About Abroad Escape
Helping You Choose the Right Volunteer Abroad Program
Abroad Escape is an independent volunteer travel agency. We help travellers find and arrange volunteer programs across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
Our role is simple. We listen to what you're looking for, help you understand your options, and give you honest advice about what we think will suit you.
You don't need to know exactly where you want to go or which program you want before contacting us. Tell us about your plans, and we'll help you work out what makes sense for you.
I've been involved in volunteer travel since 2006, when I started GapXperience.
Over the years, I've worked with volunteer programs, local partners and travel organisations across Asia, Africa and Europe. I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly, and I've learned that what looks good on a website doesn't always tell you what the actual experience will be like.
That's one of the reasons I created Abroad Escape.
I wanted to build a smaller, more personal business where I could use that experience to help people choose a volunteer program that actually suits them.
"Thank you for considering Abroad Escape. I hope we can help you find the right volunteer experience for your goals."
Who We Are
An Independent Volunteer Travel Agency
Abroad Escape helps travellers find and arrange volunteer programs delivered by independent local program partners.
We're deliberately personal. Rather than simply sending you towards a program, we want to understand what you're looking for first.
You might already know exactly where you want to go. Or you might only know that you want to volunteer abroad and have no idea where to start.
Either way, we can help you work through the decision.
We can talk through your destination, interests, available time, budget and expectations, explain what different programs involve, and recommend options that we think are worth considering.
Volunteer Programs
Depending on the destination and local program partner, volunteer opportunities can include:
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Teaching and education
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Childcare and community support
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Community development
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Wildlife conservation
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Marine conservation
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Environmental conservation
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Healthcare-related volunteering
Who We Help
You don't have to fit a particular profile to volunteer abroad.
Abroad Escape helps people at different stages of life, including:
- First-time volunteers
- Students and graduates
- Gap-year travellers
- Young professionals
- Solo travellers
- People taking a career break
- Older travellers
- Couples
- Families, where suitable programs are available
The important question isn't simply your age or background. It's what you're looking for and whether the program is a good fit.
Some programs are better suited to certain ages, levels of independence, accommodation preferences or types of volunteering. We'll help you understand those differences before you decide.
If you're travelling for the first time, you can also ask us the questions you may not know you need to ask. That's part of the advice we provide.
Travelling for the First Time?
You don't need to be an experienced traveller to volunteer abroad.
If you're unsure about travelling alone, accommodation, arriving in a new country or what happens when you get there, tell us. We can explain how the relevant program works and what to expect before you make a decision.
Parents' Guide
If you're a parent, and you want to understand what happens before and after you arrive, take a look at our Parents' Guide.
Why Travellers Choose Abroad Escape
Why Choose Abroad Escape for Volunteering Abroad?
There are plenty of places where you can find volunteer programs online. Our value is helping you work out which one actually makes sense for you.
Experience You Can Use
Kurt has been involved in volunteer travel since 2006. Over that time, he's worked with programs, local partners and travellers in different destinations and has seen how different programs work in practice.
That experience helps us look beyond the description on a website and ask the questions that matter before you book.
Honest Advice
We don't believe every program is right for every traveller.
The right choice depends on things such as your destination, interests, budget, available time, accommodation preferences and expectations.
If we think something isn't a good fit, we'd rather tell you.
Personal Support
You can speak to us before you book.
Tell us what you're looking for, ask questions and explain what you're unsure about. We'll help you understand the options and decide what makes sense for you.
Once you've decided, we provide booking support and pre-departure guidance to help you prepare for your trip.
A More Personal Approach
Abroad Escape is deliberately smaller and more personal than a large international volunteer organisation.
We're not trying to put every traveller into the same type of program.
We want to understand what you're looking for and help you find an experience that is genuinely suitable.
"Volunteering with Abroad Escape was the best trip and the best experience of my life. Full stop. I did not expect to say that before I left — but that is exactly how I feel having come back."
"The teaching program was a great experience. The children I worked with were smart, enthusiastic, and genuinely willing to learn — which made every session rewarding. The structure of the program meant I knew what I was doing each day, which made it easy to focus entirely on the work."
I had an amazing time in volunteering with Abroad Escape. I was happy with the whole experience and would love to go back in the future!
Ready to Start Planning?
You don't need to have everything decided before you contact us.
Tell us where you'd like to travel, when you want to go, how long you have and what type of volunteering interests you. We'll help you work out which programs are worth considering and answer any questions you have before you decide.
Or, if you'd rather explore first: