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Volunteering in the USA: Get ready to go
Do you have a caring heart and want to travel? Find out about volunteering programs in the USA and what projects are available.
If you want to discover the country in a more meaningful way and truly immerse yourself in its culture, volunteering in the USA is a fantastic option. It lets you take part in projects that support local communities or protect the environment, all while meeting people from around the world. Don’t miss the article we’ve prepared to help you get started.
We’ll walk you through the benefits of doing volunteer work in the United States, the requirements you need to meet and some of the best programs available. You’ll also find a few tips to help you stay connected to the internet throughout your volunteering experience. Finally, we’ll break down the main costs you should keep in mind if you are thinking about joining one of the many projects the country offers, whether in education, environmental conservation, healthcare or community support. This is your moment to make a difference!
Why volunteer in the United States?
There are plenty of reasons to sign up for a volunteer program in the United States, both professionally and personally. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that can strengthen your resume, and many companies appreciate candidates who have taken part in volunteer activities because it shows commitment, adaptability and a strong sense of responsibility. Want to know more about the advantages? Here’s a closer look:
- Professional experience and personal growth: You’ll strengthen skills that employers really value, such as leadership, social commitment and the ability to work well with others. You’ll also gain knowledge in areas like environmental issues, education, health or technology, which you can easily add to your resume.
- Get to know American culture: By living alongside the local community, you’ll get a firsthand look at their customs and traditions, as well as experience major local celebrations like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and the famous Super Bowl.
- Make new international friends: Volunteering in the United States lets you meet people from all corners of the world, helping you form friendships and professional connections that could benefit you down the road.
- Contribute to a positive impact: Through your volunteer work, you will make a real impact, whether it is protecting the environment, sharing knowledge with communities in need, caring for animals, or taking part in many other meaningful projects.
- Get to know the country: During your free time or on weekends, you can explore neighboring states and soak in the local parks, cities, cuisine, and culture. Many volunteer programs also arrange trips to help participants experience the history and lifestyle of the area.
Requirements for volunteering in the United States
Before starting your volunteer work, it’s important to know what it takes to volunteer in the United States. While each program has its own requirements, there are some basic conditions that apply across the board. Take a look at each one to see if you’re ready to take the next step toward making your dream a reality!
- J-1, B1, or B-2 visa: You will need a specific visa to take part in volunteering in the United States, which allows you to engage in unpaid activities with an organization recognized by the Department of State.
- Minimum age: Generally 18 years old. Some programs allow a minimum age of 16 with parental consent.
- Educational level: For certain programs in health or education, you may be asked to have relevant experience or a university degree.
- Health insurance: It is essential to have international health insurance that covers accidents, medical emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation. Keep in mind that the United States does not offer free public healthcare for visitors, and medical costs can be very high.
- Motivation letter and interview: Most organizations will ask for a motivation letter where you explain why you want to join the project and what you can contribute.
- Financial solvency: Even though your program will cover accommodation and meals, you’ll need to show that you can afford your flight, visa, insurance, and personal expenses.
- Criminal record: If your project involves working with children, you will need to obtain a clean criminal record certificate from your local police station.
Connectivity during your volunteer work
A must-have for your volunteer experience in the United States is reliable internet as soon as you arrive. Skip the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi or paying high roaming fees and start your adventure stress-free. For short trips, a Holafly eSIM is a simple solution, letting you pick the amount of unlimited data you need for the days you’ll be there.
If your stay is longer than a month, the best choice is Holafly’s monthly plans, which offer either 25 GB or unlimited data with no long-term commitment. You can connect multiple devices at the same time, which is great if you’re running a volunteer workshop, and you can use the same eSIM in over 170 destinations.
Stay in touch with your organization, keep your daily route tracked on GPS, and share your activities with friends and family thanks to a fast, secure, and reliable 5G connection. Holafly makes it easier to keep your volunteer experience organized and stress-free!
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
The 3 best volunteer programs for the United States
Think about the type of volunteer work that motivates you the most. Knowing this will make it much easier and more enjoyable to choose a program in the United States that truly fits you. You might be drawn to helping animals, supporting underprivileged communities, or putting your medical training to use.
There are plenty of options to choose from in the United States. We’ve highlighted three different types of programs to give you an idea of how they work, what requirements they have, and their typical duration and costs.
1. Volunteer.gov – National Volunteer Program in National Parks
The first volunteer opportunity in the United States we want to highlight is a government run program that supports national parks, forests and wildlife reserves. Launched in 2002, it was designed to bring in young people from around the world and involve them in environmental conservation and restoration projects. Tasks include maintaining trails, teaching about the environment and protecting wildlife. If you are passionate about nature and animals, this program is an excellent choice and it is completely free.
| Features | Details |
| Requirements | Minimum age of 18, basic level of English, and visa |
| Duration | From 2 weeks to 6 months |
| What’s included | Shared accommodation, training, and work materials |
| Price | Free |
2. Habitat for Humanity – Construction and community assistance
This is one of the most well-known NGOs in the world when it comes to social housing projects, operating since 1976. Its mission is to build and repair homes for families in need, promoting social inclusion. Volunteers can help with painting, construction, gardening, decorating, and logistical support, even without prior experience, as training is provided as part of the program.
| Features | Details |
| Requirements | Aged 18 or over, basic English level, good physical condition, and visa |
| Duration | 1 to 4 weeks |
| What’s included | Accommodation, tools, training, and supervision |
| Price | From $400 for one week |
3. Global Volunteers – Humanitarian and educational volunteering
The third volunteer program in the United States we want to highlight focuses on educational, nutritional, and community support in rural areas and native communities. It is part of an international organization that has been working for over 35 years in various countries. As a volunteer, you could help teach your native language, assist with public health programs, support community kitchens, or run workshops.
| Features | Details |
| Requirements | Aged 18 or over, intermediate level of English, and socially motivated |
| Duration | 1 to 3 weeks |
| What’s included | Accommodation, meals, training, and certificate of participation |
| Price | From $1,150 for one week. |
Types of volunteer projects in the United States
Beyond the three specific volunteer programs in the United States we highlighted earlier, there are many other projects you can choose from. Each one focuses on a specific goal, but they all share the same purpose: contributing to positive change in the country. You can be part of making that difference.
Environmental care and conservation
This project is one of the leading initiatives in the United States for protecting its natural environment. You could volunteer in national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon, helping with reforestation, trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, or habitat restoration. If you love nature and working outdoors, this volunteer program could be an ideal fit.
Education and school support
In schools across New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, there are educational programs where volunteers support children and teenagers facing vulnerable situations. Your tasks might include helping with homework, teaching English, and organizing arts or sports activities. This type of volunteer work in the United States is ideal for anyone interested in teaching and social work.
Healthcare volunteering
If you have a background in medicine, you can get involved in projects focused on vaccination campaigns or disease prevention programs. These initiatives usually take place in rural communities like the Appalachians and the Rio Grande Valley, as well as in underserved areas such as indigenous reservations or neighborhoods in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
Animal protection and rescue
If you love animals, you can volunteer at dog and cat shelters in states like California and Texas. You could also work at wildlife sanctuaries or marine conservation projects in Florida or Hawaii, helping to protect sea turtles and dolphins. Your tasks may include cleaning, feeding, rehabilitation, and educating others about local wildlife.
Sustainable agriculture and organic farms
Finally, if you are interested in organic farming and sustainability, you can volunteer in rural areas of Oregon, Vermont, or Colorado. These farm programs focus on promoting environmentally friendly techniques in growing crops. Typically, they provide room and board on the farm in exchange for a few hours of work each day.
How much does it cost to volunteer in the United States?
Once you know which volunteer program in the United States suits you best and have checked that you meet all the requirements, the next step is to look at the main costs involved. While some programs are free, like the government-run initiative, most charge a weekly fee to cover accommodation and meals. Here is a breakdown of the main expenses to expect when volunteering in the USA.
| Concept | Approximate cost |
| Program fee | From $400 to $1,150 for one week |
| Visa | From $160 |
| International flight | From $550 |
| Medical insurance | $46–86 |
| Personal expenses | $200–300 |
What you save when volunteering in the United States
- Accommodation: You will stay in a hostel, apartment, or farm shared with other volunteers.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
- Local transportation: Daily transportation to your workplace and pick-up from your accommodation.
- Cultural activities: Excursions and workshops organized by the association.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering in the United States
Yes, you will need a B1/B2 visa for short-term unpaid programs, or a J-1 visa if the program is run by an educational or cultural organization.
Yes, the programs are managed by NGOs and reputable organizations with years of experience in volunteer work, providing support around the clock.
It depends on the program, but they usually last from one week to several months, and you can choose how long you would like to volunteer.
A volunteer visa does not allow you to engage in paid work in the United States. If your goal is to work while in the country, you would need to apply for a different type of visa.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
