ICYE Volunteering outside Europe

Are you living in Finland and looking for meaningful international experiences and learning opportunities? Through the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) program, you can volunteer abroad for 6 or 12 months. There are placements available all over the world. The program is open to anyone aged 18 or older.

 

Through ICYE volunteer work, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways within a new community and society. You’ll get to build new connections and form friendships that enrich your life. You’ll gain new perspectives, a deeper cultural understanding, and greater self-awareness.

You’ll have the opportunity to challenge your familiar ways of thinking, develop your communication and teamwork skills and other competencies, and deepen your understanding of global issues. Through cooperation and dialogue, we break down assumptions and prejudices and build peace at the grassroots level.

1. Where and when?
2. Fields of volunteering and accommodation
3. Who can participate?
4. Training camps
5. When and how to apply?
6. Participation fee and what it includes?
7. Further information

1) Where and when?

Program countries in Africa

Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania

 

Asia and Oceania

Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand

 

Latin America and the United States

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, the United States

 

Duration and start dates

You can spend six months or a year volunteering with ICYE. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know a new community and local life on a deeper level.

Volunteer placements begin annually in August–September, when an orientation camp is held in each country to prepare volunteers for their placement. Start dates vary by country (see country descriptions). In most countries, you can also depart in January–February.

“A year may sound like a long time, but I highly recommend it. The first third is spent learning the language and finding your place in the community. At times, life feels like a roller coaster, but it’s all worth it!” – volunteer Riikka

2) Field of volunteering and accommodation

There are opportunities for volunteer work in many fields, such as

• education
• environmental protection
• social services (e.g., youth, elderly, and disability services)
• health care
• human rights work

Examples of volunteer placements:

• Ecuador: The Botanical Garden in Quito protects Andean flora and organizes exhibitions.
• Indonesia: A daycare center on the island of Java supports children’s growth and development.
• Peru: A nursing home in Los Olivos provides a safe home for the elderly.
• Tanzania: At an organization in Dar es Salaam, girls and young women develop their skills in areas such as IT and sewing.

Learn more about volunteer placements from the program country descriptions (see links above).

Accommodation is arranged for all ICYE program participants. Accommodation varies by volunteer placement. Typically, volunteers live in homestays, at their volunteer placement, or in shared housing with other volunteers. Accommodation details are provided in the description of each volunteer placement.

“It was particularly inspiring to see up close how grassroots human rights work is carried out in Bolivia.” – Volunteer Mikaela

3) Who can participate?

The ICYE program is open to anyone aged 18 or older; in most countries, the upper age limit is flexible. A working knowledge of English is required; the local language is learned during the program.

Volunteers perform support duties. ICYE volunteer work is suitable for those spending a gap year, students, professionals, and anyone else interested in new learning experiences. No prior experience in international volunteer work, education, or work experience is required.

“One of the best things about Maailmanvaihto has been that I was warmly welcomed as a volunteer even though I’m a bit older. Overall, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” – Anna-Maija

4) Training camps

The program includes comprehensive training:

• Pre-departure training in Finland. The training covers topics such as the role of a volunteer – including their responsibilities, duties, and rights – adapting to a new cultural environment, and health and safety issues.
• On-arrival training camp in the program country. The orientation introduces you to the local culture and society and teaches you how to work as a volunteer in that environment.
• Mid-term evaluation camp (in the one-year program) and final evaluation camp. At these camps, you’ll deepen your learning by reflecting on your experiences and sharing them with other volunteers. You’ll have the chance to examine how your daily encounters have impacted you.
• Meeting for returnees. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your volunteer period, share experiences with peers, and identify the skills you’ve gained through international volunteer work.

“To everyone interested in international volunteer work, I want to say: if there’s even the slightest chance to go, do it! Along the way, you’ll learn new things about yourself, others, and the whole world.” – volunteer Kalle

5) When and how to apply?

Application periods:

October 31 – start in August–September of the following year or January–February of the year after that
January 31 – start in August–September of the same year or January–February of the following year

Application round for the January–February 2027 start! Places are filled in the order applications are received, and the final deadline for submitting applications is September 1, 2026. Applications can be submitted to Bolivia, Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Thailand.

The first step in applying is to submit the Maailmanvaihto application form (available for download on the application instructions page) along with any required attachments. Submitting an application does not yet commit you to participating in the program. We will invite everyone who submits an application to an interview. During the interview, you can ask more questions about the program.

 

6) Participation fee and what it includes

The participation fee covers the arrangements for a safe and rewarding volunteer period, from training and support to accommodation and insurance:

• Training
  • Pre-departure training (3 days) in Finland
  • On-arrival training in the host country
  • Mid-term evaluation camp, only for the one-year program
  • Final evaluation camp
  • Support for learning the local language
  • Returnees’ meeting in Finland after coming home
• Practical arrangements and support
  • Accommodation and daily meals in the host country
  • Comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance
  • Travel costs to training camps in Finland and in the host country
  • Airport pick-up in the host country
  • Daily commuting to the volunteer placement
  • Monthly pocket money, varying by country
    • For the 2026–2027 season: €12.53/month (Nigeria) – €100/month (United States)
  • Guidance and advice for visa applications
  • Support from Maailmanvaihto (ICYE Finland) and the ICYE organisation in the host country
    • with practical matters (e.g., insurance)
    • according to the individual needs of the participant
  • Support for homecoming and recognition of skills gained after the volunteer period
  • Solidarity fee to support volunteers from Global South countries coming to Finland
  • Five-year membership in Maailmanvaihto
  • Certificate of participation

 

Participation fees for the season 2026–27

NB! The participant also needs to pay for the flights and the visa to the destination country.

Support for participation: Maailmanvaihto offers those selected for the ICYE program the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships (up to €650) are awarded on financial grounds to a maximum of three participants for the 2026–27 exchange year. All participants will receive application instructions.

When do I need to pay the participation fee?

If after the selection interview, you are selected as a participant, within approximately two weeks of your selection interview, you will receive a participation and payment agreement with cancellation conditions to sign and you will need to pay a deposit of €400. In the contract, you will decide whether to pay the rest of your participation fee in one, two, or more installments. Your participation fee must be paid in full before departure.

7) Why volunteer through the ICYE program

• Training and peer support. You’ll receive training for international volunteer work and guidance and peer support from other volunteers. You’ll also get support and tips from past participants, whom you can contact even before deciding to join.
• Care. We’ll look after you throughout your entire volunteer placement. You’ll have a contact person to support you, both at the ICYE organization in your host country and at Maailmanvaihto in Finland. You’ll receive support for everyday situations, adapting to a new environment, and processing even challenging experiences – you’re not alone in your learning process.
• Support after your return. After your return, Maailmanvaihto will support you in adjusting to life back home and in recognizing the skills you’ve gained through your volunteer work. Together, we’ll reflect on how the experience has influenced your own thinking and worldview. You’re also warmly welcome to join Maailmanvaihto’s volunteer activities.
• Reciprocity. Maailmanvaihto’s activities are based on the principle of reciprocity. We send volunteers abroad and host volunteers in Finland so that volunteers and work communities can gain learning experiences both abroad and in Finland.
• Solid experience. The ICYE network was founded in 1949. Maailmanvaihto ry – ICYE Finland is an organization established in 1958 with solid experience in organizing international opportunities.

8) Further information

• See Frequently asked questions on volunteering abroad
• Learn about the policies of ICYE (icye.org):
  • • ICYE’s Code of Ethical Practise ↗
    • Greener together – ICYE’s commitment for a sustainable and regenerative future ↗ 
    • Care to Engage – ICYE’s Policy on Safeguarding Children ↗
    • Safer Together – ICYE’s policy addressing sexual violence in international volunteering ↗

If you have questions, please contact us!

 

You can also reach us via e-mail at maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi and by phone +358 50 346 0965 (also WhatsApp).

 

“I saw the world, and it permanently changed my outlook on life. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” – volunteer Emilia