Volunteering Abroad For Over 40s
Looking to help others while exploring a new part of the world? Curious to learn about different cultures, fulfill a lifelong dream or maybe return to a favorite part of the world to make a difference?
It doesn’t matter if you’re over 40, recently retired, or even in your 80s, volunteering abroad with International Volunteer HQ is sure to provide you with a rewarding travel experience.
You’ll have the opportunity to share your life experience, exchange knowledge or maybe try something completely new! With more than 40 countries and 300+ projects to choose from, you could be teaching English, working with children, supporting healthcare initiatives, helping out with conservation work or maybe construction projects - and the options don’t stop there!
International Volunteer HQ is proud to be the world’s most trusted volunteer travel organisation with more than 17 years’ experience organizing volunteer trips for travellers of all ages.
Why volunteer abroad as an older adult with IVHQ?
Read more experiences from older volunteers
”IVHQ was the best thing I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to choose my destination for next year! The local team went above and beyond for us and our host family provided us with a very warm, safe and comfortable environment. Walking into the daycare every morning and seeing how excited the kids were to see us had to be my favourite moment. ”
Sarah, American, 48
Childcare volunteer in Morocco
Read more experiences from older volunteers
Volunteer stories
Catherine, 68
Teaching English in Thailand
I taught English to children, wonderful children, who sat in old scratched desks in open air classrooms with few supplies. I loved hearing, “Good morning teacher, how are you?”, and I loved responding “Good morning students, I am happy and grateful, how are you?” My age was my badge of honor with the children as well as with the volunteers.
Read about Catherine, 68's experienceJulien, 77
Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa
My desire is to travel to new destinations and contribute my small share to helping people in need of assistance. On my first IVHQ trip to Ghana two years ago, I quickly realized that it would not be my last.
Read about Julien, 77's experienceSharron, 53
Eco-Agriculture Conservation in Guatemala
Being almost 53 years old and holding the idea that volunteer work was limited to young people under the age of 30, I never thought it would be something I would participate in during my 50s. However, my daughter convinced me volunteering wasn’t just for young people and I started to think that maybe I was brave enough to volunteer abroad.
Read about Sharron, 53's experience
How to volunteer abroad with IVHQ
Whether you’re looking to test the waters by travelling close to home, or want to venture as far off the beaten tourist track as you can get, IVHQ has volunteer programs in 40+ countries to suit all travel types.
Having the adventure of a lifetime can be done in 5 easy steps:
- Apply for your chosen destination and project
- Confirm your place by paying the Registration Fee
- Prepare for your trip with the guidance of your IVHQ Program Manager
- Depart for your destination
- Our local team will collect you from the airport and support you every step of the way!
Already know where you want to travel to?
APPLY
Join IVHQ’s Facebook group for over 40s
Whether you’ve volunteered with us before or you’re simply curious to find out more about our trips — you’re invited to join our Facebook group for over 40s! This is the perfect place to connect with others like you who are interested in volunteering abroad, share tips, and hear from past IVHQ volunteers in your age group.
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUPWhat are the accommodation options for older adult volunteers?
Depending on where you choose to volunteer, IVHQ offers a variety of accommodation options:
- Homestay accommodation with a local family
- Accommodation upgrade, where you can request to be accommodated in a private room at an additional cost (available at more than half of IVHQ programs)
- Dormitory-style accommodation in a volunteer house or hostel (this is available in the majority of IVHQ programs)
Whether you like to interact closely with the locals and your fellow volunteers or want a more comfortable or private accommodation, IVHQ is dedicated to providing quality accommodation while you volunteer abroad with us.
See the list below to explore the accommodation options available:
Homestay accommodation available in:
*Project and age dependant
^Not available for all projects
**Homestay accommodation is not standard in these destinations and attracts an additional cost
Private room upgrade available in:
*Limited availability
^Not available for all projects
**Private room accommodation is standard in this destination and does not attract an additional cost
^^Private rooms are not available for under 18s
If you wish to volunteer on one of these programs and be placed in a homestay or upgrade to a private room, please note your preference in the ‘Comments’ section when you apply and our local team will do their best to accommodate your preference.
Best volunteer opportunities for older adults
Explore our top program recommendations below based on your personal travel goals. These recommendations have been curated for volunteers aged 40+ which offer private room upgrades if you wish.
Volunteer in Argentina
Volunteer in Bali
Volunteer in Belize
Volunteer in Botswana
Volunteer in Brazil
Volunteer in Cambodia
Volunteer in China
Volunteer in Colombia
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Volunteer in Croatia
Volunteer in Fiji
Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands
Volunteer in Greece
Volunteer in Guatemala
Volunteer in India
Volunteer in Jordan
Volunteer in Kenya
Volunteer in Laos
Volunteer in Madagascar
Volunteer in Malawi
Volunteer in Mexico
Volunteer in Morocco
Volunteer in Namibia
Volunteer in Nepal
Volunteer in New Zealand
Volunteer in the Philippines
Volunteer in Portugal
Volunteer in Puerto Rico
Volunteer in Romania
Volunteer in South Africa
Volunteer in South Korea
Volunteer in Spain
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Volunteer in Tanzania
Volunteer in Thailand
Volunteer in Trinidad and Tobago
Volunteer in the United States
Volunteer in Victoria Falls
Volunteer in Vietnam
Volunteer in Zambia
Volunteer in Zanzibar
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime?
International Volunteer HQ is proud to provide authentic travel experiences that enable you to give back to communities around the world, exchange knowledge and experience an international adventure like no other.
Webinar: Volunteering abroad as an older adult with IVHQ
Are you an adult considering volunteering abroad? Watch this webinar replay where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and you’ll get to hear from others like you to ensure you make the most of your volunteer experience!
