
Lilas Hampe
RealStep
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad by the idea of experiencing something completely different from my everyday routine. The thought of waking up just steps a...
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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservatio
See All 48 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 52 ProgramsRustic Pathways
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Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm people. Our programs take you off the beaten path for an unforgettable journey through Thailand. This includes: Thailand Adventurer – Travel from the
See All 7 ProgramsTravel For Teens
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We will explore the historical city of Chiang Mai, basking in the down-to-earth charm of this northern gem, shopping at local markets, enjoying a traditional Thai massage, and seeing lavish historic temples. Get ready to spend a day white water rafting down the mighty Pai River, taking in the scenic
See All 9 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful e
See All 9 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
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Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real out
See All 4 ProgramsGapforce
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Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week journey to three of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! Take part in conservation and community-based projects, further enriched with traditional backpacking. From the bustling cities of Ban
See All 3 ProgramsGIVE Volunteers Growth International Volunteer Excursions
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Experience the true colors of Thailand! GIVE’s Thailand Immersion Excursion places you in the heart of colorful hill tribe communities throughout Northern Thailand. This unique program enables you to connect with rural villagers by immersing yourself in their culture and way of life, living like a
See All 2 ProgramsVOYAGE KOREA
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School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) is the most renowned arts school in Korea, known for leading the global K-POP wave. Often referred to as the “Idol Academy,” SOPA has produced numerous world-famous stars, including singers, actors, and influencers — with alumni from groups like BTS, IVE, and E
See All 2 ProgramsARCC Programs
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Welcome to the "Land of Smiles." Immerse yourself in tranquil surroundings while participating in marine and wildlife conservation projects, including learning vital reef first aid techniques. Dive into exciting activities like SCUBA diving and kayaking, and explore sustainable fishing practices. Di
See All 2 ProgramsPremier TEFL
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China offers some of the highest demand for English teachers in the world—making it one of the best places to start your TEFL career. With an accredited 120-hour TEFL course, you’ll gain the skills and certification needed to access teaching roles across China. Designed for beginners, this programm
Raleigh International
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If you want a gap year or travel experience that’s real, raw and meaningful – Borneo is the one. Borneo holds around 6% of the planet's biodiversity in ancient rainforest so dense it has its own weather. You'll work alongside indigenous Dusun communities on clean water access, infrastructure and e
Go Abroad China Ltd.
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Go Abroad China’s High School Chinese Language Immersion Program is designed for international students aged 13–18 who want to learn Chinese in China while experiencing authentic Chinese culture in a safe and supportive environment. Students can choose from University Chinese Language Programs, Sm
Marine Conservation Philippines
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Discover the wonders of marine life in the Philippines while helping to save its oceans with Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP). As a volunteer, you'll get hands-on experience in protecting coral reefs, from building artificial reefs to surveying underwater ecosystems. These surveys help scientis
Where There Be Dragons
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In a country where the phrase "gross national happiness" appears on a list of key development metrics, Bhutan encourages us to ask what we can learn about notions of "happiness" as contributors to our own quality of life. Our journey into the Himalayan region gives us rare access to the sacredness o
Intern Abroad HQ
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Make a tangible impact on marine conservation with Intern Abroad HQ in Tioman, Malaysia. This immersive internship offers students and recent graduates the unique opportunity to work alongside an established NGO, to protect endangered sea turtle populations. Operating during the peak nesting season
Westcoast Connection
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Journey to Vietnam this summer with Westcoast Connection and discover an ancient culture filled with unique and elegant beauty. As you discover this amazing country for yourself, you will be treated to spectacular views, flavorful foods, and exhilarating adventure. Engage in rewarding community se
Putney Student Travel
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Explore South Korea beyond the major tourist sites on a high school summer program that combines cultural immersion, history, and contemporary Korean life. Begin in Seoul, where traditional neighborhoods and bustling markets exist alongside a global music, food, and technology scene. Continue south
See All 3 ProgramsLoPair Cultural Exchange
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Immerse yourself in China in this tailored journey of adventure, business culture, and language. Go on an unforgettable summer program designed to blend academic learning with deep cultural discovery. Offered in partnership with top Chinese universities and language institutions, it allows you to f
Lingoinn Teacher Homestay
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Learn Mandarin in China and Taiwan through an immersive learning experience combining personalised one-to-one lessons, a homestay with a Chinese teacher, authentic cultural exchange, and local experiences. By living with your Lingoinn teacher and their family, you’ll go beyond the classroom and pra
See All 9 ProgramsHear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Glimpse of Bhutan this summer.
This destination offers an unforgettable blend of rich local culture, breathtaking scenery, and incredibly welcoming people. From exploring vibrant streets and tasting phenomenal local cuisine to relaxing in stunning natural surroundings, every moment was engaging, seamless, and deeply rewarding.
Program: Glimpse of Bhutan this summer.
I highly recommend Ab Travel company .we had a wonderful trip experience .we had pick up from the airport on time our guide and driver was a waiting for us .they were friendly and professional . Thank you all of you .
Program: Student Cultural Experience Program – Discover Foakaidhoo
I had the best experience in this beautiful small iland. It has so much of cultural beauties and activities. People are so warm and friendly. My one week stay was simply amazing! I strongly recommend this island and their programs for student travelers. But this would be more fun if you go as a group of 10 to 20 or more.

Program: GIVE Thailand: Reforestation and Wildlife Conservation
I could not even begin to say enough great things about this experience. Every single person involved was passionate, educated, enthusiastic, helpful, and kind. Every moment on the trip was filled with education, fun, and unique experiences. We spent tons of time learning about the elephants in Thailand from people who are dedicated to continuing to help these animals. We also had a ton of cultural immersion with the Karen Tribe, Buddhism, and Thai culture. Every minute and dollar was worth more than I could explain. I would highly suggest this trip to anyone and everyone!
Program: Travel For Teens: Thailand Elephant Service and the Islands
My Adventure Tour to Thailand was filled with some of the richest and best memories I will ever make. I got to meet so many amazing people, both locals and friends I made on the tour. When I try and decide a favorite part, it's always impossible. From the time at the school, volunteer work with the elephants, visiting the temples, exploration of the islands, and so much more, each time a moment of the trip pops into my head, it brings a smile to my face. TFT staff did an exceptional job organizing the itinerary and engaging with the students, helping to create a fulfilling trip that will no doubt stay with me forever.

Program: Travel For Teens: South Korea Discovery and Service
This trip to South Korea was my first time traveling without my parents, my best friend and I signed up together after my freshman year of high school. I felt so safe and comfortable on this trip, my trip leaders were so much fun and everyone got along great. The worst part of the trip was when it ended! The itinerary was well-balanced, the food was delicious, and the company was wonderful! I highly recommend Travel For Teens.
such a amazing experience it was to go to japan! I learned so much about the culture there as well as some of the things they find apart f their every day to day activities that to us is so crazy! the views were genuinely incredible and amazing being able to witness

Program: GIVE Thailand: Reforestation and Wildlife Conservation
I had such an amazing experience at Thailand Scuba! This was my first GIVE trip and just like many others I talked to, I was very nervous and a bit apprehensive about flying to the other side of the world with people I had never met before. However, I could not have asked for a more meaningful trip. I had so much fun learning how to scuba dive and gained so much knowledge on the local people and ecosystems. Nice and Seth were the most awesome, funniest, and smartest guides I could have asked for. All of the fellow volunteers on my trip were amazing and many of them I will speak to for years to come. I am so grateful to GIVE for allowing me to live this experience and the amount of effort that everyone put into making this trip what it was. Truly an educational, fun, and fulfilling week spent in Thailand that will never be forgotten.
On my Korea trip, I met some really cool people, had life changing experiences and made so many new connections. I really bonded with everyone on the trip and the group leaders were so amazing. 10/10 would go on another trip!!
Hey Marlo! We're so happy to hear you had a great time in Korea and that you made genuine connections and memories. It's what travel with us is all about! We hope to see you on another summer adventure next year!
Program: Wild Tropics: SCUBA Certification and Conservation Thailand
I had never traveled outside of my home country before coming to Thailand and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. this trip has broadened my perspective and opened my mind to a whole other world ready for me to explore. I will forever be grateful for the experiences, connections, and lessons on this amazing trip.
Program: Thailand Adventures and Service with Rustic Pathways
I went on the Rustic Pathways Thailand Adventurer trip, and it was the best experiences of my life. The leaders were absolutely fantastic and always there whenever you need them. The company itself was very well ran and organized. The people were all super nice making my time even more enjoyable! All the activities were super fun and I loved my time traveling, exploring, and immersing myself into the Thailand culture!
Hi Blair! Thanks so much for sharing! We’re thrilled you had such a great time exploring Thailand with us. Sounds like your group, the leaders, and all the adventures made it a trip to remember! See you next summer (*fingers crossed*)!
Program: GIVE Thailand: Reforestation and Wildlife Conservation
It's hard to even put into words how much this trip truly impacted me. It was hands down the best two weeks of my life I have ever lived- truly beat my unforgettable and amazing four years of college. I have been home for two weeks now and an hour does not go by without me reminiscing on all of the great moments we had together as a group in Thailand. Traveling with GIVE was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. This unforgettable experience allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Thailand culture from cooking classes to language classes to dancing with the children. I was able to make connections with the locals, guides, and other volunteers that I will hold onto forever. Everyone was genuine, kind, and there for the right reason. Teaching the children was eyeopening and so powerful. I loved going into the classroom and watching the children's faces light up when they saw us arrive. I would love to teach over seas after this experience in the future! Participating in permaculture was another big highlight for me. We only had a short amount of time and it was amazing to see how far we came. Together as a team we worked so hard and made an impact on the community. Our trip to Thailand was so personalized, organized, and wholesome. We got to travel to three of our guides home villages where they welcomed us with open arms and shared their ways of living with us. Words don't even do justice to say how amazing this trip was. Thank you GIVE for giving me this experience, changing my life in the best way possible, and for all of the people you blessed me with through this trip. Special shoutouts go out to all of the guides- P' Nick, P' Krit, P' Boca, P' Tony, P' Yanne, P' Chelsey, P' Chloe, P' Boon, P' Au!! So inspiring, impactful, wholesome, and they just enjoy living life in each moment of every day. You all are seriously the best humans I have ever met and I hope to be half of what you all are one day. I could sit here all day and type all the best things about traveling to Thailand with GIVE but I think the biggest takeaway anyone reading this should take is- book the trip!!! Traveling to Thailand was the first time I traveled out of the country- I was nervous and did not know what to expect going somewhere so far away from home with a group of strangers. My best friend and I took the leap and booked the trip and the only regret we left with was not staying longer to do the add on trips. This trip truly impacted the both of us in so many great ways and we are already starting to plan our next one!! Travel with GIVE, travel with a purpose!!!
Program: Wild Tropics: SCUBA Certification and Conservation Thailand
This marine week addition ws beyond anything I ever imagined. I learned so much about myself and how I can overcome new things along with a new found love for all things conservation. Thank you, Loop Abroad!
Program: Wild Tropics: SCUBA Certification and Conservation Thailand
My time in Koh Tao, Thailand has been unbelievable! From scuba diving to snorkeling, to food, to the people, I learned so much from just being engulfed in this culture. I can't wait to share my experience with others!
Program: Wild Tropics: SCUBA Certification and Conservation Thailand
I loved how the team would always check to make sure you're comfortable and they work with you. I just love the energy being brought, always very positive. Also the fact they never give up on you and encourage you to keep going and try something new that may help.
Actually, it was my 2nd visit to Korea and I had to work for the money to living again in Seoul. When i first visit in Korea it was so lack of information and also my room was not okay. VOYAGE instructor found me very clean, nice and so much good area accommodation so I could go anywhere easily and my area was very calm and everything was near my studio. Price also not too high compare to others.



Program: Summer Global K-POP Camp Korea
I had join 2 times in summer 2022 and 2023. Professional trainers with Korean campers were very good and developed me a lot. so much missing many friends that I met there. we still chat and will meet someday....


Program: Thailand Adventures and Service with Rustic Pathways
Going to Thailand was an amazing life changing experience! I met so many amazing people and had so much amazing food!! If I had to option to go back I’d go back any day, and over all my favorite thing was bathing the elephants!!’
Hey Alexys! We're so happy to hear you had an amazing time. We love that you had a life-changing experience in Thailand and that you got to see more of the world. Thai food is the YUMMIEST! We hope we see you on another adventure soon!
If you are scrolling through the Pure Exploration website and upon just reading about the experience think you’re going to have, makes you excited - then honestly do whatever you need to do and book onto a program. My Pure Exploration experience was one for the books, the people you meet, the in-jokes you'll have, the country culture you get to live and learn about are just some of the things the program offers you. To top if all off with a great support team and gaining real quality outdoor instruction that you can take either into your life or job, I did it and it was one of the best things I've ever done, so why not!
I originally did this program because I had no idea of what I could do. I finished school with a degree I came to hate, I started another degree just to try something else. I was unhappy and confused about my future. Then I heard about Pure exploration. I gave it a shot because at this point I just needed to be outside and do some outdoor stuff. Now, with what I learned about myself and the experiences I gained, I have a list of things I want to do to reach my dream job, that is not related to guiding by the way. And I wouldn't know about my dream job if I didn't do the program. Our Nepalese guides are amazing resources and I learned so much from them. I truly hope that all the students or workers who feel stuck or unhappy about their degree or work come to Nepal and try this course.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Lilas Hampe
RealStep
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad by the idea of experiencing something completely different from my everyday routine. The thought of waking up just steps a...
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Olivia Haan 2018
Travel For Teens
AlumniI have been abroad a few times now but I was very drawn to China based on its history and culture. I have been to Thailand before but wanted to explor...
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Carmen Ruiz Ricca
Worldwide Friends Iceland
AlumniI have always loved travelling around, so when I came across this program I thought it was such a great way to get to know this thrilling country.
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Savannah Petrelli
Travel For Teens
AlumniEver since I was young, I had an urge to travel. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel in their lifetime. Being able to see an...
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Rachel Lyon
The Real Uganda
AlumniMy passion to work with children in childcare and my desire to travel whilst also volunteering
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Daan de Kraay
Nullarbor Traveller
AlumniI wanted to see the world and explore to see how Australia looked. I've heard many many stories about this country and they were all true!
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Kimberley Maessen
Nullarbor Traveller
AlumniI always enjoyed traveling and exploring new countries, which was also the main reason for choosing to study tourism.
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Blake Powel
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
AlumniI love to travel and, specifically traveling abroad, as a way to broaden my cultural awareness. As I am usually traveling with friends or family, I wa...
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Ashley Allen
Travel For Teens
AlumniUltimately my love for adventure, cultural exploration, and stories. I wanted to experience life abroad before I went to university that would allow m...
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Michaela Rubenstein
University Studies Abroad Consortium
AlumniMy parents really pushed me to go abroad because they knew it would make me a well-rounded individual and they regretted not doing it themselves. I al...
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Ivanya Johnson
Broadreach
AlumniMy Mom found Broadreach for me; she knew that I loved adventure, meeting new people, and learning more about the world we live in. Each year I choose ...
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Dallas Fawson
Discover Corps
AlumniThis contrast can be seen in the beautiful church facade in San Andrés Xecul; though it is a Catholic church, it was constructed by Mayan slaves, and ...
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Matthew Ambrogi
Where There Be Dragons
AlumniFirst off, it wasn't an easy decision. But, for me, it was something I had to do. I was in my freshman year of college, working so hard everyday for a...
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Natalie Craun
Global Leadership Adventures
AlumniI wanted to discover what life was like in a developing country, step outside of my comfort zone, and sharpen my social and leadership skills.
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Sydney Harned 2014
Broadreach
AlumniI’d always had a hunch that I wanted to go on to get my Divemaster certification, and after diving the past two summers with broadreach I knew that Sc...
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Sydney Harned 2011
Broadreach
AlumniI’d always been interested in traveling abroad, especially to study marine science. I thought it would be a great experience for me to learn more abou...
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Sally Short
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre
AlumniI love to Travel and I love to dive, The UK is too cold!!!
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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