Community Development Volunteer Programs Abroad

The concept of community development, groups of people taking collective action to achieve a common goal, or solve a universal problem, goes back centuries. But it is in the last half-decade or so that it has become a global initiative, a major area of study and research and one of the best ways to accomplish real change through volunteer work abroad. The best community development projects benefit entire cities, countries, and regions, and often the overall environment, but the main focus of volunteering in community development is to raise the standard of living for a sub-population experiencing unique struggles or exceptional need in some way.

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959 Community Development Volunteer Programs

9.55787 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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9.48466 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guate...

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9.789 reviews

Volunteer for the Visayans

Volunteer and Intern in the Philippines

Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! V...

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9.56 reviews

Adelante Abroad

Internships in Oaxaca, Mexico - Adelante Abroad

Step out of your comfort zone with our amazing internships in Mex...

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9.32213 reviews

African Impact

Teaching & Educational Support Volunteering in Zambia

Make a difference in Zambia by stepping into classrooms where eve...

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9.840 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Top Social Work Volunteer Opportunities & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers a wide variety of social work volunteer opportunitie...

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91 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Volunteer Project for Under 18s in Eswatini

If you are between 16 and 17 years old and looking to do somethin...

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9.5256 reviews

The Intern Group

Internships in Melbourne, Australia

Jumpstart your career with Australia’s top internships! Partnerin...

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93 reviews

Impact Gap Year

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

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9.8116 reviews

The Real Uganda

Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety o...

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9.676 reviews

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Sustainable Farming & Urban Agriculture in Galapagos

The farms of Isabela Island are working in greenhouses to optimiz...

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9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...

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9.58 reviews

Roots Interns

Youth Social Work Internship in Cape Town, South Africa

Gain practical social work experience during this exciting intern...

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00 reviews

Gapforce

Nepal & India Adventure with Gapforce

It doesn't get more epic than a 2000-mile tour across the Indian ...

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9.6439 reviews

help2kids

Inspire Young Lives with help2kids: Volunteer in Tanzania

As a volunteer with help2kids, you can choose from different educ...

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00 reviews

Encounter My Way

Turtle Conservation in Osa

Join us in Osa, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable volunteer experi...

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8.5551 reviews

All Hands and Hearts

All Hands and Hearts | Disaster Relief Nonprofit

All Hands and Hearts provides community-inspired, volunteer-power...

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9.5531 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Lao...

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1024 reviews

Bucara Voluntours

Social Impact Adventure in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Bucara Voluntours offers a meaningful way to connect with communi...

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9.867 reviews

Mente Argentina

Mente Argentina: International Volunteer Programs

Mente Argentina's International Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires...

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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Community Development

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

BetterMe

September 17, 2025by: Fabian Winzap - SwitzerlandProgram: Teaching & Community Support in Kenya

I spent one month with BetterMe. The team and the kids were amazing and the experience is unique. Molly’s cooking was delicious. As you have a lot of time for yourself, you will also get a taste of Kenya, especially on the weekends. The trips are organised from the Team, so you have no effort. Only thing to consider is the amount of spare time, it may be too much for some. Some days, there was nothing to do for the volunteers, so we had to look for something to do. As I am a teacher, I expected a little more to do.

Life Changing Experience

September 17, 2025by: Thijs de Waard - NetherlandsProgram: Teaching & Community Support in Kenya

I had an incredible time during my three weeks at BetterMe, to teach, play, and learn from the children at the school was simply amazing! The support from the BetterMe team was amazing, they surely helped with making this time more fun, memorable, and entertaining! Looking back at this period, it greatly helped me with getting out of my comfort zone and becoming more confident in myself. Personally, I visited together with my girlfriend. It was a great experience to share together. For the solo travellers: they have a good intake process, and will let you know how many volunteers there will be at the time you plan to go.