The 10 Best Places to Volunteer Abroad in 2025

Volunteering abroad is one of the best ways to get to know a country and make a difference. You'll get to connect with local residents, embracing the country's culture and customs while contributing to projects that could positively benefit communities and the planet. If you approach volunteering with an open mind, you'll definitely be in for an exciting and gratifying experience.

From Thailand to Tanzania, read on to discover the best countries to volunteer abroad in 2025.

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in India: healthcare, teaching, women's empowerment

India is a popular destination for volunteers who want to travel before or after their service. India is a great option if you want to spend time in nature, disconnect from the chaos of your schedule, and get back in touch with yourself.

India has a population of nearly 1.4 billion people so there are numerous opportunities to help as a volunteer. Though the country has experienced rapid economic growth, many communities still do not have access to clean water, proper housing, or basic medical care. In particular, medical, dental, and public health volunteers are needed to help assist in clinics and hospitals and to support community health education.

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in South Africa: wildlife conservation, community building, youth work

South Africa has a diverse selection of volunteering opportunities, from teaching and youth work, to human rights and law. One of the most popular volunteer areas is conservation though, and for good reason. The country is home to 22 national parks with over 95,000 species.

In the national parks, you may work with all kinds of wildlife, from big cats to birds to endangered animals like black rhinos. Volunteers can help research efforts by observing and collecting data on health status, behavior, and the number of animals in the area. If conversation education is more your thing, there are opportunities to train as a park guide to help spread awareness about at-risk and endangered wildlife.

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Nepal: construction, teaching, animal care

Home to the magnificent Himalayan mountains and the densely forested Chitwan jungle, Nepal is a nation of immense diversity packed with adventure. Volunteers are drawn to Nepal's inclusive culture and friendly people who welcome visitors in the country.

Volunteers can lend a hand in infrastructure projects, such as helping with earthquake recovery efforts or constructing classrooms in local villages. There are also programs for teaching skills to adults that will empower them to succeed as local business owners. Projects generally aim to promote social and community cohesion by focusing on human rights and a people-centered approach.

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: Lima, Cusco, Huancayo
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Peru: environmental conservation, indigenous rights, marine conservation

Peru has always been a popular destination for visitors interested in environmental conservation, thanks to its gorgeous mountains, pristine beaches, and celebrated cultural heritage. From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru has it all.

Volunteers can find projects ranging in a large variety of environmental focuses but there are also roles in teaching, community building, and indigenous rights. Whether you are interested in promoting sustainable and responsible ecotourism through education or tutoring kids in English in rural villages, you will find a meaningful project waiting for you in Peru.

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Ghana: teaching, construction, youth work

Located along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa, Ghana is becoming an increasingly popular volunteer destination. It's a welcoming nation with a stable democracy and has an array of education, youth development, and wildlife conservation opportunities.

Volunteers can contribute to the local education systems by helping to teach math and language in preschools, elementary schools, and high schools. Although English is one of the official languages in Ghana, many children in rural areas primarily speak regional indigenous languages. Environmentalists can hop onto a project in one of Ghana's 18 protected nature areas doing things like research, eco-education, or habitat restoration.

📍 Popular places for volunteering: Quito, Galapagos Islands, the Amazon
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Ecuador: marine conservation, youth empowerment, community building

Ecuador is home to the country's stunning and world-famous Galapagos Islands. Environmental and wildlife conservation are major projects in Ecuador. However, youth development and empowerment are other important focuses for prospective volunteers.

Due to a lack of educational and vocational resources, many young people find themselves unemployed and struggling to make a living. Volunteers can help teach English or vocational skills that they can use in further education or the workplace. Help teens and young adults prepare for a successful future!

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: Nairobi, Mobasa, Kisumu
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Kenya: climate change mitigation, environmental restoration, wildlife conservation

Kenya is a top destination for travelers eager to go on safari and see the majestic animals home to the country. What many tourists don't realize is that Kenya's natural landscapes are in danger. According to Concern Worldwide, Kenya is one of the top ten countries most affected by climate change.

Although the world's largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions are high-income nations, climate change disproportionately affects lower-income countries. Although climate change needs to be tackled on a large scale, there are things individuals can do to help those negatively impacted by it on the ground. For volunteers interested in climate change research and mitigation, Kenya is a great place to lend your time and skills.

If working with people is your goal, there are also plenty of opportunities to work with kids and join in on community building and construction projects.

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: San José, Puerto Jimenez, Puerto Limón
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Costa Rica: sea turtle conservation, environmental conservation, wildlife rehabilitation

Costa Rica is typically at the top of every volunteer or traveler's bucket list, and for good reason. The country is considered one of the most sustainable countries in the world and offers amazing volunteer abroad opportunities in different sectors.

In Costa Rica, nature lovers will find their paradise. There are many volunteer abroad opportunities to get immersed in the one-of-a-kind nature of the country. You can work to help to rehabilitate wildlife in their natural habitat, save sea turtles, or help researchers gather more information about the marine ecosystem. All of this while you also get to know the people and learn to love the chill way of life in Costa Rica -- Pura Vida!

📍 Popular cities for volunteering: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Bangkok
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Thailand: marine conservation, teaching, women's empowerment

Thailand has made it on the list this year as a destination that has a lot to offer. Most people only think of the beach and the small islands when they hear Thailand, but actually, the mountain forests and history of the country are just as interesting.

In Thailand, you also have many different opportunities to get involved with projects. Due to Thailand's impressive biodiversity and natural landscapes, environmental and marine conservation are popular areas where volunteers are needed. There are also tons of teaching roles if you love working with kids.

📍 Popular places for volunteering: Arusha, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro area
🔨 Popular volunteer projects in Tanzania: construction, water and sanitation, wildlife conservation

Tanzania is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination if you want to see big cats, elephants, and other wildlife. Home to numerous protected wildlife refuges and national parks, this is a great place for volunteering if you're interested in conservation.

Aside from projects focusing on the environment, Tanzania has a range of building projects that could use your enthusiasm and skills. In 2021, the Tanzanian government pledged to build 1,000 high schools across the country, focusing especially in rural areas.

In small towns and villages across Tanzania, school buildings may be in disrepair, if they even exist at all. Join teams that help build new schools or renovate old ones, promoting positive learning environments for local children. Although prior construction experience is helpful, there are volunteer projects in Tanzania for every skill level!

Volunteering abroad is an unforgettable experience that can expand your worldview while allowing you to do some good for others. You can't go wrong with any of the above countries -- prepare to change your life in one of the best places to volunteer abroad in 2025!

Read more about volunteering abroad to help plan your trip:

• 10 Things I Wish I Had Done Differently as a First-Time Volunteer
• How Much Does It Cost to Volunteer Abroad?
• How to Pick the Right Volunteer Abroad Program
• How Do Communities Abroad Benefit from International Volunteers?