ELI-Experiential Learning International

I had a wonderful experience volunteering in an orphanage through ELI. The placement was better than I ever dreamed, and I made lifelong friends and had amazing experiences. My work in the orphanage was by far the most difficult and also the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

This trip has turned out to be more hassle-free than I could have ever hoped for. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city, the food is great, and the people are nice. I'm glad I decided to live with a family, mostly because I prefer to experience the way life really is in other countries, and in my opinion this is the best way to do that. Today was my first day on the job, and we worked in the block factory. It's hard work, but yesterday we ate dinner with a family that will be using these blocks to expand their tiny house, and that makes it worth the heat and sweat. I haven't even been here for a week yet, but already I feel like I'm making a difference. Thanks again for making this so easy.

Life is great! I love my host family, and teaching is going well, not exactly what I expected, I'm teaching 4 small classes on a porch! but hey, whatever works. The teaching aspect has been quite the adventure, I'm learning a lot. It's muy tranquilo here and I love it. I've made some friends and already had quite a few adventures of rappelling of a bridge into a river, canopy tour, mariposas, orchid tour, and lots of walking around exploring.

It has been very interesting at the women's organization and I've been getting involved with the many programs and events they offer on a daily basis. I have seen a tsunami recovery village, sat in on women's self-help groups, interacted with the women and children at our short-stay home, spoke at a rally regarding HIV/AIDS and I have been in three Chennai newspapers already and even been on the TV station. I have many activities still waiting on the backburner and will be starting those soon. I feel I have really been able to gain great insight to the Indian culture and people and have made many observations. There is much I will be able to bring back to programs in the States, especially regarding their grassroots outreach - which is phenomenal.

Working with the women here has been a touching experience, especially hearing the astonishing stories of their troubled lives. Working here has been a perfect complement to my studies in international public health.

I had an amazing experience at the centre and with our house family!!! This trip was definitely once in a lifetime. Thanks for the help with this trip! It was so amazing!!!

I am so happy with my internship placement as well as with my host family and I would like to thank the people at ELI for their work in organizing this fabulous, unforgettable adventure.

Thank you so much for everything you have done. Volunteering in the Philippines was one of the greatest experiences of my life and we wouldn't have been able to do it with out all the help.

I just wanted to write and thank you very much for the experience I was able to have in Ecuador because of your help. What an amazing experience. I am in love with the family that I stayed with.

I had spent weeks looking for an organization with the right volunteer program for my fieldwork experience. In ELI I found the perfect match. I have learned so much. I am so grateful for this enriching life experience.

Everyone in Costa Rica was amazing, so helpful and friendly. They were open to any of my questions and went above and beyond my expectations along with my host family. It was an incredible and amazing experience.

My experience in Ecuador was amazing and I can't wait to go back! Thank you for helping me to have such a wonderful time in Ecuador.

The internship is a dream. I observe and get involved with consultations and go on special trips to have hands on experience administering vaccinations to animals. Thank you so much for arranging all of this.

The orphanage is amazing and my host family is better than I could have hoped for. I really appreciate all you have done to help me have this experience. It was definitely the life changing experience I had hoped for. Thank you.

Eli is the least expensive, best quality agency out there. I loved my volunteer assignment. It was the trip of a lifetime.