Europe

Volunteer in Europe

Volunteer opportunities in Europe

Volunteer in Europe and contribute to meaningful projects while immersing yourself in historic cultures. Whether you’re looking for a short-term adventure or a longer commitment, volunteering in Europe can be a transformative experience.

By volunteering in Europe, you could:

Keep scrolling to explore our volunteer and intern options in Europe, or explore all Volunteer Abroad & International Internship options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why volunteer in Europe?

Volunteering in Europe provides many benefits, both personal and professional:

  • Make a Real Impact: Contribute directly to local communities through our range of programmes, including diving and marine conservation, environmental projects, medicine, working with children, and community development.
  • Gain New Skills & Experience: Develop valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. Take a look at our Medical Internship for Teens and Medical Internships for Undergraduate Students in Spain if you’ve got your sights set on a career in medicine.
  • Immersive Cultural Experience: Go beyond typical tourism and truly live like a local. Experience different traditions, learn new languages, and build strong connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Personal Growth: Discover your passions, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of global issues. Volunteering can be a fulfilling journey that helps you realize your potential.
  • Explore Stunning Destinations: From the historic cities of Spain and Greece to the breathtaking natural landscapes of Romania, Europe offers a picturesque backdrop for your volunteering adventure.

How to choose your European volunteer programme

Consider these factors when selecting your ideal volunteer programme in Europe:

  1. Your Goals and Interests: What kind of impact do you want to make? What skills do you want to gain or utilise? A willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute positively to the project and local community is also key.
  2. Duration of Commitment: Programs can range from a few weeks to several months.
  3. Location: Do you want to be in city, on the coast, or somewhere more rural?
  4. Age Requirements: Many programs are open to adults (16/18+), while some cater specifically to teenagers (15 to 18).
  5. Organisation Reputation: Look for transparent programs with positive reviews from past volunteers and a clear commitment to the community’s needs. Organisations like Projects Abroad are a good option.
  6. Programme Fees: Understand what your fee includes (accommodation, meals, support) and if flexible payment plans are available.

Still not sure where to start, or ready to commit to a project in Europe? Contact us today to connect to your dedicated Project Expert.

Is volunteering in Europe safe?

Yes. We make sure all our projects are in safe and stable European countries. That way, you know you’ll have a reliable and stress-free time.

You can travel and volunteer in Europe with total peace of mind. Like anywhere though, visitors should be aware of their surroundings. Local staff will be on hand to offer tips and advice on keeping yourself and your belongings safe.

They’re contactable 24/7. If you volunteer in Europe on a teen programme under-18s, you’ll benefit from constant support and supervision.

Find out more about safety and backup.

How old do I have to be to join a volunteer programme in Europe?

You can volunteer in Europe with Projects Abroad from 15 years old, depending on the project. You must be over 18 if you are not joining an Teen Programme.

To join a project, all you need to do is check you meet the requirements and apply. Most of our volunteer abroad projects have minimum requirements which are stated clearly on the project page, but feel free to get in touch for further advice and support.

Do you need a visa to volunteer in Europe?

When you apply, we’ll support you every step of the way. This includes supporting you through the visa process, no matter where you’re travelling from.

Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to safely volunteer abroad, wherever you go.

Looking to volunteer in Europe under 18?

For teenagers aged 15, 16 or 17 interested in volunteering in Europe, we offer specialised programmes for high school students. Our teen volunteer programmes in Europe are designed to provide in-country supervision for young travellers, creating a safe and exciting experience that helps build your skills ready for university.

Do we offer short-term volunteering in Europe?

Our volunteer programmes in Europe last a minimum of two weeks, giving you enough time and flexibility to completely immerse yourself and do vital volunteer work.

Our price increases per week are minimal, so the longer you stay, the better value your trip will be! You’ll also have more time to really learn about a new European culture and to see the amazing impact you’re having on local communities.

Can I volunteer in Europe for free?

We charge a fee for our programmes to ensure your experience abroad is safe, impactful, and sustainable. This fee covers your meals, accommodation, programme resources, transport, and much more.

Our European volunteer projects have a fee because we want to give you the best possible experience. That means we need funding to run the programmes and plan the logistics, and your fee helps us cover those costs.

We also offer affordable volunteering programmes in Europe via our flexible payment plans as we understand that paying in one go isn’t always possible. We just ask for an initial deposit of €295 and then you can pay as much or as little as you like in a series of small instalments. We’re completely flexible, but the entire fee does need to be paid in full before you leave for your project.

Still got questions? We’re happy to help!

Our trusted accreditations

British Youth Travel Awards Customer Service
Go Overseas Rating
SDG Contribution finalist
Go Abroad Winner
Learning outside the classroom badge
GoOverseas community choice award
Sustainable tour operator finalist
GoAbroad Rating
Volunteer Forever award
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