VOLUNTEER ABROAD AND MAKE AN IMPACT

Explore tailored volunteer programmes for skilled students and graduates. Boost your CV and directly support long-term NGO projects.

LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE WITH A PURPOSE?

Finding work-based experience that helps you stand out from the crowd isn’t always easy. That’s why going abroad for an internship or placement is real a game-changer for students and graduates.


At Vocational Impact, our goal as a charity is clear: connect skilled volunteers to the projects where they’re needed most. You’ll collaborate with professionals, gaining experience and making a real difference in developing communities.


With our long-established partnerships, we’re equipped to tailor volunteer opportunities to fit your needs.


Get in touch to start your volunteer adventure and see how you can make an impact!

HOW IT WORKS?

Find your programme
Explore the different destinations and programmes on offer.

Get In Touch
Fill out our quick form for all the application details.

Ready To Volunteer  
Finalise your programme with your volunteer co-ordinator and get ready to go.

Hear from our volunteers

Learning About the Criminal Justice System 
Volunteering in Ghana was a unique and eye-opening experience that offered me both personal and professional growth. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the locals and the staff on my programmee. Working with such a small, dedicated team impressed me, and I was able to learn a lot about the justice system through hands-on experiences. I particularly enjoyed the field trips, which included visits to four prisons, discussions with lawyers, and insightful briefings with police officers. These experiences allowed me to deeply engage with the criminal justice system in Ghana and compare it to the UK.

The placement not only broadened my understanding of global justice issues but also helped me develop practical employability skills. I participated in the production of documentaries highlighting prisoners’ stories, which was both eye-opening and educational. Outside of work, I explored the beautiful country, visiting national landmarks and meeting welcoming people, which made my time in Ghana unforgettable.
Max Bowen
University of Leicester
July 2024
Working with the Children was a Highlight
My volunteer placement in Ghana was a rewarding and educational experience. The hospitals offered valuable insight into how mental health treatment is approached across different cultures, which was fascinating to observe. I worked in the men’s acute units and rehabilitation wards at the Psychiatric Hospital, and provided psycho-education and counseling to patients, including one needing induced labor. Though there was more shadowing than I anticipated, the opportunity to be involved in real cases was deeply impactful.

Working in the orphanage was the highlight of my trip. Building relationships with the children was truly rewarding, and I only wish I had more time there. The other volunteers and the local team, especially Albert, made the experience even more memorable. Ghana’s rich culture and beautiful landscape were a joy to explore on weekends, adding to the overall experience. I’d recommend this program to those seeking to observe and learn in a unique and meaningful setting.
Megan Sullivan
Cambridge University
July 2024
Hands-on Clinical Experience & Cultural Immersion
My volunteer placement in Jaipur, India, was an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience from the very start. At the hospital, I worked in the psychiatric ward, conducting case history assessments, contributing to treatment plans, and supporting patients with mental health disorders and addiction. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team gave me valuable insights into holistic patient care. Additionally, I had the privilege of working with orphaned children, offering emotional support and organizing activities, which was a profoundly fulfilling experience.

Adjusting to life in Jaipur took some adaptability, but the warmth of the community made it easier. The city’s rich culture, historic sites, and the hospital’s dedication to care inspired me throughout my stay. Exploring Jaipur on weekends added a vibrant cultural dimension to my time there. Overall, the hands-on clinical experience, combined with cultural immersion, made this placement deeply enriching, both professionally and personally. I would definitely encourage my friends and university peers to participate in this placement.
Aparna Nair
Nottingham Trent University
July 2024
A Transformative Experience & Real-World Insight
Volunteering in South Africa was a transformative experience that gave me real-world insight into criminology and psychology. Working with the team in South Africa, I focused on gender-based violence (GBV) and witnessed the incredible impact of their work, from visiting a safe house to learning about the diversion program. A highlight was participating in a court preparation day with children, where I observed how therapeutic activities, like working with dogs, helped them feel more at ease.

Field trips were equally impactful, including a visit to a mental health house and engaging with the local community to raise awareness. Meeting Paula at a police station opened my eyes to the work I want to pursue in the future. I also took part in networking for event planning and saw how the programs connected directly to my university studies.

Beyond the work, I made lasting memories exploring South Africa’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, from safari trips to beach days. I highly recommend this experience!
Lyndsey Irvine
University of Leicester
July 2024

GET INSPIRED

Find out why a volunteer abroad programme is perfect for you this year.

Read psychology student Olivia’s story about her life-changing volunteering experience in India working on mental health with children and in hopsitals.

Read criminology student Rebecca’s story about her life-changing volunteering experience in Ghana working on legal aid and legal reform.

Here are some reasons to consider on why you should NOT apply to go abroad to volunteer

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