Try new things as it can make you learn more. Not just about a community but you can also make a lot of friends as well as immerse yourself in a new environment that you can learn new skills from.

Environmental Sustainability Volunteer Project in the USA - New Orleans
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation

Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who love the outdoors, are happy to work with their hands and are interested in sustainability and environmental issues affecting New Orleans. The project is only available for groups of 8+. Please contact our Group Support Team for more details. For individual volunteers or smaller groups, check out this similar project in San Juan.
Project details
Curious about being an Environmental Sustainability volunteer in USA - New Orleans? International Volunteer HQ’s Environmental Sustainability project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to help protect precious ecosystems tied to the Mississippi Delta and tackle the potentially devastating effects of climate change. Volunteers gain hands-on experience with a focus on sustainability, recycling and community education that all helps give New Orleans a better, greener and healthier future.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
New Orleans is surrounded by wetlands – one of the most threatened biomes in the USA – and facing rising sea levels, intensified heat waves and plastic pollution. Volunteers can make a meaningful difference by helping with environmental initiatives that ultimately help protect valuable ecosystems tied to the Mississippi Delta.
The Environmental Sustainability project takes a multi-pronged approach to this by focusing on sustainability, recycling and educational initiatives that help green spaces to thrive. These efforts help not only the local ecosystem but serve to beautify communities and enrich the lives of those who live there by providing pleasant natural areas.
As an Environmental Sustainability volunteer you will work in community gardens, public parks, recycling warehouses or urban farms to assist sustainability initiatives. Your duties will vary depending on your placement and their specific focus at the time, but you could be involved in a range of tasks including:
- Planting trees
- Removing invasive species
- Sorting and recycling second hand housing materials
- Building urban trails
- Maintaining drainage areas
- Workshops to encourage sustainable living
It’s important to note this project predominantly involves working outside and you should keep this in mind for the time of year you are choosing to volunteer. You should come prepared for the seasonal weather and be particularly aware that summer in New Orleans can be very hot.
Why do Environmental Sustainability volunteering in New Orleans with IVHQ?
As an Environmental Sustainability volunteer in New Orleans you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping protect the environment and precious natural resources
- Educating local communities about sustainable living
- Learning about the effects of climate change
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining sustainability experience
- Exploring New Orleans and Louisiana
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Not sure which program to join?
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
United States photo gallery











Academic course credit

Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation

Location
The IVHQ USA volunteer program has volunteer placements located in the neighborhoods around New Orleans, the largest city in the state of Louisiana.
New Orleans is a place like no other. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in the world and famed for its live music, festivals, food, nightlife, friendly locals, blend of cultural influences and buzzing atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for short term volunteer opportunities, or longer volunteer vacations in the USA, the IVHQ New Orleans volunteer program can support you to make a positive difference while experiencing everything that this iconic city has to offer.
Arrival and orientation
A general program orientation will be held prior to your project starting and the timing for this will be advised based on your specific schedule. Your orientation typically covers an introduction to New Orleans, reflection on the importance of volunteering, code of conduct and expectations, transportation and safety instructions, and an overview of the week.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans.
Volunteer schedule example
As your group schedule will be customized based on your choice of package and customizations, this will be finalized ahead of your arrival in New Orleans.
Typically a 1 week schedule will have you arrive on Sunday, volunteer Monday - Friday, and depart Saturday.
Weekdays
Volunteer schedules vary based on the organization you’re placed with and the time of year. A typical volunteer day may look like:
8:00 - 9:00 AM | After breakfast, travel to placement to join the local staff. Receive a project-specific briefing and begin work on your project. |
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Your project will likely finish at lunchtime. Depending on your choice of package you may have lunch included, or you’re free to enjoy some of the local dining options. |
1:00 - 5:00 PM | Depending on your choice of package, you may have cultural or sightseeing activities planned. Otherwise take this opportunity to relax or explore this vibrant city independently. |
Evenings: | You’ll either have dinners included, or you’ll be free to choose from one of the many great local dining and entertainment options New Orleans offers. |
Weekends and Free Time
You’ll have the chance to truly explore New Orleans in your free time. This Louisianian city is the home of all that’s good in life - mouthwatering food, soulful music and fun loving, welcoming people. The fusion of Cajun, Creole, French, and African influences have made this resilient American city a unique place to visit today. Start by exploring the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, famous for its grand architecture and lively street life. Discover Treme, the city’s brass band powerhouse and cultural pulse. Make the most of Crescent Park which stretches 1.4 miles along the riverfront and enjoy the bike lanes which run from the Bywater to the Marigny. Watch the transformation of Bourbon Street at twilight as the home of jazz comes alive and the live music starts up. Or, head further afield and take in the wild backwaters, Mississippi River, and vast sugarcane fields on a swamp tour.
You’ll have worked up quite an appetite by then, so sit back and recharge with a feast of shrimp gumbo, or maybe just a bite of a po’boy sandwich or a spoonful of jambalaya.
And, don’t think Mardi Gras or the Jazz Fest are the only times the city’s in the festival swing. Be ready to make the most of the impromptu, authentic festivals and parades that pop up across the city most weekends. It’s an expression of the strong community spirit and thriving arts community.
But most importantly come to New Orleans with an open mind and ready to embrace the city’s motto, ‘laissez les bon temps rouler’, which translates to ‘let the good times roll’.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in gender-specific dormitory accommodation - either at a volunteer housing facility or public hostel (subject to package choice). Separate or private accommodations can be arranged for group chaperones.
The standard accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities which will vary according to the specific housing your group is assigned.
Meals
As one of the culinary capitals of the United States, you’ll quickly fall in love with the unique cuisine of New Orleans that reflects the city’s French, African and American roots.
Your choice of package will determine the meals you receive as part of your program fee. Many accommodations will also offer the option to prepare your own meals.
Please let us know in your application if you have specific dietary requirements.





















Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Your group experience can be fully customized based on the services you require. Please choose from one of the following Program Fee packages as a pricing guide, and contact the Group Support Team for any additional customizations you require and to confirm your price.* Prices are subject to confirmation of your group size.
- Standard Package - from US$498 per person*
- Priority Package - from US$728 per person*
- Preferred Package - from US$1,197 per person*
- All inclusive Package - from US$1,398*
All packages attract a Registration Fee of US$370 per person in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Payment deadlines and cancellation conditions may differ from the standard group terms and conditions based on the specific time you’re looking to volunteer and demand on housing in New Orleans.
Check what's required to visit the United States
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support

Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential city information
City | New Orleans |
Population | 1.26 Million |
Languages | English |
Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
Time zone | UTC-06:00 (Summer UTC-05:00) |
Weather and climate
New Orleans’ southern location means that the climate is humid subtropical, with short, mild winters and hot, humid summers. July is the hottest month in New Orleans with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 13°C (55°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in June. The wettest month is July with an average of 168mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in July when the average sea temperature is 30°C (86°F).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I gained in maturity, improved my English and learnt to manage on my own.
I absolutely loved my project. It’s such a unique, creative space filled with really nice people. I really liked how there’s a lot of options of where to volunteer and how flexible everybody was.
New Orleans was amazing! Everyone was incredibly welcoming to me and it was amazing to share and listen about the cultural differences between myself, locals, and fellow volunteers. The group I volunteered with really got along well together and made the most of every opportunity we got! I would definitely recommend visiting New Orleans.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.