Volunteer Abroad

Charity work abroad - in Asia, Africa, Latin America, & Europe

International volunteering opportunities

Welcome to Global Village, our short-term overseas volunteering programme. Our opportunities to volunteer abroad are nothing short of life-changing experiences. You will have a unique chance to directly contribute to Habitat for Humanity’s work on the ground. If you are looking to challenge yourself, you've come to the right place. We have an expert team of builders and volunteer coordinators who will help you make it all possible - from fundraising to laying bricks.

Upcoming volunteer trips

Volunteer in Kenya

21 Jul. - 30 Jul. 2018

Head over to Kenya, the cultural and economic heartbeat of Africa, to support us in building houses for vulnerable families and communities.

Home construction

We help build strong, resilient communities that can weather any storm (from cyclones to joblessness) by providing skills and financial training as well as not-for-profit loans.

Typical activities will include:

Pouring concrete
Laying foundations
Brick laying
Plastering
Painting

Vulnerable populations

In Kenya, there is a growth of informal settlements in urban areas with 60% of the population living in slums in overcrowded homes typically with only one room and no adequate ventilation. Families are at high health risk of diseases such as malaria, respiratory infections, and jigger infestation.

The vulnerable, in particular women, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and orphans, are worst hit.

Volunteer in Nepal

23 Sept. - 2 Oct. 2018

Based at the foothills of the Himalayas in Kavre, you’ll join a group of volunteers in helping families build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Home construction

We help build strong, resilient communities that can weather any storm (from cyclones to joblessness) by providing skills and financial training as well as not-for-profit loans.

Typical activities will include:

Pouring concrete
Laying foundations
Brick laying
Plastering
Painting

Disaster recovery

Build back stronger after a disaster and learn about Habitat’s work to increase stability and reduce risks.

About 10 percent of urban dwellers in Nepal are squatters and the number is set to rise. With more than half a million houses destroyed in the 2015 earthquakes, the need for decent housing has become even more pressing.

Volunteer in Brazil

6 Oct. - 14 Oct. 2018

TRIP NOW FULLY BOOKED - Please check back in April/May 2018 for exciting new trips!

Home construction

We help build strong, resilient communities that can weather any storm (from cyclones to joblessness) by providing skills and financial training as well as not-for-profit loans.

Typical activities will include:

Pouring concrete
Laying foundations
Brick laying
Plastering
Painting

Vulnerable populations

Bring stability and opportunity to orphans, vulnerable children and other people experiencing extreme difficulties.

On this build, you will support the ‘Future Begins at Home’ programme which enables children and young people from low-income urban communities in the Northeast region to have a more adequate home to live in.

Volunteer in Mexico

20th Oct. - 30th Oct. 2018

Join us in Chiapas, Mexico where you'll be part of a group of volunteers helping vulnerable families build their homes.

Home construction

We help build strong, resilient communities that can weather any storm (from cyclones to joblessness) by providing skills and financial training as well as not-for-profit loans.

Typical activities will include:

Pouring concrete
Laying foundations
Brick laying
Plastering
Painting

Volunteer in India

24 Nov. - 2 Dec. 2018

Join us in Mumbai, India where we'll be building safe homes for tribal communities in the Karjat Area.

Home construction

Help build new homes with the support of local community leaders and the families who need them.

Typical activities include:

Mud Trampling
Bricklaying
Sand Loading
Basement Earth
Digging
Painting

Corporate Volunteering

Throw job titles and positions aside, immerse yourself in another culture and unite employees together as a collective force to lift families out of poverty.

The sense of community, respect, hard work and support that we experienced is something I will treasure forever. It is an experience of a lifetime.Gill, India

The feeling of pure joy and happiness knowing you have changed people’s lives just by giving up 10 days of your life is indescribable… You wanted to be the difference, to make a change, to light up someone’s life.Georgina, Cambodia

My time in Malawi was an emotional roller coaster - building relationships with all of the families and children was wonderful. They were all so welcoming and friendly. Our team was also fantastic and I’ve made friends for life.Chris, Malawi

It is the noblest act of selflessness - to come to a strange country and help complete strangers to make the world a bit more just.George, Romania

It expands your heart to realise that we all share the need for a home and to make a home for others.Manuela, India

Your impact worldwide

Every year, our volunteers participating in charity work abroad help build dozens of new homes and send well over £200,000 in raised donations as part of their volunteer trip costs (fundraised or not).

For the families we work with, you are valuable reminder that compassionate people regularly go out of their way to help them break the cycle of poverty. Join our mission to build resilient communities that can weather any storm (from cyclones to joblessness). Our work carries on well beyond home construction, as we provide skills and financial training to empower local communities.

Cold feet vs itchy feet?

From “I’m not a manual person” to “I can’t possibly build a house”, the most beautiful thing for us is seeing volunteers suddenly realise that they are capable of so much more than what they think.

Believe us, you can do anything you set your mind to. Jimmy Carter, the 93 year old former US president, has been building with us nearly every year for the past 40 years.

How it works

Contact a team leader - ask any questions you may have and he/she will get back to you shortly

Register for a build - you'll have to pay the registration fee after which you'll receive information to help you prepare for the build

Start fundraising - we'll provide you with support and tips to successfully reach your target

Why build with us?

Today, 1.6 billion people live in slums and informal settlements where the walls aren’t sturdy enough, doors are missing and roofs are leaking. Whether you're headed to Africa, Latin America or anywhere else, every short-term volunteer trip includes a donation which helps us pay for local workers to build homes all year round. As well as helping to create local jobs, you provide a crucial boost to our productivity - allowing us to build more homes at a faster pace than ever.

FAQs

Our volunteer abroad programme is unique, because we put you in touch with an active project. Check out these FAQs to understand how we create longlasting impact...

Fundraising resources

We're constantly developing new material to help you raise the money needed to take part in your volunteer trip abroad and create a successful fundraiser...

Corporate volunteering

Every day local builders across the world are building homes, creating local jobs and boosting the economy. Your company can be a part of the solution too...

Wondering how to get started or how volunteering abroad works?
Thinking about joining a short-term volunteer trip?

Get in touch with us and we will be there to support you along the way — introducing you to the Team Leader, setting up your fundraising page and helping with you reach your target.

Your Team Leader will be able to help you as you start to prepare. We have also online resources that will be useful as you embark on your journey.