Give a Year, Gain a Lifetime of Love
Live and serve alongside children at NPH homes through long-term volunteer opportunities.
Please use the link provided to submit your application. You may save your work and return to the application as many times as needed before submitting it.
After your application has been submitted, NPH USA will review it and contact you about next steps. You should hear back from our staff within 2 weeks of submitting the application. The entire process can take 2 – 4 months.
Volunteers generally start in either January or July, and applications are due by July 1 for a January start date and January 1 for a July start date. We often have openings after the application due date, so we encourage you to apply even if you have missed the deadline.
International Volunteers are essential members of the NPH family. Our volunteers serve alongside the local staff, and provide services that are hard to find in Latin America. All volunteers hold a job during the day and spend time each evening and weekend with children. Our volunteers come from all around the world, and live in community at our NPH homes. We accept single volunteers, married couples and families.
We try to match the skills and interests of volunteers with what NPH wants and needs. All current volunteer opportunities are listed at https://opportunity.nph.org/.
Don’t see a job that fits your talents? Consult with NPH USA’s Volunteer Coordinator (ivp@nphusa.org) to see if there are other current roles available.
Here are some common volunteer jobs and areas in which volunteers serve:
Volunteers serve as teachers, tutors or librarians. Many homes have their own schools that educate our preschool through middle school students. We need volunteers with teaching and tutoring skills at all levels. Librarians work with school staff and caregivers to increase the students’ literacy skills.
Volunteers serve as doctors, nurses, clinic assistants and therapists. All the homes have “internal” clinics that serve the children and staff of NPH. Some homes have clinics and hospitals that serve the surrounding community as well. Our volunteer therapists provide otherwise unattainable speech therapy, play therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Volunteers serve as Communication Officers, Project Coordinators and in our Sponsorship program. Administrative volunteers work with the home and the network of global fundraising offices to communicate with donors and the public about NPH.
Volunteer Coordinators help support the current volunteers and screen and place pending volunteers. Visitor Coordinators assist visitors from around the world who come to see and experience NPH first hand.
Volunteers lead and coordinate programs such as women’s empowerment, men’s empowerment, youth leadership, life skills and community support projects.
We often have unique volunteer opportunities that may not be listed on the website. These can include architect, environmental educator, swim instructor, activities coordinator, catechist, pharmacist, etc.
NPH does not charge volunteers to apply or serve and there is no fundraising commitment.
Volunteers receive room and board, as well as access to basic medical care and a monthly stipend ($100 USD).
Volunteers must pay for their transportation to and from the country where they serve, but NPH staff will meet you at the airport/bus station.
Volunteers with weak language skills must receive/pay for additional language training prior to beginning service.
NPH USA pays for the emergency international health insurance, up to $500 a year. See details in the International Volunteer Program Guide, page 9
See how volunteers live, work, and support children at NPH homes.
Our International Volunteer Program is supported through collaboration with partner organizations.
Helpful documents and information related to NPH’s International Volunteer Program.
Program Fact Sheet
International Volunteer Guidebook
Meet our international volunteers
Hightower and Kloos Legacy Fund
Have questions about volunteering? Contact our International Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Abercrombie Foster.
What makes a successful volunteer?
Successful volunteers are cooperative, flexible, and patient. They have a strong work ethic and can adapt to a different cultural environment, including working with people from around the world. Volunteers are expected to be respectful of their host country and its culture and to bring a positive attitude to share with the children.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. The minimum age for volunteers is 21.
Do I need to speak Spanish or French?
Volunteers with a strong command of the local language are better able to serve the children and are given priority. Volunteers must either be proficient in the language or commit to attending a language school before beginning their volunteer service.
What is the time commitment?
The minimum volunteer commitment is 13 months. This length of time allows volunteers and the children to form lasting relationships. Longer commitments are encouraged.
Do you accept short-term volunteers?
No. NPH does not accept short-term volunteers.
When should I apply?
Most NPH homes have volunteer start dates in January or July.
For a January start date, applications should be submitted by July 1.
For a July start date, applications should be submitted by January 1.
Even if a deadline has passed, applicants are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are limited, so applying early is recommended.
Where do volunteers live?
Volunteers receive room and board at the NPH home. Housing varies by country and may include apartments or dormitory-style rooms shared with other volunteers.
Is volunteering safe?
As with any international travel, there are risks, and volunteers are expected to remain aware of their surroundings and the local situation. NPH works to provide a safe and secure environment for children, staff, and volunteers. Each home has safety guidelines that all volunteers must follow.
Can I speak with a former volunteer?
Yes. Please contact us, and we will connect you with a current or recently returned volunteer from the country you are considering. Speaking with a former volunteer can help answer questions and support your decision.
Who pays for a volunteer’s health insurance?
NPH USA covers the cost of the IMG Patriot plan for all U.S. volunteers. The plan includes a $250 deductible, a $100,000 annual limit, international emergency care, up to $500,000 for medical evacuation, and up to $50,000 for emergency reunion.
What is the application review process and timeline?
After your application is submitted, NPH USA will review it and contact you about next steps. Applicants typically hear back from staff within two weeks of submitting an application. The full application and placement process generally takes two to four months.
Volunteers usually begin their service in January or July. Applications are due by July 1 for a January start date and January 1 for a July start date. Because openings may still be available after deadlines, applicants are encouraged to apply even if a deadline has passed.
What happens after I apply?
All applicants apply online at https://nphusa.org/volunteer/volunteer-locally/. Within two weeks, staff will contact applicants regarding their application. Qualified applicants will be invited to a phone or Skype interview. During the interview, staff will review qualifications, assess language skills, discuss possible placements, answer questions, and outline next steps. References are checked following the interview. The process is thorough and requires patience.