Projects Abroad UK

Projects Abroad UK: international volunteering and professional internships since 1992

Projects Abroad UK is the British office of an organisation dedicated to volunteering abroad and international internships. According to its own presentation, it has had more than 140,000 participants since its founding in 1992 and operates in more than 35 destinations across 25 countries. Its UK headquarters is in Brighton.

Programmes by age and profile

The offer is organised according to the age and needs of each participant:

• High School Programmes (14-18 years): volunteer trips designed specifically for teenagers, with structured support and guided reflection. The organisation describes them as its most popular programmes.
• Volunteer & Intern Abroad (16+): volunteering projects and professional internships for those over 16.
• Gap Programmes (17-24 years): gap year programmes, with options for a global Gap Year or a custom-designed one.
• Over 50s (50+): programmes aimed at people over 50.
• Groups & Partnerships: projects for groups, schools, universities, clubs, organisations and companies.

Volunteering and internship areas

The projects are grouped into different thematic areas. Among those available are conservation and environment, medicine and healthcare, childcare and community, culture and adventure, law and human rights, building and archaeology, sports coaching, teaching, community development, microfinance and business.

Destinations

The organisation operates in Africa (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and Tanzania), Asia (Cambodia, Japan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam), Europe (Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain and Tenerife) and Latin America and the Caribbean (Argentina, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru), as well as the South Pacific (Fiji).

Safety and support

Projects Abroad UK highlights the ongoing support of its permanent local teams, available 24 hours a day, before, during and after the trip. The organisation states that it follows strict protocols and maintains emergency plans at each destination, and notes that it carefully selects accommodation and local partners, with some of whom it has worked for decades. It also indicates that all its programmes comply with the British standard BS 8848 for adventure travel and the requirements of the Expedition Providers Association, and that it has a network of medical and technical consultants.

Certifications and awards

The entity presents itself as a Certified B-Corporation and mentions having received awards for exceeding established safety protocols. It also offers an International Volunteering Diploma and a Global Citizenship Framework as part of its educational offering.

Participant support services

The website details support services before, during and after the experience: information for parents, pre-departure guidance, flight booking management, chaperoned flights, pre-departure support, fundraising, scholarships and bursaries, the possibility of combining multiple trips, accommodation and staff assistance. It also has an alumni network, testimonials and a blog.

Current promotion at the time of analysis

The site announced the delivery of a free Volunteering Diploma with the booking of a new High School Programme before 12 October.

Location and contact

WRAP, 83 Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XE · Phone: 01273 007 230 · Email: info@projects-abroad.co.uk