Why Choose Abroad Escape for Volunteering Abroad?
Abroad Escape helps you choose a volunteer program that fits your destination, interests, budget, travel plans and expectations.
Rather than simply sending you a list of programs, we help you compare your options, understand what each program involves and choose one that fits your plans. We can also help with the booking process and answer questions before you leave.
A Note From Our Founder
Kurt, Founder of Abroad Escape
I've been involved in volunteer travel since 2006, and one thing I've learned is that choosing a program isn't simply about finding a project that sounds good on a website.
The right choice depends on the person. Where you want to go, what you want to do, how long you have, your budget and what you're expecting from the experience all matter.
I've also learned that what looks good on paper isn't necessarily what works well on the ground. That's why I prefer to understand what you're actually looking for before recommending a program. If I don't think something is the right fit, I'd rather tell you that than try to sell it to you.
Abroad Escape vs Other Volunteer Programs: What's Different?
There are several ways to arrange volunteering abroad. You can organise everything yourself, deal directly with an organisation, use a large volunteer provider, or work with an advisor like Abroad Escape.
The difference is the advice behind the choice.
I've been involved in volunteer travel since 2006, and I've seen that a program that looks good on a website isn't necessarily the right program for every traveller. What matters is whether the destination, project, duration, accommodation, support and overall experience actually suit you.
That's why we start by understanding what you're looking for, then help you work out which volunteer program makes sense for you.
What Makes Abroad Escape Different?
The main difference is that Abroad Escape is built around advice rather than simply selling a volunteer placement.
Kurt has been involved in volunteer travel since 2006 and has seen how different programs work in practice. That experience helps us look beyond the description on a website and consider whether a program actually makes sense for the person asking about it.
What We Look At When Recommending a Program
We don't recommend a volunteer program based on the project description alone.
Depending on your plans, we may look at:
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Where you want to travel
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The type of volunteer work you're interested in
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How long you can stay
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Your budget
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Accommodation
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Local coordination and support
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Your age and previous travel experience
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What you want from the overall experience
The aim isn't to find the most impressive-looking program. It's to find an option that makes sense for you and to make sure you understand what you're booking before you commit.
Who Is Abroad Escape Best Suited To?
Abroad Escape is particularly useful if you're considering volunteering abroad but don't yet know exactly which program you want.
You might be:
- Volunteering abroad for the first time
- Unsure which destination to choose
- Looking for a particular type of volunteer work
- Travelling alone and wanting some guidance
- Working with a specific budget or timeframe
- Looking for a program that suits your age and expectations
- Unsure what to expect when you arrive
You don't need to have everything worked out before you contact us.
Tell us where you're starting from, what you're interested in and what you're hoping to get from the experience. We can then help you work out what makes sense.
What Should You Expect When You Contact Abroad Escape?
The first step isn't an application.
We'll ask you about your plans — where you're thinking of going, when you want to travel, how long you have, what you're interested in and your approximate budget.
From there, we can talk through the options and recommend programs that look suitable for you.
If you're still unsure about the destination or type of volunteering, that's fine too. You don't need to know exactly what you want before you contact us.
The aim is to make the decision easier, give you a realistic idea of what to expect and help you move forward when you're ready.
Why Experience Matters When Choosing a Volunteer Program
There are plenty of volunteer programs available, but a good project description doesn't tell you everything you need to know.
I've been involved in volunteer travel since 2006, including developing programs and working with local partners. That experience has taught me to look at what happens beyond the website description.
I want to understand who is delivering the program, how it is organised, what volunteers will actually be doing, what support is available and whether the experience is realistic for the traveller considering it.
I also don't think price tells you everything. The most expensive program isn't automatically the best, and the cheapest isn't necessarily the best value.
What matters is understanding what you're getting and whether it fits what you're looking for.
Tell Us About Your Plans
Not sure which volunteer program is right for you?
Tell us when you want to travel, how long you have, what you're interested in and your approximate budget.
We'll help you work out which options make sense and answer any questions you have before you decide.
Or, if you're still at the research stage: