Best Places to Volunteer Abroad in July [Updated for 2024]

July is the middle of summer and usually when most of us have a few days of holidays to spare. What’s better than spending those days traveling abroad and volunteering for a good cause? This is why we’ve created this list of best places to volunteer abroad in July.

With volunteer opportunities spread across the world, we’re taking you to Africa, Central America, and Asia! Continue reading and we guarantee you’ll be dreaming away in no time. Find the best volunteer project for you and get ready for your travel abroad!

Whether you’re into nature and want to support conservation volunteering or are more of a people person and looking for a community service program, you’ll find it here!

Volunteer and Connect with Nature in Costa Rica 🇨🇷

If you love nature and are curious about lush rainforests, Costa Rica is your volunteer and travel destination. It’s one of the most biodiverse places in the world and home to almost 4% of species on our planet. Costa Rica isn’t only a dream destination for those seeking environmental volunteering opportunities or rainforest wildlife. It’s also the perfect place for volunteers who love the ocean.

Wildlife Conservation

Over 4 different sea turtle species can be found in Costa Rica which is why it’s not only great for volunteering in summer but year-round with these endangered animals. Sea turtles really need  volunteers to increase their chances of survival. Settle into the beach life and connect to the rhythm of the ocean. This blogpost may inspire you to work with sea turtles.

Costa Rica is a top travel destination to observe and protect its precious wildlife. Work in a wildlife sanctuary and rescue and care for injured or orphaned creatures. Learn what it takes to run a rescue center and provide them with the helping hands they desperately need.

Environmental Volunteering

If there’s one country that’s mindful about the environment and has put in a tremendous effort to reverse deforestation, it’s definitely Costa Rica. Volunteer in Costa Rica and learn all about sustainable agriculture and reforestation.

It’s not suprising why Costa Rica is one of the best places to volunteer abroad in July. Whether you’re a beach bum or prefer the remoteness of the forest, Costa Rica will astound you.

Contribute to Ghana’s Colorful People 🇬🇭

Ghana is a great place to start if this is your first time to travel abroad to Africa. The good news is it’s hugely underrated and not a tourist hotspot in July.

It is not known for its fancy safaris or Big 5 wildlife, but it definitely has a lot to offer. From its beautiful beaches to colonial cities and 16 national parks, Ghana will take you by surprise. If you think safaris are reserved for countries in southern Africa, you’re mistaken. You may not see zebras or leopards but there is plenty of other wildlife to be admired in Ghana.

Community Service

Volunteers will also be surprised by the number of volunteer opportunities in Ghana. It’s one of the best places in Africa to contribute to the community. From teaching English to keeping Ghana’s youth off the street. Teach them your favorite sport or help them with their homework.

Construction Projects

Handy volunteers can roll up their sleves and help out with building projects to provide local communities a place to call home.

Medical Volunteering

Medical students and veterinary students, if you’re eager to gain invaluable hands-on experience, learn what it’s like to work in less than ideal conditions and put what you’ve learned to the test. Professionals with years of experience, your help is always welcome!

Travel abroad to Ghana and its people will welcome you warmly with toothy smiles and genuine generosity. 

Go for Diversity in South Africa 🇿🇦

South Africa is a top volunteer and travel abroad destination almost year-round. And for good reason too. With its unique combination of impressive landscapes, exclusive wildlife, and bustling cities, it’s a country with so much to offer. Whether you’re exploring Kruger National Park, Tabletop mountain or strolling around the colorful streets of Cape Town, volunteers will be astonished by South Africa’s natural beauty and lively cultural scene.

For those who want to avoid the summer heat, visit South Africa in July which is cooler than other months.

Wildlife Conservation

Volunteers in South Africa have an abundance of volunteer programs to choose from. Whether you’re an animal, nature or a people lover, we’ve got you covered! If you’ve always dreamt of volunteering with African wildlife, you’ve come to the right place. Work for a wildlife reserve program to make sure spectacular creatures like the Big 5, wild cats, great white sharks, and monkeys increase their chances of survival. 

Animal Sanctuaries

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, animal sanctuary programs in South Africa care for injured or abandoned animals from leopards, cheetahs, monkeys to penguins. Help with feedings, cleaning, and daily tasks to lighten the load of the organization.

Community work

Volunteers keen on connecting with the local community have plenty of opportunities to do so in South Africa. Teach the youth English or other subjects which will advance their future opportunities or keep them busy after school. Whether you’re good at tennis, basketball, or surfing, you’ll find a volunteer project! 

Support the people of South Africa, it will be an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world.

Volunteer and Uncover Indonesia’s Gems 🇮🇩

Indonesia is a huge country made up of countless islands. Besides its varied landscapes, it also offers a wide range of volunteer programs for those seeking a meaningful travel experience. 

Wildlife Conservation

Both animal lovers and social butterflies will fall in love with this lush green paradise. Indonesia will give you yoga sanctuaries where you can find your inner bliss to remote jungle sanctuaries where you will keep an eye on endangered orangutans and protect its habitat.

English Teaching

English is an important skill for the Indonesian population because they rely heavily on the tourism industry. By teaching children English from a young age, you will increase their future job opportunities, a great way to back up the local community. Work closely with the youth and really get to know these optimistic people.

Marine Conservation

Divers or those who prefer to work near the ocean will also find their perfect volunteer abroad program in Indonesia. Protect the coral reefs that are crucial in maintaining the delicate ecosystem. During your volunteer project, you can also clear the water of plastic and other waste which is endangering marine life species like sea turtles along with many others.

Childcare Volunteering

Volunteers keen on working with young children can join a childcare program to entertain young children with enriching activities while their parents go to work. Local communities count on these childcare programs. 

Summer and especially July is a great time to travel to Indonesia because the chances of rain is much lower than at other times of the year.

Connect with the People of Vietnam 🇻🇳

Vietnam is a country that has spent the past decades forgetting the aftermath of a grueling war. With a very young population, the Vietnamese have a spirited approach to life. It is bound to overload your senses and overwhelm you with its combination of chaos, natural beauty, and energy.

Experience the adrenaline rush while crossing the street amid a swarm of motorbikes or observe their brilliant creativity when transporting just about anything on a motorbike. Taste some of the best Asian cuisine and lose yourself in the dreamy green landscapes of rice paddies.

Teaching and Childcare in Vietnam

A lack of good English skills is a big issue in Vietnam. This is why there’s a great demand from various programs for English teaching volunteers. You can make a big impact by familiarizing the youth with the English language. 

If you’re more interested in caring for small children, there are plenty of childcare programs that require help from volunteers excited to give these children the attention they need. 

Medical Volunteering

Medical students can gain valuable work experience by joining a medical volunteer program and assisting local medical staff. Learn what it’s like to work in less than ideal circumstances. This is the time to really put what you learned to the test!

Whatever program you choose to volunteer for in Vietnam, you’ll be making a valuable contribution while enjoying the spectacular sites and the interesting people this breathtaking country has to offer.

Volunteer and Travel the Land of Safaris: Tanzania 🇹🇿

Volunteer in Tanzania and discover a country of contrasts: From the city buzz of Dar es Salaam to rural Arusha close to the indigenous Maasai villages and Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience the land of safaris as you observe the wildebeest migration over the Serengeti, bathing hippos, zebras, and giraffes. 

Why volunteer in the summer? Well, it’s no really summer in Tanzania in July. It’s actually one of the cooler and dryer months, perfect for those who want to avoid extreme heat!

Community Service

Although you may be itching to do wildlife conservation, most volunteer programs in Tanzania focus on supporting the local community. With over 100 programs, there’s bound to be something that will get you excited about traveling to this cultural and natural treasure trove.

Teaching & Women Empowerment

Children in Tanzania can really benefit from your attention. Engage them in stimulating activities and give them the attention they deserve. Teach the youth new skills that will empower them for their future. If you prefer working with adults, support women who’ve been mistreated and give them a safe space along with the tools to build a new life.

Healthcare Volunteering

There are plenty of medical programs in Tanzania ranging from midwifery positions, dental care, mental health, optical to general healthcare. This is an invaluable opportunity to support local communities. Help local healthcare staff provide the necessary medical care. It will be an unforgettable opportunity and a great chance for you to gain hands-on experience.

Environmental Conservation

Nature lovers will also find environmental programs where you can help protect Tanzania’s nature which is home to so many endangered species. Learn everything about its unique landscapes and how to maintain it.

Explore Tanzania as you connect with its people. We promise you it’s a win-win!

Explore Spirituality in Nepal 🇳🇵

Volunteers seeking a spiritual experience have come to the right place. Nepal isn’t only home to the greatest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. It’s also a country with plenty of monasteries  and laced with mysticism. But alongside Nepal’s magnificent backdrop, you’ll also find plenty of volunteer programs.

Nepal suffered tremendously after the 2015 earthquake. They are still recovering so your volunteering efforts are still very much appreciated.

Community Service

This is your chance to connect with the local people and help their community strive. English teachers are always wanted in Nepal. Teach young children or even monks at a monastery. Get to know the young monks and learn a little more about Buddhism.

Medical Volunteering

Medical professionals or those in training can make a difference by supporting local hospitals in rural areas.

Sustainable Agriculture

Nature lovers can assist with agricultural projects in Nepal. Whether you have green fingers or not, your willingness to get your hands dirty is all that’s required. Learn the ins and outs of sustainable agriculture and how people grow crops in mountainous regions.

Nepal is quite heavy on the senses so not for the faint-hearted. Give it a chance and you’ll be surprised what it will do to your heart.

Give Back to Kenya 🇰🇪

Watch the sunset over the Savannah as you take in the view of Africa’s wildlife going about their business. Revel at the colorful clothes of the ethnic tribes as you’re welcomed to magnificent Kenya. It’s no surprise Kenya is a popular travel destination. Offering pristine landscapes in combination with rare culture, it’s a combination that’s hard to beat.

Volunteers will not only be able to explore this gem to their heart’s desire but get the opportunity to contribute and give back to less fortunate communities.

Wildlife Volunteering

Experience Kenya’s wildlife up close by joining wildlife conservation or animal rescue projects. Protect their habitat which is crucial for their survival. Keep an eye on wildlife behavior and care for injured animals as you nurse them back to health. This is your chance to take a break from your normal life and contribute to the environment.

Community Development

Kenyan communities will also benefit from your help. Whether you’re teaching the local youth or joining a childcare program.

Construction programs need all the helping hands they can for their school and house building projects. Programs don’t stop there, however, the women of Kenya and hospitals can also use a hand if you’re more into women empowerment or healthcare.

This is our list of best places to volunteer abroad in July. We hope we’ve inspired you to combine your travel this summer with doing something for your travel destination! Summer only comes once a year, make it count!

We’d love to hear where you’d like to spend your time in July in the comments below. They are all equally enchanting destinations with many meaningful volunteer opportunities that will allow you to do some good in the world! We would love to help you find the best volunteer program abroad for you!