8 countries, 30+ placements
Matched to the right placement for you
Real responsibility, real impact
Supported every step of the way
What Kind of Placement Suits You?
Every NVW placement involves volunteering with children and young people. Choose the environment that suits you.
Support teachers, connect with local children and become part of school life abroad. Lively, rewarding and great for your confidence and CV.
Help deliver activities, sports and outdoor education as part of a volunteer abroad programme in a fun, active environment with children and young people.
Live locally while supporting families and young people through community volunteer placements that make a genuine difference.
Where Could You Go?
Volunteer abroad programmes across Europe, Africa, Australasia and the Americas.
Why Volunteer With Us?
We asked our volunteers why they chose an NVW gap year programme. Here is what they told us.
Volunteering abroad puts you in the middle of a community from day one. Live locally, meet people you would never encounter as a tourist, and build a social life that feels like genuinely belonging somewhere new.
Employers consistently value international volunteering experience. Up to a year spent working with young people, adapting to new environments and taking on real responsibility tells a story about you that no qualification alone can match.
Every single NVW placement involves volunteering with children or young people, whether in a school, an outdoor camp or a community project. That is what makes our volunteer abroad programmes different.
Living in a country is completely different from visiting it. You will get to know local traditions, history and everyday culture in a way that goes far deeper than any holiday, and for many placements, pick up a new language along the way.
Navigating life in a new country, with new people, in a new role does something to you. In the best possible way. You will come home more confident and more sure of yourself than when you left.
The freedom of travel with the reassurance of a trusted programme behind you. NVW is a UK registered charity with real people supporting you before you leave, while you are out there, and when you get back home.
How the Process Works
A clear, guided journey from application to starting your volunteer abroad placement.
Choose a Placement and Apply
Explore destinations and volunteer roles, then submit an application. If it looks like a good fit, we’ll invite you to an interview so we can get to know each other.
Get Confirmed and Prepared
Once accepted, you’ll complete key documents, secure your place with a deposit, and we’ll match you with a suitable volunteer placement.
Arrange Travel With Our Support
You’ll organise your flights, insurance and visa, with clear guidance and visa sponsorship from us to help you stay abroad for up to 12 months.
Start Your Placement, Supported Throughout
We coordinate your arrival, share everything you need to be ready, and support you before, during and after your volunteer placement.
Volunteer Stories
A closer look at real gap year and volunteer abroad experiences from the people who lived them.
What Volunteers Say
Real experiences from young people who’ve volunteered abroad with us.
A Year I’ll Never Forget – My International Volunteering Experience at Lucton School
Spending a year at Lucton School as an international volunteer has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life.
I lived with two other volunteers – one from Germany and one from Mexico – and we quickly became like a little family. We shared so many unforgettable moments together, and I’m sure these friendships will last far beyond this year.
Working at the school was so much more than I expected. Every day was different: I helped with sports lessons, supported the prep school, supervised swimming after completing my lifeguard qualification, and even spent time helping at the stables, where I learned so many new skills. I also loved getting to know the boarding students. Whether it was playing games, having conversations, or just spending time together, they made every day special.
One of my favourite parts was the amazing community. The teachers, coaches, and staff were always kind, supportive, and made me feel like a valued member of the team.
The organised weekend trips were another highlight. We visited cities, went to theme parks, painted pottery, and had so many fun experiences together. During the school holidays, I travelled around the UK and Ireland with another volunteer, exploring places like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Dublin, Bath, Bristol, the Scottish Highlands, and Cornwall. Those trips gave me memories I’ll never forget.
This year has helped me grow in so many ways. I’ve become more independent, confident, open-minded, and willing to step outside my comfort zone. It has taught me to embrace new experiences, adapt to different situations, and appreciate people from different cultures. Most importantly, I’ve made lifelong friends and learned so much about myself and what I want for my future.
I couldn’t have wished for a better gap year, and I would recommend this experience to anyone thinking about becoming an international volunteer. It truly has been a year I’ll never forget.
My Experience living and working in Poland
I am currently doing my volunteer year and I am having a very good time. Working at my school has been especially rewarding, as everyone is kind and welcoming. I really enjoy being part of the school community and contributing to lessons.
I also live with a host family, which has been a great part of my stay. I enjoy spending time with them, especially on weekends. In addition, I like living near Warsaw, where I often meet friends. Overall, this experience has been great so far.
Best decision ever: Outdoor Camp New Zealand
Hello everyon,
my name is Sebastian and I had the privilege to work as an outdoor instructor at Totara Springs in New Zealand. Like many other camps around here they focus on outdoor education with connection to their faith in Jesus.
I would never have thought of how much you can learn in one year. You will get to know so many skills but also so many people and it is just an amazing experience and time which really helps you to find direction in life.
