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Volunteering in Special Education

World Endeavors Special Education volunteers contribute meaningfully to the lives of children and adults with special needs by assisting in schools and other settings in whatever capacity is needed. Tasks in local schools and children’s group homes may include assisting teachers and staff in the classroom, providing one-on-one or small group tutoring, helping children with specific projects, or providing basic care. Volunteers may also organize extracurricular activities such as music, art, and gardening. In some cases, volunteers provide assistance to adults with special needs, helping them with daily tasks or working on skills they can use at jobs and in everyday life. Through all their activities, volunteers help to provide positive, enriching experiences for individuals in a special education environment.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A SPECIAL EDUCATION VOLUNTEER PROJECT

Special education volunteers make a difference to some of the most vulnerable members of their host communities. Oftentimes, schools serving children with special needs face budget restrictions and are understaffed. Volunteers can help alleviate these strains and support full-time staff in providing meaningful educational opportunities for all children. Volunteer projects can also make a difference for special education in the long term as the presence of international volunteers can help draw local attention and support.

HIGHLIGHTS & BENEFITS

Volunteers with an interest in working with children with special needs are welcome to participate in a special education project through World Endeavors. Prior experience working in special education and knowledge of the local language are helpful, but not required. However, participants should possess a sincere interest in promoting educational equality and improving the lives of people with special needs. Special education volunteers bring to their projects patience, compassion, flexibility, and eagerness to make a direct difference in the lives of the children they serve.

Our Special Education volunteer projects

Volunteer Abroad
Argentina

Special Education Volunteer in Argentina

Argentine volunteers provide classroom assistance to teachers and engage in one-on-one student support, offering individual tutoring and aiding with class assignments.

Special Education Volunteer in Argentina

Argentine volunteers provide classroom assistance to teachers and engage in one-on-one student support, offering individual tutoring and aiding with class assignments.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

  • Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

  • Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
  • Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
  • 2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Assistance with resume updates
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Volunteer Abroad FAQs

How old do you have to be to Volunteer Abroad?

For most of World Endeavors’ volunteer programs, applicants must be 18 or older, although we make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The good news is there is no maximum age for our volunteer abroad programs.

Are there any free volunteer abroad programs?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer any volunteer programs for free. We value the impact our programs make, the partners we work with, and the overall experience of our participants. To provide the best volunteer abroad experience, we require participants to pay volunteer program fees.

Does Volunteering Abroad Look Good on a Resume?

Volunteering abroad enhances your resume by showcasing your cultural adaptability, global perspective, problem-solving skills, language proficiency, leadership, teamwork, initiative, and interpersonal abilities. It highlights your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, make a positive impact, and work effectively in diverse settings, making you a valuable candidate with a broader skill set and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

How to Fundraise for Volunteering Abroad?

There are plenty of ways to make volunteering abroad affordable and fit within your budget. Check out our fundraising page for guidance on to fundraise for your volunteer abroad program.

Where is the Best Place to Volunteer Abroad?

The optimal location for volunteering abroad depends on your interests, skills, and the causes you’re passionate about. Whether it’s teaching in a rural community, conserving wildlife in a biodiverse region, contributing to healthcare initiatives in underserved areas, or participating in sustainable development projects, the best place to volunteer abroad is where your strengths align with the needs of the local community, fostering meaningful and lasting positive impact. Browse all our volunteer abroad programs to see which project and destination stands out most.

Do You Need a Visa to Volunteer Abroad?

The specifics differ based on the destination and volunteer project you choose, not to mention visa regulations and requirements fluctuate periodically. As part of our enrollment procedure, our team will guide you through the steps needed to secure a visa if it’s deemed essential for your volunteer program and destination.

Is Volunteering Abroad Safe?

World Endeavors rigorously tracks travel advisories and exclusively organizes programs where safety is guaranteed, so when you choose to volunteer abroad with us, you don’t need to worry if you’ll be safe.

Our dedication to volunteer safety involves several measures, including a preparatory guide, continuous local assistance, on-site experts, thorough orientations before and after arrival, extensive travel medical coverage, and staff certified in Mental Health First Aid. Your well-being is our priority, ensuring you can flourish as a volunteer abroad with confidence!

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How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!