For a better world-life-balance

Together, we build the #1 platform for cross-border volunteering. Together, we make a difference.

Soulful. Sociable. Sobbatical.

The social sabbatical is born! The new standard for cross-border volunteering.

Break out of your daily routine, travel and get to know exciting countries, cultures and committed people, develop personally and make a positive contribution to our future. That is Sobbatical.

Sobbatical is the one-stop shop for volunteers, nonprofit organisations and employers for volunteering across borders.

For Employers

Cross-border corporate volunteering is only something for the management elite? Too costly? Too time-consuming? Let's put an end to that!

Sobbatical opens up cross-border charitable engagement to everyone! Cost-efficient, secure and with passion.

Attract, retain and develop talent while strengthening your company's CSR strategy. Rethink corporate engagement with Sobbatical!

For Nonprofit Organisations

Is your organisation regularly looking for volunteers who can support for a few days to several months? Are you looking for dedicated volunteers with special skills and knowledge?

Sobbatical is your partner to find suitable volunteers. Whenever and wherever you need them. You manage everything through Sobbatical. Simple and time-saving.

How does it work?

Our areas of impact

Social Commitment

In this area, volunteers give their time, knowledge and skills to help others in need or in disadvantaged conditions. This covers a wide range of activities, from assisting in the education of disadvantaged children or youth to the integration of people with disabilities, refugees or the elderly.

Animal Welfare

Animals deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. As humans, we have an ethical and moral responsibility for the physical and emotional welfare of animals. This area of volunteering covers a wide range of support, such as preventing mistreatment and abuse and promoting species-appropriate care.

Environmental Protection

The aim of activities in this area is to maintain the balance between human activities and the natural world. They serve to protect natural resources and ecosystems in order to preserve them for present and future generations. Activities in this area may include, among others, the protection of biodiversity or the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.

Art & Culture

Projects in this area support the preservation and promotion of cultural and creative heritage. This includes, among other things, volunteer work at museums, theatres and other cultural institutions or support in the organisation and execution of cultural and creative events.

Italy

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Rome, Naples

Period:

March to October

Duration:

2 weeks to 3 months

Switzerland

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Degen, Luzern

Period:

June to August

Duration:

1 to 2 weeks

Estonia

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Tallinn, Kanepi, Nurste Kula, Pahkla

Period:

All-season

Duration:

1 week to 6 months

Latvia

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Rožkalni

Period:

All-season

Duration:

10 days to 3 months

Portugal

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Lisbon, Porto, Albufeira, Loulé

Period:

All-season

Duration:

2 weeks to 6 months

Spain

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Madrid, La Bisbal d'Empordà

Period:

All-season

Duration:

1 to 6 months

Greece

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Doukades (Corfu), Athens

Period:

All-season

Duration:

2 weeks to 3 months

Romania

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Bucharest

Period:

All-season

Duration:

2 weeks to 6 months

France

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Toulouse, Bordeaux

Period:

All-season

Duration:

2 weeks to 6 months

The Netherlands

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Pieterburen

Period:

All-season

Duration:

2 to 6 months

Hungary

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Budapest

Period:

All-season

Duration:

2 weeks to 6 months

Austria

Areas of Impact:

Locations:

Vienna

Period:

All-season

Duration:

2 days to 1 month

Get inspired

Social Commitment | Romania | Bucharest

Contemporary Dance to Support a Healthy Society

Our partner organization in Bucharest supports the Romanian cultural sector by introducing Contemporary Dance as a form of Fine Art to foster a Healthy Society. Volunteers in our partner organization assist in the preparation and execution of dance festivals, and in the fields of marketing and social media.

Period: All-season | 1 to 6 months
Social Commitment | Greece | Athens

Women Empowerment in Greece

In our partner organisation in Athens, you will engage as a volunteer in a dynamic team committed to the professional empowerment of women. Help us offer a fairer future through mentoring programs, educational initiatives, and research projects. Your commitment gives you the opportunity to actively contribute to the promotion of gender equality and support societal awareness. Contribute to inspiring and empowering women everywhere.

Period: All-season | 1 to 6 months
Social Commitment | Latvia | Rožkalni

Inclusive Community in Latvia

Our partner organisation in Rožkalni, Latvia, promotes the inclusion of people with special needs through agricultural projects, craftsmanship, artistic activities, and educational programs while emphasizing a respectful approach to nature. Our volunteers support the residents in organising their daily lives, managing the farm, planning and implementing events, and much more, thereby fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

Period: All-season | 10 days to 3 months
Animal Welfare | Portugal | Loulé

Dogshelter in the Algarve

Located near Faro, in the breathtaking Algarve region of southern Portugal, our partner organisation is dedicated to caring for abandoned and distressed dogs and cats, providing them with care and finding them new loving families. Our partner aims to be a role model for animal welfare throughout Portugal. Our volunteers support the care and welfare of the rescued dogs and cats, feeding them, cleaning their shelters, and assisting in socializing the animals.

Period: All-season | 2 to 4 weeks
Social Commitment | Italy | Rome

Support Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Rome

Volunteering at our partner organisation in Rome involves a range of activities to support refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers help in distributing breakfast and essential items, offering counseling, conducting art therapy and recreational activities, teaching language classes, providing digital literacy courses or assisting in job search. This opportunity allows volunteers to make a significant impact on the lives of those seeking refuge and assistance in Italy.

Period: All-season | 3 to 6 months
Animal Welfare | Greece | Doukades

Donkey Care on Corfu

The primary concern of our partner organization on the Greek island is the well-being of frail and sick donkeys. They do everything possible to provide abandoned and distressed donkeys with a peaceful life and a dignified retirement. Surrounded by olive trees and the beautiful mountains of Corfu, our volunteers assist in the care of abandoned donkeys, the maintenance of the sanctuary, and educate visitors about the work of donkey rescue and the importance of animal welfare on the island of Corfu.

Period: All-season | 2 weeks to 6 month
Social Commitment | Estonia | Tallinn

Summercamp at the Baltic Sea

It all started with a group of young and adventurous people who organised camps for children in the countryside during the summer vacations. For nearly 30 years, our partner organizsation has been organising camps for children aged 7 and above on the Estonian Baltic coast. Our volunteers assist in the implementation of the camps and participate in various activities to care for the children, making a significant contribution to their support and development.

Period: June to August | 2 to 4 weeks
Social Commitment | Portugal | Porto

Youth Education in Porto

Our partner organization on the Portuguese west coast is dedicated to the integration of young refugees and migrants. They regularly organize public panel discussions and activities for and with refugee children and youth to support them in their transition to a new life in Europe. Our volunteers assist in setting up and managing a study center for teenagers and in preparing and conducting events.

Period: All-season | 1 to 3 months
Animal Welfare | Hungary | Budapest

Responsible Pet Ownership in Hungary

Our partner organization on the outskirts of Budapest plays a pioneering role in educating and training on responsible pet ownership, while caring for domestic and farm animals of all kinds. Volunteers assist in the care and socialization of the animals, cleaning and repair work, organizing events and fundraising, as well as education and awareness for responsible animal ownership.

Period: All-season | 2 weeks to 6 months
Social Commitment | Portugal | Lisbon

Empowering Refugees in Lisbon

In the beautiful capital city of Lisbon, our volunteers support a renowned refugee organisation dedicated to building a community that empowers and integrates migrants and refugees. In various areas of activity, our volunteers promote diversity, inclusion, and integration through tasks such as planning and coordinating events and activities, actively participating in fundraising efforts, or empowering individuals for the European job market.

Period: All-season | 2 to 6 months
Art & Culture | Switzerland | Zurich, Bern, St. Gallen, Degen, Luzern

Social Commitment Meets Festival

Our Swiss partner organisation rocks numerous events during the summer months and advocates for clean drinking water worldwide. Our volunteers support at various festivals by setting up and dismantling stands, promoting the goals of our partner to festivalgoers, and, in return, they receive free entry to the festival and the opportunity to be part of a team passionate about sustainability, music, and social engagement.

Period: July to August | 2 days to 2 weeks
Social Commitment | Estonia | Tallinn

Youth Work in Estonia

Our partner organization in the Estonian capital is a center that offers a wide range of activities for youth aged 11 and above to explore their potential. The mission of our partner is to promote non-formal education and engage young people in various social activities at the local and international levels. Our volunteers support this mission by leading workshops, moderating discussions, or supervising recreational activities, thereby contributing to the personal and social development of the youth.

Period: All-season | 1 to 3 months
Animal Welfare | The Netherlands | Pieterburen

Seal Rescue and Protection

Our Dutch partner organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of seals. Volunteers can make a valuable contribution by assisting in the care and rehabilitation of the animals, as well as in educating and raising awareness among the public about the protection of the sea and its inhabitants. Their activities include a variety of tasks that directly contribute to the well-being of the seals. This role is ideal for animal lovers who want to actively contribute to nature conservation.

Period: All-season | 2 to 6 months
Animal Welfare | Portugal | Albufeira

Caring for Rescued and Stray Dogs

Our partner organization in Albufeira cares for rescued dogs and strays. Volunteers are involved in the direct care of the dogs, which includes day-to-day care, grooming, and social interaction. The work aims to provide a loving and safe environment for the dogs, helping them build trust in humans and find a new home.

Period: All-season | 1 week to 2 months
Our strong service partners

Generali Versicherung

Europäische Reiseversicherung

Europ Assistance

Spotahome

HLB Advisory & Accounting Network

Localyze

Interested? We’d love to hear from you!