One great way to continue doing good overseas is by volunteering. There are hundreds, or even thousands, of volunteer organizations that allow US citizens to live and volunteer abroad for a variety of timelines. It is extremely important to do research on an organization's safety, purpose and impact before signing on. 

Things to look for include: 

  • the organization's mission and impact
  • the organization's reputation
  • the training and support provided to volunteers
  • the organization's financial transparency
  • any ethical practices 
  • the impact on local communities 

Take a look at the Department of State's website about volunteering abroad for safety and planning tips.

Please refer to the following for guidance and some examples of volunteer organizations that operate internationally.

Go Overseas - Find Volunteer Programs

Peace Corps

Volunteers receive comprehensive support before, during, and after service. Before deployment, they go through cultural, technical, language, health, and safety training. During service, they get a living allowance, housing, medical and dental coverage, paid travel, ongoing training, and vacation time. After service, they gain a readjustment allowance, student loan assistance, graduate-school benefits through programs like the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows, career advantages (such as federal non-competitive hiring), and membership in a global community of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.

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United Nations

You can volunteer with the United Nations in communities around the globe. UN Volunteers come from over 160 countries and serve in a wide variety of international duty stations, including remote and challenging environments. There’s no strict upper age limit (candidates aged 18–80 are eligible), though assignments typically run from 3 to 48 months. Many opportunities require a relevant degree or technical diploma, professional experience (especially for specialist or expert roles), and language skills (English, French, or Spanish). Volunteers must also be committed to UN values, able to work in multicultural settings, and adapt to sometimes difficult living conditions.

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