Choosing a Volunteer Travel Opportunity

Here are some things to consider once you’ve decided a volunteer trip is right for you:

How much time do you have? Can you volunteer for one week, for two years, or somewhere in between?
What would you like to do, and do you think you can do it effectively? Volunteer opportunities exist in just about any project area you can imagine. You might offer professional services, or even take on a new project you've never done before (but that's still appropriate, of course!).
How much money are you willing to spend? Be sure to take into account the plane ticket, in-country transportation, personal expenses, immunizations, travel insurance, and the program fee.
How’s your health? If you’re not too active or if you have a disability, then you might consider a project that isn’t too physically challenging. If you're unsure about the physical demands of your volunteer project, ask a coordinator!
Where would you like to go? Do you prefer the city or the country? Beach or mountains? If you’re leaving your country, you might be immersed in a culture very different from your own, so be ready to respond and adapt to others' beliefs, traditions, and standards of etiquette.
Do you agree with the organization’s mission, how they’re using your funds, and how they engage their community?
How much time do you want to spend volunteering versus touring? If you want to explore, shop, and try local cuisine outside of the project site, look for a program that will accommodate your schedule preferences. Many even offer tours and excursions as part of their package!