Volunteer Abroad. Real Programs. Real Support. Since 2006. Abroad Escape.
"The best experience of my life." — Michael, Belgium
Abroad Escape places volunteers and interns in 21 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. Programs from €525, starting every Monday, lasting 1 to 24 weeks. Twenty years in this industry, one trusted partner on the ground, and a real person on WhatsApp when you need answers.
Why Volunteers and Their Parents Trust Abroad Escape
20 years. We've been placing volunteers abroad since 2006 — first as GapXperience, now as Abroad Escape. Same team, same partner, same standards.
One partner, fully disclosed. Every Abroad Escape placement runs through The Green Lion, a responsible travel operator active in 45 countries since 1998. The Green Lion does not sell directly to the public — we are their European placement partner. No mystery middlemen.
Real people on WhatsApp. Message us with one question, get one answer. No chatbots, no waiting weeks for an email reply.
An Honest Note on 2026 Travel
You've seen the news about the Iran conflict and Gulf airspace. Here's the honest version: most flights between Europe and Asia are still running, just rerouted, adding 1 to 4 hours to your journey and pushing ticket prices up. Bali, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal — all open and accepting volunteers for summer 2026. If you'd rather skip the longer flights, our programs in Valencia, Lisbon, Cape Verde, Kenya and Zanzibar are all reachable on standard short and medium-haul routes. We'll talk you through the realistic options on WhatsApp before you commit to anything.
Where People Are Volunteering in 2026
Three destinations book up first every summer. If July or August is on your mind, start here.
Volunteer Programs Backed by 20 Years of Verified Impact
Abroad Escape has placed volunteers abroad since 2006 — first as GapXperience, then as Beyond Volunteer, now as Abroad Escape. Throughout every name change, one partnership has remained constant: our 20-year relationship with The Green Lion, one of the world's most established responsible travel operators, active in 45 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe since 1998.
Unlike agencies that simply list programs, The Green Lion manages every project on the ground with permanent local teams. That means when you book through Abroad Escape, your placement is backed by infrastructure, safeguarding policies, and community relationships that have been built over decades — not assembled for the brochure.
You Know Exactly What You're Getting.
Abroad Escape places volunteers exclusively through The Green Lion. The Green Lion does not sell directly to the public. We are their European placement partner, and we have been for 20 years.
That means when you book with us, you are not booking a listing or a brochure. You are booking into infrastructure that has been built, tested and refined over 27 years — with real coordinators, real safeguarding policies, and a published annual impact report that shows exactly what volunteers achieved.
No surprises. No middlemen you don't know about. Just a clear path to one of the world's most trusted volunteer operators.
What Is Included in the Program Fee?
Abroad Escape is not a charity and receives no subsidies. The program fee covers the full logistics of your stay: shared accommodation for the duration of your program, two to three meals per day, airport pickup on arrival day, daily transport to your project, a named local coordinator and 24/7 emergency support. The majority of program costs go directly to the local project and local staff on the ground. Flights, travel insurance and visas are not included and must be arranged independently — we provide a full overview once your placement is confirmed. There are no hidden costs.
Who Are the Programs For?
Abroad Escape programs are suitable for students, gap year travellers, medical students and adults who want to spend a meaningful period abroad. No specific background is required for teaching, construction and community projects. For medical and nursing programs, proof of relevant study or qualification is required. For all projects involving children or vulnerable adults, a background check is mandatory before placement is confirmed.
Safety and Parents
Most Abroad Escape participants travel alone and arrive as part of an international group. Every destination has a named local coordinator who is present on arrival, leads the orientation and remains the primary point of contact throughout the program. Accommodation is shared with other international volunteers. 24/7 emergency support is available at all times. Parents are welcome to contact us via WhatsApp or email with questions about a specific destination or program — we answer all questions personally.
How Does It Work?
Step 1 — Apply: Tell us your preferred destination, project type and departure date via our application form. We discuss your profile, motivation and any questions you have.
Step 2 — Personal proposal within 24 hours: You receive an overview of available placements that match your preferences and background, including a full price breakdown.
Step 3 — Preparation: After confirmation you receive your volunteer handbook, visa information, packing list and full arrival instructions. Your local coordinator is reachable before departure for any questions.
Step 4 — Arrival: Your coordinator meets you at the airport. Sunday is for settling in. Monday starts with your orientation session, after which you begin your project directly.
Start your application — receive your proposal within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Is volunteering abroad safe?
Yes, when properly organised. Every destination has a named local coordinator, vetted accommodation and 24/7 emergency support. You are never on your own.
Do I need experience?
For most projects, no. For medical programs, proof of relevant study is required. We work with you to find the project that best fits your profile.
When can I depart?
Programs start every Monday year-round. In most cases departure is possible within 4 to 8 weeks of applying, depending on availability and any visa requirements.
What if my parents have questions?
Contact us via WhatsApp or email. We answer all parent questions personally and provide a full safety overview for each destination.
"The volunteering was mind-expanding and deeply rewarding. The local people are the friendliest I have encountered anywhere in the world. That alone would make it worth doing — the work on top of that made it something I will carry with me for a long time."
Name: Lynn
Program: Community placement in Vietnam
"The program was well run and the support from the coordinator was wonderful throughout. These were the best two weeks I have had in a long time — I felt genuinely helpful, and genuinely part of the program rather than an observer.
I enjoyed every single minute of it. Thank you."
Name: Annelies
Program: Two-week placement teaching in Thailand
"I had a really meaningful time. I learned a great deal about the culture and the people — their daily life, their traditions, the way they treat each other. By the end of the placement it was actually starting to feel like home.
The people and the children were so warm and welcoming. I loved spending time with them. Thank you for making this possible."
Name: Noor
Program: Community placement, Nepal
"The coordinator provided excellent information — about the local culture, the people we were working with, and the surrounding area. She gave me information about places to visit and was extremely helpful throughout, going above and beyond what I expected.
During my introduction week I was fully immersed in Balinese culture. The food was freshly prepared by local people every day and was always delicious. The accommodation was brilliant. I arrived not knowing what to expect and left feeling like I had genuinely been part of something."
Name: Victoria
Program: Culture and community placement, Bali
"My experience in Nepal was positive in many ways. The staff are great people who are genuinely fun to work with, from the first day to the last. It was fascinating to live among them and experience their lifestyle and traditions directly — not as a tourist, but as someone who was actually there working alongside them.
In three weeks with Abroad Escape I learned and experienced so many things I will never forget. Thank you for making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Name: Duygu
Program: Community and cultural placement, Nepal
"I can honestly say this was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The volunteering was such an enriching experience. Every person I met was generous and genuinely happy to share their lives and their time with me.
I have recommended this program to many people since coming home. I hope that by sharing my experience I can help spread what this organisation is doing — because it deserves to be known."
Name: Shilpa
Program: Community volunteering in Thailand
Ready to Start?
Two ways to take the next step. Have one quick question? WhatsApp us — fastest. Already know roughly what you want? Apply and we'll send a personalised proposal within 24 hours, free, no commitment.