Why You Should Go Overseas for Your Next Volunteering Adventure

A dip in the pool, a trip to the spa… those things sound great but with summer approaching, I am sure you are looking for your next adventure, so why not volunteer abroad?

This article kicks off the start of Volunteers’ Week – a UK national week dedicated to all things giving back and highlighting the importance of supporting our communities. 

In data collected by the Royal Voluntary Service in 2024, an estimated £4.6 billion per year is contributed to the UK economy through voluntary productivity gains. 

But what’s stopping you from making that change outside the UK? Now is the season many people find and book their summer plans and volunteering can be a key part of that special experience. 

Volunteering abroad is often called “voluntourism” where you’re able to visit a new or favourite country, gain new skills, explore new areas and likely make a few international friends along the way. 

From building eco-homes in rural communities to teaching in schools or supporting wildlife conservation, volunteering abroad gives you the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. 

But let’s be real – not all volunteering schemes are created equal. Volunteering should be fun and not stressful. Look for organisations that focus on ethical volunteering, local partnerships, and sustainable impact.

Here are a few solid places to start:

Projects Abroad – Offers a wide range of volunteer placements, from human rights to conservation. Additional offerings include group holiday support, so you can go with all your friends. 

GVI (Global Vision International) – Known for ethical volunteering in climate, wildlife, and community work. Their offering gives you the opportunity if you want to participate in a people-focused or planet-focused project.

Challenges Abroad – Works closely with local NGOs to support education and health projects. This one is more focused on students, giving them an opportunity for cultural enrichment while money can be quite tight. 

VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) – Great for longer-term placements with real community impact.

Workaway – A cultural exchange platform that lets you trade time and skills for food and accommodation. There are also working holidays and other cross-cultural experiences in over 150 countries. 

Before you pack your bag, do your research: what skills can you bring? What do communities really need? And how can you make sure you’re helping, not harming?

Volunteering abroad isn’t about being a saviour – it’s about showing up with empathy, listening, and collaborating. So if you're looking for a way to travel with purpose and give something back, now’s the time.

Charity check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

Royal Voluntary Service. This is one of the UK’s largest volunteering charities, supporting people and communities through health, wellbeing, and social care initiatives. Find out more.

The Social Society. This organisation allows you to easily sign up to thousands of charity volunteering opportunities by signing up for a membership. They also offer events. Learn more here. 

VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas). This is an international charity with the mission to facilitate international development through lasting change and volunteering. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN Partnership for the goals.