How Do I Choose the Right Volunteer Abroad Destination?
For most first-time volunteers, the best place to start is the country you most want to experience. From there, compare the volunteer programs available and see which ones fit your budget, time, interests and expectations.
If you already know the type of project you want to join, start with the project instead. The right conservation, community or other volunteer opportunity may narrow down your choice of destination.
Abroad Escape helps travellers to look at the practical differences between programs, including the project, accommodation, local support and organisation, so you can decide which options fit your circumstances.
A Note From Our Founder
Kurt, Founder of Abroad Escape
I’d avoid choosing a destination purely because a volunteer program looks cheap or because it sounds impressive. The better question is whether the destination, project and way of living there actually suit you.
If you’re open-minded and realistic about what volunteering abroad involves, you’ll usually get much more from the experience. And if you realise that the type of accommodation, pace of life or project isn’t right for you, that’s useful to know before you book.
I’d rather help someone decide that a program isn’t suitable than encourage them to book something they’re unlikely to enjoy.
What should you look for beyond the destination?
Once you have a destination in mind, look at the volunteer program itself. Consider what you will do each day, who runs the program locally, how it is organised, where you will stay and what support you will have while you are there.
A good description on a website is only the starting point. Find out who delivers the program locally, what your responsibilities will be and what the day-to-day experience is likely to be. The more closely that matches your expectations, the better.
When should the project determine the destination?
If you already know exactly what you want to volunteer with, I'd work backwards from that. For example, if your main goal is a particular type of conservation or community project, the available options may narrow your choice of destination.
If you don't have a specific project in mind, there is no need to make the decision more complicated than it needs to be. Start with the destination that interests you most, then compare the volunteer programs available there.
How much should the program itself influence your choice?
The program should be a major part of your decision because two programs in the same destination can offer very different experiences.
Think about what matters to you day to day. You might be happy with basic accommodation if the project is your main priority, while someone else may care more about comfortable accommodation, clear organisation or having local support available.
These differences do not make one program better than another. They can simply make one a better fit for you. Abroad Escape considers factors such as the project, local coordination, accommodation and organisation when helping travellers compare their options.
Who provides the support once you arrive?
It is worth finding out who will support you once you arrive. Abroad Escape does not directly operate the volunteer projects. Each program is delivered by an independent local program partner that handles the in-country arrangements.
Depending on the program, this may include your orientation, accommodation, airport pickup, project coordination and local support. Abroad Escape helps you compare the options, arrange your booking and prepare before you leave.
Is it worth speaking to someone before booking?
If you are comparing several destinations or programs, speaking to someone with experience can help you avoid overlooking practical differences. You may find that the destination you first had in mind is not the best fit once you consider your experience, expectations, budget and the type of project you want.
That is where experienced advice can be useful. The aim should not be to find a reason to sell you a particular program, but to work out which options are realistic for you and explain the compromises before you decide.