Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations for 2025 | Go-Elective Programs

Volunteering abroad is more than a noble gesture—it’s a gateway to global learning, cultural exchange, and life-changing experiences. Whether you're a pre-med student seeking clinical exposure, an aspiring educator looking to sharpen your teaching skills, or someone passionate about international development, choosing the right destination is key.

At Go Elective, our programs abroad  offer immersive, mentored experiences—but they’re not your only options. In this guide, we also explore three additional top destinations that students can consider, comparing what each has to offer.

Why Volunteer Abroad?

International volunteering helps you:

• Build empathy, resilience, and leadership
• Develop hands-on skills in education, health, and community work
• Understand social determinants of health and education
• Strengthen your CV or application for med school, PA school, or teaching programs
• Gain cultural competence, an essential skill in healthcare and global education

Go Elective’s Featured Volunteer Destinations

1. Mombasa, Kenya

A coastal hub for healthcare and education, Mombasa is home to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, multiple schools, and vibrant Swahili culture.

Great for:

• Pre-med, nursing, PA students
• Aspiring teachers, special needs educators
• Solo travelers and gap year students
  
  

Experiences include:

• Shadowing doctors and surgeons in public hospitals
• Teaching English, science, or sign language in under-resourced schools
• Preventive health workshops, orphanage outreach, and tree planting
• Optional: Weekend safaris to Tsavo or Diani Beach

> Interested? Apply Here

2. Arusha, Tanzania

Nestled near Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha offers community-rooted placements in rural clinics and schools, perfect for students looking for rustic charm and challenge.

Best for:

• Students interested in public health or tropical medicine
• Early childhood and special education volunteers
• Environmental and agriculture-focused interns
  
  

Add-ons include:

• Serengeti safari, Ngorongoro Crater tour, and Kilimanjaro hikes

> Interested? Inquire Here

More Destinations to Consider

3. Ghana

Ghana’s stable democracy and friendly culture make it one of the most popular destinations in West Africa for volunteers.

Highlights:

• Volunteer in Cape Coast or Accra in hospitals, community clinics, or public schools
• Contribute to women’s health education or malnutrition screening
• Teach reading, math, and hygiene in underserved areas

Why Consider Ghana: English is the official language, making communication easy. It’s a great fit for first-time travelers or those seeking a deeper understanding of West African culture and development issues. 

4. Nepal

Tucked in the Himalayas, Nepal offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and critical need in education and health sectors.

Program Opportunities:

• Health posts and local clinics in rural mountain regions
• Schools needing support in English and STEM teaching
• Projects related to post-earthquake infrastructure and education rebuilding

Why It Stands Out: For those drawn to Buddhist and Hindu cultures, mountain trekking, and remote village work, Nepal offers a deeply rewarding setting.

5. Cambodia

Rich in history and resilience, Cambodia provides opportunities for volunteers to support underserved communities while exploring ancient temples and vibrant traditions.

Volunteer Work Includes:

• Teaching English and hygiene to children in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
• Supporting community health projects in rural areas
• Partnering with NGOs on youth empowerment and trafficking prevention

Bonus Experience: Visit Angkor Wat, explore floating villages, or bike through rice paddies on your days off.

What Makes Go Elective’s Programs Unique

Whether you choose Kenya, Tanzania, or another location, our programs provide:

• Structured placements with mentorship
• Hands-on experience aligned with your career goals
• Cultural immersion through excursions, language lessons, and community work
• Accommodation, meals, transport, and 24/7 support

> Inquire Here

Who Can Join?

Go Elective is open to:

• High school graduates (especially IB students on gap years)
• University students studying medicine, public health, education, or social work
• Aspiring doctors, nurses, PAs, and teachers
• Volunteers with basic English skills, curiosity, and a heart for service

You can join as a solo traveler, with friends, or even coordinate a group trip with your classmates. Discounts may apply for group sign-ups.

More Than Volunteering—A Full Experience

From safaris in the Serengeti to teaching under a mango tree, your Go Elective journey includes unforgettable opportunities:

• Hike Mt. Kilimanjaro or explore Zanzibar’s Stone Town
• Safari in the Maasai Mara or Ngorongoro Crater
• Immerse in Swahili or Maasai cultures
• Participate in sustainability projects and orphanage care

Apply Now to Our Volunteer Programs in Africa

Spots for 2025 are filling fast! Whether you’re dreaming of clinical rounds in Mombasa, classroom teaching in Arusha, or cultural discovery in Ghana, Go Elective offers the ideal blend of professional experience, personal growth, and global adventure.

> Explore our programs
> See education internships
> Apply now

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Teaching & Volunteer Internships, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 17, 2025