Sometimes we travel purely for fun, other times it’s to connect and give back in a way that feels meaningful and impactful on the world. If you have been considering a service project trip, here are some programs to check out.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
Founded in 2007 by Dan Radcliffe, International Volunteer HQ offers over 200 affordable volunteer trips to 45 destinations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the USA, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Having placed more than 100,000 volunteers on projects ranging from teaching and healthcare, to wildlife conservation and construction, and more, IVHQ is one of the most trusted service project organizations in the world. Programs last one week to 24 weeks and start at $180.
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Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Founded in 2011, Plan My Gap Year (PMGY) offers among the world’s most affordable placements for travelers who would like to volunteer abroad in childcare, mental health, teaching English, and wildlife conservation projects in Africa and Asia. According to volunteerforever.com, 93% of PMGY’s participants are either solo or female, making this organization a great fit for people who will be volunteering alone and want to meet other like-minded travelers.
Maximo Nivel
Maximo Nivel is a top-ranked volunteer abroad program with over 250 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating on volunteerforever.com. Their projects are very affordably priced, starting at just $595 for one week. The program was founded in 2003 and has hosted over 250,000 volunteers in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.
Love Volunteers
Founded by a brother-sister team, Love Volunteers is a low-cost international volunteer organization that provides meaningful, life-changing projects in over 34 countries around the world. The program hosts thousands of volunteers each year in locations around in Central and South America, Asia, Africa, The Middle East, and Europe. Their 1 week to 6 month-long programs start at $175 for a one-week placement along with a one-time $249 registration fee when you submit your application.
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Agape Volunteers
Agape Volunteers is a registered UK charity that offers high-quality, low-cost travel experiences throughout Africa. This organization specializes in volunteering, tourism, and development work in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, and Maasai-land. All Agape Volunteers participants are covered by the Agape Travel Policy, provided at no extra cost, and accommodations, airport transfers, food, and orientation are included in the program fee.