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9 Peace Corps Alternatives to Inspire You to Volunteer Abroad

If you've ever thought about joining the Peace Corps, you're not alone.

If you've ever thought about joining the Peace Corps, you're not alone.

More than 230, 000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps, in sectors as varied as health, education, and more. But it's not for everyone.

From strict requirements to a selective application process, many look for alternatives.

Here are 9 Peace Corps alternatives, all offering flexible program options.

Best for community engagement: gvi

Whether you're interested in marine conservation, sustainable development, public health, or everything in between, there's a program for you with GVI!

Thailand, Costa Rica, Laos, and more
- Connor | GVI Volunteer in Thailand

After l visited Chiang Mai [with GVI], it changed my thinking and my career plans. The impact the project has is astounding.

Best for sustainability: SAVE Volunteering

Volunteers with SAVE Volunteering can work in various fields such as education, conservation, and construction, with program lengths ranging from 2 weeks to even as long as 2 years!

South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and more
- Hailey | SAVE Volunteering Humanitarian Projects

Truly there is no experience quite like it, I learned so much about the world around me.

Best for Nature: fuze ecoteer outdoor adventures

Fuze Ecoteer Outdoor Adventures' mission is to "connect people with nature" and they live up to it! FUZE volunteers work on projects in Asia focused on environmental conservation.

Malaysia and Indonesia
- Dan | Volunteer Conservation Projects in Malaysia

The work has a real impact, we carried out worthwhile research, and did our part to protect the local environment.

Best for program flexibility: maximo nivel

Want to volunteer for a week? Totally possible! 50 weeks? Also possible! Volunteers also have the opportunity to work on projects varying from turtle conservation to teaching English.

Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru
- Marley | Volunteer in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel

From the friends I made to the strangers on the street, I've met to many incredible people with their own beautiful stories.

Best for Support: IVHQ

IVHQ offers a wide variety of safe, impactful, and supportive programs across 50+ destinations. Learn about conserving lionfish in the Caribbean Barrier Reef or help build classrooms in Peru -- there's a project for everyone!

Mexico, Belize, New Zealand and more
- Amy| Most Affordable & Trusted Belize Conservation Volunteer Programs

The [staff] were supportive and patient with the various diving experience of all the volunteers and made me feel at ease.

Best for unique experience: pacific discovery

Pacific Discovery offers immersive service-learning trips across the globe! It's perfect for volunteers interested in outdoors and wilderness exploration, sustainable adventure travel, and more!

Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, and more
- Sadie| SE Asia GAP Semester Program with Pacific Discovery

We marched for animal rights, kayaked through caves, bathed elephants... I was pushed to step out of my comfort zone.

Best for variety: DAKARTI BUSH SCHOOL
& WILDLIFE ORPHANAGE

Passionate about community development? As a volunteer with DAKARTI, you'll have the opportunity to work with local children, while also caring for animals in the orphanage.

South Africa
- Joya | Volunteer with Children and Animals in South Africa with DAKARTI 

I recommend DAKARTI to everyone who loves to work with animals, meet new people, and experience life in the African Bush.

Best for IMMERSION: AMIGOS DE LAS AMERICAS

Whether you volunteer in Uruguay or Ecuador, you'll have the opportunity to live with a host family and learn Spanish while participating in service-learning activities.

Costa Rica, Ecuador, and more
- Sydney | Authentic Service and Immersion in Costa Rica with amigos de las americas

Being someone who is very passionate about social and environmental justice, this program taught me so much.

Best for cost: volunteering solutions

Volunteering Solutions helps high school and college students volunteer around the world and lend a helping hand on projects focused on healthcare, teaching, and more.

Philippines, Costa Rica, and more
- Leasha | Volunteer in Nepal with Volunteering Solutions

I loved the experience and the support before and throughout the program was amazing.

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