Family Volunteer Abroad Programs

Why You Should Join a Family Volunteer Abroad Program

Going on any family vacation is an exciting experience, and undertaking one of IFRE’s programs takes it to the next level. By joining one of our family volunteer work abroad trips you’ll not only have the adventure of a lifetime, but the amazing chance to really improve the lives of the people and wildlife around you. Every step of the way, your journey will be enriched with personal growth, and provide tangible benefits to the global community.

An education like no other

Becoming a mature and responsible global citizen requires compassion, patience, tolerance, and knowledge. When you travel overseas for your volunteer trip your family will be connecting with new cultures, experiencing different ways of life, and rising to challenges you never thought yourselves capable of. All of these moments will give your children unique perspectives, along with personal growth that will benefit their lives well into the future.

A family bonding experience

There is no better way to develop a close-knit family than undertaking an IFRE family volunteer trip abroad. Through difficulties and victories, adventure, and self-sufficiency, you and your children will spend lots of quality and character-building time that will truly bring your loved ones together.

Valuable life skills

By working with other volunteers, the community, and your own family, your children will be constantly exercising various life skills. Negotiation, leadership, social skills, organization, and communication are all essential in the day-to-day life of a volunteer, and when your family volunteer experience is over, they’ll take all of these skills back home with you.

Family memories you’ll cherish forever

You’ll never forget the experience of your volunteer journey. As your family travels, explores, and works together you’ll be creating new and indelible memories that will be shared for decades to come. Whether it’s the smile on a child’s face or a baby animal’s first new steps, an IFRE family volunteer abroad program will touch your lives forever.

Immersion in the world’s great cultures

Travelling the world is about seeing new sights, meeting new people, and trying new things. There’s no better way to truly immerse yourself in these cultures than with one of our family volunteer programs. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be living with a local family, sampling authentic dishes, and experiencing a side of the country that is often inaccessible to tourists.

Why Choose IFRE Volunteers?

For over a decade, IFRE Volunteers has been running hugely successful and highly regarded family volunteering opportunities worldwide. We’re the experts in matching any kind of family with their perfect volunteering experience.

Each volunteer project we offer is hand-picked and researched to give maximum benefits to the community, and we also know what volunteer families need to get the best experience possible. No matter what your interests and abilities are, we can match your family to a wonderful, life-changing project.

Our Experience

Over 20,000 highly satisfied volunteers have passed through our programs since 2005. Since our small beginnings we have expanded our network of projects to include almost 100 diverse opportunities over 18 countries. Every project has been approved, inspected, and tested by our staff, who have lived, learned, and volunteered themselves in each of our destination countries. Simply put, we know about volunteering because we’re experienced volunteers ourselves.

We’ve also helped out thousands of first-time volunteers find their community spirit, and in the process used feedback to continually improve the quality and safety of each experience. Additionally, a rigorous review process of each project is performed annually, to ensure that every system in place is providing both the volunteers and the projects with the best experience possible.

Our Fulfilling Programs

Many volunteer and travel companies claim to offer exceptional support, as do we, but where we shine is in the quality of our volunteer programs. First and foremost, we are dedicated to making sure that each project is doing the best job it can to help the community, country, and environment. Our in-country team is always there to coordinate and review efforts between volunteers and locals, and to maximize the potential of the exchange.

Exceptional Value

One of the biggest hurdles to potential volunteers is the expense, which is why IFRE works hard to make their overseas family volunteer trips as affordable as possible. We believe that travelers and families should be inspired to help, not turned off by costs. That’s why some of our two-week programs start from as low as $99 (plus a one-off registration fee of $299). And the longer you stay, the cheaper it gets per week!

Not only that, we’ve made your fees and our project finances as transparent as possible. All of the project-related expenses, (airport transfers, meals, accommodation, etc.), are covered, and instead of being routed through a head office they’re paid to the local coordinator and distributed immediately to the community.

We’re an American Company

IFRE Volunteers is based out of Dallas, Texas, and covered by US federal and local laws. This means that in the very unlikely event that something goes wrong during your trip we have the extra ability, responsibility, and resources to assist you.

Our Grassroots Approach

With extensive knowledge and experience of the volunteering landscape, we are well placed to maximize on a grassroots approach to change. We analyze and monitor communities to determine who needs the most urgent aid and most assistance, and develop our programs accordingly. We also guide our volunteers towards family volunteer abroad projects that will have the best impact and be the most effective at that time.

Fully Customizable Family Volunteer Trips

We don’t expect that every family has the same desires, experience, or interests, and we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all policy towards volunteers. A perfect volunteer experience means better results for everyone in the community, so we strive to provide exactly what you want. Our expert team will go through every detail of the trip with your family to make sure you’re happy.

Our Expert Coordinators

While our US-based staff will handle every aspect of planning your family volunteer program, our in-country coordinators are where our projects really shine. They live in each country, know it back to front, and maintain close-knit ties with the community and related organizations.

In most cases, the coordinators supervise these local organizations directly. These same coordinators will have direct contact with you every step of the way, and will address any concerns or questions immediately. So once you arrive you know that you’ll be in trusted hands.

Our Global and Local Responsibility

Every project we back is constantly monitored and measured to ensure it stays at the highest quality. We expect that our programs exceed every expectation in terms of positive impact, satisfaction, and long-term viability, and we are always consulting with community stakeholders to make sure this is the case. We know that we are a vital part of global wellbeing, and always act responsibly so that everyone can benefit.

Prior to starting their program, each volunteer in a family work project is briefed on our expectations and standards in their involvement. This enables us to maintain a strong and healthy relationship with each community, and allows us and you to work with a clear direction and purpose.

Countries and Projects

Family Volunteer Abroad Trip Options

There are over 100 different programs in 18 different countries across the globe. No matter how you want to help out, we’re sure to have the perfect project – and the perfect destination – for you and your family.

Costa Rica

Friendly, peaceful, and bursting with life and color, Costa Rica’s beaches and national parks are a magnet for wildlife lovers everywhere. From helping turtles to volunteering with children, there’s plenty to do and explore on a family volunteering trip to Costa Rica.

Puntarenas

Volunteer with children in orphanages and social welfare projects

Provide joy, warmth, and opportunities for recovery to orphaned children in a Costa Rica orphanage family volunteer program in the province of Puntarenas.

Volunteer at a medical clinic

Help overworked and understaffed medical clinics provide adequate healthcare to the community by signing up to a medical family volunteer Costa Rica project, working alongside trained professionals.

Teach English

In a country that relies heavily on tourism, sharing your English language skills in a Costa Rica teaching English family volunteer program will ensure a new generation of learners can provide for their families.

Work on a marine project

Help ensure the future of Pacific turtles through beach maintenance, conservation, and education. A Costa Rica marine project family volunteer vacation like no other.

San Jose

Working with kids

Make a difference to the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in a Costa Rica working with kids family volunteer program based in San Jose.

Teaching English

Give the gift of education to Costa Rican children through the Costa Rica teaching English family volunteer program by teaching them English, a vital skill in today’s market.

Health Care (non-medical)

Help trained staff as they treat and care for disadvantaged and low-income local residents on a Costa Rica health care family volunteer trip.

School/orphanage construction

A Costa Rica school construction family volunteer opportunity involves helping to build badly needed schools and orphanages, creating a brighter future for Costa Rica’s kids.

Conservation and environment

On a Costa Rica conservation family vacation you help protect the magical Costa Rican landscape, spreading the word about vital conservation efforts in Costa Rica.

Peru  

From the majestic Lake Titicaca to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, Peru is full of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Any family volunteering trip to Peru is a spiritual journey for young and old alike.

Working in an Orphanage

Give and receive joy and a new perspective on life to young orphaned children in a Peru orphanage volunteer family program.

Street Children and Educational Program

Learn the economics and background to Peru’s at-risk street children in a Peru street children volunteer family program, and change their lives for the better.

Teaching English

Assist intelligent and enthusiastic Peruvian students to learn a valuable second language. A Peru English teaching volunteer family trip that will reap benefits forever.

Medical/Healthcare Project

On a Peru healthcare volunteer family program you’ll provide urgent healthcare, alongside qualified medical professionals, to the disadvantaged.

Summer Escape

Experience an unforgettable four-week adventure and tackle a range of pressing issues across the country on a Peru summer escape volunteer family vacation.

Guatemala

Mayan culture still thrives in this wonderful land of smiles and natural beauty. Friendly locals and rich tradition make it a perfect place to really immerse yourself on your family volunteer project in Guatemala.

Teaching English at a Rural School

Give some of Guatemala’s poorest youth access to a global marketplace by sharing your English knowledge on a Guatemala English teaching volunteer family program.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

On a Guatemala orphanage volunteer family program, you’ll provide kindness and warmth to orphaned children with an uncertain future.

Health/Medical Volunteering

Poverty and remoteness restrict access to quality medical care for many Guatemalans. Working with a Guatemala medical volunteer family program will help expert staff provide care to those who really need it.

Work with Street Children

The street children of Guatemala need guidance and compassion to overcome life’s obstacles. Share your experience and understanding with them and improve their lives via a  Guatemala work with street children volunteer family trip.

Guatemala Women’s Project

Many Guatemalan women rely on others to provide for their family. The Guatemala women’s project volunteer family program assists them to set up new businesses like making and selling handicrafts, so they can become self-sufficient and empowered.

Ecuador

Home to the Galapagos Islands, Andes mountains, and Amazon rainforest, Ecuador is a place where unbelievable natural wealth exists alongside heart-breaking poverty. But Ecuador is a country on the rise, and your family volunteering help in Ecuador can make all the difference in its bright future.

Teach English in a Rural School

Enter into Ecuador’s dramatic rural landscape and impart valuable language skills to traditionally isolated communities, on an Ecuador English teaching family volunteer program.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

Help some of the country’s most unfortunate youths learn how to love, smile, and live life on an Ecuador orphanage family volunteer program.

Volunteer with Street Children

Joining an Ecuador street children family volunteer program gives you the chance to guide, and share wonderful moments with, at-risk youths in the nation’s fascinating capital, Quito.

Conservation Project in Ecuador

Celebrate the Ecuador’s natural beauty and help preserve it for generations to come by doing some tough but rewarding work an Ecuador conservation family volunteer program. The role includes responsibility for both conservation and education, in the incredible Los Cedros Biological Reserve.

Conservation Project in the Galapagos Islands

Get your hands dirty and help on an Ecuador Galapagos conservation family volunteer program fighting to preserve one of the world’s most stunning and biologically rich zones.

Argentina

European lifestyle meets Latin American flair in cosmopolitan Argentina. Even beyond Buenos Aires, the stunning Andes highlands and pampas lowlands dominate a land full of highlights. Experience a unique culture and give back to the people with a family volunteering trip to Argentina.

Disadvantaged/At-Risk Children Project

Through the Argentina at-risk children family volunteer program you’ll support and mentor children that usually fall through the cracks, unlocking a more promising future for them.

Teach English Project

Put your English skills to the test on an Argentina English teaching family volunteer program by both teaching the language and empowering a new generation of learners.

Community Development Project

Apply your existing skills and knowledge to assist small to mid-sized NGOs build a safer, better, and more equal community across Argentina. The Argentina community development family volunteer program is a hands-on role.

Healthcare Project

Provide humanitarian relief alongside skilled doctors and nurses to poorer and disadvantaged members of society on an Argentina healthcare family volunteer trip

Dental Project

This Argentina English teaching family volunteer opportunity lets you bring a smile and a better quality of life to the many people who can’t afford adequate dental care. Volunteers work with qualified dentists.

Professional Support

The Argentina professional support family volunteer program is a perfect fit for those with specific professional skills, as you’ll work with various governmental and non-governmental organizations to perfect their community aid programs.

Mexico

A perfect place to begin your new family volunteer life, Mexico is a mix of the familiar and the exotic. While many think of Mexico simply as a resort destination, the country offers so much more to the adventurous traveler.

Volunteer in an Orphanage Project

On the Mexico orphanage family volunteer program you have the chance to connect with disadvantaged children in need of care, love, attention and a basic education.

Teach English

In a Mexico English teaching volunteer trip, you’ll have the wonderful opportunity to help intelligent and enthusiastic Mexican students learn a valuable second language.

Special Education

Joining a Mexico special education family volunteer project lets you help children who need extra support with their education.

Sea Turtle Conservation

Help ensure the future of sea turtles through beach maintenance, conservation, and education tasks. Get up close and personal with the wildlife in the Mexico sea turtle conservation family volunteer program.

Brazil

From the samba to the favelas, Brazil is certainly a country of fun and laughter, but also of great need. This lively and proud country makes family volunteering in Brazil an unforgettable experience.

Childcare Project

Help create family cohesion and to provide the kids with a brighter future on a Brazil childcare family volunteer trip.  With volunteers helping to look after some of the most wonderful and impoverished children in Rio de Janeiro their parents are able to seek sustainable work.

Teaching Project

A Brazil English teaching family volunteer program lets you share your command of the English language with a new generation of eager learners.

Teaching Computer Skills Project

Give the gift of education to Brazilian children by teaching them computer skills, vital skills in today’s job market. A Brazil teaching computer skills family volunteer program is perfect for the modern age.

Youth Athletics Project

On a Brazil young athletics family volunteer trip you can turn your love of sports into a pathway towards happiness, fulfillment, and success for disadvantaged children.

Handicraft Project

Many disadvantaged Brazilian women cannot provide for their family without help. By supporting them to start a small business through a Brazil handicraft family volunteer opportunity, they can become self-sufficient and empowered.

Nepal

Struck by natural disasters and gripped by poverty, Nepal nevertheless remains a nation filled with wonderfully warm people. Set against the awesome scenery of the Himalayas, family volunteering in Nepal is the perfect choice for those seeking adventure and fulfillment.

Teach English

Give some of Nepal’s poorest youth access to a global marketplace by sharing your English knowledge in a Nepal English teaching family volunteer program.

Teach Buddhist Monks

Help continue the rich spiritual tradition of the Buddhist monks in a Nepal teaching Buddhist monks family volunteer program by teaching them English, which they can use to impart their wisdom and knowledge to visitors.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

A Nepal orphanage family volunteer program is focused on providing kindness and warmth to orphaned children with an uncertain future.

Nature Conservation

Restore nature to a pristine state in badly damaged areas on a Nepal nature conservation family volunteer program. You get to work with a nursery to grow and plant trees in Nepal’s beautiful forests.

Healthcare Project

Provide humanitarian relief, alongside skilled doctors and nurses, to poorer and disadvantaged members of society with the Nepal healthcare family volunteer program.

Be a Photojournalist

Highlight the wonders and share the plight of Nepal with the world through a Nepal photojournalism family volunteer program.

Summer Escape

Looking for a Nepal summer escape family volunteer vacation? Experience an unforgettable four-week adventure, and tackle a range of pressing issues across Nepal.

Nepal Himalayas

Travel deeper and deeper into Nepal to access the remote mountainous settlements of the Himalayas. Here, you’ll find an incredible almost unspoiled land, and family volunteering opportunities in Nepal like no other.

Teach English

Enjoy the dramatic Himalayan landscape on a Nepal English teaching family volunteer program, and impart valuable language skills to traditionally isolated communities.

Teach Buddhist Monks

A Nepal teach Buddhist monks family volunteer trip will help continue the rich spiritual tradition of the Buddhist monks by teaching them English, which they can use to impart their wisdom and knowledge to visitors.

India

Spiritual, mystical, ever-vibrant. India conjures up magical, wonderful images to every traveler, but there is also vast impoverishment and great need within the communities. Family volunteering in India will truly help a mighty nation find its feet.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

An India orphanage family volunteer program will truly make a difference to the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in India.

Teach English

Assist intelligent and enthusiastic Indian students to learn a valuable second language through an India teaching English family volunteer opportunity.

Volunteer at a medical clinic

An India medical family volunteer program will see you working alongside trained professionals, to help overworked and understaffed medical clinics provide adequate healthcare to the community.

HIV/AIDS Project

Help combat the devastating spread of HIV/AIDS in third world communities with the India HIV/AIDS family volunteer program; delivered through education, adjusting social norms, and providing medical aid.

Support a Women’s Group Project

Many disadvantaged Indian women have no chance to be independent, so it is difficult for them to take care of their kids. On the India women’s handicraft family volunteer opportunity, you help enable these women to become business entrepreneurs able to provide for themselves.

Teach English in a Rural School

Hand in hand with the India teaching English rural family volunteer program you’ll enter into the dramatic Himalayan landscape and impart valuable language skills to traditionally isolated communities.

Work with At-Risk/Street Children

The at-risk and street children of India need guidance and compassion to overcome life’s obstacles. Share your experience and understanding with them to improve their lives on an India street children family volunteer vacation.

Summer Escape

Experience an unforgettable four-week adventure on your India summer escape family volunteer trip, and tackle a range of pressing issues across India at the same time.

China

Alluring and mysterious, China has steadily become one of the world’s great powers. Even so, this land of enchanting beauty needs your help to protect its wildlife and help the new generation of thinkers. Volunteering with your family in China is a chance not to be missed.

Panda Conservation Project

One of the world’s gentlest and most beautiful animals is also its most endangered. A China panda conservation family volunteer program will help you protect their habitat and future, and give you the rare opportunity to be close to these incredible creatures.

Teaching English

Give some of China’s eager youth access to a global marketplace by sharing your English knowledge on a China teaching English family volunteer program.

Paid Teaching English Program

Become immersed in both ancient and modern Chinese culture on this long-term, paid, China paid teaching English family volunteer opportunity, where you share your English knowledge with eager learners.

Thailand

A wonderfully welcoming land, Thailand’s jewel-like islands and verdant interior offer endless delights. However, there are still many disadvantaged people who need ready and willing family volunteers to help out in Thailand.

Surin

Working with Disadvantaged Children

The disadvantaged children of Thailand need guidance and compassion to overcome life’s obstacles. Joining a Thailand working with disadvantaged children family volunteer program lets you share your experience and understanding with them, to improve their lives.

Teach English

In a country that relies heavily on tourism, sharing your English language skills through the Thailand English teaching family volunteer program will ensure a new generation of learners can provide for their families.

Healthcare Project

Provide humanitarian relief alongside skilled doctors and nurses to poorer and disadvantaged members of society. A Thailand healthcare family volunteer opportunity is one that shouldn’t be missed.

Elephant Conservation Project  

The Thailand elephant conservation family volunteer program is an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with these unique creatures, and protect both them and their habitats.

Building Project

Build, maintain, and improve vital community structures with the Thailand building project family volunteer program. See immediate and gratifying results from your own two hands.

Ayutthaya

Child Development Project

A Thailand child development family volunteer program involves building family cohesion and a brighter future by nurturing some of the most wonderful and impoverished children in Thailand while their parents work.

Teach in a Buddhist Temple School

Help Buddhist Monks communicate their beliefs, wisdom and traditions to visitors by teaching them English. The Thailand teach in a Buddhist temple family volunteer program really lets you get in touch with yourself.

Teach English

Give gifted Thai pupils access to a global marketplace in the Thailand English teaching family volunteer program by sharing your English knowledge.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka packs an unbelievable amount into one small island. Wildlife abounds from jungles to beaches, and as the economy grows, so do conservation efforts. Sign up now for a family volunteering trip in Sri Lanka, and get ready to explore an incredible landscape.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

Provide kindness and warmth to orphaned children with an uncertain future through a Sri Lanka orphanage family volunteer opportunity.

Teach English

In a country where so many jobs are in tourism, sharing your English language skills will help more local people find work and support their families. Strengthen their future by joining a Sri Lanka teaching English family volunteer trip.

Teach English to Buddhist Monks

Buddhist Monks need to learn English to relay their teachings and wisdom to foreign tourists. On a Sri Lanka teach English to Buddhist monks family volunteer program, you can help them achieve this goal.

Elephant Conservation in Kegalle, Pinnawala, or Udawela  

The Sri Lanka elephant conservation family volunteer project is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work closely with these majestic creatures, safeguarding their lives and habitats. There are three locations on offer for this project.

Cambodia

Home to Angkor Wat and crystalline beaches, Cambodia is a growing jewel in the travel market, but the gulf between rich and poor remains vast. Your efforts towards family volunteering in Cambodia can go a long way in this beautiful nation.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

Joining the Cambodia orphanage family volunteer program will make a difference to the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in Cambodia.

Teach English in a Local School

Give some of Cambodia’s poorest youth access to a global marketplace by sharing your English knowledge in a Cambodia English teaching family volunteer program.

Apply your existing skills and knowledge to assist small to mid-sized NGOs in building a safer, better, and more equal community across Cambodia. A Cambodia community development volunteer opportunity is perfect for professionals.

NGO Volunteer Project

A perfect fit for those with specific professional skills; in the Cambodia NGO family volunteer program you’ll work with various non-governmental organizations to perfect their community aid programs.

Healthcare Project

On a Cambodia healthcare family volunteer program, you’ll provide humanitarian relief alongside skilled doctors and nurses to poorer and disadvantaged members of society.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Project

Help combat the devastating spread of HIV/AIDS in third world communities, through the Cambodia HIV/AIDS awareness family volunteer program, which involves delivering health education and medical aid.

Kenya

No place says Africa quite like Kenya, with its vast national animal reserves, relaxed pace of life, and dramatic landscape of the Serengeti. In every corner of this country there’s a family volunteering opportunity you can join to benefit this unique land.

Work in an Orphanage

On the Kenya orphanage family volunteer program you’ll have the remarkable opportunity to provide joy, warmth, and hope for a better future to orphaned children in Kenya.

Teach English

In a country that relies heavily on tourism, a Kenya English teaching family volunteer program makes use of your valuable English language skills, and means young people can find work in the future.

Volunteer at a medical clinic

Help overworked and understaffed medical clinics provide adequate healthcare to the community, by working alongside trained professionals through the Kenya medical clinic family volunteer program.

HIV/AIDS Volunteer Project

Help combat the devastating spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries through education on lifestyle, and by delivering medical aid. Your assistance is vital for the Kenya HIV/AIDS family volunteer project.

Community Development

Apply your existing skills and knowledge through the Kenya community development family volunteer program, which involves assisting small to mid-sized NGOs build a safer, better, and more equal community across Kenya.

Cultural Conservation

Work with the Maasai tribespeople in a unique Kenya cultural conservation family volunteer opportunity aimed at protecting their culture from the effects of globalization and generational shift.

Summer Escape

Experience an unforgettable four-week safari adventure and, through the Kenya summer escape family volunteer program, tackle a range of pressing issues across Kenya.

Ghana

This peaceful high energy nation is and not only the gateway to Western Africa, but also the venue for a life experience like no other. Amidst idyllic beaches and animal havens endless opportunities for family volunteering in Ghana await.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

Provide kindness and warmth to orphaned children with an uncertain future through the Ghana orphanage family volunteer program

Teaching English to Children

Give some of Ghana’s poorest youth access to a global marketplace by sharing your English knowledge in the Ghana English teaching family volunteer program.

Healthcare Project

With the Ghana English teaching family volunteer program, you’ll provide humanitarian relief alongside skilled doctors and nurses to poorer and disadvantaged members of society.

HIV/AIDS Volunteer

On the Ghana HIV/AIDS family volunteer program, your focus will be on helping to combat the devastating spread of HIV/AIDS in third world communities by delivering education and medical aid.

Summer Escape

The Ghana summer escape family volunteer program is a unique experience – an unforgettable four-week adventure combined with the chance to tackle a range of pressing issues across Ghana.

Uganda

A nation with a trouble past, Uganda is now looking forward to the future, and its warm and welcoming people need your help. A fascinating and truly diverse landscape rewards intrepid and curious family volunteers in Uganda.

Work in an Orphanage

A Uganda orphanage family volunteer vacation lets you make a genuine difference to the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in Uganda.

Teach English

Assist intelligent and enthusiastic Ugandan students to learn a valuable second language by joining a Uganda English teaching family volunteer program.

Volunteer at a medical clinic

Many medical clinics are overworked and understaffed, making it difficult to provide adequate healthcare to the community. By working alongside trained professionals on a Uganda medical family volunteer trip you can help them reach out to more people in need of care.

HIV/AIDS Project

Africa needs your help. Uganda family volunteer programs are designed to help both educate the community about preventing HIV/AIDS, and to offer medical support to those living with these conditions.

Tanzania

Home to some of Africa’s most beautiful landmarks and an abundance of wildlife, Tanzania welcomes travelers and adventurers with open arms. Family volunteering in Tanzania is both eye-opening and incredibly satisfying.

Work in an Orphanage

Provide joy, warmth, and opportunities for recovery to orphaned children in the Tanzania orphanage family volunteer program.

Teach English at a Rural School

Enter into the amazing Tanzanian landscape and share your valuable language skills with traditionally isolated communities. The Tanzania English teaching family volunteer project is an unforgettable opportunity to help others.

Healthcare Project

Provide humanitarian relief alongside skilled doctors and nurses to poorer and disadvantaged members of society. Help out by joining a Tanzania healthcare family volunteer trip.

Volunteer in HIV/AIDS Program

Help educate people about HIV/AIDS with the Tanzania HIV/AIDS family volunteer program, or assist medical professionals caring for those affected.

Women Empowerment

Many disadvantaged Tanzanian women rely on others to provide for their family. By joining the Tanzania women empowerment family volunteer project you can help them become financially independent.

Summer Escape

Experience an unforgettable four-week safari on a Tanzania summer escape family volunteer vacation,  then help out on one of the many life changing programs offered across the country.

South Africa

Amidst natural beauty and growing economic power parts of South Africa still struggle under a divisive legacy. Celebrate and promote diverse cultures and resilient people by joining a family volunteering project in South Africa.

Teaching Project

Participating in a South Africa English teaching family volunteer program will give some of South Africa’s poorest youth access to a global marketplace because you shared your English knowledge.

Physical Education Project

Turn your love of sports into a pathway for disadvantaged children towards happiness, fulfillment, and success. Sign on with a South Africa physical education family volunteer trip today.

Volunteer at a medical clinic

Help overworked and understaffed medical clinics provide adequate healthcare to the community, by working alongside trained professionals in the South Africa medical family volunteer program.

Volunteer in an Orphanage

Vital for the forgotten youth, a South Africa orphanage family volunteer program will provide kindness and warmth to orphaned children with an uncertain future.

How Our Family Volunteer Abroad Programs Work

The exact nature of your family volunteering abroad itinerary is different from location to location. However, with each project there are a few key points that remain the same. These are in place to ensure that your experience is 100% safe, totally enjoyable, and of maximum value to the community. The following is a sample of how each program works.

Orientation Program

The length of the orientation depends on your destination country. The aim of the orientation is to provide you with essential knowledge about the country’s culture, day-to-day activities, religion, and social etiquette, along with basic safety guidelines. If required, some of the longer orientation programs will include an immersive cultural and language course.

Volunteer Commitment (4 days to 12 weeks)

When you sign up for your family volunteer vacation, you’ll have the chance to decide how long you want to give to it. There is usually no compulsory amount of time – we’re flexible! After the orientation, you’ll start your volunteer work, which is usually 4-6 hours per day, for 5-6 days per week. How you spend the rest of your time is up to you. During this time you’ll liaise with the in-country coordinator for guidance, and to address any concerns that might arise.

Travel Experience (2 to 12 days)

Now the hard work is over, and you’ve made the world a better place, you and your family can set out and see the sights. Whether it’s nature or cities, beaches or ruins, IFRE Volunteers know each country inside and out and will make sure you get to experience true adventure and breathtaking beauty.

Remember, for groups of three or more, we can help you customize every aspect of your volunteering and travelling. We want you to be completely satisfied, and go home with the memories of a lifetime.

Dates and Fees

You can start whenever you like! IFRE Volunteers pride themselves on their flexibility; so no matter what time of the year you’re planning your trip, we can work with you to set a suitable start date. We do recommend that you start on a Monday, but only because it gives you more time to settle in and complete orientation before the weekend. Remember, that’s just a recommendation – it’s still completely up to you.

How Much Does It Cost?

IFRE Volunteers is a not-for-profit organization, and our family volunteer trips are designed to be highly affordable. We want to provide everyone with the life-changing opportunity to volunteer, and we keep overhead costs to a minimum so that more of the money goes to the people who need it.

Each program cost is split into two fees. The first is the one-off application and registration fee of $299. This is paid to our US office, and covers our operational expenses like program promotion, office upkeep, salaries, and the like.

The second fee is a weekly fee, which varies depending on the volunteer program and country you choose. After you arrive at your destination, this fee is paid directly, each week, to the in-country coordinator, who then distributes it to your host family (for room and meals), towards project support (e.g., building supplies, urgent medicine, learning materials, etc.), and finally to logistics and salaries.

For details on the fees for each country and project, please follow the links below.

Dates and Fees

You can start whenever you like! IFRE Volunteers pride themselves on their flexibility; so no matter what time of the year you’re planning your trip, we can work with you to set a suitable start date. We do recommend that you start on a Monday, but only because it gives you more time to settle in and complete orientation before the weekend. Remember, that’s just a recommendation – it’s still completely up to you.

How Much Does It Cost?

IFRE Volunteers is a not-for-profit organization, and our family volunteer trips are designed to be highly affordable. We want to provide everyone with the life-changing opportunity to volunteer, and we keep overhead costs to a minimum so that more of the money goes to the people who need it.

Each program cost is split into two fees. The first is the one-off application and registration fee of $299. This is paid to our US office, and covers our operational expenses like program promotion, office upkeep, salaries, and the like.

The second fee is a weekly fee, which varies depending on the volunteer program and country you choose. After you arrive at your destination, this fee is paid directly, each week, to the in-country coordinator, who then distributes it to your host family (for room and meals), towards project support (e.g., building supplies, urgent medicine, learning materials, etc.), and finally to logistics and salaries.

For details on the fees for each country and project, please follow the links below.

Accommodation and Meals

IFRE Volunteers will handle all accommodation and meals during the course of your program.

Accommodation depends on which country and project you have chosen to volunteer in, but will be either with a host family, or in a hostel / hotel, or cabin. Of course, all accommodation is guaranteed to be safe, clean, and comfortable. For cultural immersion and a unique and unforgettable experience, we usually recommend staying with a host family. In most cases you can choose which type of accommodation you prefer – please let us know.

In almost all cases, you will also receive three healthy and tasty local meals each day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are staying with a host family, they’ll prepare these for your family.

Family Volunteer Abroad Free Time

We want you to enjoy your volunteering time, not find it stressful or too difficult. When you’re not volunteering (work is normally 4-6 hours per day, 5-6 days a week), the rest of the time is yours to do what you please. During this time, you can explore, study, spend time with your host family, or simply relax. It’s up to you.

Family Volunteer Abroad Safety and Field Support

We place the safety of our volunteers as the highest priority. We’ve been supporting thousands of successful volunteer operations over the past decade, and we’re proud of our safety record. It’s important to us that you and your family are completely safe and happy at all times, and we have a dedicated team that works for you at all times.

Here are some of the features that make IFRE programs the safest and most enjoyable in the world.

Country Coordinator and Field Staff

Each country that we serve is managed by a hard-working, dedicated team. This team not only live in the country where you will be volunteering, but also know it back to front. They are experienced in all volunteering projects and have been running these programs for many years, so they know exactly what it takes to make your family volunteering trip safe and rewarding.

Their duties and services include:

• Airport pickup and transfer to your volunteer destination
• Introductions to staff and hosts
• Accommodation and meals management
• Orientation of country, culture, and project
• Advice and guidance
• Periodic follow-up visits (each 1-2 weeks) to check progress and address concerns

Airport Greeting

Upon arrival at your country of choice, local staff will always be there to greet you and transfer you to your destination. And when you’re ready to go home, they’ll take you back. They want to make sure that you’re comfortable and happy at all times, so will help you every step of the way.

Orientation and Safety Discussion

Feeling comfortable in your volunteering destination is important to you and the community you’ll be working with. That’s why each family volunteer abroad program will begin with a comprehensive orientation course. These courses cover a broad range of topics – like etiquette, customs, culture, history, and language – that will really help you to understand and participate in life in your new country.

Safe Host Family and Accommodation

No matter what kind of accommodation you stay in during your family volunteering program, we’ve made sure that it’s safe, clean, and comfortable. All accommodation, including host families, have been carefully screened and pre-selected to ensure that it will meet your needs.

Most host families have hosted many volunteers before, and you will have no problems fitting right in to their daily life. In all cases, the families selected are socially respected, friendly, and responsible. All guesthouses, hostels, and hotels are either guarded or supervised at all times to ensure maximum safety for your family.

Comprehensive Insurance and Evacuation Plan

IFRE Volunteers offers comprehensive third-party insurance for everyone undertaking a family volunteer vacation. This insurance gives excellent protection in cases of decline in health, accident, or disaster. Additionally, our in-country coordinators are well equipped and well trained in case of any emergency evacuation or mishap.

Placement with Other Volunteers

If you would like to make sure you have company, we can place your family with other volunteers doing the same project. This is subject to availability and scheduling, but please ask us if it would make your experience more enjoyable.

International Travel Advice

Whether volunteering or not, before you travel anywhere you should seek the travel advice of your relevant government offices. All travel to foreign countries presents risks and requires caution, and situations can change frequently in any country.

Please consult the following links for travel warnings, advisories, and information on foreign countries:

American State Department [URL: https://www.state.gov/travel/]
British Foreign Office [URL: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice]
Australian Government Advice [URL: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/]
Canadian Government Advice [URL: https://travel.gc.ca/]

For health-related information and information on possible risks while you are volunteering, visit the Center for Disease Control website [URL: http://www.cdc.gov]. As with all developing countries, the sanitary conditions will probably be poorer than what you are accustomed to. We advise that you do not drink the tap water in these countries.

For any and all other questions or concerns about safety, please do not hesitate to ask us. Before you depart for your family volunteer trip, our staff are here to make sure are fully prepared and feel safe and comfortable. Once you arrive, you’ll be in touch with the in-country coordinator, who will work constantly to support you and your family, and ensure that you’re in safe hands.

Family Volunteer Abroad FAQ

Are family volunteering programs suitable for children?

Absolutely! Our family volunteering programs are designed with children in mind, so the whole family can benefit and enjoy their volunteering vacation. Of course, some activities may be more suited to older or younger children – contact us and we can find the perfect fit for you and your family.

What family volunteering abroad projects are available?

Currently, IFRE Volunteers operate community projects in 18 different countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Have a look at our full range of destinations here. [URL: https://www.ifrevolunteers.org/volunteer_abroad.php]

These family volunteer opportunities cover a wide range of needs in the community, from teaching to construction to conservation and everything in between. If there’s something particular you’d like to do, or a particular country you’d like to help, don’t hesitate to talk to us. We can find the most rewarding destination for you and your family.

Out of all of the projects, which types of projects are most suitable for families with children?

Many families with children choose projects such as orphanage programs and conservation projects for their family volunteer experience, as they allow the children to be hands-on and get fully involved in the project. When you decide to join IFRE Volunteers we will work with you to make sure that you are placed in the very best environment to suit the ages, interests, and skills of those in your group.

Remember also that every community in the world adores and accepts children. Even if the project you ultimately choose is not as hands-on for your children, they will still be learning and immersing themselves in a wonderful new culture.

What length of time can my family and I volunteer?

The length of your volunteer project is entirely up to you. It can be from one week to 12 weeks, or even longer! To get the most out of your time and to really make a connection with the community, we would recommend volunteering for two weeks or more. But we are flexible, of course, and can work with your family’s vacation plans.

Where do we apply?

Applications can be made online here.Once you have submitted the application for your family volunteering project, our team will be in contact with you to finalize the details.

If you have any inquiries before you book, please contact us at our inquiry page.

Are there age restrictions?

Please note that in most of the countries that we volunteer in, a childcare service isn’t available. This means that the minimum age of any child accompanying a family volunteer abroad program is four years old. For all projects, any family members under the age of 18 will have to be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.