---

The Peace Corps

Chances are you have already heard of the Peace Corps as a rewarding post-college opportunity. The Peace Corps has served in 139 countries and has trained 187,000 volunteers since 1961. Being a Peace Corps volunteer necessitates a 27-month commitment and offers stipends and covers flight costs. Check out the website to read more about the Peace Corps experience.

The Peace Corps operates globally in Central America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and the Pacific islands.

---

Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO)

VSO, a UK-based organization, was voted top international development charity in the International Aid and Development category at the Charity Awards 2004. Volunteering with VSO is a long-term commitment that requires specific skills. VSO will also pay for many travel expenses such as flight costs and a living stipend for those in the volunteer jobs program. VSO also offers shorter-term youth volunteering opportunities that are open to those with less experience.

VSO works in 34 countries around the world in Africa, Asia and South America.

---

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a French-based organization, recruits medical and non-medical personnel to provide medical care to people in crisis in more than 70 countries worldwide. While professional experience is required to work with Doctors Without Borders, they have a variety of positions available including office volunteers and unpaid intern positions.

Doctors Without Borders works in areas of Africa, the Americas, Australia, Asia and Europe.

---

Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization seeking to build simple, decent and affordable housing in partnership with people in need. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has provided more than 1 million people in 3,000 communities with safe, reliable shelter. Habitat is open to all races, religions and backgrounds and offers a multitude of programs ranging from Global Village programs to disaster response. Look under Volunteer Programs for a full program listing.

Habitat for Humanity has official international offices and works in Africa and the Middle East, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and North America.

---

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Founded in 1863 and based in Geneva Switzerland, the ICRC is an international humanitarian organization operating in most countries throughout the world. Click on the link to find out more or search for the Red Cross in your home country for volunteer opportunities.

The ICRC maintains a permanent presence in over 60 countries worldwide.

---

United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program

The UN volunteer program is a highly demanding and rewarding program that seeks volunteers of at least 25 years of age with a degree and several years working experience for a typically 1-2 year commitment. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) remain the overarching foundation defining UNV's mission. The volunteer program operates in accordance with UN principles. Click on the How to Volunteer tab for more useful information on benefits and other requirements.

The UN volunteer program has operations in 140 countries around the world.

---

Go Abroad Volunteer and Intern Opportunities

GoAbroad.com is the leading international education and experiential travel resource. Their directories contain over 25,000 opportunities abroad updated daily including study abroad, internships, volunteer opportunities, teach abroad, language schools and much more.

The Goabroad.com resource offers opportunities across the world.

---

The International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. Volunteer opportunities exist with the IRC in the United States to help refugees resettle into a new life. To find out more, click on the How You Can Help link and contact the IRC regional resettlement office in your area.

The IRC is on the ground in over 25 countries and active throughout the United States.

---

Oxfam International

Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 organizations working together with over 3,000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice. While Oxfam does not place volunteers internationally, they offer volunteer positions at several of their country offices throughout the world. Choose from the list of Oxfam affiliates to find an opportunity in your country.

Oxfam international works in over 100 countries.

---

Hands On Network

Hands On Network brings people together to strengthen communities through meaningful volunteer action. They are a growing network of over 500,000 volunteers that manages nearly 50,000 new projects a year from building wheelchair ramps in San Francisco to teaching reading in Atlanta, to rebuilding homes and lives in the Gulf coast communities. Their website is searchable by Zip Code to find an opportunity near you.

Hands On Network works throughout the U.S. and has international affiliates as well.

---

To explore more volunteer opportunities, see Volunteer Opportunities - General

Return to top