AllPeopleBeHappy's new Volunteer Service Award program is an immersive cultural and professional experience for individuals hoping to make a difference in a community-based organization.
OVERVIEW
AllPeopleBeHappy is proud to launch our second year Volunteer Service Award program, open to any individuals 18 years of age and older who are interested in cultural immersion and professional development through serving, learning, and living in a host community. This program offers a fully-funded, immersive 3-week placement with a community-based organization and local homestay family. It’s an excellent opportunity for individuals who are interested in community development and building cross-community connections. This program is perfect for someone who is flexible, open to new experiences, and able to effectively work both individually and as part of a team.
Placements are available in 6 countries with a variety of focuses including education, water issues, health and wellness, environmental sustainability, and gender issues, to name just a few. Some placements may require specific skills or training, but there are many different types of opportunities available! Please take a look at our project database below for the specific details and requirements of each placement.
Anyone who is interested in participating should apply as soon as possible! Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be interviewed by the AllPeopleBeHappy team and a representative from the host organization they hope to work with and accepted on a rolling basis.
Important Details
Funding
Acceptance into the program guarantees full funding, which includes airfare, insurance, and all day-to-day expenses for the 3-week placement. Participants are responsible for their own passport and visa fees, as well as personal spending money for extras.
Note: To make sure the program is successful and award recipients are committed to the entire program, we will require a $250 deposit from each award recipient. This deposit is fully refundable and will be returned upon completion of the program. Financial assistance is available if this creates a barrier for award recipients.
Eligibility requirements
- 18 years of age by the application deadline.
- Complete interview process, sign acceptance agreement, and participate in all predeparture meetings.
- Valid passport (or have applied for one) and meet any requirements for entry into the host country. Non-US citizens are eligible to apply.
- Basic fluency in English (and local language if specified for their desired placement).
- Have the skills/experience required for their desired placement
Placement length and timeframe
3 full weeks in the host country in June and July 2027. Exact dates are flexible and will be agreed upon with the host organization. Participants are expected to spend 30-40 hours per week on their project with the organization.
Lodging
Homestays in communities. All homestays are carefully vetted by AllPeopleBeHappy and reflect the typical local standards of living.
Before you go
All participants must attend 5 virtual, 1.5 hour pre-departure meetings with their cohort between January and June 2027, as well as one post-program meeting. Meeting dates/times TBD, based on cohort schedules.
Program Timeline
Available Opportunities
Explore the details of the projects that are available for summer 2027, organized here by region.
Africa
Challenging Heights | Winneba, Ghana
Fields: Education, Community Development, Youth Empowerment
Summary: CH aims to protect and improve the lives of young people and their communities affected by child trafficking and the worst forms of child labor. The organization believes education and the economic empowerment of women are the most important things for eliminating child slavery. Tasks may include research, program planning, and communications.
Tasks: Volunteers may help with research, monitoring and evaluation, and program planning and implementation.
Visa required in advance for US passport holders.
Peace Humanity International | Ghana
Fields: Peacebuilding, Education, Community Development, Health
Summary: Peace Humanity International promotes peace, quality education, environmental sustainability, and empowerment of women and youth in Ghana. The organization works closely with community leaders, government agencies, and grassroots groups.
Tasks: Interns may contribute to environmental projects like the sustainable school garden or help with outreach and educational workshops.
Visa required in advance for US passport holders.
Welfare of Children and Youth Association | Ghana
Fields: Youth Empowerment, Gender Equity, Education
Summary: WCYA focuses on advancing gender equity and youth empowerment through education and advocacy. Interns learn about grassroots organizing while supporting local initiatives.
Tasks: Interns may help with workshop facilitation, communications, and monitoring and evaluation.
Visa required in advance for US passport holders.
OffGrid Zanzibar | Muyuni, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Fields: Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Community Development
Summary: OffGrid Zanzibar promotes clean energy solutions to improve livelihoods and reduce environmental impact. Interns gain insight into renewable energy and grassroots innovation.
Tasks: Volunteers may conduct research, outreach, and program development.
Swahili is a plus but not required.
ASIA
Rukmini Foundation | Pharping, Nepal
Fields: Girls’ Education, Gender Equity, Community Empowerment
Summary: Rukmini Foundation empowers girls in Nepal through education, mentorship, and leadership development. Interns support initiatives that break barriers to education and gender equity.
Tasks: Volunteers may support existing programming, help with communications, and conduct research.
Visions Global Empowerment | Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Fields: Education, Youth Leadership, Human Rights
Summary: Visions Global Empowerment expands access to education and leadership opportunities for marginalized youth. Interns collaborate with grassroots partners to strengthen programs that promote equity and inclusion.
Tasks: Volunteers may design curriculum, training support, and conduct research.
Collateral Repair Project | Amman, Jordan
Fields: Education, Refugee support, Community-building
Summary: Collateral Repair Project (CRP) is a grassroots effort to bring much-needed assistance to refugees and other victims of war and conflict—commonly referred to as “collateral damage.” CRP manages two vibrant community centers, where families can rebuild social ties and participate in activities where they can connect, learn, and heal together.
Tasks: Volunteers may help support existing programming like English Conversation Club or support youth sports activities and art programs.
NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA
Nido de Vida | San Miguel de Los Bancos, Ecuador
Fields: Environmental Conservation, Education, Community Engagement
Summary: Nido de Vida is rooted in sustainable living and community care, supporting environmental conservation and education in Ecuador. Programs include forest and bird surveys, storytelling, and creative knowledge-sharing with local residents and visitors.
Tasks: Volunteers may support biodiversity surveys, educational material development, birding data collection, storytelling through film or photography, and conservation-focused community engagement.
Spanish required.
APPLY NOW
Application deadline: November 15, 2026
FAQ
Can I receive university credit for the Volunteer Service Award?
We would be happy to help you receive credit from your college or university for the Volunteer Service Award program. Please indicate that you’re seeking university credit in your application. You will be responsible for managing any required paperwork to receive credit, but AllPeopleBeHappy can provide the details you need.
Meet Volunteer Service Award Recipients from 2026!
These five volunteers piloted our VSA program in 5 different locations: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Deniya Evans
Shannon Mischler
Danso Kuzoe Jones
Samantha Herrera
