins at $1,095. Choose from one- or two-week stays, which includes accommodations, meals, transportation to your project, and educational materials.

Montana, USA

Volunteering on the  Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana, USA , requires a courageous and sensitive heart. The Native American people have suffered greatly, and their needs are unique. Your unique social skills can benefit the Children’s Summer Program by supervising field trips. You will be able to improve the quality of people’s lives by repairing community buildings. Volunteers also assist at the Elder Care Center and visit one-on-one with Blackfeet elders. Depending upon your professional experience, you may help teens who are in protective custody due to a family trouble. Volunteers are needed to do crisis work, and your compassion and care will lessen their problems. As you immerse yourself in the Blackfeet Culture, you will be provided an insider’s perspective of Native American life, including their food, music, and art. Nestled in the foothills of Glacier National Park, every day you will be able to rest your soul and soak in the Big Sky of Montana.  Read about volunteering with Blackfeet Indian Reservation .

South Dakota, USA

Amid the plains of South Dakota,  Rosebud Reservation  is home to the Sicangu Sioux people, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota Nation. On Rosebud Reservation, poverty is at an all-time high, with unemployment over 80%, and 76% of the working residents living below the poverty line. The community is at risk with its primary need: quality shelter. Volunteers on this program focus on repairing homes and community buildings, and those with electrical and plumbing skills are especially needed. Labor assistance will make an enormous difference, and volunteers who help split and deliver firewood will know they are keeping people warm and safe in the winter. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use your hands and skills to improve the living conditions of the people here.  Learn more about volunteering with Rosebud Reservation .

West Virginia, USA

West Virginia is a beautiful state, and so are its residents, resilient people who are economically devastated by the closing of the coalfields. Volunteers are needed to help rehabilitate dilapidated and energy-inefficient homes and community buildings. Many trades are needed to assist in the labor-intensive projects, but if you don’t have experience, don’t worry. You will have lots to do, scraping, sanding, and painting. If physical labor isn’t your forte, volunteers also are needed to help elementary children read with their Summer Enrichment program. You’ll make a tremendous difference by tutoring a teen or young adult to complete their GED. The Appalachian idea of heaven will seep into your soul as you experience the homemade farm-to-table delicacies, music, and hospitality of West Virginians.  Learn more about volunteering in West Virginia .

Get going on your short-term volunteer abroad trip!

Now that you know that time is not an issue when volunteering abroad and have an idea of some of the incredible programs that are out there, your only question should be, “When?” Each of the volunteer abroad opportunities above is perfect for the volunteer with limited time and funding and these programs are representatives of a much larger pool of sustainable, short-term volunteer opportunities. In almost any country, there are dozens of fantastic opportunities just like the ones above. All you have to do is use Volunteer Forever’s tools to find the perfect volunteer abroad opportunity for you and take the steps to creating change that is truly extraordinary– all within a few weeks.

P.S. If you’re still looking for a volunteer opportunity, check out our list of  best volunteer abroad programs  and recommended volunteer projects in  Africa ,  Central America , and  Thailand . You can also read about 7  Great Medical and Veterinary Volunteer Abroad Projects ,  10 Dental Volunteer Abroad Program and Medical Mission Tips for Pre Dental Students , and  nursing volunteer abroad projects for students and nurse professionals . Or, if medical volunteer projects aren’t for you, be sure to read about our  sports and coaching volunteer abroad ,  wildlife conservation and veterinary  abroad,  teach abroad , and  intern abroad  programs. Lastly, if you’re under 18, you may be interested in a  teen volunteer abroad  from one of our many great partners.

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2024 best volunteer abroad programs, organizations, & projects, medical volunteer abroad programs for doctors, nurses, pre med students, cheap affordable volunteer abroad programs & low cost overseas projects, teens & high school volunteer abroad programs | under 18 mission trips, 200 volunteer abroad & study abroad scholarships & grants, dental volunteer abroad & medical mission trips | dentists & students, volunteer abroad opportunities for seniors and retirees, nursing volunteer abroad projects for students & professional nurses, long term volunteer work abroad programs & voluntary charity jobs, trending guidebooks, volunteering abroad after the coronavirus outbreak, 2024 best internships abroad: medical care, marine biology & more, volunteer in australia: animals, conservation, ranching and more, 2024 best volunteer abroad programs, organizations, & projects.

Brittany Edwardes · Guest Volunteer Travel Writer

Brittany Edwardes is a Fulbright Scholar who spent a year teaching and living in Southeast Asia. Brittany is very passionate about service learning, spending time outdoors, and making her own pasta.

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Expedition Dates: March 15-24, 2024 OPEN November 23-December 1, 2024 FULL - WAITLIST ONLY

Cost: $3295 + Airfare

I’M COMING! APPLY NOW

Ages: 8+ (8-17 year olds must have adult guardian)

Humanitarian Project: Orphanage, WhoLives Well Project, Water for Life collaboration, Greater Hope for a Vibrant World women’s health training, Days for Girls education and distribution, community outreach through local church organization.

Trip Pace: Moderate

Physical Activity: Low-Moderate

Highlights: African Safari

Vaccine Requirements: None

About this Trip

Jetset across the globe to the African continent and spend your expedition in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. Quickly find yourself immersed in African culture and far off the beaten path as we partner with multiple non-profit organizations.  

Participate in construction projects at a small orphanage and nearby schools. Sponsor a well project through Rafiki Outreach.  Distribute water filters donated by Water for Life.  Teach health education in collaboration with Days for Girls.  Participate in community outreach projects throughout your expedition including community health education for pregnant and postpartum women in collaboration with Vibrant Hope for a Brighter World.

We also take time to explore Moshi near Kilimanjaro and explore the largest waterfall in Tanzania, swim in natural hot springs,  and have an authentic Maasai experience. Check an African Safari off your bucket list as you spend multiple days on game drives experiencing the wild animals of Africa in the NgoroNgoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park.  

This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you won’t forget!

Questions about this trip?

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October 23, 2023

Humanitarian Trip to Kenya

We are profoundly grateful for your partnership during our inaugural humanitarian trip to Kenya, Africa. Your invaluable support has offered both material and emotional sustenance to countless children and adults in this beautiful country.

In Nairobi, we journeyed to the Kibera slum, the largest in Africa and the third largest globally. Here, we encountered a children’s center serving dual purposes: a school for 149 children and a sanctuary for some orphans. Our expedition led us to small business centers where industrious women ran crafts workshops, hair salons, and food kiosks – a testament to their resilience and spirit of enterprise.

Liki Special school

Our journey took another inspiring turn when we visited a school for children with special needs. The unwavering faith of the leaders and teachers resonated deeply as they committed to enhancing these children’s mental abilities and self-worth through simple handicrafts. The sale of these crafts supports the institution and the children.

Upon their request, we were able to financially assist in clearing school debts and ensuring a steady supply of food and medication for the students

Mombasa – Kilifi

In Mombasa, we had the privilege of exploring the Care Center, which undertakes the noble task of feeding students from all Kilifi Village schools. The aim, as conveyed by the dedicated leaders and pastor, is to offer daily sustenance to children whose parents face economic challenges.

 The Egyptian Coptic Hospital

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Thank you for considering this heartfelt call to action. Together, we can be a force for good in this world.

Humanitarian Trips

Experience the joy of serving others as you help transform lives.

Reasons to Join a Humanitarian Trip With Unto

• You share physical aid and the hope of Jesus.
• You grow closer to God.
• You forge lasting relationships.
• You learn to serve in a different culture.
• You can receive the blessing of blessing others.

It Is Easy to Join an Unto Humanitarian Trip

Upcoming Humanitarian Trips

March 30-april 6, 2024, el salvador, el salvador spring break vision clinics (destino), team leader: wes.

El Salvador — a land of beautiful beaches, sprawling coffee plantations, and lush rainforests — is the most densely populated country in Central America, with 40 percent of its population living in poverty. Be part of a Unto ®  volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision.

As a student on this trip, you will travel to the nation’s capital, San Salvador. The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city as well as in nearby rural areas. In the clinics you will meet with individuals to provide glasses and demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You also will have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of Jesus.

No experience is required. Trip participants will receive training for eyeglass fittings at the beginning of the trip.

Students only. This trip can accommodate a maximum of 15 people.

April 18-30, 2024

Southeast asia, spring southeast asia vision clinics, team leader: kim.

The prevalence of blindness and low vision in this Southeast Asian country is relatively high compared to other developing countries. Most of the causes of blindness and low vision are treatable or preventable. Landmines and other war-related injuries are a major cause of ocular injury.

You can help with this need by joining an Unto ®  vision clinic trip to tropical Southeast Asia. Through the clinic, you will help provide glasses to hundreds of people who need simple vision correction. You also will work alongside Unto partners, helping them expand their ministry through serving those in need.

You can help with this need by joining an Unto vision clinic trip to tropical Southeast Asia. Through the clinic, you will help provide glasses to hundreds of people who need simple vision correction. You also will work alongside Unto partners, helping them expand their ministry through serving those in need.

During the clinic, you will meet with local people one-to-one to assess their vision and provide glasses. As you spend time with them, you will have the opportunity to show them the kindness of Jesus.

Time is allotted for visiting local sites and enjoying Southeastern Asian culture.

No medical experience is required. At the beginning of the trip participants will receive training to test vision and fit eyeglasses.

April 30-May 13, 2024

Spring southeast asia vision clinics 2, may 17 - june 2, 2024, zambia water, sanitation and hygiene summer mission, team leader: unto, cost: $4,500.

Unto is the humanitarian ministry of Cru and serves in the toughest places on earth to relieve suffering, restore dignity, and reveal the hope of Jesus. One way we do this is through our Clean Water Program.

Over half of Zambia’s population resides in rural areas and less than 50 percent of the rural population have basic access to a safe water source. By joining the WASH Summer Mission with Unto ® , you have the opportunity to participate in a project to install solar powered remote monitoring systems on existing hand pumps. The team will also participate in repairing non-functioning pumps and providing basic hygiene training.

In addition to the field work, you will explore ways to integrate ministry into your career as you spend time with local Cru ® staff members sharing the hope of Jesus with people in Zambia.

May 19 - June 21, 2024

Greece refugee care summer mission, cost: $4,900.

In recent years, news broadcasts have been filled with stories of violence in the Middle East resulting in a refugee crisis. Men, women, and children flee from their homes, jobs, and friends, hoping to escape war and find safety. More than 1 million refugees traveled through Turkey, piled into small, overcrowded rubber boats, and faced the dangerous journey across the Aegean Sea to the shores of Greece. They hoped to pass through the islands and continue into Europe and beyond.

However, most European countries have closed their borders leaving those seeking asylum trapped in camps — unable to travel to a new destination and powerless to return home.

You can help relieve suffering, restore dignity and reveal the hope of Jesus to struggling refugees by traveling with Unto, Cru’s humanitarian branch, to a camp in Greece.

You will serve refugees by distributing aid, working in Men’s and Women’s community centers, playing with the kids and doing work around the camp.

May 31 - June 22, 2024

Colombia women’s health summer mission.

Women around the world face many physical, social, and spiritual challenges. In some cases, women are told little about their health, even to the point of becoming pregnant and giving birth without understanding what is happening to their bodies. Some women are uneducated; perhaps because their families won’t allow it, many lack feminine hygiene products so they miss a week of school every month and eventually drop out. And some women are silenced, oppressed; prevented from sharing their thoughts and coerced into believing someone else’s. Even with all of this going against them, we still believe that women are the key to a healthier society, as the ones who often raise a family and nurture a community. We seek to follow Jesus’ examples throughout Scripture, as he sees women and treats them with the dignity ascribed to them as ones created in the image of God.

You can help bring physical and spiritual healing to marginalized women by joining the Unto Women’s Health Summer Mission trip. In partnership with National Cru staff and their partners, you will participate in teaching health education workshops that provide life saving information, while building relationships that lead to Gospel conversations. When you participate in this trip, you help to share the kindness of Jesus in incredibly tough places by relieving suffering, restoring dignity, and revealing hope.

The Unto Women’s Health Summer Mission trip is open to female students with health related majors who have completed approximately two semesters with clinical rotation. Female students of other majors may be considered providing they have a medical/science background with some clinical knowledge and experience. Please still reach out if you’re interested but don’t quite meet this criteria yet…we’d love to talk more and see if this would be a good fit for you!

Central Asia

Central asia vision clinics, team leader: scott.

Imagine being unable to see the faces of your family or being unable to work because you cannot see well enough to read. In Central Asia more than 1 million people live with untreated vision impairment. You can help solve this problem for many of them by providing a simple pair of glasses, and at the same time point them to Jesus.

Through this project, our field partners will be able to build relationships with families and show them Christ’s love and hope.

No medical experience is required. Trip participants will receive training for eyeglass fittings at the beginning of the trip.

June 20 - July 12, 2024

Guatemala agriculture summer mission, cost: $3,500.

Are you passionate about the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20) as well as natural sciences, community development and sustainability?

Within the Humanitarian aid world, the concern is are we creating sustainable communities or dependency problems.

Unto is the humanitarian branch of Cru, an international ministry that creates movements everywhere, so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus . Unto serves in the toughest places on earth to relieve suffering, restore dignity, and reveal the hope of Jesus. One of the ways we do this is through agriculture workshops.

We serve farmers of all scales and backgrounds, coming alongside them by relieving food insecurity, empowering people through agricultural education, and revealing hope. Our workshops include components such as raised garden beds, composting, nutrition, drip irrigation kits, and pest management. We also include other content in our workshops considering what the specific community needs help with.

You can help relieve the suffering of people in Guatemala who struggle to make a living as subsistence farmers. The biggest challenges for Guatemalan farmers are changing markets, commercialized competition, and poor agro-practices. By joining the Agriculture Summer Mission with Unto ® , you have the opportunity to teach communities about how they can increase their yield, and farm more sustainably. You will see firsthand the practical and spiritual impact your agriculture, soil science, or natural science passion/education can have on a community.

In addition to participating workshops, you will explore ways to integrate ministry into your career as you spend time with local Cru ® staff members, and local students sharing the hope of Jesus with people in the heart of Guatemala. We will perform four-day workshops in villages, teaching families techniques to grow more while restoring soil for future generations.

Applications are open to all students, both Quarter or Semester schools! Click apply to submit an application to join us this summer in Guatemala!

*Please note that your support goal covers your international flight, but the cost of your travel to the team departure airport will be your responsibility. If you raise extra support, you are able to submit a form to be reimbursed for some or all of your personal payment for this expense. The application deadline is Monday, April 1st, 2024.*

June 7-18, 2024

Guatemala vision clinic, team leader: john.

During the 10th century, a complex network of trade routes turned Mayan cities into commercial and spiritual hubs. Guatemala still has that mystique today in historic cities like Antigua. However, in the capital, Guatemala City, the effects of the 36-year-long civil war (1960-1996) still can be felt, causing Guatemala to be one of the poorest countries in Central America.

Be part of an Unto ® volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You also will have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of the gospel.

No experience is required. At the beginning of the trip, participants will receive training for vision testing and fitting eyeglasses.

July 25 - August 6, 2024

Summer southeast asia vision clinics, cost: $1500-$1800+airfare, august 10-18, 2024, suriname vision clinic, cost: $1450 +airfare.

Suriname is the smallest country in South America.  It is covered with beautiful tropical rainforest. Suriname gained it independence the Netherlands in 1975.  It is considered to be culturally caribbean.  Dutch is the official language, however creole based English is also spoken.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you will meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus. You might also have the opportunity to talk with students at the local university campus to share the hope of Jesus.

Accommodations will be camp style all woman in one dormitory and all men men in another one.

October 12-20, 2024

Honduras vision clinic (central church members), cost: $1300 +airfare.

In the past Honduras was developed by the Mayas before Spanish colonization.  It is now a predominantly Spanish speaking and Roman Catholic.  It is in Central America and it is rich in natural resources.  They produce coffee, tropical fruit and sugar cane.

Be part of an Unto ® volunteer trip that helps relieve suffering by providing eyeglasses to many with impaired vision. You will also restore dignity to those who may not being able to work or be successful in school.

The team will conduct eyeglass clinics in the city, as well as in nearby rural areas. During the clinics, as you will meet with individuals to provide basic vision testing and needed glasses, you will be able to demonstrate the kindness of Jesus.

Lives Are Changed

Frequently Asked Questions

Participants from 16 to 80 years old and of all skill levels may take part in Unto trips. Volunteers with a personal relationship with Jesus and with sound health are welcome. Not all trips will be suitable for youth because of the type of work required or the emotional toll they may take. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Some trips may require more specialized skills, such as medical training. If special skills are required, this information will be mentioned in the trip description.

Team size depends on the destination and the trip strategy. Teams can be as small as four people or as large as 40.

The trip cost includes all in-country transportation, shared hotel or dormitory accommodations, three meals a day (plus drinking water), interpreter services, in-country visa fees, emergency evacuation assistance, and all taxes, tips, and fees.

The trip cost does not typically include airfare, pre-trip visa fees (if required), passport costs, immunizations, medications, baggage charges (unless you are asked to carry a bag of Unto aid), trip cancellation insurance, airport meals, or additional gifts or snacks you choose to bring.

No. We will plan travel and provide an airline itinerary for you through our travel agents. Then we will send you the information to contact the agent and purchase your ticket. Through the travel agent, you will be able to arrange both your domestic and international travel. Arranging travel in this way lowers flight costs and allows you to book “through” travel straight from your home airport while still traveling with the team internationally.

Trip participants and their supporters can pay by credit card through the participant’s giving page or by phone. Payments can also be made by check.  All payments and donations are tax-deductible and non-refundable .

All contributions to Unto are income tax deductible and are made with the understanding that Unto has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. Should you not go on the trip, or should more funds than needed be raised, we will consult with you to determine if the money will be held in your account for a future trip, be used for other expenses associated with the trip, or be given as a general donation to Unto Humanitarian Trips.

Your trip leader’s primary responsibility is the safety of the team. We are in touch with the U.S. State Department on all trips and are alert to changes in safety and security while overseas. While we do live in a complex world, Unto trips do not include what we consider unnecessary risks, either in locations visited or activities implemented.

We work to make sure all trips are as safe as possible. All Unto trip leaders are experienced in international ministry and trained in crisis management and CPR/first aid. At all times a crisis manager is on call in the states, and contingency plans are in place before all trips begin. Emergency evacuation coverage and supplemental health coverage are included in the cost of your trip.

In most cases the entire team will meet at the international departure airport in the U.S. and fly together to the destination country. Most trips require no pre-trip preparation or meetings as a team. If a trip does require pre-trip preparation, the team leader will provide this information before accepting you for the trip. Some trip leaders may schedule a group call before the trip for team introductions. Your trip leader will be in touch with you on an ongoing basis as you prepare for the trip.

Accommodations will vary depending on the country. Usually teams stay in a hotel or guest house chosen or recommended by our national hosts. Rooms are generally shared by two people of the same gender or by spouses. If you prefer a room to yourself, a single supplement fee will be charged.

In the areas where Unto serves, it is usually not possible to make accommodations for special dietary needs.

All available trips are listed on the website. If you do not see a trip that works for you, you can contact [email protected] to receive updates in the future. New trips are added all the time.

You can contact the trips department by emailing [email protected].

Unto U.S. Headquarters | 100 Lake Hart Drive | Orlando, FL 32832 | 1-800-778-7806 Unto Global Logistics Center | 1506 Quarry Road | Mount Joy, PA 17552 | 717-285-4220 Cru Annex | 6550 Hazeltine National Drive, Suite 150 | Orlando, FL 32822

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Missed Connections: 1969 Humanitarian Trip To Africa

Lulu Garcia-Navarro

In our latest "Missed Connections," Helen Chapple, Saul Blair and Graham Hinton reunite to talk about how a humanitarian trip to Africa 50 years ago changed the trajectory of their lives.

LULU GARCIA-NAVARRO, HOST:

There are times when we can connect surprisingly deeply with a stranger and then never see them again - a missed connection. We've been trying to help some of you connect with the people you're trying to find. And today we take you back to the 1960s. Operation Crossroads Africa took student volunteers from North America to work on community projects in Africa for the summer. In 1969, Helen Chapple was one of those students. And she wrote us to reconnect her with the group that she went with. And she joins us now from Atlanta, Ga.

HELEN CHAPPLE: Hi.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: So, Helen, why did you want to find the people that you went with?

CHAPPLE: Well, it's always been a very influential and good memory for me. And it's 50 years this summer - which seems very, very hard to believe - since we were all together. And the experience, for me, really changed my life. I learned about race relations in a way that I couldn't have known before. I was radicalized. As I grew older and formulated myself more, I needed to find a population to advocate for. And I became an advocate for dying patients. And that's been my cause. And it's - I can tie it directly to that summer experience.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Well, take us back. Tell us what inspired you to join the program back then.

CHAPPLE: I had actually heard about it in high school. And then my boyfriend, the year before I went, spent the summer with Operation Crossroads Africa. And he liked it. So I - not to be bested, I felt that I needed to sign up.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: And what did you do there? Tell me a little bit about the program.

CHAPPLE: We were in Kitwe, Zambia, at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation. And we built an open-air discussion hall with a kitchen.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: And why?

CHAPPLE: It was a project that, I guess, they wanted to be done. But it turned out that Operation Crossroads Africa was very troubled that year. The tensions in the United States were brought with us to Africa. And we had a wonderful group experience, but ours was not typical.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Well, we looked at some of the written correspondence between leaders on the ground in Zambia and Operation Crossroads Africa administrators. It said that some of the people, instead of learning about Zambia, made Zambia a platform to air the racial problems in the United States.

CHAPPLE: Many of the groups had tremendous problems. One group sent their leader home, we learned. And one group, the blacks and the whites didn't get along, so they lived separately. But we were very, very lucky. We worked together well. We traveled together well. We were a force to be reckoned with.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: You mentioned that there were both African Americans and white Americans.

CHAPPLE: And Canadians as well.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: So it was a mixed group.

CHAPPLE: Yes.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: How many were you?

CHAPPLE: There were 10.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: OK. Well, we have to tell you that we did find Graham Hinton. He was one of the Canadians...

CHAPPLE: Really?

GARCIA-NAVARRO: ...On that trip. And he joins us now on the line from Ontario, Canada. Graham...

CHAPPLE: Oh, my goodness.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: (Laughter) Do you remember Helen?

GRAHAM HINTON: Yes, I do - very well.

CHAPPLE: Oh.

HINTON: Pleasant memories...

CHAPPLE: Wow.

HINTON: ...Of Helen.

CHAPPLE: I am amazed. How wonderful to talk with you, Graham.

HINTON: You, too, Helen.

CHAPPLE: (Laughter).

HINTON: I commend you for a life well-lived.

CHAPPLE: Oh, my goodness. Oh, my goodness. I'm just so struck that they found you.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Graham, tell me a little bit about your experience of this. Was this a meaningful trip for you, too?

HINTON: An incredibly meaningful trip - changed my whole life. Like Helen, I learned a lot about race relations and...

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Because you and Helen are white.

CHAPPLE: Oh, yes.

HINTON: We're white (laughter). One of the closest members of the group to me was Saul Blair from Watts, Los Angeles. And he taught me that being oppressed caused you to see life in a totally different aspect and that I was very privileged being a white Canadian. And I had never spoken to anyone who came from that way of life. It certainly opened my eyes as to the challenges black Americans had ahead of them.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: When you say it changed your life, what do you do now?

HINTON: After I graduated from university, I became program director of the Canadian Crossroads International, which was a counterpart of Operation Crossroads Africa. I actually went back to Zambia and saw our project being used for classes. And some of the counterparts that I spent time with - the embrace I got from them and the hospitality was just over the top.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: So you continue to have this connection with Africa. Well, I've got to tell you both, Graham and Helen, that we have somebody else who's on the line.

HINTON: Oh.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Someone that you mentioned - Saul Blair. We found him.

CHAPPLE: Oh, my...

CHAPPLE: ...Goodness.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: He's here from Phoenix, Ariz. And he's been patiently listening to our conversation.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Say hi, Saul.

SAUL BLAIR: Hi.

CHAPPLE: Saul.

BLAIR: How's everybody doing? (Laughter).

HINTON: Good, Saul. God bless you.

CHAPPLE: Oh, terrific. Yeah.

BLAIR: Same here.

HINTON: Saul, there is - not a month goes by that I don't think about you.

BLAIR: Well, I didn't know I had such an impact.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: What do you think, Saul, when you hear that?

BLAIR: Well, first of all, I'm humbled. It's just nice to hear. The one thing that I did hear, which is very, very true - we didn't have the tension that Helen had mentioned in our group. We did have a diversified group. But I think we got along extremely well.

CHAPPLE: We did.

HINTON: Yeah. Hallelujah.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Saul, what inspired you to take that trip to Africa?

BLAIR: It's interesting. I was just walking down the hall and going to class at UCLA. And I just happened to see a poster. Naturally, I just had a strong interest of going to Africa. And so the opportunity was there. And I took advantage of it.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Was it striking for you coming from a recently desegregated America to find that apartheid was alive and well on the African continent?

BLAIR: You saw a lot of America in Africa. What I mean by that - the racial tension there that you had in the United States. A couple of times we went somewhere, and it said whites only to go into a restroom. I was appalled. In the U.S., we heard about it, but to see it is a whole different world.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: May I ask you, Saul, what you do?

BLAIR: Well, I just retired. I was a hospital administrator, primarily working in low-income communities and trying to provide appropriate health care.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: It sounds like this was a really pivotal trip for all three of you.

CHAPPLE: It was.

BLAIR: Oh, absolutely.

HINTON: Definitely.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: Helen Chapple, Saul Blair, Graham Hinton, thank you all very much.

CHAPPLE: Thank you.

HINTON: Thank you.

BLAIR: Thank you.

GARCIA-NAVARRO: We want to help you find your missed connection - someone who touched your life and then went away. If you have a unique story, tell us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9217.

Copyright © 2019 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Mission trips to Africa are the perfect opportunities to explore the stunning continent while making a sustainable difference as a volunteer ... read more

Mission trips to Africa are the perfect opportunities to explore the stunning continent while making a sustainable difference as a volunteer. If you do not have plenty of time on hand, mission trips are a perfect opportunity for you. Despite your short-term volunteer program, your dedication will still contribute to the well-being of the local community.

With its rich culture and arts and stunning landscapes, Africa is a highly popular volunteer destination. Whether you want to assist in the medical sector in Tanzania , build schools in Ghana , or rescue animals in South Africa , our different volunteer programs will cater your needs. What are you waiting for? Join one of our mission trips in Africa that are just as diverse as the continent itself!

South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers

Be part of a life-changing experience that allows you to work behind the scenes on a world-class wildlife reserve in South Africa! 🦏 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Volunteer in Africa and help secure the future of the endangered black rhino and elephant. Experience daily life on a 10,000 acre family-run private conservancy. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marine Conservation Research Assistant

Protect Madagascar's marine ecosystem with MRCI's Marine Conservation Research program. Dive into meaningful conservation work! 🤿 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living

Give your contribution towards wildlife conservation! Learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience! 🇿🇦 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

Here you'll direct all of your efforts towards the long term rehabilitation of animals. Experience hands-on volunteering with baboons, small animals and much more! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

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Eco Volunteering in Wildlife & Marine Conservation. Uncover the whole big picture of our Eco-System for a better understanding of Nature & learn how to make a difference! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Forest Conservation Research Assistant

MRCI’s Forest Conservation Program involves long-term monitoring of the forest on Nosy Komba Island as well as the diversity and abundance of its endemic wildlife. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

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Volunteer with children aged 6-13 years (Grade R - 7) as a teacher's assistant at a primary school in Cape Town. Make your travel to South Africa meaningful! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

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MRCI’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Program has been established to identify and develop Safe Turtle Breeding Zones in North Western Madagascar landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sea Turtle Conservation

Protect endangered sea turtles along the Ghana coastline. Working on nesting sites and beach patrols whilst experiencing beautiful surroundings in your free time. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Primary School Support In Rural Kwahu Mountains

Provide a supporting role within our schools that extremely lack resources. Run tutoring sessions covering English and core subjects as well as teaching assistance. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sports Education Coach

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Tanzania Childcare Volunteers

Leave a lasting impression on the lives of some of Tanzania’s most disadvantaged children by assisting with childcare and education in a childcare center. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Vervet Monkey Rescue & Rehabilitation

Volunteer with rescued Vervet Monkeys at a permitted Monkey Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Centre in the lush province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Whales, Sharks and Penguins Conservation

Experience not only Whale, Dolphin, Shark and Penguin research and monitoring but also community education, environmental issues, ecology and ecotourism landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Childcare at a Creche or Kindergarten

Enrich young lives in Cape Town by volunteering at a Creche or Kindergarten for infants and children up to 6 years of age! 🇿🇦 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

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Baboon Rehabilitator & Care-Giver

Care for orphans, bond with surrogate baboon mothers, prepare food, clean enclosures, and embrace life in South Africa with hands-on baboon work! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

English Teaching & Tutoring in Rural Schools

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It is never too early for young people to embark on a humanitarian trip and take an interest in social or environmental causes. Taking advantage of school holidays to discover a country and undertake a humanitarian mission has become increasingly popular.

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On a humanitarian project, youth can experience life immersed in another culture, while positively impacting the lives of local communities.

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The sky’s the limit with our youth humanitarian trips! There are summer camps where youth can engage in renovation projects in Thailand, educational safaris studying the wildlife of Kenya, marine protection programs in Bali and so much more! There are also other trips such as teaching English to children, cultural immersion trips and environmental and wildlife protection programs, just to name a few.

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Biden cuts trip short as Iran launches drones and missiles towards Israel

P resident Joe Biden cut a weekend trip short and returned to the White House as reports indicate Iran launched dozens of drones towards Israel set to arrive in a matter of hours .

Mr Biden was set to spend the weekend in his home state of Delaware but is now returning to Washington, DC on Saturday afternoon to meet with his national security team.

Instead, his departure was announced just hours before the IDF detected Iran’s attacks. He returned to Washington by helicopter at 4.34 pm Eastern Time.

A White House official said Mr Biden subsequently met with a coterie of advisers in the White House Situation Room,including Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Director Bill Burns, Director Avril Haines, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, Counselor to the President Steve Ricchetti and National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk.

Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients also joined the meeting by secure video link.

Meanwhile, the US has pledged to help protect Israel, with American and British warplanes reportedly shooting down Iranian drones that were on the way into Israeli airspace.

“Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel,” National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said on Saturday. “President Biden is being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team and will meet with them this afternoon at the White House.”

“President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad,” Ms Watson continued. “The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”

The reported drone launch comes after a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on 1 April. The strike killed 12 people. Such an attack could further heighten tensions and violence in the area. Just hours before their airstrike, Iran also captured an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz , further indicating an attack was imminent.

“Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday evening.

“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them,” Mr Netanyahu continued. “We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination.”

Already, the region faces Israel’s continued offensive in Gaza and the consistent fire exchanged between the IDF and Hezbollah , an Iran-backed militant group, along the Israel-Lebanon border. American tensions with Iran also came to a head earlier this year when the US military struck Iran - backed militants and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Iraq and Syria . The attacks came in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three American troops in Jordan .

On Friday evening, the president said his administration expects Iran to launch an attack against Israel “sooner rather than later.” He also warned Tehran against launching the attack .

“We are devoted to the defence of Israel,” Mr Biden told reporters. “We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”

Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he spoke with an Israeli defence official on Saturday morning.

“This morning, I spoke with my Israeli counterpart, National Security Advisor Hanegbi, to discuss events in the Middle East,” Mr Sullivan said on X . “During the call, I reiterated the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.”

Just hours before Iran launched their attack, I DF has issued an alert pausing all “educational activities” and limiting gatherings throughout most of the country to 1,000 people.

In the last six months, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 33,400 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza. The attacks come in response to 7 October, when Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking more than 200 people hostage.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urged the US to continue supporting Israel, while condeming the Biden administration.

“The Biden Administration’s undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran have contributed to these terrible developments,” Mr Johnson said in a statement on Saturday evening.

Tensions between Mr Netanyahu and Mr Biden have been on the rise in recent weeks.

This week, the president called for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians. However, he still appears poised to make an $18bn sale of fighter jets to Israel — a deal which the administration says has been in the making for years.

The Independent also exclusively reported this week that eight internal dissent memos were sent by US State Department staff during the first two months of the Gaza war , highlighting the widespread opposition within the department to the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

Earlier this month, the IDF also killed seven humanitarian aid workers with World Central Kitchen , a non-profit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. One of those killed included a dual American-Canadian citizen. The non-profit said the IDF also “gravely injured” an eighth aid worker the same day in a separate strike. The Israeli government called the 1 April killings a mistake.

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