The Student Volunteer Experience.

Are you between the ages of 16 - 29? 

If so, you're able to take part in a Developing World Connections Student International Volunteer Experience. Join a group of likeminded peers and become part of a service-based, grassroots movement and a growing community of active global citizens. Make a difference with your own two hands, build life-long friendships, see beautiful and unique parts of the world, and add some meaning to your international travels next summer.

As a Developing World Connections volunteer, you will work as part of a volunteer team, alongside local people, on a sustainable project selected by the host community. Usually, this means working on small infrastructure projects like building a community centre, training facility, house or school. You'll meet and work with the people who are trying to improve their own lives and build a sustainable future.  

Want to see a student trip in action? Check out this video created by a university student who travelled with a student group to Lima, Peru.

WHO CAN BE A STUDENT VOLUNTEER?

As long as you're between the ages of 16 - 29, you can join us on a Student Volunteer Experience. You don't necessarily have to be a student; although, many participants on these trips will be students enrolled at post-secondary institutions. All you need is an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and a caring soul.

WHEN AND WHERE CAN I GO?

Student Volunteer Experiences are 4 weeks long and generally take place in May, June, July, or August.

You can volunteer on projects in Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Cambodia, India, Philippines, Nepal, and Peru. Please note: not all locations are available each year for student trips.

WHO WILL I GO WITH?

Developing World Connections volunteers work as part of a team. When you sign up, you go with a group. Each group is accompanied by a volunteer Team Leader. Team Leaders make all the difference by supporting the team from start to finish. They are experienced travellers and past participants who possess an intimate understanding of the volunteers' needs. They are also trained in first aid. At DWC, we make sure groups are paired with suitable Team Leaders who will enhance your experience to its full potential. You can find out about some of our current team leaders on our Team Leader page.

Are you looking for leadership experience? Become a student Team Leader! Not only will you have a meaningful adventure, but you will also be building a skill set that employers are looking for. If you have already travelled abroad and wish to expand your leadership skills, please contact us to learn more.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

You will be doing what the host partner and community feels is the most important at the time. However, you will likely have the chance to get your hands dirty building something, likely a community center, a house, or a school. Volunteers work side by side with locals on each sustainable project. These physical infrastructure projects fill an important need and can be completed by teams in a short period of time – a great way to experience the tangible fruits of your labour.

Never built something before? Don't worry! No training or special skills are required, and you can take breaks whenever necessary.

WHERE WILL I STAY AND WHAT WILL I EAT?

Based on double occupancy, the accommodations are not luxurious, but they are clean and comfortable. We take great care to pre-screen your accommodations so they are acceptable by North American standards.

You will be provided the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and also get to eat western fare. In all cases, the food is appetizing and hygienically prepared. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM COST?

The cost for the Student Experience varies depending on destination and the size of your group. The Volunteer Experience Program Cost for a Student Experience per person for each country is:

*These costs includes in-country meals, accommodation and transport. Costs are variable depending on the number of participants. Airfare is not included in the Total Program Cost.

Your Volunteer Experience is 100% tax deductible. We will issue a charitable tax receipt for the Program Cost plus your airfare. You may also fundraise for the total cost of your trip including your airfare. In these cases, we will issue a charitable tax receipt to those who donate on your behalf.

I AM INTERESTED...NOW WHAT?

Visit our specific country pages to see where you would like to go and when you can take your trip. Then, go to our Sign Up to Volunteer page and follow the instructions. Someone from the DWC office will contact you to confirm your spot once you have completed the application process.

If you're not sure where to go, need help with the application process, or just have a specific question, please don't hesitate to contact us. We want to make your trip one of the best and most rewarding experiences of your life!