Top 10 Study Abroad Volunteer Opportunities with CIEE

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College Study Abroad

Have you ever wondered if you could volunteer abroad? Perhaps you're looking into study abroad programs that provide international volunteer opportunities.

If you’re itching to study abroad and truly make a difference during your trip, save this blog post as we dive into our Top 10 study abroad volunteer opportunities! 

Can I Volunteer While Studying Abroad?  

The short answer is yes, you can volunteer while studying abroad and in fact, we encourage it! Volunteering is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the culture of your study abroad location and get to know others in the community.  

Plus, volunteering has a lot of personal benefits as well, like how volunteering:  

  • Provides you with a sense of purpose 
  • Increases your social skills 
  • Improves self-esteem  
  • Teaches you valuable skills 
  • Brings more fun into your life 

So, while you’re exploring an entirely new country, you can help others while also enriching yourself by partaking in our study abroad volunteer opportunities. 

It’s worth mentioning that while students cannot only volunteer abroad, they can absolutely volunteer as part of their study abroad program. You can participate in an international internship as part of your study abroad program too, and in some locations, there are intern opportunities at local organizations or nonprofits; so, your internship experience may count as volunteering efforts as well.  

Reach out if you have any questions about our offers!  

student volunteer legon ghana

Read More: What Are International Internships? Everything You Need to Know 

Does Volunteering Abroad Look Good for College?  

Volunteering abroad doesn’t just look good for college – it looks great! All those personal benefits we mentioned really enhance a student’s resume, so whether you’re trying to capture the attention of a college admissions team or a recruiter when applying for jobs, being a well-rounded person who volunteers their own time to help others is an absolute standout.  

And seriously, the number of skills you gain when volunteering is invaluable: Communication skills, time management skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and more! We could go on forever about the benefits of volunteering abroad.  

Read more about study abroad volunteer opportunities with CIEE from one of our very own students who volunteered during their study abroad program in Seoul: A Wholesome Volunteer Experience.  

Top 10 Study Abroad Volunteer Opportunities  

We offer many amazing volunteer study abroad opportunities, but there are a few exceptional ones! Read on to discover more details about our top volunteer study abroad programs.   

Option #1: Prague, Czech Republic  

When you study abroad in the City of a Hundred Spires, you also gain credit and meet others in the community while volunteering as a teaching assistant at a local preschool or elementary school.  

Option #2: London, England  

Students looking to volunteer during their London study abroad program can gain real-world experience shadowing professionals at a nonprofit in the city, One Young World

Option #3: Toulouse, France  

Gain hands-on experience by volunteering at local food banks and women’s shelters, tutoring primary or secondary school children, or choosing to work on an organic farm during your study abroad trip in charming Toulouse!  

gardening student volunteers france

Option #4: Singapore  

Students looking for incredible volunteer study abroad opportunities in Singapore have the chance to teach at local centers for youth rehabilitation or explore service-learning at Singapore’s natural and park boards.  

Option #5: Dublin, Ireland  

With our Dublin study abroad programs, students can gain many skills by volunteering and shadowing professionals in several different local charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).  

Option #6: Rome, Italy 

When you study abroad in the Eternal City, you can also meet others in the community and gain a deeper global perspective by volunteering at local retirement communities, arts organizations, youth centers, and homeless shelters.  

rome volunteers abroad ciee trash pick up

Option #7: Amman, Jordan  

When you study abroad in Amman, there are plenty of study abroad volunteer opportunities including helping at an elementary school in rural communities, helping Jordanians with their English language skills, and working with Amman-based organizations that support underserved communities.  

Option #8: Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Students looking for study abroad volunteer opportunities in Amsterdam can gain valuable experience teaching English at a local elementary or middle school.  

Option #9: Barcelona, Spain  

With offerings in both English and Spanish, students can intern in Barcelona at marketing companies, real estate and investing organizations, and finance and accounting firms. For those more interested in volunteer opportunities, students can help children with homework after school, assist kids with special needs, and even participate in food drives. There’s a lot going on in Barcelona!  

Option #10: Monteverde, Costa Rica  

During your incredible study abroad trip to Monteverde, you can volunteer at local environmental organizations, farms, and schools to gain real-world experience and credits toward your degree. You might even find your professional passion in Monteverde!  

monteverde student teacher volunteer

Lend a Hand Abroad 

No matter where you decide to go, CIEE offers study abroad volunteer and internship opportunities to help you become the best version of yourself! Get started on your search today!  

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