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Volunteer to Help with Costa Rica’s Beach Conservatio

February 13, 2026

Costa Rica has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, hosting about 5% of the world's total biodiversity; it is home to 12 microclimates, with access to two oceans. No one would run out of places to visit: From beaches, mountains and volcanoes to tropical jungles, forests and more, few nations have so much of the world. Costa Rica is home to more than 800 miles of coastline. Many argue that the best ones are in the regions of Nicoya and Guanacaste. With only 25% of its terrain protected, the rest of its land requires observant protection and conservation through its reserves and national parks.

On this trip, volunteers are divided into four platforms where they can assist an area’s sustainability. Assignments may include trail maintenance, light construction, beach cleanup, day patrols, contributing to ongoing research, hiring new researchers, and smoothing the way for English-speaking visitors.

This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 4-week trip (with additional weeks available) that costs $845 for one week, led by Maximo Nivel, a Latin America-based travel company that offers volunteer travel opportunities, Spanish immersion, study abroad and gap year programs in Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

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Tags Continent: North America, Country: Costa Rica, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Cost: $1 - $500, Cost: $500 - $1000, Focus: Sustainability, Focus: All Travel, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer

Volunteer in Community Development in Brazil

February 2, 2026

Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts. While tourists explore popular destinations such as Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana beach, many of the city’s 6 million residents live below the poverty line. Since living space is scarce, most of these communities are pushed to higher elevations against the mountains in slums called favelas. Here, disease is rampant, and health risks stem from pollution, overcrowding, and inadequate waste disposal systems. Volunteers can participate in activities in Rio that benefit these communities, assisting local teams and other volunteers through events and initiatives. . 

Tasks include (but are not limited to) restoration projects, arts projects, health education and awareness, environmental development, technology, and gardening. Volunteers will also benefit from the program by gaining community development experience, practicing their Portuguese, developing their communication skills, and immersing themselves in Brazilian culture. 

In their free time, volunteers can explore the city, visiting famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, relaxing at the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, climbing Corcovado Mountain, and visiting the historic downtown, home to many restaurants, shops, and cafes. There are also opportunities to explore beyond the city, including wildlife spotting in the Pantanal wetlands, visiting Iguazú Falls, and trekking through the Amazon rainforest. 

This is a minimum 3-week and maximum 24-week trip that costs $945 for one week, led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Tags Continent: South America, Country: Brazil, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Cost: $1 - $500, Focus: Community Development, Focus: All Volunteer

Volunteer to Help Developing Business Communities in Jamaica

January 31, 2026

With a population of almost three million, unemployment is 6.5% in the Caribbean nation of Jamaica. The country is considered one of the best locations for trade, investment and commerce, with a great stock exchange to boot. This includes the fact that it has nine active seaports and two major international airports. More than 69,000 active companies and 200,000 businesses are on the register so far. However, there is a high demand for agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and transportation equipment. Due to climate change, the country needs such products more than ever. Business and community development volunteers can help start-ups, charities and NGOs needing assistance. They can improve operational efficiencies while applying for grants and funding projects. Volunteers can help Jamaica’s citizens become eligible to apply for government grants by providing advice and support. Volunteers can benefit from this program by networking with the local business community, developing communication skills, immersing themselves in Jamaican culture, and gaining business experience. During their free time, interns can explore the island, hiking to waterfalls, spotting wildlife, and visiting the many beaches. There are several historical destinations near Ocho Rios, including the Firefly Estate, once owned by Sir Henry Morgan, and the Castleton Botanical Gardens. There are also options available, such as snorkeling, hiking, and outdoor adventures. 

This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 8-week trip that costs $535 for one week, led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Tags Country: Jamaica, Continent: North America, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Cost: $1 - $500, Cost: $500 - $1000, Focus: All Volunteer, Focus: Community Development

Offer NGO Support While Visiting Quito

November 25, 2025

Ecuador's capital, Quito, is a vibrant and culturally rich city nestled in the Andean mountains. The city is known for its diverse climate, ranging from temperate conditions in the city to tropical lowlands and the lush Amazon jungle nearby. The city's rich history and dynamic atmosphere make it a fascinating place to explore. As a volunteer in Quito, you'll engage in meaningful work supporting local NGOs, assisting with tasks such as administrative duties, fundraising, marketing, and helping underserved children. Your mornings start with a hearty breakfast, followed by travel to your placement. Afternoons offer opportunities for Spanish lessons, city exploration, or preparation for the next day, while evenings can be spent enjoying local cuisine or participating in social activities like salsa lessons or movie nights. Weekends provide ample time to explore Quito and its surroundings. Volunteers can delve into the city's rich history at the historical center, enjoy panoramic views from the El Teleferico cable car, or hike and horseback ride to the Guagua Pichincha volcano summit. Coastal excursions for snorkeling or visits to the pristine beaches of Los Frailes will also be an option for volunteers who are looking to add something more to their trip. For the more adventurous, jungle excursions reveal Ecuador's unique wildlife, including toucans and monkeys, and longer weekends can be spent exploring national parks or the renowned Galapagos Islands.

This trip is a minimum of 1-week and maximum 12-weeks with one week costing $360. This trip is led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Tags Continent: South America, Country: Ecuador, Cost: $1 - $500, Focus: Community Development, Focus: All Volunteer, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Volunteer in a Community Garden in Colombia

July 24, 2024

Medellin, the capital city of Colombia’s Antioquia province, is sometimes called the “City of Eternal Spring” and is known for its flower-growing and festivals. The city is also famous for its friendly people and natural beauty. On this trip, volunteers will help local organizations transform neglected areas of Medellin into gardens to produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all of which will later be shared with the local community to help families live healthier lifestyles. Additionally, they assist in landscaping and producing organic fertilizers, as well as supporting environmental workshops, marketing, and fundraising. Other projects include painting, clearing areas for the creation of new gardens, and assisting staff with workshops to present to educational institutions. Volunteers will work up to seven hours a day in the community gardens and will also have ample time to enjoy the gorgeous city of Medellin. Volunteers with stay with English-speaking host families, providing a unique opportunity to experience Colombian culture firsthand.

This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 24-week trip that costs $380 for one week. The trip is led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Tags Cost: $1 - $500, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Continent: South America, Country: Colombia, Focus: Agriculture + Farms, Focus: All Volunteer

Buildings and marina in Split, Croatia. Peter Safranka. CC0.

Volunteer to Create Impact in Croatia

June 28, 2024

Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia and is known for being a gorgeous coastal town with numerous historical sites. Lots of people visit the city to see the ruins of the Palace of Diocletian along with other historical residences and churches, with the city’s old architecture beautifully set against the coast. On this trip, volunteers will work with the Content Creator For Impact project to run campaigns and create awareness about important social issues. They will also help local NGOs work to take action on a number of issues such as women’s rights, marine conservation, and environmental issues. Additionally, volunteers will work with design software to conduct tasks such as creating infographics, designing brochures, editing videos, and building animations.

This is a minimum 2-week and maximum 12-week trip that costs $1290 for two weeks. It’s is led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Tags Continent: Europe, Country: Croatia, Cost: $500 - $1000, Focus: Journalism + Media, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Volunteer project, Nairobi. Courtesy of IVHQ.

Volunteer to Help Educate Women in Kenya

March 18, 2024

While in Nairobi, volunteers will work in women’s centers to promote women's education and empowerment through income-generating projects. Volunteers will also help women in under-resourced communities and centers affected by HIV/AIDS.

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Tags Continent: Africa, Country: Kenya, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Focus: Women's + Girl's Issues, Cost: $1 - $500, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Volunteering in Cape Town. Courtesy of IVHQ.

Volunteer to Help Animal Shelters in South Africa

February 9, 2024

In Cape Town, volunteers will work at a local animal shelter in the Grassy Park community. Volunteers will help run the shelter, care for abandoned animals, and help with the animals’ medications and injections. Additionally, volunteers will assist with animal cleaning and feeding to gain animal care experience.

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Tags Continent: Africa, Country: South Africa, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Focus: Wildlife, Cost: $1 - $500, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Volunteer project in Peru. Courtesy of IVHQ.

Volunteer to Help Conserve Peru’s Rainforests

February 8, 2024

Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts, and coastal plains. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost two-thirds of Peru, about 60% of the nation's territory. The Peruvian Amazon is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 700 kinds of fish, 500 types of mammals, and over 300 reptile species. Ecotourism has become an essential industry in Peru; the nation has a higher percentage of protected land than any other country in South America. Specifically, there are fifty-three protected areas throughout the country. This includes national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and reserved zones. Volunteers can help with a wide range of conservation activities that contribute to preserving Peru’s climate and animals. Participants will be based in the heart of the jungle, where they will receive a different kind of insight into Peru’s rich biodiversity. Tasks include (but are not limited to) reforestation, home-based maintenance, research projects, trail conservation, and animal inventories. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and gain conservation and research experience, all while making a difference in the nation's ecosystem.

This is a minimum two-week and maximum 24-week trip that costs $905 for two weeks. This trip is led by IVHQ,  a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Tags Continent: South America, Country: Peru, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Focus: Community Development, Cost: $1 - $500, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

IVHQ Wildlife Conservation Project, Courtesy of IVHQ.

Volunteer to Assist Namibia’s Wildlife Program

January 9, 2024

Volunteers will help and support wildlife preservation efforts and care for injured and abandoned animals. This includes assisting with the animals’ food preparation and aiding with small animal feedings.

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Tags Continent: Africa, Country: Namibia, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Focus: Wildlife, Cost: $1 - $500, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Galapagos. Pedro Szekely. CC BY-SA 2.0

Volunteer to Assist with the Galapagos Islands' Conservation, Marketing and Media

January 9, 2024

Volunteers have a chance to raise essential initiatives while volunteering in the archipelago. Participants can promote the conservation and sustainability of the Galapagos while gaining digital marketing and social media experience.

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Tags Continent: South America, Country: Galapagos, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Focus: Community Development, Cost: $500 - $1000, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Focus: Journalism + Media

Courtesy of IVHQ

Volunteer in Construction in Buenos Aires

April 12, 2023

You can help local teams with the maintenance and renovation of community spaces like schools and soup kitchens to help make the city’s public  buildings safer, more functional, and more attractive

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Tags Organizer: International Volunteer HQ, Continent: South America, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: Community Development, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500, Country: Argentina

Courtesy of GoEco

Volunteer at a Wildlife Orphanage in Zimbabwe

March 22, 2023

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside animals who have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity, or brought up unsuccessfully as pets.

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Tags Organizer: Go Eco, Country: Zimbabwe, Continent: Africa, Cost: $1000 - $2500, Cost: $2500+, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: Wildlife, Focus: All Volunteer

Courtesy of IVHQ

Volunteer in Sustainable Farming in Rome

September 8, 2022

During this experience, volunteer travelers will work at some of Rome’s many farms and parks, assisting with tasks such as cultivating and harvesting vegetables and legumes; planting, weeding and watering plants; and taking care of farm animals.

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Tags Country: Italy, Continent: Europe, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: Agriculture + Farms, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500, Cost: $500 - $1000
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Save Sea Turtles in Bali 

October 1, 2021

Volunteers interested in marine conservation can enjoy island life while learning valuable conservation skills and helping to repopulate sea turtles in Nusa Penida, an island just off the southeast shore of Indonesia’s Bali. 

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In Wildlife, Volunteering Tags Focus: Wildlife, Organizer: International Volunteer HQ, Country: Indonesia, Continent: Asia, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500
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Teach English to Locals in the Philippines

July 15, 2021

This volunteer project brings travelers to a local school in Palawan, where they will help teach English to primary and secondary school children. Other subjects may also include math, science and art.

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In Volunteering, Education Tags Focus: Education, Country: Philippines, Organizer: International Volunteer HQ, Continent: Asia, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500
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Image courtesy of IVHQ.

Renovate a School in Bali

May 13, 2021

This community-oriented experience is based in Lovina on the northern coast of Bali, where volunteers work together to help renovate a school. Working with a local project coordinator, an average day involves performing repairs on a school, cleaning, gardening and painting.

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Tags Country: Indonesia, Organizer: International Volunteer HQ, Continent: Asia, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: Community Development, Focus: Construction + Distaster Relief, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500
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Fight Against Food Insecurity in Lisbon, Portugal

April 12, 2021

Volunteers work with a local community organization to help eliminate food waste from Lisbon’s restaurants and supermarkets by packing meals for vulnerable populations throughout the city.

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In Volunteering, Global Poverty, Human Interest Tags Organizer: International Volunteer HQ, Country: Portugal, Continent: Europe, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: Community Development, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500
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Volunteer at a Game Reserve at Victoria Falls

October 6, 2019

Work for participants focuses on necessary research at the reserve such as freshwater ecosystem analysis, soil erosion control and animal monitoring. Tasks performed on the ground allow the reserve to protect vulnerable animal populations in the area.

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Tags Country: Zimbabwe, Focus: Adventure, Focus: Wildlife, Organizer: International Volunteer HQ, Continent: Africa, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500
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Explore Sustainable Agriculture in Guatemala

September 23, 2019

On this trip, travelers learn extensively about eco-agricultural practices. Responsible farming relies more on individual workers than modern industrial farming, so help is a critical component in achieving agricultural sustainability.

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In Volunteering, Wildlife, Environment Tags Country: Guatemala, Focus: Agriculture + Farms, Organizer: Maximo Nivel, Continent: South America, Duration: 0 - 2 weeks, Focus: All Volunteer, Cost: $1 - $500, Duration: 2 - 4 weeks, Duration: 1 - 6 months
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