15 Best Gap Year Volunteer Programs USA

Travel volunteering, also known as voluntourism, is a form of tourism where individuals participate in volunteer activities while traveling to a destination. It involves contributing to social, environmental, or community-based projects in a foreign country while experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the local community. 


What are Gap Year Volunteer Programs?

Gap Year Volunteer Programs are programs designed for students or individuals who take a year off between high school and college, or after college graduation, to engage in a variety of volunteer activities. These programs typically involve traveling to a foreign country or region and working on social, environmental, or community-based projects. 


Gap-year volunteer programs can be found through a variety of organizations, including non-profits, universities, and travel companies. 


These programs provide an opportunity for individuals to gain valuable life experience, develop new skills, and make a positive impact on the world. Some gap year volunteer programs may also offer academic credit or provide an opportunity to learn a new language.



Is It Possible To Volunteer Abroad For Free?

Yes, it is possible to volunteer abroad for free, but it can be challenging to find such opportunities. Some non-profit organizations offer free volunteer programs, but they may have limited availability and require a highly competitive application process. 


Additionally, volunteers may need to cover their own travel expenses, such as airfare and accommodation. However, there are ways to minimize these costs, such as staying with a host family or in a volunteer dormitory or applying for grants or scholarships to cover expenses. 


Another option is to seek out work exchange programs, where volunteers work in exchange for room and board. While it is possible to volunteer abroad for free, it is important to be aware of any hidden costs or potential risks and to carefully research the organization and program before committing to volunteer.



15 Best Gap Year Volunteer Programs USA

Here are 15 of the best gap year volunteer programs in the USA:

  • Americorps NCCC: A 10-month program that offers young adults the opportunity to serve on teams and complete community service projects in various locations across the US.

  • City Year: A program that offers full-time service opportunities for young adults to work with students in under-resourced schools in 29 cities across the US.

  • Habitat for Humanity: A program that offers volunteer opportunities for young adults to help build affordable housing in various locations across the US.

  • Teach For America: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to teach in under-resourced schools across the US.

  • WWOOF USA: A program that offers volunteer opportunities for young adults to work on organic farms across the US.

  • The Student Conservation Association: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to work on conservation projects in national parks and forests across the US.

  • Camp America: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to work as camp counselors in various locations across the US.

  • Global Citizen Year: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to live and work in communities abroad or in the US.

  • Peace Corps: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to work on community development projects abroad or in the US.

  • Greenheart Exchange: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to participate in cultural exchange programs, volunteer abroad, or work as au pairs in the US.

  • Red Cross AmeriCorps: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to serve as disaster response workers and community educators across the US.

  • Elderhostel: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to participate in educational travel programs and volunteer opportunities across the US.

  • United Way: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to volunteer with various community organizations across the US.

  • Road Trip Nation: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to travel and explore career paths while volunteering in various locations across the US.

  • Global Vision International USA: A program that offers young adults the opportunity to participate in conservation and community development projects in various locations across the US.

15 Best Gap Year Activities

  • Volunteer work: Engage in meaningful volunteer work either locally or abroad with a non-profit organization, charity, or community service program.

  • Internship or apprenticeship: Gain valuable work experience in a field you're interested in by taking up an internship or apprenticeship.

  • Language learning: Learn a new language or improve your language skills by enrolling in language courses or immersion programs.

  • Traveling: Explore new places, cultures, and experiences by traveling locally, nationally, or internationally.

  • Teaching or tutoring: Teach or tutor students in a subject you're passionate about.

  • Outdoor activities: Hike, trek, camp, or participate in other outdoor activities like surfing, rock climbing, or kayaking.

  • Cultural exchange programs: Participate in cultural exchange programs that allow you to live with a host family and learn about their customs and way of life.

  • Work and travel programs: Work in various industries while exploring new places and cultures through work and travel programs.

  • Personal development courses: Take courses in personal development, leadership, or entrepreneurship to improve your skills and knowledge.


  • Health and wellness programs: Participate in health and wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, or wellness retreats.

  • Environmental conservation: Contribute to environmental conservation efforts by working with organizations to preserve natural habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems.

  • Writing or blogging: Write or blog about your experiences, opinions, and observations on various topics that interest you.

  • Internationally recognized certifications: Take courses to obtain internationally recognized certifications in fields such as scuba diving, first aid, or project management.

  • Entrepreneurship: Start your own business or work on a project that you're passionate about and learn valuable skills in entrepreneurship.





Benefits of a Volunteering Gap Year

A Volunteering Gap Year can provide numerous benefits to individuals, including:

  • Personal Growth: A gap year volunteering abroad can help individuals develop new skills, improve their self-confidence, and gain a greater understanding of the world around them.

  • Career Advancement: Volunteering can help individuals build a professional network, gain relevant experience, and develop skills that can be transferable to future job opportunities.

  • Cultural Immersion: By volunteering abroad, individuals have the opportunity to learn about new cultures, languages, and customs, and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse communities.

  • Global Citizenship: A gap year volunteering abroad can help individuals develop a sense of social responsibility and become active and engaged global citizens.

  • Impactful Contribution: Volunteering provides individuals with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the communities they serve, and contribute to social, environmental, or community-based projects that align with their values and passions.

  • Personal Reflection: A gap year volunteering can also provide individuals with the opportunity for personal reflection and self-discovery, and can help individuals clarify their personal goals and aspirations for the future.

Overall, a volunteering gap year can provide a transformative and enriching experience that can positively shape an individual's personal and professional development for years to come.


9 Best Inexpensive Gap Year Programs

Here are some of the best inexpensive gap year programs:

  • Workaway: This program offers volunteers the opportunity to work for a few hours a day in exchange for food and accommodation. Volunteers can choose from a variety of projects, such as farming, teaching, or working in hostels.

  • HelpX: Similar to Workaway, this program offers volunteers the opportunity to work for a few hours a day in exchange for food and accommodation. Volunteers can choose from a variety of projects, such as farming, teaching, or working in eco-communities.

  • WWOOF: This program offers volunteers the opportunity to work on organic farms in exchange for food and accommodation. Volunteers can choose from a variety of projects, such as harvesting crops, caring for animals, or building sustainable structures.


  • International Volunteer HQ: This program offers affordable volunteer opportunities in various countries around the world. Projects include teaching, healthcare, and conservation.

  • Projects Abroad: This program offers affordable volunteer opportunities in various countries around the world. Projects include teaching, healthcare, and conservation.

  • AIESEC: This program offers international internships and volunteer opportunities for students and recent graduates. Projects include education, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.

  • CIEE: This program offers affordable study abroad and volunteer opportunities in various countries around the world. Projects include teaching, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

  • United Planets: This program offers affordable volunteer opportunities in various countries around the world. Projects include education, healthcare, and community development.

Overall, these programs offer a great way for individuals to gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and make a positive impact on the world without breaking the bank.