Volunteering abroad can provide you with invaluable personal and professional experience. However, your volunteer abroad venture will likely require some careful budgeting, even if you are receiving a stipend or some form of compensation.
Check out these six tips for picking a location, finding grants and scholarships, setting a budget, and more.
There's no doubt that some regions and countries offer a lower cost of living. But the amount you will pay for rent, food, and other necessities must be weighed with other costs, such as the cost of travel for you and friends or family who may want to visit.
Africa, for example, offers many volunteering opportunities and is typically more affordable for many individuals. However, it is farther from the U.S. and pricier to reach than similarly low-cost-of-living locations in Latin American or the Caribbean. Keep in mind, some countries with a lower cost of living may present more risks to your safety and health.
Before selecting a location, check your destination’s Country Information page on the U.S. Department of State site for details on travel advisories, potential risks, and advice for those traveling to the destination. Also check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website for information on potential health risks and recommended vaccines before traveling to your destination.
Thinking of volunteering in a country that doesn't speak English? Don't worry — there are plenty of ways to get by when you don't speak the language!
If you have healthcare experience, a specialized skill set, and/or are looking for an extended commitment, you might want to consider organizations that may cover your housing and living expenses, like:
There are many organizations willing to assist international volunteers with funding. Sometimes your volunteer program may offer grants you can apply for.
You can also seek financial support from outside organizations. For example, Youth Hop features an extensive database of grants for international volunteers that is regularly updated with new sources of funding.
PRO TIP! Most grants and scholarships require you to be accepted into an organization’s volunteer trip before you can apply. Make sure you solidify your volunteer trip plans before looking for grants.
Check out this curated list of 20 grants and scholarships for those planning to volunteer abroad to get started.
Don’t feel like you can’t ask for help from those you know when paying for your volunteer experience abroad. Family and friends may be able to help you meet your financial goals for your trip. You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
Create a GoFundMe account or use another crowdfunding website to allow people to easily contribute online.
People may be more willing to support you if they know you will be spending your time abroad volunteering and helping people.
There are many other small steps you can take to cut back on expenses and save money too, like:
Discover more tips for how to fundraise for your volunteer abroad trip.
Even though you won’t be living in your home country during a volunteer abroad trip, you may still be responsible for some expenses. These expenses may include:
The longer your trip is, the more financial responsibilities you might have back home. Before traveling, reduce these fees as much as possible. Consider waiting to travel until after your rent has expired and before renting a new place so you won’t be responsible for those costs while you're gone. Instead, store your items in a storage locker or with family or friends.
If that isn’t possible, consider subleasing you space to another renter while you are gone. (Just make sure your landlord is okay with it!) Homeowners can consider renting out their homes while they are gone. Reach out to friends and family who may be searching for a rental space around the time you plan to leave. If you have a pet, consider leaving it with family or friends instead of paying for a kennel.
If you plan to leave your home empty while abroad, consider these tips for reducing your utility costs while you are gone.
Look at your volunteer abroad experience as a chance to rethink your style of living to stretch your budget. Consider taking these steps to ensure you are on top of your finances for your trip:
Did you know that many health insurance plans do not provide coverage outside your home country?
Consider purchasing a travel medical insurance plan that provides coverage for unexpected injuries and illnesses as well as helpful travel assistance services. Look for the following important benefits to ensure you have coverage for eligible emergency scenarios:
Consider purchasing a budget-friendly travel medical insurance policy like Atlas Travel® to help cover unexpected medical expenses while volunteering abroad. A 20-year-old U.S. resident volunteering in Thailand could get 6 months of Atlas Travel medical insurance coverage for $215.34* with an overall coverage maximum of $100,000 and a $100 deductible.
*Price based on this specific scenario in February 2023.
Here are some resources to assist with planning your volunteer experience and getting used to your new surroundings: