Involvement Volunteers International Volunteering abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, make a meaningful difference, and develop both personally and professionally. However, the costs of international volunteering can sometimes feel prohibitive, especially for those looking to volunteer long-term.
So here are some of IVI’s most affordable long term volunteering programs that make it easier for those on a budget!
Firstly, why Consider Long-Term Volunteering?
Long-term volunteering offers a deeper, more immersive experience than shorter placements. It allows volunteers to develop strong connections with the communities they serve, gain a comprehensive understanding of the local culture, and make a more significant impact. Here’s why long-term volunteering is worth considering:
Greater Impact
Staying longer in a community means you can make a more meaningful and sustainable contribution. You’ll have time to see the results of your efforts and help implement lasting changes.
Skill Development
Long-term placements allow volunteers to hone their skills over time, whether in teaching, healthcare, or community development. You’ll gain hands-on experience and have the opportunity to see how your work evolves and influences the community.
Deeper Cultural Immersion
Spending more time in a country allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, learn the language, and build strong relationships with the people you meet.
Cost Efficiency
Volunteering for an extended period can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Many of our programs get cheaper for long-term volunteers, and living expenses can be lower when you’re not constantly traveling.
Most Affordable Long-Term IVI Programs
We have a plenty of affordable volunteering options for long term volunteering, here are some of the most budget-friendly programs for long-term volunteering:
Wild Animal Rehabilitation in Ecuador
Price for 6 months: $3100
The Wildlife Rescue Centre is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered wildlife, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing these animals into their natural habitats, thus preserving their freedom. It is located on a natural conservation farm in the La Concordia Canton, within the Santo Domingo de Los Tsáchilas Province of Ecuador.
You can help with participating in the specimen rescue team, assisting in the reception and health assessment of animals upon their arrival, administering medications and vitamins to animals undergoing recovery, providing neonatal care, including feeding, conducting monitoring, data collection, and care for specimens in recovery, and much more!
Rural School Education in India
Price for 3 months: $2050
This placement is centered around a rural school just outside of Bodghaya. The school is an educational institution that truly caters to the most vulnerable communities many of which live in extreme poverty.
The students come from the surrounding villages (approx 600 population) which lack basic infrastructure and without this school, would have virtually no access to education. For these agricultural driven communities, the reality of unjust social hierarchy simply does not allow children of poor families to receive an education.
There may also be a chance to get involved in medical initiatives, construction, vocational training, nutrition and more- just ask!
Childcare in Peru
Price for 3 months: $2390
Volunteer in after school programs and community centres around the Cusco area, a major South American tourist hub. As such, the children are very much aware of the importance of English speaking and writing skills for their career opportunity. For this reason, most are very eager to learn which makes for a full filling experience for international volunteers.
Sadly with poverty and homelessness in Cuzco, not all children have access to quality education. This program aims to provide a caring and nurturing space for volunteers to assist children with their studies so they can gain confidence in their abilities and go on to improve their quality of life.
Volunteers will be providing care and attention to children who sometimes come from difficult backgrounds and have suffered from abuse, abandonment, poverty conditions and lack of direction. Volunteers help play a vital role for local organizations to improve the quality of education and provide opportunity to children.
Medical Internship in the Philippines
Price for 3 months: $2175
The rural health unit clinics are one of the only sources of free healthcare available in these areas. Every single day new challenges present themselves in providing standard equipment, medicine, and healthcare supplies. This placement is geared for volunteers seeking medical experience or those with experience to help implement professional medical ideas and skills in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
You will work in health clinics in rural towns outside Tacloban City. The clinics will benefit greatly from the services of volunteer medical professionals and qualified students. Volunteers who are needed include doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and medical and nursing students.
Kindergarten Teaching in Ecuador
Price for 6 months: $2500
Community centres are welcoming and respectful environments that foster the psychomotor, social, emotional, and overall development of children aged six months to three years, with support from community care assistants. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage in shared experiences with the children, gain insights into child development, collaborate within a community-based and supportive setting, and acquire valuable experience in managing children’s nutrition.
Stray Dog Rehabilitation in Guatemala
Price for 3 months: $2390
Unfortunately, Guatemala has a significant problem with stray cats and dogs who wander the streets. These animals are often starving, with bad health and therefore can create an issue with safety within the community. Our local partners are grassroots organisations that provide care and treatment for the animals that have suffered so badly. They provide food, water, veterinary care and most of all, love and attention
You will be helping to groom, exercise, and train both the dogs and cats. You can assist with bathing, brushing, walking, and leading obedience training, as well as cleaning the kennels. You can also take part in the medical treatment, spay/neuter programs, education, and fundraising.
Special Needs & Community Support in Sri Lanka
Price for 3 months: $2590
Childcare
Volunteer in a childcare centre, for the poor and underprivileged families in this local community. You will be looking after the children and babies, as well as teaching fun educational activities and games. Daily duties involve helping staff in changing bed sheets, pillows, changing nappies and keeping the centre clean and sterilised. You will also help to prepare food and feed the children.
Home for Children and Persons with Disabilities
Volunteer in a home for children and persons with disabilities, which is run by the Mother Teresa Foundation and under supervision from the Department of Probation and Childcare, Sri Lanka. The home houses over 120 children, plus women and men with disabilities (aged 1 to 60 years).
English Teaching in Ecuador
Price for 10 months: $4100
Volunteers play a supportive role by aiding teachers and students with tasks such as improving pronunciation, reviewing homework assignments, assessing exam and test results, reading texts aloud, conducting engaging English warm-up activities (e.g., singing and analysing English songs, playing vocabulary games, discussing short videos or stories), delivering brief presentations, explaining English grammar concepts, and engaging in English conversations with students.
Refugee Support in Greece
Price: $299 application fee (you will need to find your own accommodation meals)
We operate a free shop where people can select non-food items, including clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and blankets. Children under 2 years old can also receive strollers. Additionally, we provide services such as printing and laminating important documents. A detailed induction will follow the general orientation, explaining the system and various roles in the free shop. The shop opens with a minimum of 5 volunteers and closes every Friday if the coordinators deem it necessary.
Sports Coaching in Ghana
Price for 3 months: $2490
Ghanaian children have a love for sports! The most popular sport is probably football, but most kids just love anything that gets them running and jumping and has a competitive element. If you love sports as much as the kids here do, then we need you in Ghana!
Share your knowledge and skills about how each game is played and inspire the children to learn more and to increase abilities within the sport. There are plenty of opportunities here, you can increase their skills at a sport they already play or introduce them to a totally new sport! Feel free to bring any sort of equipment or teaching aids with you, this can help greatly with your coaching experience, as equipment can be limited in some projects.
Conclusion
Long-term volunteering is a powerful way to make a lasting difference in communities around the world, and with IVI’s affordable programs, it’s more accessible than ever. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, teaching, or community development, IVI offer a range of affordable options that allow you to immerse yourself in the experience without breaking the bank!
Choosing to volunteer long-term is not just about making a difference in the world; it’s about transforming yourself. The skills, relationships, and insights you gain through long-term volunteering will stay with you for a lifetime, making it one of the most rewarding experiences you can undertake.
