How our prices work

At Projects Abroad, we connect passionate people like you with communities in need around the world.

While independent volunteering might appear budget-friendly, it often lacks the structure and support needed to create lasting change, both for you and the communities you visit.

Likewise, some competitors may look cheaper initially, luring you in with a lower headline price. But scratch the surface, and at the point of purchase, you could be made to pay a 5% transaction fee, or you may need to pay for meals and transport. Your deposit or registration fee could be non-refundable too, or subject to an admin fee. It soon adds up.

With Projects Abroad, your total cost is clear from the start.

How much does it cost?

All our projects require an initial deposit of $295 to secure your place. This comes off the total price. The remaining balance is due three months before you start. Until this time, you are in control of how you pay (think monthly instalments), with no fees or interest.

Beyond your deposit, every project is priced differently. Each project has the price listed on its individual product page.

Every trip also has a minimum duration, and most can be extended in week-long instalments. If you do a two-week project, and want to do two more weeks (four-weeks total), the price does not double. This means it’s always worth considering staying for longer if you have the time. Check the “extra week price” for details.

find out about flexible payments

Our risk-free booking guarantee

Sometimes life gets in the way, and we fully understand that. Our risk-free booking guarantee means you can make unlimited changes to your booking completely free of charge. Dates, duration, project, destination? Doesn’t matter, we’ll handle it.

If the worst happens and you need to cancel your project, don’t worry. We’ll give you extended credit to use on another project within 24 months!

What’s included in the price?

Every project is different, so check individually for further details.

This is what we include as standard:

Accommodation
Three meals a day
Pick up from the airport in your destination, and drop off when you fly home
Training and workshops from our experienced local staff, including a full induction and orientation when you arrive
Transport to and from your work placement
In-country support and 24-hour backup from our team of full-time local staff
Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
Any equipment and materials needed for your project
Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
Certification of completion
Access to our alumni discount
Visa support and advice
Fundraising support, including your own personalised fundraising website
Pre-departure preparation by your own specialist Destination Expert
Personalised MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation, and destination
A free cultural awareness course
Support to help you complete registration or internship documents, if applicable

Not included in the cost:

Flights
Visa costs (where applicable)
Insurance

Can I fundraise for my trip?

Yes. You can access tools to help on your dedicated MyProjectsAbroad page. We’ve also written a detailed fundraising guide to help you get started, giving you some ideas and considerations when building funds.

A large group of Projects Abroad volunteers and local community members posing for a group photo outside a building in Tanzania.

Where does my money go?

Your project fees not only fund your incredible journey but also empower communities long after you’ve returned home.

Here’s how your money makes a difference:

Project Costs (33%):

Direct Project Expenses: Funding for materials, supplies, and local initiatives.
Volunteer Living Expenses: Covering your accommodation, meals, and local transportation.

Organisational Costs (13%):

Staff Salaries: Supporting our dedicated team of local and international staff.
Operational Expenses: Maintaining offices, infrastructure, and administrative functions.

Government Taxes (4%):

Compliance: Adhering to local regulations and contributing to the communities we serve.

Indirect Costs (24%):

Local Support: Funding our on-the-ground staff who provide guidance and support.
Infrastructure: Maintaining necessary facilities and equipment.

Recruitment and Communication (24%):

Outreach: Promoting our programs and attracting volunteers.
Marketing: Building awareness of our mission and the impact we create.

Profit (2%):

Emergency Funds: Maintaining a reserve for unforeseen circumstances.
Investment: Reinvesting in our organization for growth and sustainability.

We strive for transparency in our financial practices. While providing exact figures for each volunteer’s contribution is challenging, this breakdown clearly explains how your fees are utilised to create positive change.

Do you offer discounts?

If you’re looking to take part in more than one project, visit more than one destination, or travel with a group or family, it’s always worth giving us a call. We’ll help you build an itinerary and we can normally offer you a discount too.

In addition to this, we offer specific discounts if you’re part of our Alumni Network or volunteering abroad with your family.