Review Projects Abroad

Review of Projects Abroad

Welcome to the world of Projects Abroad, one of the biggest names in volunteer travel. Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting for your money, and whether it’s worth eating instant noodles for six months to afford it.

What Actually Is Projects Abroad?

Projects Abroad has been around since 1992, which in volunteer travel years makes them basically ancient. They operate in over 25 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, offering everything from teaching programs to wildlife conservation, medical internships to construction projects.

The basic idea is simple: you pay them a chunk of money, they organize your accommodation, meals, project placement, and in-country support. You show up, do meaningful work, and hopefully return home as a slightly better version of yourself with killer stories and a new perspective on life.

Sounds great, right? It is. But let’s get real about the whole package.

The Good Stuff (And There’s Plenty)

First things first, Projects Abroad does a lot of things really well. Their support system is honestly impressive. From the moment you apply, you’ve got someone holding your hand through the process. Visa advice? Check. Vaccination guidance? Sorted. Freaking out at 3am before your flight? They’ve got staff who’ve heard it all before.

Once you’re on the ground, you’ll have local coordinators who actually know what they’re doing. These aren’t random people picked off the street. They know the communities, they understand the cultural nuances, and crucially, they can help when things go sideways. Lost your passport? They’ve got your back. Stomach bug from that street food you definitely should have avoided? They know the good doctors.

The projects themselves are generally legitimate. Projects Abroad has worked hard to build relationships with local communities and organizations. You’re not just rocking up to “help” people who never asked for it. The programs are designed with local input, which matters more than you might think. Nobody wants volunteers who create more work than they actually contribute.

Another massive plus is the variety. Want to teach kids in the morning and work on marine conservation in the afternoon? They can probably make it happen. Interested in shadowing doctors in Tanzania? They’ve got programs for that. The flexibility means you can actually tailor your experience to match your interests and future goals.

Now, About That Price Tag

Here’s where things get complicated. Projects Abroad is expensive. Like, really expensive. We’re talking several thousand dollars for even short placements, and costs that can easily hit five figures for longer programs or specialized projects.

A typical two-week program might cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000, not including flights. Four weeks? You’re looking at $3,000 to $6,000+. And those marine conservation programs everyone dreams about? They’re at the higher end of that spectrum, sometimes even more.

To put this in perspective, you could travel through Southeast Asia for three months on what some of these programs cost for three weeks. That stings a bit.

Projects Abroad justifies these prices by pointing to their comprehensive support, insurance coverage, accommodation, meals, and project supervision. Fair enough. But it does raise the question: how much of your money is actually going toward the project versus the organizational overhead?

The company maintains that a significant portion funds the actual projects and local staff, but they’re not exactly transparent about the breakdown. For young travelers scraping together funds from part-time jobs, this opacity can be frustrating.

Who’s This Actually For?

Here’s my take: Projects Abroad works best for specific types of travelers. If you’re a student looking for relevant experience in your field (pre-med students doing medical internships, education majors teaching, etc.), the cost might actually be justified. You’re gaining professional experience in an international setting, which looks great on applications and genuinely helps your career.

If you’re someone who wants to travel meaningfully but needs serious hand-holding, the high price buys you peace of mind. Everything is organized, there’s always someone to call, and you’re never truly on your own. For nervous first-time international travelers, especially younger ones, this support can be invaluable.

If you’re a gap year student with time and money to spare, and you want a structured experience that combines travel with purpose, it delivers on that promise.

But if you’re a budget traveler, if you’re comfortable with uncertainty, or if you’re primarily motivated by helping others, there are almost certainly better options. Independent volunteering, working with smaller grassroots organizations, or even just extended cultural immersion travel can offer similar or better experiences at a fraction of the cost.

The Verdict

Projects Abroad does what it promises. You’ll have an organized, relatively safe, and genuinely memorable experience. You’ll meet other international volunteers, you’ll work on legitimate projects, and you’ll have support when you need it.

But you’re paying a premium for that organization and safety net. Whether it’s worth it depends entirely on your situation, your comfort level with independent travel, and honestly, your budget.

For some people, it’s absolutely worth every penny. For others, it’s a lot of money for something they could arrange independently with research and initiative.

Just go in with your eyes open about what you’re buying, what impact you’ll actually have, and whether this aligns with your values and goals. And maybe save for a few extra months so you’re not living on instant noodles alone.

Safe travels, whatever you decide.