Going on a mission trip can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to travel, serve others, and grow in your faith.
With so many organizations offering trips, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
This article profiles the 15 biggest and best mission trip organizations, outlining key details to help you pick the perfect organization for your needs.
15 Biggest and Best Mission Trip Organizations
Here are fifteen of the best and biggest mission trip organizations:
1. Adventures in Missions
Adventures in Missions (AIM) is one of the largest mission trip organizations in the world. They offer short-term trips for all age groups to over 70 countries.
Trip Length: 1-24 weeks
Destinations: Countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central/South America, North America, and Oceania.
Focus: Evangelism, church planting, construction, medical outreach, orphan/street ministry, discipleship.
Cost: Varies by program length and location. An average 2-week trip is around $3,500 with fundraising options available.
Perks: AIM handles all logistics like flights, visas, meals/lodging, translators, etc. Training and team support provided. Wide variety of specialized mission experiences.
Best For: Adults, families, youth, and volunteer teams interested in intentional Christian service abroad.
Read Also: Generation Google Scholarship – Eligibility & Benefits
2. Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad offers personalized mission trips and volunteer abroad opportunities worldwide.
Programs range from childcare, teaching, and healthcare to conservation, community development, and more.
Trip Length: 1 week to 6 months or longer
Destinations: 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Pacific
Focus: Childcare, teaching, healthcare, sports coaching, community work, environment conservation
Cost: Varies by program length and location. An average 2-week trip is around $2,500.
Perks: All-inclusive guided experiences, guaranteed placements, extensive support network, safety-focused. Flexible start dates.
Best For: Individuals and groups pursuing service-learning focused on prevalent global issues.
3. International Service Learning
International Service Learning provides cultural immersion and service trips to 13 Latin American countries through partnerships with humanitarian organizations.
Trip Length: 1-12 weeks
Destinations: Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Focus: Language & cultural learning, sustainability, education, healthcare, human rights, economic development
Cost: From $995 for 1 week. 2-week average is $1,500.
Perks: Homestays with local families. Hands-on meaningful service integrated with language/cultural activities. Fairtrade practices that give back.
Best For: Ethical travelers and students pursuing cultural understanding, language study, and skills-based volunteering abroad.
4. United Planet
United Planet offers impactful volunteer abroad experiences in over 45 countries in 9-12 week programs.
Trip Length: 9-12 weeks
Destinations: Countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East
Focus: Healthcare, education, environment, women’s empowerment, human rights, economic development
Cost: From $2,690 for 9 weeks with flights, housing, meals, insurance, visa help included
Perks: Choose from thousands of vetted and safe projects. Guidance from local in-country teams. Organized tours and excursions.
Best For: Individuals interested in immersive long-term volunteering and cultural exchange.
5. Go Educate
Go Educate organizes teaching-focused mission trips to improve education accessibility worldwide.
Trips involve teaching English, training local teachers, building schools, and other learning-based services.
Trip Length: 1-2 weeks
Destinations: Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Uganda, Thailand, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic
Focus: English teaching, teacher training, school construction, educational development
Cost: Around $2,500 for a 2 week trip
Perks: Meaningful teaching focused projects. Lodging and meals included. Go Educate plans everything including flights.
Best For: Educators, students, and anyone passionate about education and service learning.
6. International Volunteer HQ
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers affordable mission trips and volunteer projects in over 40 destinations worldwide.
Trip Length: 1 to 24 weeks
Destinations: Countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Africa
Focus: Childcare, teaching, medical, community development, environment
Cost: From $180 for 1 week. 2 week average is around $900.
Perks: Flexible start dates. Responsible volunteering practices supporting local communities. Wide range of locations and projects.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who want an ethical, organized volunteer experience abroad.
7. Habitat for Humanity Global Village
Habitat for Humanity Global Village organizes volunteer build trips to construct houses for families in need worldwide. No construction experience is required.
Trip Length: 7-14 days
Destinations: Over 70 countries
Focus: Building and renovating homes alongside future homeowners as well as local volunteers
Cost: Varies by location from $490 for domestic trips to $2,000+ for international.
Perks: Meaningful, affordable trips open to all skill levels. Trip costs go towards building materials.
Best For: Groups, families, and individuals who want to make an impact through hands-on housing assistance.
Read Also: How to Start a Loaded Tea Business (See Step-by-Step Guide)
8. Outreach360
Outreach360 offers immersive child-focused volunteer trips and internships throughout Latin America.
Programs range from teaching English, providing healthcare to building stoves and light.
Trip Length: 1 week to 6 months
Destinations: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Focus: Education, childcare, health services, community development
Cost: Around $2,000 for a 2 week program
Perks: Homestays with local host families. Hands-on projects based on community-identified needs. Leadership development opportunities.
Best For: Those looking for an intercultural immersive experience making a real difference for children and families.
9. International Teams
International Teams coordinates short term mission trips across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America through faith-based humanitarian service.
Trip Length: 7-10 days
Destinations: Over 30 countries
Focus: Evangelism, discipleship, building projects, medical clinics, education, trauma counseling
Cost: Approximately $2,500 for an 8 day trip
Perks: All-inclusive guided Christian mission trips. Experienced field staff oversee projects and partnerships.
Best For: Church, student, and family groups pursuing faith-based humanitarian service abroad.
10. Workaway
Workaway connects volunteer travelers with budget-friendly service opportunities abroad through cultural exchange.
Participants work in exchange for food and accommodation.
Trip Length: Varies from weeks to months
Destinations: Hosts in over 155 countries worldwide
Focus: Volunteering through cultural exchange in areas like gardening, farming, eco-projects, childcare, teaching, cooking
Cost: $38 one time fee for access. Trip costs just include airfare.
Perks: Affordable way to travel and contribute. Flexible open-ended opportunities. Vetted hosts.
Best For: Solo travelers interested in immersive cultural exchange through community service.
11. Cross-Cultural Solutions
Cross-Cultural Solutions provides immersive volunteer abroad experiences that build cross-cultural understanding.
Highly rated child development, health, and education programs.
Trip Length: 1-12 weeks
Destinations: Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Peru, Thailand
Focus: Childcare, health education, social work, medical assistance
Cost: From $2,250 for 1 week program fees plus airfare
Perks: Safe, structured programs focused on skill building and cultural insight. Homestays with all meals provided.
Best For: Those looking for intimate cultural immersion paired with skills-based volunteering.
12. United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission organizes faith-based volunteer teams for construction, medical care, education, and other ministries.
Trip Length: Typically 7-10 days
Destinations: International and domestic locations
Focus: Construction, education, evangelism, medical/dental aid
Cost: Varies by trip length, team size, destination
Perks: Established UMVIM sites and partnerships worldwide. Experienced team leaders guide projects.
Best For: United Methodist church, student, family, and individual groups pursuing short-term mission service.
13. Lutheran Volunteer Corps
Lutheran Volunteer Corps places volunteers for full-time social justice service with nonprofits helping vulnerable groups across the U.S.
Term Length: 11 months
Destinations: Volunteers are matched with organizations addressing local needs in one of seven U.S. cities.
Focus: Affordable housing, education, employment, health, immigration, racial justice, women’s rights.
Cost: None. Volunteers receive housing, transportation, food allowance and healthcare.
Perks: Make an intensive impact through long-term domestic service placements with stipend support.
Best For: Recent college graduates pursuing full-time transitional service addressing social issues.
Read Also: Norway’s Free Education at Tuition-Free Universities (See Full List)
14. Globe Aware
Globe Aware coordinates impactful and ethical volunteer abroad and gap year experiences worldwide.
Programs focus on sustainability and avoiding dependency through skills training.
Trip Length: 1-26 weeks
Destinations: Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Focus: Teaching, healthcare, environment, social work, women’s empowerment
Cost: From $640 for a 1 week program not including airfare
Perks: Specialized projects focused on long-term benefits for communities. In-depth training and local support.
Best For: Conscientious travelers seeking ethical, sustainable volunteer programs that make lasting change.
15. United World Mission
United World Mission organizes Christian short-term mission trips all over the world to advance evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.
Trip Length: 7-14 days
Destinations: 80+ countries
Focus: Evangelism, church planting, construction, medical/dental clinics, sports ministry
Cost: Varies based on team size and destination. Domestic trips around $500 per person. International $3,000+.
Perks: Established partnerships abroad facilitate impactful ministry. Experienced missionary guides. Prayer covered.
Best For: Church, student, family, and individual mission teams pursuing international and domestic faith-based service.
Conclusion
The many excellent mission trip organizations profiled in this article show the diverse opportunities available to contribute your time and talents abroad.
Consider your skills, budget, age requirements, preferred location, and type of service when choosing an organization aligned with your goals.
Going on a mission trip can be a fun, adventurous, and deeply meaningful way to step outside your comfort zone while also helping others in impactful ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Look For in a Quality Mission Trip Organization?
Look for sustainable partnerships, transparency, inclusion of locals, comprehensive support, and ethical practices that avoid dependence or negative impacts.
The best organizations collaborate to address genuine community needs.
Which Focuses Are Most Common for Mission Trips?
The popular trip focuses include evangelism, education, construction/building projects, healthcare outreach, economic empowerment initiatives, childcare, social justice, and environmental conservation.
Choose an area you feel passionate about contributing to.
What Questions Should I Ask When Choosing a Mission Trip?
Ask about costs, time commitment, destination safety, entry requirements, planned projects, skills needed, amenities provided, training, and team support.
Ensure the organization’s values and practices align with your goals.
Should I Go on a Mission Trip Alone or in a Group?
Trips are organized for both individual volunteers and groups. Going alone allows more flexibility while groups provide built-in teamwork and support.
Assess your preferences for solo or shared accommodations as well.
What Are Common Requirements or Restrictions for Mission Trips?
Age requirements vary by organization and destination. Some require specific skills like medical training or construction ability.
Be aware of any country-specific visa, vaccination, or other entry regulations. Also, consider your fitness level for physically demanding trips.
