Senior citizens can volunteer abroad! Immune to the trends of time, kindness is always in style. No matter the hairstyle, fashion preferences, or year of birth, volunteer organizations are looking for enthusiastic individuals to make the world a better place and spread some smiles. Whether it’s to get involved with a community, travel the world, impart ages of wisdom, add a sparkle of altruism to the golden age of retirement, or just let loose your hair and go wild, senior volunteer opportunities abroad are calling your name!
Looking to still keep busy post-retirement? Senior volunteer opportunities abroad are for you!
It’s true: you are exactly what the world needs, by gum. You’ve got life experience, maturity, patience, and a certain type of charm that the herds of 21-year-olds (bless their souls) heading out to see the world simply don’t. Volunteer programs are starting to notice the invaluable contribution of older volunteers and are increasingly making adjustments to appeal to the senior population.
Many hands make light work, and the more wrinkles on them, the better.
What to consider when looking for senior volunteer opportunities abroad
International volunteer programs are all different, and finding your cup of tea is a bit like going back to the college application process. The best volunteer abroad programs for older adults vary based on interest and structure, so it’s best to clarify what it is that inspires you to pack a backpack and lend a hand.
Filter GoAbroad’s volunteer programs based on location, field, and duration to get personalized results! It’s no secret that walking barefoot on the beach during sunset has numerous health benefits and adds a glow of retirement vacation to senior volunteer opportunities abroad.
Education and community service volunteer programs tend to be the most popular; however, there are senior volunteer opportunities abroad in any field. National parks and medical fields love older faces, while the Peace Corps actively looks for volunteers 50+.
It’s natural that your program interests/concerns are not going to be the same as those of college kids’; probably, you’re willing and able to spend a bit more money on comfort and independence, rather than prioritizing social outings and adrenaline adventures (but be our guest!). Time constraints might be more flexible, time abroad longer, destinations more developed.
You have the wisdom and life experience necessary to make a real impact, so get out there and do it!
Research. Be aware that health restrictions usually apply for programs, so keep physical guidelines in mind and check age limits. There are several programs that are available only to students or young adults, but there are just as many programs designed especially for seniors (such as Senior Corps’ Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions programs). If in doubt, reach out and ask.
Without further ado, here are the best volunteer abroad programs for older adults:
The best volunteer abroad programs for older adults
1. Global Volunteers
Making lives better since 1984, Global Volunteers is an international non-profit organization that is great for both first time and professional altruists. In addition to offering family programs, GV also has special programs just for seniors, who make up half of their entire volunteer population. This means that your health and safety are prioritized (e.g., tourist-class guesthouses, nutritious meals, emergency medical evacuation insurance), so you can breathe easy and focus 100% on building community spaces, teaching English, offering health education, planting gardens, and other interactive tasks preparing the next generation for the future.
Specialized volunteer coordinators guide you through the application process from step one, matching your skills and interests with the perfect project abroad. With full days of meaningful projects and evenings off to explore the surroundings, you won’t even have time to miss your grandkids. As an added bonus, programs are tax-deductible!
- Where: Worldwide
- What: Various
- Read reviews of Global Volunteers here
2. Go Palestine
For those interested in working with refugees in social, educational, and entertainment fields, Go Palestine’s Refugee Relief program is an eye-opening experience for all involved. The age limit is 70, but there are many positions perfect for the elderly, and Palestinian hospitality in host families guarantees that everyone is cared for as needed. Volunteer activities focus on conversational English, healthcare, and the arts, to both prepare and stimulate refugees of all ages to succeed in the international scene.
Programs range from one week to three months and placements are conducted on an ongoing basis. Creating community is prized, with Arabic classes and cultural activities throughout Hebron offered after volunteer hours. Program matching and visa help is offered through the website, and the small, but dedicated program staff ensures that every individual is personally taken care of.
- Where: Palestine
- What: Refugee Relief
- Read reviews of Go Palestine here
3. Cross-Cultural Solutions
With more than 22 years of experience, Cross-Cultural Solutions is a well-established volunteer abroad organization that extends into seven diverse countries and covers a range of activities. This New York-based company addresses current global issues, while also supporting local economies and providing excellent volunteer guidance.
Dietary restrictions, accommodation requests, and medical conditions are taken into account upon application, and there’s even the possibility of partners/family joining you on the overseas adventure. Programs range between one to 12 weeks, with help needed in refugee work, child health, and child education, so there is a field and time slot for all interests. If you’re looking for a trusted, highly-rated program in lower-income countries, CCS is one of the best volunteer abroad programs for seniors.
- Where: Worldwide
- What: Various
- Read reviews of Cross-Cultural Solutions here
4. Teachers for Teachers
PANGEA’s Teachers for Teachers volunteer program is a 2.5 week summer program in the heart of Africa, perfect for those who wish to get in touch with their wild side while making a lasting impact in the classroom. Paired with local teachers, volunteers start with a brief orientation to discuss instructional techniques before getting in front of the classroom. An interchange of teaching methods is valued, so Teachers for Teachers look for those with experience (at least one year teaching under the belt) and an open mind to adapt new communication methods with the kids.
After the school day, volunteers are free to join in on community activities, help with book distributions, or become a part of the community center, which hosts literacy and learning programs. For seniors young at heart and willing to step foot into new lands, this top-rated education program is an alternative selection for senior volunteer opportunities abroad.
5. Global Vision International
Another one of the best volunteer abroad programs for seniors, GVI has been around for over 20 years and values working with the 50+ age group. Twenty-one programs in 13 countries means that you can do anything from cuddling kittens in rural mountain top villages to building sandcastles with orphans on Caribbean beaches.
Keeping the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals in mind, GVI strives to merge global visions with local organizations for balanced well-being. Repeatedly featured in international publications such as National Geographic and The Sunday Times, the visions behind sustainable development and human empowerment are respectable worldwide. Health and safety are the forerunners of GVI’s volunteer coordinator concerns, with staff member:participant ratios ranging from only 1:3 to 1:6 and plenty of risk audits along the way. These guys cherish community and authentic connections, so senior volunteers always have a special place in their heart; join in!
- Where: Worldwide
- What: Various
- Read reviews of Global Vision International here
6. Projects Abroad
One of the world’s safest and most welcoming countries, Costa Rica guarantees satisfaction to members of all ages with this community volunteer program. Working in daycare centers and kindergartens in Heredia and San Jose, this placement is one of the best volunteer abroad programs for older adults who have time and love for children and young adults.
Since 1992, the program organization Projects Abroad has sent around 10,000 people a year to countries and situations in need of extra hands and open hearts, and their volunteer coordinators work closely with applicants to ensure that all needs are matched. Programs usually come with a homestay (your wallet is going to be bursting with photos of cute kiddos after this trip), but special arrangements can be made for more privacy. If becoming a mentor to a child in need while enjoying an extensive community of expats sounds like a good balance in the hummingbird capital of the world, hop on down to Latin America’s slice of paradise.
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Don’t miss your chance to sign up for senior volunteer opportunities abroad
Don’t ever let age be a factor in your decision to go abroad and make a difference.
The golden age is only approaching, and those mature in mind but young at heart can get just as much out of a grown-up gap year as they put in. Not only do seniors that volunteer abroad show higher psychological well-being and vitality, but they tend to be happier and live longer (talk about taking the egg!). Community, involvement, continued education, and positive energy all allow for the perfect environment to feel useful and cherished.
So, find a field you’re passionate about, invest your soul, and befriend like-minded individuals of all ages to add meaning to your days. As valuable members of society, senior citizens that volunteer abroad contribute to the growth of society in a way that no one else can—and we’re not selling any dogs to you.
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