Volunteering and work exchange ✋
If you are interested in volunteering abroad, work exchange or cultural exchange, these resources can help. Some are completely free for volunteers, while others require a membership before you can contact hosts or apply.
Always check participation fees, expected hours, visa rules and what the host provides in return. A platform membership normally gives you access to its host network and tools, but it does not necessarily mean that every individual opportunity is completely free of additional costs.
Voluntouring
Voluntouring.org connects travellers with grassroots projects, communities, work exchanges and low-cost volunteering opportunities around the world. The focus is on independent and slow travel, cultural exchange and direct contact with local projects.
Cost for volunteers: free. Volunteers do not need to buy a subscription or paid membership to browse the database and contact the opportunities published on Voluntouring.org.
For a broader explanation of work exchange and the differences between the main platforms, read our comparison of Workaway, Worldpackers, HelpX, WWOOF and free alternatives.
European Solidarity Corps
The European Solidarity Corps is an official European Union programme offering volunteering opportunities through accredited organisations. The European Youth Portal provides information about available projects and organisations.
Cost for volunteers: participation in European Solidarity Corps volunteering is free of charge. Projects normally provide or cover accommodation and subsistence and volunteers receive pocket money. Travel support is also generally available according to programme rules, although the exact arrangements depend on the individual project.
Workaway
Workaway is an international cultural exchange community with hosts in many different categories, including farms, families, eco-projects, hostels, community initiatives and other cultural exchanges. Hosts generally provide accommodation and often food in exchange for a few hours of help per day. Conditions vary between hosts and should always be checked before arranging a stay.
Membership cost: the current official sign-up page lists membership starting from US$69 per year for one person and US$79 per year for a couple or two friends. Prices can be displayed differently depending on location and currency.
Not sure whether it is the right platform for you? Read our Workaway vs HelpX comparison, our Workaway vs Worldpackers comparison, or our WWOOF vs Workaway guide.
Worldpackers
Worldpackers is another international work exchange platform connecting travellers with hostels, farms, homestays, eco-projects, NGOs and social projects. Compared with some simpler directories, it places more emphasis on structured applications, support features and confirmed trips through the platform.
Membership cost: the entry-level Solo Trips plan currently costs US$59 for one year. The basic Couples/Friends Trips plan costs US$69 for one year. More expensive plans with additional support and safeguard benefits are also available.
You can compare the two major platforms in our Workaway vs Worldpackers guide, including differences in prices, host variety, support and safety features.
WWOOF
WWOOF, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, connects visitors with organic farmers. WWOOFers participate in everyday farm life while receiving educational opportunities, meals and accommodation, with no money exchanged between hosts and visitors for the help itself.
Membership cost: unlike Workaway or Worldpackers, WWOOF does not have one universal worldwide membership. Each national WWOOF organisation sets its own annual fee. In 2026, for example, an individual membership costs €40 in Italy, €20 in Spain, £25 in the UK and US$45 in the USA. WWOOF Independents, which covers hosts in more than 80 countries without their own national organisation, currently costs €35 for an individual membership. Separate memberships may therefore be required if you want to WWOOF in several countries.
For a closer look at the differences, see our WWOOF vs Workaway comparison.
HelpX
HelpX is a worldwide work exchange network. Hosts include farms, homestays, hostels, lodges and other projects. Helpers generally contribute some of their time in return for accommodation and often meals.
Membership cost: registration is free, but free helper members cannot normally contact every host directly. A Premier helper membership costs €20 and lasts for two years. The same price applies to both single and twin memberships and provides access to host contact details and reviews worldwide.
Because its pricing model is quite different from Workaway, you may also want to read our Workaway vs HelpX comparison.
Volunteering and community projects in Africa 🌍
Before applying through external platforms, you can explore the independent projects already included in the Voluntouring database.
Volunteer opportunities in Africa
Hope Eden
Hope Eden is a community initiative in Nigeria centred around the Hope Eden Community School, a farm and related projects intended to improve opportunities for children and young people. The current website includes information about participating and supporting the initiative.
Check the organisation directly for current participation opportunities before making travel arrangements.
Afrigrowth Foundation
Afrigrowth Foundation is a Nigerian non-profit organisation working in areas including education, healthcare, youth mentoring, safe water and support for vulnerable children. Its website also refers to volunteers involved in its activities.
Check directly with the organisation to see which volunteer opportunities are currently available.
Volunteering in South America 🌎
Projeto Cidadão
Projeto Cidadão is a Brazilian initiative focused on citizenship, community activities and volunteer mobilisation. The organisation describes its mission as bringing together people from different nations for volunteer work.
Volunteering in Asia 🌏
If you want to volunteer in Asia, start with the projects and hosts already included in the Voluntouring archive.
Volunteer opportunities in Asia
Planning and preparing for an experience abroad 🎒
HousingAnywhere
HousingAnywhere is an online platform for medium and long-term accommodation. It can be useful if you have already found a job, internship, study program or volunteering experience and need somewhere to live abroad.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers online courses from universities and specialist organisations. It is not a volunteering platform, but courses in languages, teaching, sustainability, communication and professional skills can be useful preparation before working or volunteering abroad.
SurfaWhile
SurfaWhile is currently focused on surf camps and organised surf holidays. It can be useful for travel planning, but it should not be considered primarily a volunteering or work exchange platform.
Other travel websites
These websites are not specifically focused on work abroad volunteer jobs, but they can help with transport, accommodation and general travel planning.
- Airbnb, short and medium-term accommodation.
- Expedia, flights, accommodation, car rentals and travel packages.
- Tripadvisor, reviews and destination information.
- Kayak, travel price comparison.
- Lonely Planet, destination guides and travel information.
- Skyscanner, flight, hotel and car rental comparison.
- Booking.com, accommodation worldwide.
- Travel + Leisure, travel ideas and destination information.
Know another useful resource? 👇
If you know a platform, organisation or official resource that helps people work or volunteer abroad, let us know. We are happy to review relevant suggestions for this page.
Also useful
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