Volunteering Gap Year Projects

If you are opting for volunteer work you will not get paid, but volunteering to helping others with projects that they could not otherwise afford to undertake, can often be the most rewarding type of gap year. We have too many options to list everything on this page, but have selected a few of our current favourites. Please use the following search to discover plenty more volunteering gap year projects.


POPULAR VOLUNTEERING GAP YEARS


Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Raleigh has relaunched it's Expeditions to Malaysian Borneo, having been there until 2017 for more than 30 years. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Borneo working to support projects combatting the effects of deforestation and helping rural communities with access to education.
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Child Care Volunteer Programs from as low as  £100

Child Care Volunteer Programs from as low as £100

As a Childcare volunteer on this project, you will work within in day care centers, nursery schools, children’s homes and kindergartens to assist local staff in the day-to-day running of these centers with activities like educational and basic teaching of English, Math, Reading and Writing etc
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FEATURED VOLUNTEERING GAP YEARS


Volunteer overseas in Kenya with Raleigh International
SPECIAL OFFER!

Volunteer overseas in Kenya with Raleigh International

LAUNCHING IN 2026 Join a 5, 7, or 10-week Raleigh Expedition in Kenya! Volunteer on community and environmental projects, take on an adventure challenge, create a sustainable impact, grow personally, immerse in a new culture, and experience amazing wildlife.
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Summer Projects for 16-19 year olds

Summer Projects for 16-19 year olds

Our Short-term Special Projects for 16-19 year olds offer teenagers the chance to volunteer and make a difference during their summer holidays! Projects Abroad has a wide range of projects from our Care & Panda Project in China to Conservation Projects in Peru.
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Care with Projects Abroad

Care with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers the chance to care for underprivileged children in orphanages, day care centres, special-needs centres and kindergartens. As a volunteer you will enhance the growth, development and well-being of the children.
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ALL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES


Law & Human Rights

Law & Human Rights

Volunteering on a Law & Human Rights placement with Projects Abroad gives you the chance to make a real difference to the lives of people in the developing world.
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Summer Projects

Summer Projects

Our Short-term Special projects are group trips for 16-19 year olds and run throughout the summer months. If you have time to spare over the summer holidays then why not join us on one of our short programmes designed especially for you.
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Medical Experience Abroad

Medical Experience Abroad

By volunteering on a Medicine & Healthcare Project you will have the opportunity to experience the challenges faced by medical institutions across the developing world. You will have the chance to gain work experience whilst helping some of the poorest people in the world.
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Building Projects

Building Projects

Volunteering on a Building Project with Projects Abroad will give you a great opportunity to help construct, repair and build houses or classrooms across the developing world. Whatever you are involved with you will have the opportunity to make a long term difference to the community.
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Volunteer in Costa Rica with Raleigh International

Volunteer in Costa Rica with Raleigh International

Find yourself working with rural communities in the very heart of Costa Rica, working to protect one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Costa Rica.
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Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Raleigh has relaunched it's Expeditions to Malaysian Borneo, having been there until 2017 for more than 30 years. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Borneo working to support projects combatting the effects of deforestation and helping rural communities with access to education.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Raleigh International



Teach English Abroad

Teach English Abroad

A Projects Abroad teaching placement is ideal for anyone who would like to make a positive contribution across the developing world. Your role will include working with local schools, NGOs or universities, where you will find yourself taking classes or teachers with lessons.
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Various Volunteer Programs in Uganda from as low as  £100

Various Volunteer Programs in Uganda from as low as £100

You Volunteer with different Volunteer projects around Uganda, These include Teaching, Childcare, Women Empowerment, Special Needs Care, HIV/ AIDS Support, Sports Education. Street and Slum Children Support around Uganda.
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Learn a Language Abroad

Learn a Language Abroad

Why not learn new languages in a diverse community in the developing world? With help from our teachers you will improve your speaking, reading and writing skills through one-on-one tuition and group sessions. There will also be plenty of opportunity to practice your new skills with your host family
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Sports with Projects Abroad

Sports with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad sport placement is ideal for anyone with a passion for sports. You could teach football in Ghana, cricket in India or volleyball in Peru. You will run fitness session, coach competitive games and help foster local talent whilst improving the health of the local people.
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Conservation Projects Abroad

Conservation Projects Abroad

Volunteer on a Conservation & Environment placement with Projects Abroad and help to conserve some of the world’s most beautiful and fragile ecosystems. You may find yourself diving on our Shark Conservation project in Fiji, working in the heart of the Amazon rainforest or working with sea turtles
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Culture & Community

Culture & Community

Projects Abroad offers the unique experience to immerse yourself in the local culture through our Culture & Community Projects. Whether you are on our Nomad Project in Mongolia or participating on our Khmer Project, you will become an important part of a local community overseas.
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Child Care Volunteer Programs from as low as  £100

Child Care Volunteer Programs from as low as £100

As a Childcare volunteer on this project, you will work within in day care centers, nursery schools, children’s homes and kindergartens to assist local staff in the day-to-day running of these centers with activities like educational and basic teaching of English, Math, Reading and Writing etc
search icon More Details.. plane icon Volunteers 2 Uganda




While developing countries may have the greatest need for volunteers, volunteering gap year work is available in all corners of the world. We list a wide variety of different types of volunteer work, including community development, teaching, ecological conservation, marine management, sports coaching, research, working with children, working with animals, and much more.

Often the voluntary work you will undertake will have a huge benefit to the local environment or community, lending a much needed hand, and genuinely inspiring others by example. But there is no harm in thinking about the benefits for you personally. So why should you volunteer?

- You will get the opportunity to meet new people, often from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Working with a diverse group of people will help develop your team work skills and give you new knowledge - this may include new skills and undiscovered talents that you did not previously know you possessed.

- You will also develop excellent time management skills as most volunteering projects are not as strictly controlled as "nine until five" paid work. Though thorough training and support is usually available.

- You will be able to build your personal skills. Working with and talking to your fellow volunteers will aid your communication skills and your overall confidence will receive a boost.

- The work experience you will gain could quite easily lead to a new career path when you get home. You could also benefit from the ideas and experiences learned on your gap to further your existing carrer upon your return.

- You will have great fun. There is little point going on a year out if you are not going to enjoy it. Through meeting and helping other people, and really making a difference, you are bound to enjoy yourself.

Finally, don't forget to update your CV after you return from your volunteer work. Volunteer experience can look great next to your formal qualifications and is often viewed favourably by employers.