(your journey here)

Family Volunteering Abroad

“It was an amazing experience for our entire family!”

Volunteering is a family activity. Younger children are immersed in a new culture, older children learn the value of personal responsibility and commitment, and the whole family is brought closer together even as they expand their global vision.

Why simply take a trip together when you can do so much more? Discover a world outside your own. Learn about others … and yourselves. Become global citizens. Change lives (your own and those with whom you work).

United Planet provides comprehensive, enriching experiences that include planning and support, safe travel and accommodations, language immersion, cultural activities, learning excursions … everything your family needs to create a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

I really love how United Planet calls our volunteer project a “quest”. I feel like my purpose in wanting to help, serve, give, learn, and help my own kids experience something so different, IS a Quest! It is something I am trying to find and search for within myself….I have decided our experience so much revolves around expectations! At the end of the day, after reflection, I end on a great high with having become so pleased with what HAS occurred-realizing that a whole new and unexpected THING was learned, felt, discovered, ascertained and realized by the experience we did have. And I come away grateful and happy. What a valuable life lesson for me to learn.”

— Jennifer Bates, of the Bates family who volunteered on a Quest to Peru

ENROLL NOW

Why volunteer with United Planet?

United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

We are a mission-focused, non-profit organization

We are all about service, making a difference, building a global community.

Our programs emphasize authenticity

Get outside your bubble, jump into a real experience, become a global citizen.

We provide everything you need to succeed

Classes, in-country travel, home stays, meals, work –we are your cultural bridge.

Your safety is our most important concern

From one-on-one assistance before you travel to experienced staff in country, everything is done to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

(your journey here)

Your Quest is personalized to provide the opportunity for genuine, meaningful personal growth.

What we do is meaningful

Your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

Current Family Volunteering Abroad Opportunities

Below are some of the volunteering possibilities for families with younger children. United Planet finds that orphanages are a great place for families to volunteer. Children of all ages can play with each other; teens can help with a variety of tasks; and adults can teach or care for the children. Families can stay in a home; or we can arrange for accommodations in a hotel or guest house. Please Contact Us for more information.

Please note that the minimum age for children traveling with families is 5.

Family poses in Peru

Peru

Volunteers can work at either at an orphanage, daycare, or after school program. Possible tasks for volunteers include helping with homework, teaching English, playing with the children, and organizing activities such as sports, crafts, reading, dancing, singing, or charades. Learn more about volunteering in Peru.

Family of volunteers pose for the camera

Nepal

Volunteers in Nepal are needed to help at a local orphanage in Kathmandu. There are 50+ children at the orphanage, ranging in age from four months to 13 years old. Currently, over 30 of the children are infants whom the staff need help looking after and tending to their basic needs. Volunteers can also help the older children with educational activities such as arts and crafts, helping with home work and basic English teaching. Learn more about volunteering in Nepal.

Family Volunteering Abroad - Romania

Ecuador

Volunteers have the option of working with children from low-income families at daycare centers or teaching English at an elementary school in Quito. Volunteers organize activities and spend time giving children the individual attention they need to thrive. Learn more about volunteering in Ecuador.

Family Volunteering Abroad - Romania

Costa Rica

Volunteers can help care for children in day care centers, children’s homes, and work in local schools. Families can also volunteer in one of Costa Rica’s environmental sustainability projects. Learn more about volunteering in Costa Rica.

Family Volunteering Abroad - Romania

Romania

Families work and live at a remote orphanage and community development center, tending to the needs of the children whose ages range from infants to young adults. Learn more about volunteering in Romania.