For 18-year-old Analiz from Ecuador, volunteering in the UK was more than just a year abroad — it was a journey of independence, cultural discovery, and personal growth. Living with a host family in Surrey, she cared for young children, helped in a charity shop, and built confidence that changed how she sees the world.
“They became like a family. It didn’t feel like work — more like being an older sister. I grew up, became independent, and it completely changed my life.”
The UK Programme Manager, James, prepares volunteers for their placements and provides ongoing support.
James, an advocate for international volunteering, draws from his 1986 gap year in Indonesia. With extensive experience in volunteerism, he held key roles at Project Trust, VSO, and The Prince’s Trust. He contributed to education as a curriculum manager and Student Services Manager. Joining Lattitude Global Volunteering in 2014, he later became CEO. Residing in Ryde, Isle of Wight, with his family and three dogs, James renovated a historic Georgian townhouse, once the workplace of Ryde Conservative Club’s first Chairman, who shared his name.
Why NVW charges a fee
New Ventures Worldwide is a UK-registered nonprofit charity. The fee contributes to our operating costs and allows us to continue our mission of arranging volunteering placements for our global network of nonprofit organisations. A financial report is published annually to the UK Charity Commission.
Included in the fee
The fee includes a sponsored Tier 5 visa, a thoroughly vetted placement, an appropriate volunteer role based on age, experience and interests, a placement mentor, any necessary training, preparation guidance, a one-to-one call to go through the visa application process, ongoing support, accommodation, food, and a weekly spending allowance of £70 GBP.
The host family will pay you £1,400 GBP to cover the visa and health surcharge cost once the placement is complete.
Other expenses
In addition to the placement fee of £950 GBP, you’ll need to budget for:
Exact costs can vary depending on your nationality, location, visa type, and personal circumstances. We recommend checking the latest official guidance — and we’ll happily go through what’s likely to apply to you during your interview.
After completing the application form, our team will check if you are eligible for your chosen program before inviting you to a Welcome Video Call. The interview is where you get to know the New Ventures Worldwide team, ask questions and get matched to your perfect program. Various background checks are then conducted before you are officially enrolled in the program.
Yes, you will need to arrange your own flights and travel insurance. You’ll need to send us your travel insurance policy details before starting a program.
Being on a volunteering placement means you’ll always have a network of people around you, including locals and other volunteers. Providing a readymade community with local knowledge to explore, share, and create incredible memories. However, if you want to travel with a friend from home, let us know, and we can usually arrange for you to be on the same placement.
New Ventures Worldwide has a Ladder of Support so you can see who to contact if you need help. Your placement will assist you in almost all situations. However, we also offer background support, mainly if a more serious issue arises.
The journey of a lifetime starts here!
