The 10 [Best Cheap] Asia Volunteer Programs Providers 2023
The 10 Best Cheap Asia Volunteer Programs Providers 2023
Are you planning to volunteer in Asia, but unsure which provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we’ll send it off to multiple providers and they’ll contact YOU! You’ll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost program for the most affordable trip abroad.
Get Free Quotes From 10 Best Cheap Asia Volunteer Programs Providers
Do you want to visit one of the many amazing destinations in Asia? Would you like your Asian adventure to be more than just travel and leave something positive behind in the process? Are you struggling to find a reputable and quality organization to facilitate your volunteer in Asia experience? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Volunteering abroad can be an intimidating experience. This is especially true if it’s your first time traveling as a volunteer, or if you’re planning on volunteering in a part of the world you’ve never visited before. Sadly, there are many organizations and companies that are only interested in making a quick buck, rather than providing impactful and rewarding volunteer experiences for everyone involved.
To help make sure that your volunteer work in Asia is as rewarding, fulfilling, and impactful as possible, we have compiled a list of the 10 best organizations offering volunteer projects in Asia, as well as the countries that their best programs take place in. Read on and arm yourself with all the information you need to choose, ensuring that your volunteer work and experience is the best it can possibly be!
Join the countless volunteers who are making a meaningful difference while traveling. Asia is an ideal location to do this, and the amazing sights are only rivaled by the great impact you’ll get to make.
Providers | Projects & starting Price | Reviews |
Ubelong |
Volunteer in Cambodia : ($290+ starts $265) Volunteer in Laos ($290+ starts $205) |
Go Overseas:9.5/10 – 222 reviews Go abroad:10/10 – 1 review |
IFRE International Volunteers |
Volunteer in Nepal : ($299+ starts $100) Volunteer in Bali ($299+ starts $250) |
Go Overseas:8.9/10 – 67 reviews Abroad Reviews-9.1 / 10 -327 Reviews |
International Volunteer HQ |
Volunteer in Bali : ($299+$350) Volunteer in China ($299+$310) |
Go Overseas-9.5/10 – 1,427 reviews Go Abroad-9.53/10-1074 reviews |
Plan My Gap Year |
Volunteer in Bali: ($190+ starts $228) Volunteer in Cambodia ($190+starts $304) |
Go Overseas;96%- 314 reviews Review Center:4.8/5- 297 reviews |
RCDP International Volunteers |
Volunteer in Cambodia : (279+$250) Volunteer in Bali ($279+starts $370) |
Abroad Review:9.2 / 10 – +221 Reviews Go overseas: 94% – 32 reviews |
Global Crossroad International Volunteers |
Volunteer in Sri Lanka: ($299+ starts $155) Volunteer in Cambodia ($299+ starts $350) |
Go overseas:9.2/10 – 60 reviews Abroad Reviews:8.8 / 10 -334 Reviews |
Love Volunteers |
Volunteer in Bali: ($299+ starts $339) Volunteer in Vietnam ($299+ starts $449) |
Go overseas:-9.1/10 – 134 reviews Go Abroad:-9.7/10 – 282 reviews |
Cross-Cultural Solutions | Volunteer in Thailand : ( Starts $1990) |
Go Overseas- 9.2/10 – 181 reviews Go Abroad- 9.67/6 Reviews |
A Broader View Volunteers |
Volunteer in Nepal: (starts $1050) Volunteer in India (Starts $860) |
Go Abroad: 99%- 46 reviews Go overseas : 9.9/10 – 178 reviews |
Global Vision International |
Volunteer in Cambodia: (starts $409) Volunteer in Nepal (starts $445) |
Go Overseas- 9.5/10 – 333 reviews Volunteer Forever- 4.3/5- 50 reviews |
Table Updated: Dec 13, 2019
Ubelong
Ubelongis a great company that was founded by Cedric Hodgeman, a student at Cornell University in 2009, and the following year they started offering volunteer in Asia projects. The company has received great reviews from volunteers with a 9.5/10 score on Go Overseas and more than 200 individual reviews. They are also eminently affordable, charging a $290 registration fee followed by very low project fees.
Ubelong Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Cambodia
Cambodia is a country struggling to put its dark past behind them. The atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime and the genocide they perpetrated still color every part of Cambodian society despite significant growth and healing in the past decades. You can help heal the scars of the country by taking part in Ubelong’s volunteer opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Ubelong offers a range of projects in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. From working with animals to providing childcare, helping with construction, and teaching, there are countless ways that you can work with the organization to make a difference in Cambodia. Their fees are very affordable, starting as low as $265.
While you’re there you can enjoy the many attractions and sights in the city, from the glorious royal palace to the somber killing fields and genocide museum. All this and more can be experienced during your volunteer work in southeast Asia.
Volunteer in Laos
Laos was devastated by the “secret war”, a conflict fought without official recognition alongside the far more famous Vietnam war. During this time the country was heavily bombed, leading to atrocious conditions that persist to this day.
With Ubelong you can volunteer in construction or education, rebuilding devastated communities, and providing crucial skills for the country’s young people to help drag the country out of poverty. No matter what project you choose, becoming a volunteer in southeast Asia and specifically, Laos with Ubelong is a truly rewarding experience.
Starting at $205, the projects allow you to explore the splendor of Laotian nature such as waterfalls, rivers, and rolling hills while making a huge difference for the struggling country at a cheap price.
Volunteer in Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is the country’s cultural center. Here you can experience all the best aspects of Vietnamese culture while being a volunteer in southeast Asia from mesmerizing temples, gorgeous architecture, and plenty of traditional arts and performances.
Despite the city’s economic growth since the 1990’s, there are still many people and children there who are left by the wayside as the country steams ahead into prosperous modernity. By working with local NGO’s, teaching, businesses, and more, you can help create a more equal and kinder society for those in Hanoi with no one else to turn to.
All this is possible at Ubelong’s typical low rates for volunteer work in Asia, with projects starting as low as $235, giving you the chance to experience this amazing city and make a difference without spending large amounts of money.
Volunteer in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, renamed from Saigon after the Vietnamese war hero, is the economic center of Vietnam. This bustling and lively city offers all sorts of entertainment from the fascinating Cuchi tunnels to amazing architecture and thrilling tours of the massive Mekong Delta.
Despite the abundant wealth found in the city, many children, orphaned or otherwise, still feel the effects of the Vietnam War which devastated their country and community. By working with caregiving or education, you can help these children thrive and experience happier childhoods at affordable rates starting at $285.Volunteer in Asia and help put the Vietnam War firmly in the past once and for all!
IFRE Volunteers

Founded in 2006 in Dallas, Texas, IFRE Volunteers have facilitated the successful volunteer experiences of more than 22,000 volunteers from all over the world. They offer programs across several continents and becoming a volunteer in Asia with the organization guarantees an incredibly rewarding and impactful experience volunteering abroad.
With a score of 9.1/10 on Abroad Reviews with more than 320 past volunteers sharing their experiences, IFRE has a great reputation and offers their volunteer programs at very cheap rates, starting with a registration fee of $299 followed by low project fees.
IFRE Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Nepal
Nepal is famous worldwide for the staggering natural beauty of the Himalayas. Here you can find towering mountains filled with amazing sights and wildlife and welcoming people who are eager to introduce you to their homeland as you do your volunteer work in Asia.
Despite its natural beauty, Nepal struggles with crushing poverty and the other societal problems that come with it. With IFRE you can engage in a variety of projects to help the most disadvantaged members of Nepalese society from working with orphaned children to teaching English to help conserve crucial animal species, starting at the incredibly cheap price of $100.
Volunteer in Bali
Bali is a tropical island paradise that is perfect for those looking for volunteer opportunities in Asia. The amazing white sandy beaches, excellent surfing conditions, and dense interior jungles draw countless visitors each year, and you too can enjoy all this magical island has to offer when you volunteer here with IFRE.
Starting at $250, you can help save the endangered sea turtles that are critical to life in our planet’s oceans, teach English or even do a combination of both! Whether your passion is for animals or people, you will be able to make a huge difference here while on the adventure of a lifetime.
Volunteer in Cambodia
IFRE provides you with a cheap way to experience everything Cambodia has to offer while also helping the country recover from its dark and devastating past while you volunteer in southeast Asia. When you’re not working to make life better for struggling Cambodians, you can visit all the most famous sights of Phnom Penh, and IFRE also gives you the weekends off to travel to sites such as Angkor Wat or Tonle Sap.
IFRE offers a range of projects in Cambodia, from orphanage work to teaching to HIV/AIDS awareness and more. These opportunities are also very cheap, starting as low as $350.
Volunteer in India
India is among the most famous destinations for travelers seeking anything from natural beauty to spiritual and meditative experiences. Beyond its inherent beauty and fascinating culture, this is a great place to make your presence felt by doing volunteer work in Asia.
With prices as low as $250 for two weeks of volunteering, IFRE is a great choice for your volunteer work in India. Whether you want to work in the slums, help empower struggling women, teach English, or much more, IFRE is a great choice for those wishing to make a difference in India without spending huge sums of money to do so.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
Founded in 2007, IVHQ is a New Zealand-based organization that offers volunteer trips to over 40 destinations worldwide. Their four core values (or pillars) of Responsibility, Innovation, Trust and Awesomeness combined with their extremely cheap fees make them an ideal candidate for you to volunteer in Asia with.
Their registration fee is $299, and IVHQ experienced and talented team of passionate humanitarians contributes to their fantastic reputation, as evidenced by their 9.53/10 score on Go Abroad with more than a thousand reviews. IVHQ has served more than 100,000 volunteers, and we highly recommend you become part of that ever-growing number.
IVHQ Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Bali
IVHQ’s volunteer projects in Bali are located in Ubud, the cultural center of Bali, or the town of Lovina on the north side of Bali known for its coral reefs, dolphins, and black sand beaches. By choosing this location for your volunteer work in southeast Asia, you will get to experience an idyllic part of the world that most people can only dream of!
Starting at $350, you can take part in projects primarily focused on children in kindergartens, schools, or community renovation at an extremely cheap price. This is a great option for those looking for a mix of relaxing on beaches straight out of paradise and fulfilling a passion for helping children and communities in need.
Volunteer in China
The ancient city of Xi’an, home of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, is a must-see for any aspiring traveler. Thus, this is a great choice for your volunteer work in Asia as you can explore the incredibly ancient cultural treasures of China while also doing your part to help the people in this struggling central area of the country.
IVHQ’s projects in the region include teaching, special needs care, and more, and their rates are incredibly cheap. You can join one of their programs for as little as $350, giving you the chance to make a huge difference and learn about one of the world’s oldest cultures in the process for a cheap price.
Volunteer in Laos
Located in Honkau Village near Vientiane, the capital of Laos, IVHQ’s volunteer programs in the country are a great way to experience the beautiful nature and fascinating and diverse culture of Laos while helping people in need. These volunteer opportunities in southeast Asia take you off the beaten track and gives you a taste of the real Laotian way of life in the countryside.
Starting at $310, you can assist struggling rural communities in a variety of ways from teaching to construction, providing you with a cheap way to fulfill your passion for humanitarian work of all kinds.
Volunteer in Nepal
Nepal is filled with beauty, culture, and friendly people wherever you go. Capitalizing on this fact, IVHQ organizes volunteer opportunities in Asia in many parts of the country, such as Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, and Chitlang. No matter what location you decide to work in, natural beauty and cultural sights will abound.
With prices as low as $250, this is an experience available to almost anyone. There’s a wide range of projects available from sustainable agriculture to women’s education, so no matter your passion or interests, you’ll find something in Nepal with IVHQ that appeals to you.
Plan My Gap Year (PGMY)
Founded in 2011 by volunteers for volunteers, PGMY works closely with local communities to ensure that you make the greatest possible impact when you volunteer in Asia. With an incredibly low registration fee of $190, PGMY is one of the most affordable volunteer organizations offering programs in Asia.
It doesn’t end there, as PGMY has a staggering 96% score on Go Overseas with more than 300 reviews. This proves that their commitment to in-depth support, structured programs, and transparency are resonating with volunteers from all over the world, and they are definitely an organization you should look at closely.
PGMY Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Bali
PGMY’s volunteer work in southeast Asia in Bali takes place in the traditional town of Tabanan, known as lush green scenery and stunning tea plantations. This makes it a great place to volunteer for those interested in Bali, not for its beaches and surfing, but rather its verdant nature in the interior jungle and fascinating traditional culture.
With fees as low as $228, PGMY’s Bali programs are among the cheapest available anywhere, but this doesn’t mean they sacrifice quality. They run an impressive range of programs covering every type of passion from rescuing wildlife to teaching and everything in between.
Volunteer in Cambodia
Located in the rural province of Takeo roughly 1 hour south of Phnom Penh, PGMY’s volunteer opportunities in Southeast Asia of the Cambodian variety are focused on teaching English to disadvantaged children living in this rural community.
With fees as low as $304, PGMY is a great option for those wishing to see a less touristy side of Cambodia while making a difference for communities that are often overlooked by society at large and the country’s government. By taking part in this program you can help these villages devastated by the country’s dark past finally put that past behind them for good.
Volunteer in Thailand
Despite a booming tourism sector, large parts of Thailand see little benefit from this growth as they are not on the traditional tourist trails. Such is the case for Pathum Thani and TambonThamairuak where PGMY’s Thai volunteer work in Southeast Asia takes place. These communities are in desperate need and are far poorer than other parts of Thailand, which is why PGMY decided to host their programs there.
Like all of PGMY’s volunteer programs, the projects in Thailand are very cheap, with prices as low as $305. This means that joining one of their volunteer projects, whether it’s teaching English, working with elephants, wildlife rescue, childcare, or one of the many other programs, is an incredibly cost-effective way of getting to see another side of Thailand that most travelers don’t even know to exist.
Volunteer in Nepal
When it comes to Nepal, PGMY’s volunteer opportunities in Asia are located in Chitwan, Pokhara and Kathmandu. The programs run from 2 to 20 weeks and volunteers have the opportunity to experience all the greatest part of this amazing country nestled among towering Himalayan mountains. With crippling poverty affecting many of the country’s citizens, volunteers are badly needed to provide passionate assistance to those most in need.
The projects themselves run the gamut from living in a Buddhist monastery and teaching English to monks to providing childcare for poor families without the resources to pay for it.
Starting at a very low $317, this is an incredibly cheap way of traveling to one of the most famous nature and culture destinations in Asia and indeed the whole world, and anyone with a passion for mountainous views and rich culture and history will be delighted with everything they can experience while taking part in these programs.
Volunteer in India
If you’re looking for volunteer work in Asia and are fascinated with the rich history and spirituality of India, then look no further than PGMY’s India volunteer programs. These are located in the city of Faridabad about an hour’s journey from Delhi and provide you with an excellent opportunity to connect with your spiritual side as you help others but also help yourself by gaining new insights into life.
Available programs in India with PGMY include teaching English, working in the medical field, working with disabled children, and much more. For as little as $279 you can have a truly life-changing experience that provides huge benefits both for you and the people and communities you come to help.
RCDP International Volunteers

Founded in 1998 in Colorado, RCDP has served more than 18,000 volunteers in finding rewarding and fulfilling projects that are greatly beneficial both for the communities they work with and the volunteers they accommodate. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking to volunteer in Asia and their reviews prove it. With over 250 former volunteers chiming in at Abroad Reviews, they have an amazing score of 9.2/10.
RCDP places special emphasis on projects related to orphans and orphanages, and through their work, more than 4000 children in dire circumstances without families have received significant help and support. They charge a registration fee of $279 followed by low prices for each individual project, making them an affordable yet high-quality option for volunteering abroad.
RCDP Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Cambodia
RCDP’s volunteer programs in Cambodia are located in several parts of the country including Phnom Penh, Battambang, Pursat, and Siem Reap. This wide range of destinations means that your time as a volunteer in southeast Asia can take many different forms. From the relaxed atmosphere of Battambang to the stunning temple complexes of Siem Reap or bustling big city vibes of Phnom Penh, there’s a Cambodian volunteer destination that’s perfect for you.
Projects include working with community development, teaching English, the company’s focus on orphanage work, and much more. Prices are low, with some of the projects as cheap as $250. Thus, with RCDP you can make a huge impact on struggling communities in Cambodia without draining your savings!
Volunteer in Bali
Bali is a tropical paradise that you owe yourself to visit at least once. The beautiful sandy beaches ringing the dense jungle interior is a truly jaw-dropping sight, and it’s possible for you to see these natural treasures and much more while also making a huge difference there.
RCDP’s Bali programs start at $250USD and cover exciting topics such as working with children, teaching English, and vitally important sea turtle conservation work. If you’re looking for a more varied volunteer experience, you can also combine teaching and conservation work into a single program.
Volunteer in India
India represents perhaps the pinnacle of volunteer work in Asia, and RCDP is a great choice for those wishing to volunteer in this amazing country. With RCDP you can work in Delhi or Jaipur with a wide range of interesting and rewarding projects such as helping to save the mighty elephants, empowering women who are often discriminated against, and much more.
RCDP’s India programs are also incredibly cheap, with some of the projects clocking in at the astoundingly low price of $200. Volunteers are even provided with a week of language and cultural immersion prior to the start of their volunteer work, which goes a long way towards ensuring an even more rewarding and impactful experience volunteering abroad in India.
Volunteer in Nepal
As RCDP was one of the very first volunteer organizations to offer volunteer abroad trips to Nepal, it should come as no surprise that they excel particularly when it comes to facilitating volunteers wishing to visit this spectacular mountainous country. For anyone looking for volunteer opportunities in Asia, Nepal is a great option, and there is no organization better suited to provide volunteering experiences in this country than RCDP.
Starting at the incredibly low price of $100, RCDP arranges a wide range of projects including photojournalism, orphanage work, teaching English to Buddhist monks, and much more. The projects are located in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, all of which are incredible destinations for both travel and volunteer work, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in an age-old culture and amazing scenery.
Global Crossroad International Volunteers (GCR)

Founded in Dallas, Texas in 2003, GCR has enabled more than 20,000 volunteers to fulfill their dreams of traveling the world while leaving behind them a positive impact on the places they visit. Their projects have been well received, with an average rating of 8.8/10 on Abroad Reviews. If you want to volunteer in Asia, you cannot go wrong with any of GCR’s fantastic programs. They are featured in most of our lists, and for good reason, as their programs are excellently organized and structured.
In addition, their fees are generally low, starting with a registration fee of $299 followed by cheap project fees that make volunteering abroad an accessible adventure for almost anyone. Regardless of your passion or desired impact, you will find a project with GCR that suits you perfectly, and they should absolutely be on your short-list of volunteer abroad organizations to consider.
GCR Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
The beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka is a popular destination for both travelers and those looking to volunteer abroad. It’s a wide array of fascinating destinations including ancient ruins, mystical temples, dense jungles, and white sandy beaches make it an ideal spot for volunteer opportunities in Asia, and GCR is one of the leading providers of such projects.
With some projects costing as little as $155, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more affordable option for this type of travel volunteering, and projects range from elephant conservation to orphanage work and everything in-between. GCR’s projects are located in Galle, Kegalle, and Pinnawala, meaning you have the option of staying in the interior or right on the country’s famous coastline.
Volunteer in Cambodia
While war-torn Cambodia has come a long way from its dark past, it is still in great need of assistance from foreign volunteers in the ongoing efforts to rebuild and heal the country’s wounds. By spending your time as a volunteer in southeast Asia in Cambodia, you will help do just that, and GCR’s exciting projects allow you to help out in a wide variety of ways from raising awareness of HIV/AIDS to working in orphanages, teaching English and much more.
Since Cambodia is a fairly small country and GCR provides you with free weekends, you will be able to travel anywhere you wish within the nation’s borders, not missing out on any of the most famous sights such as Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap or Battambang. Prices are also eminently reasonable, with the cheapest program running you $350. There is plenty to see and do here and you’ll have enough time to see everything you want in this magical country.
Volunteer in Nepal
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing mighty Mt. Everest, then volunteering in Nepal with GCR might be just the volunteer work in Asia you’ve always wanted to do. Besides the usual locations of Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, GCR’s projects in the Everest region sets it apart from the competition when it comes to Nepal volunteering, and this is something you should bear in mind if you’re especially fascinated by the towering Himalayas.
Starting at an incredibly cheap $100, GCR is a great choice for prospective volunteers without a large budget, and the wide variety of programs available like teaching English to monks deep in the mountains or in Kathmandu and much more makes volunteering with this organization a very attractive proposition for adventurous travelers and volunteers looking for a life-changing experience.
Volunteer in Thailand
As far as volunteer opportunities in southeast Asia go, Thailand is an excellent choice for prospective volunteers. GCR offers programs in both Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the country filled with spectacular ruins, and the province of Surin located deep in the off-the-beaten-track region of eastern Thailand where rolling hills, dense forests, and amazing trekking opportunities abound.
For as little as $260, volunteers can travel to one of these exciting destinations in Thailand with GCR and make an incredibly positive impact on the lives of entire communities there. There is no question that GCR is a great choice for volunteering in Thailand, and the Surin projects especially are of great value as this region sees little benefit from the booming tourism industry that the country enjoys.
Love Volunteers (LV)

Founded by brother and sister team Julian and Kelly in 2009, Love Volunteers is a response to the often-exorbitant fees charged by many less reputable volunteering organizations around the world. With a focus on transparency and cost-efficiency, LV prides itself on providing a safe and secure way to volunteer in Asia without any hidden fees and have served thousands of volunteers in this way since its inception.
These values are reflected in the response to their programs, as LV enjoys a 9.7/10 rating on Go Abroad, which is high even for this list of illustrious volunteering organizations. More than 250 former volunteers chimed in on the site to give positive feedback of their time with LV, and they are someone you should keep at the forefront of your mind as you research volunteering work in Asia. Their registration fee is $299 followed by generally cheap project fees.
LV Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Bali
Scarred by internal conflict and strife, Bali struggles with large amounts of deprived and disadvantaged children and as such is in desperate need of people willing to volunteer in Southeast Asia. Love Volunteers focuses its efforts on this tropical paradise on educational support and marine conservation, two areas crucial for the continuing health of the island’s human and animal population alike.
Starting at $339, these programs are a fantastic and cheap way to experience all the wonders of this tropical destination. The programs are set in Ubud, surrounded by rice terraces and oozing with serenity, Tianyar, far away from the tourist crowds, and Tabanan, famous for black sandy beaches.
Volunteer in Vietnam
Despite doing much better than its neighboring countries since the economic boom in the 1990’s, many people in Vietnam still struggle on a daily basis. Love Volunteers’ programs take place in the two large cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, located in the country’s north and south respectively. These are exciting destinations that make for perfect places to partake in volunteer work in southeast Asia.
With competitive pricing starting at $449, you can partake in programs intended to teach English to disadvantaged kids, support children with disabilities, and much more. Overall, Love Volunteers is an excellent choice for volunteer work in Vietnam.
Volunteer in Cambodia
Love Volunteers arranges various projects in Cambodia, all located in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Their projects are varied, with exciting and unique programs such as a law internship distinguishing it from much of the competition providing volunteer opportunities in Southeast Asia.
With fees as low as $269, you don’t need a high budget or lots of savings to take part in LV’s mission to change the world and daily life of struggling Cambodians. No matter where your passion and interests lie, there is probably a volunteer project with Love Volunteers that will appeal to you.
Volunteer in India
If you’re looking to do your volunteer work in Asia in India, then Love Volunteers is a great option. Their programs in Delhi, Jaipur, and Palampur feature a wide range of activities and ways to make a positive impact, such as education, childcare, and even a special yoga focused volunteer project.
Starting at $429, Love Volunteers’ India programs are very affordable and a great way to experience the mystery and beauty of this ancient civilization. Your time spent in India with this organization will undoubtedly make for some of your fondest memories and be an adventure of a lifetime.
Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS)
Founded in 1995, CCS has facilitated successful volunteer trips for more than 35,000 volunteers. Their approach is to focus on community led and community driven projects with in-country staff made up entirely of locals. As their name suggests, they put additional focus on cultural activities allowing volunteers to not only make a difference but also learn a great deal during their travels. This is just one of the reasons why CCS is a great option for those looking to volunteer in Asia.
CCS doesn’t charge any registration fee, but their project fees are moderate, which places them on the higher end of the scale in regard to this list. However, this is more than made up for in quality as well as a commitment to cultural immersion and education, something that is central to CCS’s approach to volunteering. They have a 9.2/10 score on Go Overseas with more than 180 former volunteers checking in to share their experiences.
CCS Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Thailand
Thailand is a classic option for people looking to volunteer in Southeast Asia. The massive country has a little bit of everything, from sandy beaches to ancient ruins, rolling hills, lush jungles, amazing wildlife, and much more. CCS’s programs are mainly focused on children, and you can choose whether you want to focus your volunteer work on health or education.
CCS’s Thailand projects start at $1990, which is quite a bit higher than the rest of the organizations on this list. This is partly due to all the additional activities that they arrange in order to facilitate cultural immersion and exchange, hence the name “cross-cultural solutions”. While this means they’re not the best option for someone on a tight budget, anyone with a bit more money to spend looking for an unforgettable experience cannot go wrong with CCS.
A Broader View Volunteers
Founded in 2007 in Pennsylvania, BVB operates more than 245 project sites in 27 different countries. Sporting a perfect rating (5/5) on Volunteer forever with more than 230 volunteers giving their feedback it’s clear that BVB is an excellent choice for those wishing to volunteer in Asia.
While the individual project fees are somewhat high, there are no registration fees, which does a bit to even the scales.
BBV Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Nepal
Nepal is a magical place at the top of many traveler’s bucket lists. Housing 8 of the 10 tallest mountains in the world, the country is a mountain and hiking lover’s paradise, and the traditional lifestyle and cultural experiences are a sight to behold.
Starting at $1050, the program is more expensive than many on this list, but the lack of registration fees lowers the burden somewhat and the quality of service, as evidenced by the rave reviews, is incredibly high. Here, your volunteer work in Asia can include a huge number of activities, as BVB has an impressive 14 separate programs.
Volunteer in India
India is an amazing country that any intrepid traveler should see at least once. There are unending amounts of cultural experiences and sights to enjoy there, and the varied nature and wildlife similarly impress.
With BVB in India, you take part in varied volunteer opportunities in Asia from animal rescue to female empowerment, elephant conservation, and much more. Prices start at $860, which given the lack of registration fees and high quality is quite affordable.
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tropical gem that rests in the Indian Ocean. Once connected by a land bridge to India, the island is home to a stunning variety of natural landscapes and incredible wildlife, as well as a deep and rich culture and history that will mesmerize you.
Sadly, decades of civil war have devastated the nation, and BVB is trying to do something about that. Starting at $890, you can take part in a whole range of volunteer programs in Asia there, whether you’re interested in business, animals, education or childcare. Rest assured, there will be a project that is perfect for you.
Volunteer in Mongolia
Mongolia is a unique country, home to vast plains and nomadic cultures. Not many can say that they have visited this magical land, but by joining one of BVB’s incredible programs in Ulaanbaatar, the nation’s capital, you can be one of the few.
The fees range from $890, which is very affordable for volunteer work in Asia of the Mongolian variety. Among the programs are childcare, special needs education, and several internships related to medical work such as midwifery, nursing, and shadowing local doctors.
Global Vision International
Global Vision International was founded in 1998 with a commitment to high-quality sustainable development. They have received awards and recognition from several prestigious organization like Save the Children and Stanford University, and several publications such as National Geographic has featured them. Without a doubt, GVI is a great choice if you’re looking to volunteer in Asia.
There are no registration fees with GVI, and their program fees are very affordable. This combined with great reviews on sites like Go Abroad, where they have an amazing 9.55/10 with as many as 2723 reviews which is very good.
GVI Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in Cambodia
Cambodia is a country filled with amazing culture and countless historical ruins and sights to see. As it is a small country, it’s easy to incorporate travel all across its borders while volunteering, and GVI’s projects are located in Kampong Cham, an ideally central location.
Beginning at $409, prices are affordable considering there are no registration fees, and the projects allow your volunteer work in Asia to take an incredibly varied number of forms such as orphanage work, environmental work, and much more.
Volunteer in Nepal
Volunteering in Nepal is an ideal option for people who love hiking, nature, and wildlife. Not only this, there are countless ancient Buddhist temples all over the small country nestled amid majestic mountain scenery.
For as little as $445, you can take part in various volunteer opportunities in Asia with GVI in Nepal such as women’s empowerment, teaching, and much more. In addition, some of the programs even come with treks to Everest Base Camp, which is an incredible experience for anyone.
Volunteer in India
India is a country with something for everyone. From a deep spirituality to mesmerizing temples and ruins, amazing scenery, and verdant wildlife, anyone can find their inner peace and deeper understanding while in this magical subcontinent.
If you’re looking for volunteer programs in Asia, going to India with GVI is an excellent choice, and prices start at $644, which is not bad given the great reviews and lack of a registration fee. The projects are based in Kochi in the Kerala Province a cultural jewel on the Arabian sea coastline. Countless cultures have left their mark there as evidenced by their varied architecture and cultural buildings.
Volunteer in Laos
Laos is an incredibly diverse country filled with countless different cultures and ethnicities. Situated in the ancient capital and cultural center of Luang Prabang, GVI’s programs in Laos take a diverse range of forms. You can work with Buddhist monks; help empower women and much more. Truly there is something here in Laos with GVI for everyone regardless of passion or interests.
Starting at $994, the fees are a bit more expensive than others but still affordable. The country has a desperate need for volunteers, as they were devastated by the Vietnam War, or the “Secret War” as it’s known in Laos, as their suffering and plight was not acknowledged at the time, despite atrocious amounts of bombing and devastation. Spending your volunteer work in southeast Asia with GVI in Laos is an excellent opportunity and choice and should be seriously considered by anyone interested in this kind of experience.
Other Quality Cheap Volunteering Organizations to Consider
If none of the above programs or organizations catch your eye, we have gathered the ones that just barely didn’t make it on our list but are still excellent organizations to volunteer in Asia with for a cheap price. All these are still very good choices for your volunteer work in Asia, and you should definitely give them a look even though they didn’t make the top 10 on this particular list.
These include:
Projects Abroad, with a review score of 9.4 on Trust Pilot from 779 reviewers. They have facilitated the travel of more than 100,000 volunteers and are one of the most prolific volunteer organizations with more than 25 years of experience in the field.
Global Volunteers, which sports 130 reviews and an average score of 9.4 on GoOverseas and projects in Vietnam, China, and Nepal.
GoEco, a company founded in 2006 and focused on environmental and sustainable responsibility with a 9.76 score on GoAbroad from over 500 reviewers
Finally, there’s Global Leadership with a great score of 9.8/10 on GoOverseas, and founded in the US in 2004.
Conclusion
There you have it, this was our comprehensive list of the 10 best volunteer organizations for those wishing to volunteer in Asia. Armed with all this information, you are now ready to make a well-informed decision, and if you pick any of these companies, you can rest assured that your time as a volunteer will be rewarding, impactful, and thoroughly life-changing.
Once you have identified the Asian country that most appeals to you, we recommend thoroughly researching each of the organizations that we have listed here that offer a project in your country of choice, giving you an even better idea of which suits you the best personally.
You might also want to check out our other articles on 10 Best Cheap Volunteer Travel Program Providers, 10 Best Cheap International Volunteer Opportunities, 10 Best Cheap Volunteer in Africa Providers, and 10 Best Cheap Volunteer Overseas Program Providers.
Also, if you are thinking about traveling and volunteering in Malaysia, you can check out this Ultimate Guide to Help You Volunteer in Malaysia.