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Volunteer in Tanzania - It Will Change You Forever...

  • World's most affordable fees guaranteed
  • Pay your program fees directly to your host families and projects
  • Experienced local staffs to attend to your every need
  • Flexible schedule that leaves evenings and weekends free for fun, travel and exploration

Do something extraordinary: travel and volunteer in Tanzania! Located in the heart of west Africa, Tanzania’s captivating land boasts the highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro, the pristine beaches of Zanzibar and the famous Serengeti safaris. With 120 different ethnic groups and natural phenomena such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park and the Great Rift Valley, the diverse and vibrant culture and exotic nature are sure to steal your heart.

Sorrowfully, Tanzania is inundated by an overabundance of tribulations such as HIV/AIDS, other diseases, food shortages and a lack of education and resources. Consequently, the help from volunteers is greatly needed and highly appreciated. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in Tanzania to work in a variety of community development projects such as assisting orphanage homes, teaching English in schools, working in clinics/hospitals and promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and strengthen women’s empowerment groups. As a volunteer in Tanzania, you will enrich the lives of others while exploring an enthralling and scenic African country. As you expand your worldly views, you will grow personally, professionally and emotionally and above all, increase the quality of life for Tanzanians and truly make a difference in the world.

Are you ready to go beyond your boundaries and explore Africa? Begin your Tanzania journey today! Email us now and we will gladly send you more information. You won’t regret it!

Program Fee

Helping Abroad volunteers Program starts every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

Are you looking for a safe and affordable volunteer abroad experience? Do you want to see the fees you pay, being utilized towards the welfare of the project and host families? Helping abroad, a 501 c 3, offer volunteer programs at unbeatable, low prices. At Helping Abroad, we maintain a level of transparency of funds, especially for volunteers who want to know where and how the fee they pay are being channelized. The volunteer fee is paid directly to the families that host volunteers and the project that volunteers work on. The program fee is divided as registration fee ($299) and weekly fee. The registration fee is used to cover our expenses like advertisement and office expenses. The weekly fee is divided between room/local food (3 times a day, 50-70%) and project donation/ support to local project staff (30-50%) and local coordination fee (10%). The allocation may differ according to location and project type. Therefore, our coordinator will explain these issues before you pay the fees. Please find the breakdown of the cost in a weekly basis below:

Duration All Projects HIV Medical
  1 Week   $175   $225   $425
  2 Weeks   $300   $400   $550
  3 Weeks   $425   $575   $675
  4 Weeks   $550   $750   $800
  5 Weeks   $675   $925   $925
  6 Weeks   $800   $1,100   $1,050
  7 Weeks   $925   $1,275   $1,175
  8 Weeks   $1,050   $1,450   $1,300
  9 Weeks   $1,175   $1,625   $1,425
  10 Weeks   $1,300   $1,800   $1,550
  11 Weeks   $1,425   $1,975   $1,675
  12 Weeks   $1,550   $2,150   $1,800
Additional Fee
  • Mandatory Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day
  • Please apply for volunteers visa since volunteers are not allowed to use tourist visa to work as a volunteer.
Included in Fee
  • Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
  • Food (local food 3 times a day)
  • Airport pick up/Transfer
  • Program Orientation
  • In-country support
  • Personalized project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fundraising ideas and letters
  • Discount for returning volunteers
Not Included in Fee
  • Volunteers visa fee $250. Pleases see volunteers visa requirement in Tanzania http://tanzaniaembassy-us.org/?page_id=76
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
  • Daily transportation
  • Airport return transfer

C permit can be received upon arrival.

Volunteer Programs

Work in an Orphanage in Tanzania (Moshi)

Orphanages Children

Volunteer in an orphanage in Tanzania to support children who have been orphaned due to extreme poverty, severe life environments, HIV/AIDS or other diseases, abuse and other negative situations. With your time and dedication, you can personally help to provide these children with love, education and a safe home so they may live happy and healthy childhoods. In 2009, Unicef estimated that there are 3,000,000 orphans, ages 0-17 in Tanzania. Helping Abroad partners with several orphanage homes in Tanzania that are sadly lacking funds, staff, amenities and governmental support. Orphanages in Tanzania desperately need your help. You can help these children smile, grow into productive citizens and feel loved. These Tanzanian orphans are waiting for you!

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in an orphanage in Tanzania. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer in an orphanage in Tanzania, you can who help children educationally, socially, and physically as you work as a role model, buddy and teacher for those who need it the most. Volunteers will work on a variety of activities depending on individual skills and interests such as:

  • Being a friend to the children
  • Making them smile
  • Teaching English
  • Teaching other subjects such as math, science and physical education
  • Helping students successfully finish their homework
  • Promoting health, nutrition and sanitation
  • Singing songs and playing music/instruments
  • Helping children with art projects and drawing
  • Playing games and sports
  • Teaching children personal hygiene
  • Reinforcing life skills and chores such as cleaning and cooking
  • Teaching children to how to garden
  • Working on maintenance such as painting, building, and other activities to improve the facilities
  • Assisting the orphanage administration with tasks such as fundraising, organization, etc.
  • Assisting local staff in various daily activities

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will get your work schedule from the local orphanage staff. You're expected to work 3 to 4 hours daily from Monday to Friday. If you have a desire to work on weekends, you are more than welcome. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline, the project coordinator might also ask for help with other projects as well.

Teaching English in Schools (Moshi)

volunteer teacher with local students

Gain professional experience, explore Tanzania and volunteer teaching English, expanding opportunities for your students! Like most countries, the demand for English is constantly increasing Tanzania as international tourism and trade expand. While the importance of English as a second language is recognized and stressed, many poorer children are left without the opportunity to learn English. As a result, many poor Tanzanians are left without hope of higher career opportunities. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in Tanzania teaching English and improve educational environments for poor Tanzanian children. Not only will you brighten the futures of your students, you will also experience daily Tanzanian life and explore vibrant Africa.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the teaching English project in Tanzania. You're expected to have a solid knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and teach local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve the people of Tanzania within a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer teaching English in Tanzania, your experience will be valuable for both you and your students. Depending on skills and interests, volunteers teaching English in Tanzania will work closely with local teachers and follow the set Tanzanian English curriculum. Daily activities may include:

  • Teaching basic English
  • Aiding local teachers with lessons and activities
  • Teaching other subjects such as math or science
  • Organizing extracurricular activities such as music, dancing, sports, art, games, etc.
  • Teaching life skills such as basic business, painting, sewing, cooking, etc.
  • Teaching basic health and sanitation
  • Fundraising for educational programs
  • Assisting with local curriculum development
  • Maintaining the schools
  • Playing with the children
  • Assisting school/organization staff with local projects

Please Note: The teaching schedule is very flexible. You will receive direction from local school/organization staff. You’re expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will have enough time to go on holidays and explore Tanzania’s tourism. In addition, most Tanzanian schools are closed in between semesters, during midterm evaluations, during new enrolment and on public and national holidays. These dates may change, but are:

  • June 15th - July 27th (End of first semester and start of second semester)
  • Sep 19th - Oct 10th (Midterm evaluation)
  • Dec 15th - Jan 1st - (New enrolment)
  • President Day

Healthcare/Medical Project (Moshi)

volunteer teachers with students

Are you ready to think outside the box? Expand your professional opportunities, improve Tanzanian healthcare and discover the beauty of Tanzania. With Helping Abroad in Tanzania, you can combine your generosity, professional goals and adventurous side all into one. Helping Abroad is currently partnering with hospitals, clinics and nonprofit organizations in Moshi and Arusha to help improve healthcare and treatment for Tanzanians. As a volunteer in Tanzania working in the Healthcare and Medical Project, you will work alongside local doctors and nurses and promote basic health, sanitation, disease prevention, family planning and much more throughout local Moshi and Arusha. Many people in Tanzania have little to no access to healthcare, but with the help of volunteers, local organizations and clinics/hospitals can supply imperative treatment and community education.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

To be a medical volunteer in Tanzania and work in clinics and hospitals, you must submit proof of a medical certification such as a medical ID, EMT, paramedic, nursing, etc. Due to liabilities, volunteers must be healthcare professionals and those who lack medical credentials may not participate in this project. You must be flexible when dealing with organizations, doctors, curses and patients. For this project volunteers must be open minded, patient, enthusiastic, hardworking, resourceful, and willing to learn. Helping Abroad will require a copy of volunteer’s credentials, resume and qualifications. Depending on your host organization, additional application materials may be required.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a medical and healthcare volunteer in Tanzania, activities will vary greatly depending on volunteer qualification and experience. Volunteers may just observe doctors/nurses or they may provide direct patient care. Volunteer duties may include:

  • Observing local doctors/nurses
  • Providing basic care
  • Assisting doctors and nurses with patients
  • Administering medicines
  • Learning from doctors and nurses
  • Recording patient details
  • Taking vital details such as height, weight, blood pressure, etc.
  • Promoting disease prevention
  • Organizing and leading educational workshops and training
  • Promoting personal hygiene and sanitation such as clean water, food and nutrition
  • Assisting clinics and hospitals with administrative tasks
  • Assisting with vaccinations
  • Observing basic functions of clinics and hospitals
  • Traveling to remote locations to help provide care to rural Tanzanians
  • Teaching the importance of family planning
  • Aiding doctors, nurses and local staff with anything they may need
  • Maintaining and cleaning hospital/clinic areas

Please Note: The above examples of activities may vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the hospital and/or clinic. You will be provided with a very flexible schedule from local staff so you can adjust in the new environment. Along with Helping Abroad in-country staff, these counterparts will support you throughout your project. You will normally work for 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. All other time you are free to relax and explore the beautiful country of Tanzania.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Project (Moshi)

HIV positive mom with children

Volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Tanzania and help to prevent the heartbreaking disease. In 2009, Unicef estimated that about 1,500,000 Tanzanians of all ages are living with HIV/AIDS. Can you imagine that? At least you can help, as volunteers are urgently needed to educate Tanzanians on the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS and to provide support to those who are already infected. HIV/AIDS is atrocious in Tanzania as it tears apart families and communities and leaves people suffering. As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Tanzania, you can use the power of education to save lives while providing reassurance and care to Tanzanians who are regrettably living with the disease.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Tanzania. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for helping others, a genuine interest in disease prevention, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

Each volunteer in Tanzania working in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project will participate in a wide range of activities, depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. Activities may include:

  • Counseling infected patients
  • Working with community groups
  • Preparing materials for educating communities about HIV/AIDS
  • Educating locals about the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS
  • Taking care of infected Tanzanians
  • Helping to provide medication to fight health concerns such as fevers, coughing, diarrhea, etc.
  • Leading and participating in support groups
  • Supporting infected families with basic necessities
  • Maintaining and constructing clinics

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities.

Women's Empowerment Project (Moshi)

volunteers and participants of women empowerment project

The Masai tribe their cultures are unique, vivacious and ancient. Many people travel from all over the world to witness how they still live today. Sadly, the local economy is struggling and tourism’s effects are hardly noticed. Helping Abroad collaborates with a local NGO in Tanzania to provide support to local Masai women by teaching them to read, write and market their traditional products and crafts. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in the women’s empowerment project in Tanzania and help to augment the quality of life for Masai women in Moshi and Arusha. This is a great project to enjoy a truly cultural experience in Tanzania while enriching the lives of others.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the women’s empowerment project in Tanzania. You're expected to have a solid knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and teach local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for gender equality, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve the people of Tanzania within a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer in the women’s empowerment project in Tanzania, your responsibilities will vary with your education, skills, experience and qualifications. Many Masai women have not had the chance to receive an education and lack business skills. Volunteer activities may include:

  • Teaching the Masai women skills that you may have such as making crafts, sewing, etc.
  • Learning about the Masai culture and their practices
  • Teaching English
  • Helping the women to market and sell their products
  • Teaching basic business skills
  • Helping organizations and women’s groups their administrative work
  • Fundraising
  • Assisting with tourism and tours
  • Teaching the women about health, personal hygiene and sanitation

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities.

Major FAQ's

  • Who will meet me at the airport? What should I do if I am delayed or miss my flight? When should I arrive?
  • Please book your flight to the Kilimanjaro International Airport which is the pick-up point for all Helping Abroad volunteers in Tanzania. The Helping Abroad country coordinator will be waiting for you at the “Arrival” gate. Please look for a person with both the Helping Abroad company logo and your name on a sign card. In case your contact person is not there, please contact the Helping Abroad office and we will immediately follow up on your contact persons’ whereabouts. Coordinators’ contact details are available in the pre-departure handbook. If your flight is delayed, immediately contact Helping Abroad so we can make adjustments to your program. Helping Abroad will be responsible for creating the necessary changes in your program.

    The program fee covers expenses from the first day of the program to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program and/or stay beyond the last day of the program, you will be responsible for these expenses.

  • What are the visa requirements to volunteer in Tanzania?
  • Volunteers must acquire a tourist visa in their home country prior to departure for Tanzania. You can read about visa information for Tanzania on the web.

  • What do I need to know about health and safety in Tanzania?
  • Volunteers should be aware of all health and safety information before traveling to Tanzania. You can read about health and safety in Tanzania on the website below:

    WHO Tanzania (http://www.who.int/countries/en)
  • What immunizations/vaccinations are recommended before arriving to South Africa?
  • We strongly recommend that volunteers obtain vaccinations before arriving in Tanzania. You can speak with your health-care provider to determine which vaccinations you will need. Please read CDC recommendations about vaccinations and preventive medicine:

    http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/Tanzania.htm
  • What is the local currency and exchange rate?
  • The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the official currency of the country. You can exchange money when you arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and ATM machines are widely available. ATM cards are the best way to get money and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some larger cities. It is a good idea to carry a credit card for large purchases and emergencies. Make sure you notify your bank that you will be out of the country and give them your expected arrival/departure dates. This will prevent your account from being locked and you will be advised about any fraudulent charges.

    Please visit XE, a privately held online foreign exchange tool for rates. XE.com

  • How can I communicate with my family/friends while I am abroad? Is there internet access?
  • If you have an unlocked cell phone that contains a SIM card, we recommend that you bring it because you can buy a Tanzanian SIM card upon arrival. Phones are important to have for safety and communication with family and Helping Abroad staff. Internet cafes are widely available in larger cities, but less available in rural towns. You will have placement details in your pre-departure packet.

  • How is the climate in Tanzania?
  • Tanzania is hot all year due to its proximity to the equator. From July to September the weather is a little milder. Arusha has a sub-tropical climate and you’ll find cooler weather in Moshi.

    For accurate weather please visit ACCU Weather ( http://www.accuweather.com )

  • What should I bring?
  • You can purchase basic necessities in Tanzania at reasonable prices, but we suggest bringing the following:

    • An unlocked mobile phone (you can use it after buying a Tanzanian card)
    • Camera
    • Sleeping bag
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Insect repellent
    • Sunscreen
    • Books about Tanzania
    • Map of Tanzania
    • Toiletries
    • First aid kit
    • Flash light
    • Electricity adapter/converter
    • Sun glasses
    • Good shoes (for work and travel)
    • Towel
  • Should I bring gifts for my host family?
  • You are not required to bring a gift but it is common courtesy as a token of appreciation for hosting you. If you are working in orphanages or schools, you can bring items such as school supplies and games. Remember that many children will desire what you bring, so you may want to bring a large amount of one item (pencils, pens, notebooks, games, art supplies, etc).

NOTE:Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is derived from generic information about the country, and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly, and the information contained here may not be up to date. Participants should consult Helping Abroad staff or travel advisors to verify this information