An older volunteer reads to a child as part of his childcare volunteer work overseas

Volunteer Abroad for over 50s

Tailor-made trips for volunteers over 50 who want to make a difference

Our Grown-up Specials are designed for volunteers aged 50 and over. We see many volunteers who want a career break or a meaningful way to spend retirement. These projects help you do that with other volunteers with the same priorities.

There is a range of projects you can take part in this way, whether you want to share your specialist skills or learn new things. You’ll meet people from around the world who want to make a positive impact on a community, just like you.

You’ll get to know other volunteers at social activities and local trips. Our working holidays abroad for over 50s have fixed start and end dates. They follow set itineraries, so you don’t have the hassle of organizing your trip from scratch. You’ll live with a host family to share their way of life and immerse in the local community.

Our volunteering holidays for over 50s are supported by Projects Abroad staff who help you get the most out of your trip. This level of support takes the stress out of living abroad, so you can focus on what matters to you.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

We’d be happy to talk about creating a custom project for you. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re well placed to answer your questions, big or small.

(+1) 917 810 4744

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What are Grown-up Specials?

Our Grown-up Specials are set trips made specifically for volunteers over the age of 50. You’ll follow a daily schedule, live with a host family and volunteer with like-minded people.

These projects are designed to help you volunteer abroad in a safe, well supported way. Our in-country Projects Abroad staff are available 24/7 if you need them.

Many of our regular projects can be arranged as a Grown-up Special, so you can choose from a wide range of projects and destinations. All our projects are sustainable, targeted and focused on helping the local community. You can be confident knowing you’re taking part in an ethical project with a lasting impact.

Older Projects Abroad volunteers complete volunteer building work abroad for over 60s.

Is a volunteering holiday for over 50s right for me?

Grown-up Specials are right for anyone over 50 who wants to volunteer with like-minded people. You’ll get all the benefits of a volunteering abroad experience, with the security of a well-structured trip. These projects are also suitable for people looking for volunteer work abroad for over 60s.

These projects suit those who want to use their career break, vacation time or retirement helping people in need. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Stepping out of your day-to-day routine is a rewarding experience, which is why so many of our volunteers come back to us after their first project.

If you’re interested in our Grown-up Specials, but would like to volunteer with people of all ages, you can consider our Flexi Trips. Read our full list of trip types here.

What are the benefits of doing voluntary work abroad for over 50s?

All our trips are designed to help you make the most of your time abroad. These are some of the benefits other Grown-up Special volunteers talk about:

Safety and security of traveling with a trusted organization with decades of experience
Opportunity to work with in-country staff who know the local community well
Developing confidence, skills, and friendships
Making the most of retirement, career breaks, or vacation
Learning about other cultures, less developed countries, and the challenges they face