The International Volunteer Experience.

There is still nothing quite as meaningful as going somewhere to actually help someone in need. Become part of a growing community of active global citizens and participate on an international service-based volunteer experience. 

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.  

THREE TYPES OF EXPERIENCES:

Short Term Experience: Join one of our scheduled trips for 1 - 2 weeks. Register on your own or with a friend or two. Get your hands dirty, build global friendships, and make a difference. Great for everyone! It is worth sticking around after the Developing World Connections experience to visit some of the incredible sites each country has to offer. Speak with your travel agent for cultural options and how to extend your stay after the experience is complete! Visit our Short Term Experience page for more information.

Student Experience: Join one of our youth student experiences. Each experience, typically in May through August, are around 4 weeks in length. If you are between ages 16 - 29 or a registered student at a post-secondary institution, you can participate and work with your peers through a service experience. Lend a hand, explore the host country, and build global friendships. Visit our Student/Youth page for more information.

Create-Your-Own-Group Experience: Want to take a meaningful adventure with your own exclusive group? We can build customized experiences for your group of family, friends, colleagues, or a special interest group. Experience the difference you can make working together and sharing in a common goal. Visit our Create Your Own Experience page to find out more information.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

YOU can! Anyone with an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and a caring soul. Families. Singles. Couples. Adults. Youth. We have had volunteers range in age from 9 to 83 years old and their backgrounds have been as different as their ages. No special skills are required and if you have physical limitations, you can work according to your ability.

It’s not what you can do and how fast you can do it – it’s about being part of the process. As part of a team, you can make a difference, have lots of fun and create life long memories.

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 take time away from their jobs and lives to provide the invaluable service of ensuring the well-being each volunteers, and they work hard to make sure that everyone involved has a great experience. Our Team Leaders are experienced travelers and past participants and possess an intimate understanding of the volunteers’ needs.

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 Volunteer Experience Program Cost for a Short Term Experience per person for each country is:

*These costs includes in-country meals, accommodation and transport, as well as a substantial direct donation to the Host Partner. Airfare is not included in the Total Program Cost.

Please refer to the Destination pages to see the exact pricing for each short term trip. Four-week student trip costs can vary depending on the number of participants, but generally, they cost between $2,000-$2,600 (plus airfare).

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!