Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Abroad Programs

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Make an Impact – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to help volunteers maximize their positive influence on local communities.

Develop a New Skill – With a variety of affordable volunteer abroad programs, volunteers can focus on enhancing the skills they wish to develop during their projects.

Embrace a Challenge & Focus on Self-Development – PMGY’s projects are primarily based in developing countries, offering opportunities to push yourself outside your comfort zone.

See the World & Experience Unique Cultures – PMGY provides the perfect opportunities to embrace new cultures and explore the incredible wonders of the world.

Make Lifelong Friendships – You’ll meet people from all over the world, and these connections will stay with you long after your volunteer experience ends.

Travelling to the Developing World – Volunteer abroad with PMGY in locations that need the most support, offering a chance to make a real difference.

Assisting in Humanitarian, Community & Conservation Support – Our diverse volunteer projects allow you to contribute in various meaningful ways.

Participating in Projects Around the World – PMGY offers volunteer opportunities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, providing a range of global experiences.

Experiencing Local Culture – Volunteering abroad is a chance to truly immerse yourself in local culture and learn from the communities you’re working with.

Exploring the Country and Having Fun – Make the most of your volunteer abroad experience by exploring new places and embracing exciting new adventures along the way!

Volunteer Abroad in Africa

There’s something uniquely special about Africa that touches the soul. With 54 immensely diverse countries, Africa is a continent that can’t help but leave a lasting impression, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler. Its remarkable landscapes and rich history form the backdrop of its epic story, making every corner of the continent awe-inspiring.

Africa’s natural beauty is unparalleled. From the vast, rippling dunes of the Sahara to the iconic savannahs of the east, you’ll be constantly amazed by its stunning diversity. Rugged mountains, lush highlands, and centuries of culture await your exploration. Volunteer abroad in Africa and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, where you can tailor your trip duration, choose your volunteer projects, and design your travel experiences.

When you volunteer abroad in Africa with PMGY, you have the opportunity to work in Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania.

We offer affordable volunteer abroad programs in each of these destinations. For example, in South Africa, you could contribute to wildlife conservation on a reserve, in Tanzania, you might teach English to children, or in Ghana, you could gain invaluable experience with a medical elective.

Volunteer Abroad in Central Asia

From the towering peaks of the Himalayas in Nepal to the serene beauty of Sri Lanka’s islands, and not forgetting the vibrant culture of India, Asia offers a rich and diverse experience like no other.

Asia stands out for its remarkable physical and cultural diversity, offering a unique opportunity for any volunteer abroad experience. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or to make a meaningful impact, you can tailor your trip by choosing the duration, volunteer projects, and travel experiences that suit you best.

When you volunteer abroad in Asia with PMGY, you have the opportunity to work in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Each location offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. For example, in India, you can improve your medical and healthcare skills, in Nepal, you could teach English to monks, or in Sri Lanka, you can get involved in turtle conservation efforts.

Volunteer Abroad in Europe

In Europe, you’ll experience the rich culture of Greece, from its ancient history to its vibrant traditions. The island of Kefalonia offers stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages, making it a perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Europe’s diverse beauty and history will captivate you, leaving you with memories to cherish. Volunteer abroad on this incredible journey and choose the duration, volunteer projects, and travel experiences that align with your goals.

When you volunteer abroad in Europe with PMGY, you have the opportunity to work in Greece.

Each project offers a variety of volunteer abroad opportunities. For example, you can work in turtle conservation in Lixouri and Argostoli, or support marine conservation efforts in Skala and Svoronata.

Volunteer Abroad in South East Asia

Southeast Asia spans eleven countries, from eastern India to China, each offering its own unique charm. Across the region, you’ll find beautiful beaches, ancient temples, delicious cuisine, lush landscapes, and vibrant urban jungles.

Travelling and volunteering in Southeast Asia provides a chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Bali. You’ll explore each country’s history and truly connect with local communities, living among them rather than just passing through. Your time here will allow you to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of others. Volunteer abroad on this once-in-a-lifetime trip and choose the duration, projects, and travel experiences that best suit your interests.

When you volunteer abroad in Southeast with PMGY, you have the opportunity to work in Bali, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Each destination offers a variety of volunteer abroad opportunities. For example, you can work work with children in Bali, teach English to children in Cambodia, volunteer with elephants in Thailand, or enjoy a medical elective in Vietnam.

Volunteer Abroad in South America

In South America, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre and Andes mountains, along with a wide array of wildlife including leatherback sea turtles, two-toed sloths, and spider monkeys. You’ll also savor the rich flavors of each country, from Peruvian ceviche to Costa Rican dados de queso.

The diverse climates and endless sights across South America will leave you wanting to stay forever. Volunteer abroad on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and choose the duration, volunteer projects, and travel experiences that best match your interests.

When you volunteer abroad in South America with PMGY, you have the opportunity to work in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru.

Each destination offers a range of rewarding volunteer abroad programs. For example, you could work with children and learn Spanish in Costa Rica, undertake a medical elective in Ecuador, or volunteer at a dog shelter or wildlife rescue centre in Peru.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join the PMGY volunteer program, you should book your flights to your chosen destination on your designated start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Bali

Our volunteer projects in Bali are based in Tabanan, approximately 1.5 hours from Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International Airport. Tabanan is the capital town of Bali’s ‘rice bowl’ regency, known for its stunning green landscapes and rolling hills. The regency spans Central and Western Bali and is home to Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest peak at 2,276 metres. Tabanan town itself is a commercial hub, offering essential amenities such as banks, hospitals, and shops, but it has a distinctly local feel, untouched by tourist crowds.

Cambodia

Our Cambodia volunteer program is located in the picturesque rural village of Bakod, just two hours from Phnom Penh Airport. This traditional village, nestled in Takeo province, provides an authentic and peaceful experience in a rural area, far from busy tourist trails. However, volunteers can still access popular backpacker destinations on weekends. Bakod is situated 7km from Takeo’s centre and borders provinces such as Kampot, Kampong Speu, and Kandal, while its southern boundary meets Vietnam.

Costa Rica

Our Costa Rica volunteer program is based in Coronado, a lively suburb of San Jose with a population of nearly 60,000. Coronado offers a unique mix of urban conveniences and natural beauty, being located just 10km from Costa Rica’s capital. Set at the foot of Braulio Carrillo National Park, this area is a gateway to incredible biodiversity and city adventures.

Ecuador

Our Ecuador volunteer program is based in Quito, the highest official capital in the world at 2,850 metres above sea level. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for history, culture, and breathtaking views. Set among the Andes Mountains, Quito’s unique charm makes it an unforgettable base for volunteers in Ecuador.

Ghana

Our Ghana volunteer program is based in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, located six hours from Accra. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Kumasi blends bustling city life with serene rural surroundings. The area’s rolling hills and cultural landmarks offer volunteers an enriching and rewarding experience.

Greece

Our Greece volunteer program is based in Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, located six hours from Athens. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Kumasi blends bustling city life with serene rural surroundings. The area’s rolling hills and cultural landmarks offer volunteers an enriching and rewarding experience.

India

Our India volunteer program is based in Faridabad, part of the New Delhi region in North India. Faridabad offers the perfect balance between vibrant city life and a quieter, more relaxed setting. The city features temples, local parks, bustling markets, shopping malls, and cinemas where you can enjoy a Bollywood flick. Volunteers love the balance of culture and modern comforts available here.

Nepal

Our Nepal volunteer program spans three unique locations: Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is a bustling metropolis rich in cultural heritage and history, filled with temples, palaces, and courtyards. Pokhara, 200km west of the capital, offers serene lakes and stunning mountain vistas, while Chitwan’s fertile Terai region near the Indian border provides a refreshing contrast to the Himalayan terrain.

Peru

Our Peru volunteer program is based in Cusco, the historic capital of the Incan Empire. Situated at 3,400 metres above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a rich blend of culture and history. As the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco provides volunteers with the chance to explore the origins of the Quechua people while being immersed in Peru’s vibrant culture.

South Africa – Cape Town

Our childcare and teaching South Africa volunteer program, is set in Cape Town, a city known for its stark contrasts and cultural diversity. From the bustling city centre with its vibrant nightlife to the challenging realities of the Townships and Cape Flats, Cape Town offers a truly eye-opening experience.

South Africa – Kwantu Game Reserve

The wildlife abroad project on our South Africa volunteer program is based on a sprawling game reserve in the Eastern Cape, approximately 1.5 hours from Port Elizabeth International Airport. Spanning over 6,000 hectares, the reserve is home to the iconic Big 5 and a diverse array of fauna and flora. Volunteers immerse themselves in the heart of conservation efforts while experiencing the beauty of South Africa’s wilderness.

South Africa – Port Elizabeth

Our penguin rescue volunteer program is based in Port Elizabeth, a coastal city famous for its beautiful beaches, friendly atmosphere, and strong connection to marine life. From the lively waterfront with its restaurants and ocean views to the conservation centres working hard to protect endangered African penguins, Port Elizabeth offers a rewarding and meaningful experience for volunteers.

Sri Lanka

Our Sri Lanka volunteer program is based in Ambalangoda, a charming coastal town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, just 2.5 hours from Colombo Airport. Known for its fishing heritage and unique demonic wooden masks, Ambalangoda offers a fascinating cultural experience for volunteers.

Tanzania

Our Tanzania volunteer program is based in Arusha, nestled in the Kilimanjaro region. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Meru, Arusha combines natural beauty with a lively atmosphere, making it an unforgettable destination.

Thailand

Our Thailand volunteer program is based in Phetchaburi, a rural village, just 3 hours from Bangkok Airport. Known for its ancient temples, royal palaces, and thriving street food scene, Phetchaburi offers a captivating blend of history and local charm for volunteers.

Vietnam

Our Vietnam volunteer program is based in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, just 30 minutes from Noi Bai Airport. Hanoi offers a rich cultural experience with its vibrant markets and historic landmarks, all while maintaining a distinctly local charm.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17 or 18 depnding on the destination, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

For volunteers in South America, we recommend speaking a reasonable level of Spanish before your trip. While there are no specific language requirements to join the program and beginners are welcome, the ability to speak Spanish—and a passion for learning more—will significantly enhance your experience. English is generally not widely spoken, so our programs in South America should be viewed as broader language immersion experiences. If you do not speak Spanish, you may find it challenging to communicate, which could lead to frustration. We strongly encourage participants to prepare for this aspect of their trip.

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.