As you know, volunteering in a foreign language offers an outstanding opportunity to gain valuable experience, enhance language skills, and contribute meaningfully to different communities, as well as make friends. It is also a strong addition to any CV.

Popular volunteering options include: 
Teaching English
Working in healthcare
Participating in conservation projects.  

Below are details of various organisations that offer a diverse range of programs:

Volunteering in a Foreign Country

International Volunteer HQ
Presence: 40+ countries (e.g., Peru, Morocco, Tanzania, Nepal, Spain, Vietnam, and Guatemala)
Languages: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Swahili, Arabic, and more.
Website
Advantages: range of projects available

Projects Abroad
Languages: Wide range depending on location
Details: Structured programs for teaching, healthcare, conservation, etc. 
Notes: Generally more expensive.
Website 

European Solidarity Corps (ESC)
Languages: Primarily European (Spanish, French, Italian, German)
Details: Funded by the EU and open to UK students (some restrictions may apply post-Brexit).
Perks: Travel, accommodation, and a small stipend often included
Website 

WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
Languages: Varies by country (e.g., French in France, Spanish in Argentina, etc.)
Details: Volunteer on organic farms worldwide in exchange for food and accommodation
Great for: Informal language immersion and cultural exchange
Website 

UN Volunteers (Online & Onsite)
Languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, etc.
Details: Highly competitive but prestigious; also offers online opportunities (e.g., translation, education, NGO support)
Website 

Language-Oriented Volunteering in Education
(These opportunities are often longer-term and may be more appropriate for Year Abroad students.)
Teaching English Abroad
Programs: TEFL/TESOL-based volunteer opportunities in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa
Languages Immersed: You teach in English, but live immersed in a foreign language
Website
Note: TEFL certification is usually required
Advantages: High demand for English teachers; placements range from a few weeks to several months
Language and Cultural Assistant Programs
Examples:
Spain’s Auxiliares de Conversación
France’s TAPIF
Italy’s Assistenti di lingua italiana
Details: Typically paid positions, though some unpaid volunteering roles also exist
NGOs and Charities Working Abroad
Platforms such as GoAbroad.com and VolunteerWorld.com allow you to search for opportunities based on:
Language: Practice Spanish, French, Portuguese, etc.
Cause: Women’s rights, climate change, education, and more
Country: Location-specific volunteering options
Look for placements with local NGOs where the working language matches your study focus.

Participating in any of these programs not only enhances your language proficiency but also strengthens your intercultural competence and global employability.

Make sure to plan early and get in touch with Dr Rebecca Fell (rf10005@cam.ac.uk). if you are hoping to use MMLL Fund support.