Discover the perfect opportunity to spend a summer volunteering abroad. We've got a range of programmes to suit your needs and give you the best experience possible. In this section we also share other opportunities.
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Volunteering abroad is a great way to get experience and give something back.
The providers below are our "preferred providers" meaning that we have assessed their programme and built a relationship with them. We believe that their programmes are unique, offer good value for money and we regularly collect feedback from students to make sure we can confidently recommend the programme to other students. We also have a list of other opportunities that have been recommended to us by staff or students. These opportunities are not currently partnered with us, so please check them before committing to a programme.
If you are aware of a programme that you'd like to see added to our list - please contact us via stpabroad@essex.ac.uk.
There are a range of funding opportunities that you can access to support you to volunteer abroad.
You can also claim your Big Essex Award upon successfully completing one of the programmes below.
![A group of people stand smiling for a photo in Nepal]()
"I supported the Nepali people who really wanted to build their schools for better education and infrastructure"
Please note these are external opportunities which have been recommended to us by students and university staff. They have therefore not been assessed in the same way that our preferred partner opportunities have. Make you read and understand all the terms and conditions before making any commitments.
Americamps give you the chance to work and earn a salary at one of many American summer camps. Americamps state they offer the highest salary whilst also providing meals and accommodation whilst you work.
AIESEC is a global youth-led organisation striving to achieve peace and fulfillment of humankind’s potential. Together with partner organisations, AIESEC facilitates cross-cultural exchanges in the form of volunteering experiences and professional internships.
Summer Camp USA is your chance to spend the summer living, working as a camp counsellor, and travelling in America. Boost your CV with the most fun job you'll ever have while making friends for life, learning new skills, and getting a unique slice of American culture.
Drop’pin@EURES is the place where companies and organisations can promote and showcase their youth opportunities designed to help young Europeans take their first steps into the labour market.
ErasmusIntern provides an integrated market place that aims at bringing together internship providers and students seeking an internship opportunity abroad.
The mission of Eurodesk is to raise awareness among young people on mobility opportunities and to encourage them to become active citizens. Eurodesk offer a range of volunteering opportunities across Europe, which you can search via their opportunities finder.
Information and advice on how to start volunteering. Plus search for opportunities and organisations which are actively looking for volunteers.
Raleigh is a youth driven organisation that supports a global movement of young people to take action and create solutions to the world's most urgent problems.
A sea turtle research and conservation organisation based on the beautiful island of Kefalonia, Greece. Its mission is to protect endangered sea turtles and their natural habitats, offer a unique learning experience to the volunteers who join its efforts, and promote public awareness.
UmPhafa is a Private Nature Reserve in South Africa. In collaboration with Colchester Zoo, they offer internships to people who have a passion and an interest to learn about African Wildlife Conservation and Reserve Management. The internships are run by the Reserve Management Team which ensures that interns are mentored by our most senior and experienced staff members. It is a fantastic and rare opportunity to work alongside a team with many years of experience and gain creditable work experience whilst knowing that the contribution is having a direct influence on the wellbeing of the flora and fauna on the reserve.
We run lots of different sessions throughout the year to provide you with essential information about going abroad. From first year and second year briefings to funding chats and country low-downs, we've got it covered.
