Founded in 1997 as one of the first-ever online volunteer agencies – a pioneer of volunteering abroad – WorkingAbroad has grown to support programmes in over 30 countries, focused on wildlife research, nature conservation and sustainable community development. We strive to provide volunteer experiences that positively boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction while supporting our volunteers’ education, career and life goals. WorkingAbroad takes action for nature and society and makes a firm commitment to the ethical treatment of animals.
Read more about taking action for nature and society.
Read more about our ethical stance.
We’re striving to be the world’s #1 organisation for ethical and responsible volunteer and internship opportunities abroad.
WorkingAbroad has partnered with international NGO’s at the forefront of ecosystem conservation, wildlife research, biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and sustainable community development. With projects throughout Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and North America, we offer meaningful and ethical opportunities to volunteers who want to make a genuine and measured difference across the world at a local level. We place immense importance on the quality of the organisations with whom we partner. Our founders personally vet every programme partner to ensure they are registered and experienced operators with competent and dedicated staff to ensure volunteer care and safety.
The majority of volunteers choose to join our programmes because of our ethical stance:
“I was aware this was part of your policy and it helped give me confidence that the projects you offered were ones I would feel comfortable participating in “…. “All sea turtle programs were ethically correct”…. “It was definitely the main reason I chose to join WorkingAbroad”
WorkingAbroad’s co-founder Vicky McNeil was interviewed in the Claws Out Documentary speaking out against lion exploitation and unethical wildlife practices and they have said:
“Founder Vicky McNeil was kind enough to be interviewed for the Claws Out film and is our advocate and champion for the travel industry, and we are proud to have WorkingAbroad as one of our partners.”
Meet the team
The WorkingAbroad team is located in different parts of the world and united by a love for travel and a passion to take action for nature and society.
Our story
WorkingAbroad was established in Switzerland in 1997 by two ex-volunteers after they had travelled extensively and worked as volunteers abroad in India, Ecuador, the USA and Thailand.
Top 13 volunteer projects abroad in 2023
Whilst by no means comprehensive, we have compiled a list of the 13 best environmental conservation volunteer projects to join in 2023. These volunteer abroad projects have all received great feedback from previous volunteers, have a positive impact on their local environment and community, and are committed to our policy on ethical standards
Top 8 volunteer projects mitigating climate change
Find out about our TOP 8 conservation volunteer projects that you can join on your next travels. Be a part of the solutions that are trying to prevent climate change from further developing into the environmental disaster that most expect from the future. Let’s be part of the chain of hope that young environmental figures like Greta Thunberg and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have started.
9 of the best volunteering projects to join today
Here are nine of our favourite tropical and southern hemisphere-based volunteer experiences that are providing vital environmental and animal-specific support right now. Be part of important conservation and animal rescue work, and find community in some of the wildest and most magical places on the planet.
7 of our top volunteer projects that work to protect and care for elephants
Caring for elephants remains a priority of WorkingAbroad, which is why we protect elephant habitats and support the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in the world. You can join us in caring for and protecting elephants by participating in one of these seven programmes that need the support of volunteers.
The TOP 7 Volunteer Projects in Sea Turtle Conservation
Sea turtles have fascinated coastal-dwelling societies and ocean lovers around the world for millennia. They are the living representatives of a group of reptiles that have existed for over 100 million years. If you have ever wanted to volunteer in marine conservation, or provide a hand to help sea turtles, this list of volunteer programmes might be just what you need.
The TOP 5 Volunteer Projects in Big Cat Conservation
Efforts to protect big cats in the wild are an ongoing battle, and conservationists deserve to be celebrated for the great lengths they go to around the world to conserve wild cats and their habitats. Without conservation efforts, many species face the threat of extinction within decades, if not a few years. We have compiled our Top 5 Volunteer Projects in Big Cat Conservation so you can easily view more about these ethical projects, whose work makes a real difference for big cat populations.
TOP 9 Family Volunteering Abroad Projects with WorkingAbroad
Discover the world and make a difference with your family! This blog post features the TOP 9 family volunteering abroad projects that bring you closer to nature, wildlife, and different cultures. From Costa Rica to South Africa, these unforgettable experiences will strengthen family bonds while making a positive impact on our planet. Ready for a life-changing adventure with your loved ones?