
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 6 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 5 ProgramsIguana Abroad
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Spend your summer living in Mexico, improving your Spanish through everyday life, and exploring one of the country's most fascinating regions. Iguana Abroad's flagship Summer Spanish Immersion Program combines expert language instruction with authentic cultural experiences, creating an unforgettable
Travel For Teens
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Join us this summer for some sun, sand, and sea turtles as we explore the Hawaiian islands! From vibrant Honolulu to laid-back Maui, this program covers some of the best highlights of Hawaii, including beautiful waterfalls, postcard-perfect beaches, and plenty of adventure! Spend some time learning
See All 12 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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Journey through Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand on a 10-week adventure that blends exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Surf volcanic coastlines, hike through lush rainforests, and volunteer on conservation projects that protect Polynesian ecosystems and honor Indigenous traditions.
See All 5 ProgramsRustic Pathways
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Explore diverse travel experiences in the USA! Rustic Pathways’ USA programs are designed to offer students impactful and adventurous experiences close to home. From immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures to engaging in meaningful community service, these programs are perfect for developing le
Arcos Journeys Abroad
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Join us for a transformative adventure in Mexico! This action-packed program combines surfing, hiking, and cultural exploration, perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Kick off your journey in Oaxaca City, the cultural hub of Mexico, where you'll spend a couple of days discovering vibra
InterExchange
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Our Work & Travel Canada program gives U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 a chance to experience the beauty of our northern neighbor while earning money throughout the year. Start with an arrival orientation in Vancouver or Toronto and continue with job support throughout your program. If y
See All 2 ProgramsWestcoast Connection
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This is truly the ultimate West Coast teenage road trip! The program begins in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Then, cruise down the coast and fall in love with the beaches of Santa Barbara and the most famous hotspots in LA and San Diego. Next, it takes you into the American So
See All 14 ProgramsARCC Programs
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ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’s most beautiful and remote landscapes ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. Explore some
See All 3 ProgramsNa'atik Language and Culture Institute
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Experience Janal Pixan, the Maya Day of the Dead, with Na'atik. Enjoy a week-long program of authentic cultural events and activities in the small, safe city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The eight-day program includes homestay accommodation, all meals, and pick-up and drop-off in
High Mountain Institute
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Traveling through Patagonia, Colorado, and Utah, you'll develop your backpacking or rock climbing skills, leadership style, and personal environmental ethic. You'll investigate critical local issues and volunteer as an environmental steward. Living with a small group of peers and instructors, you'll
Putney Student Travel
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Explore the Canadian Arctic on a middle school summer program based in Churchill, Manitoba, one of the world's best-known destinations for Arctic wildlife. Spend time at a local research facility and learn from scientists and experienced program leaders about polar ecosystems, climate change, and wi
See All 3 ProgramsDiscover Corps
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On this Discover Corps Vacation with Purpose, we will venture across the famed Kenai Peninsula to witness the epic beauty of the coast, mountains, and people of Alaska. Along the way, we will take you to leading organizations and introduce you to some of the most dedicated individuals working to pro
See All 2 ProgramsLearn & Experience
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Begin an unforgettable journey with L&E World Camps at Shawnigan Lake School, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Vancouver Island! Shawnigan Lake School is a premier independent school in Canada, renowned for its exceptional campus and abundant opportunities for young individuals to flourish
Looking For Soccer
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Since 2019, Looking for Soccer has been helping families find and book the right football camp — for kids and adults alike. To date, the platform has guided over 10,000 young players toward top-level soccer experiences across France and Europe. With a network of 50+ prestigious partner clubs and ac
See All 2 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
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Join our 4 week CSIA Level 1 ski instructor course in Whistler in November & then begin your pre-arranged job working for Whistler Kids - the Snow School for children at Whistler Blackcomb. On arrival in Vancouver you will be met by our experienced representative & given assistance with obtaining
See All 2 ProgramsWileys Boat Rides
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Wileys Boat Rides offers the most thrilling Columbia River boat tours in Wenatchee. Whether you’re heading from Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, or exploring the Cascade Loop, our expertly guided jet boat adventures combine heart-pounding excitement, captivating local stories, and breathtaking scenery. W
Thriving Futures 2100
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A learning adventure combining travel, community, mentorship, and real-world projects across Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Develop practical skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, creative media, and environmental understanding while exploring future career pathways, building lifelong
Odyssey International Camp
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The Camp Counselor Program enables post-secondary students, youth workers, teachers, and applicants with specialized skills to share their culture and ideas with the people of the United States in camp settings throughout the country. Participants in the program receive pay and benefits, such as mea
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
I had the most amazing time on the Hawaii Sea Turtle trip!! I met my best friends and went on so many exhilarating adventures. I ate the best food and learned so much about the culture and the sea life!
I had the most amazing time on the Hawaii Sea Turtle trip!! I met my best friends and went on so many exhilarating adventures. I ate the best food and learned so much about the culture and the sea life!
I had the most amazing time on the Hawaii Sea Turtle trip!! I met my best friends and went on so many exhilarating adventures. I ate the best food and learned so much about the culture and the sea life!


Program: Travel For Teens: USA: California and the Grand Canyon
TFT offers an amazing program for kids to get away for a little while over the summer! The counselors and kids were super welcoming to me! I highly recommend Travel for Teens for anyone looking into a teen tour!
I first took this trip in the summer of 2023. It was my first teen tour and I didn't know what to expect. TFT was an amazing company to travel with and the counselors, especially Gabi, were so great at making us all comfortable. We snorkeled at Molokini Crater, helped sea turtles - my favorite part - hiked Diamondhead and did a sunrise hike of Haleakala. We visited Lanai 8 days before the fires and I'm so thankful to have seen the beautiful town. My second trip to Hawaii with TFT was summer of 2025. We visited Kihei this time and it was a nice change of scenery. Oahu was my favorite, especially the shopping and the authentic luau. I'd highly recommend this trip!
My Hawaii sea turtle trip was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The program was the perfect length not too short but not too long and every day felt exciting. My counselors were super nice, helpful, and really made the whole trip feel comfortable and fun. I’ve always loved marine biology, so getting the chance to actually work with real professionals was amazing. We got to see live sea turtles up close and learn how they’re cared for when they’re injured, which was crazy cool. It’s one thing to read about it, but seeing it in person made me even more sure that this is what I want to do in the future. I also met so many awesome people on the trip. We still talk all the time, which makes me really happy because it feels like I made real friendships, not just “trip friends.” The hotel we stayed at was great too clean, comfortable, and honestly better than I expected. Overall, the whole experience was unforgettable, and I’m so glad I had the chance to go. If anyone loves marine biology or just wants a unique adventure, I’d totally recommend it.
I went on the sea turtle service trip in hawaii, and it was quite literally the best experience of my life. I got to meet people from all different walks of life, some of whom I never thought I would be friends with. It was amazing and I would take the same trip in a heart beat. There was an amazing balance of service and adventure, and the service was not only fun, but also hands on. I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves fun and also wants to make an impact!!

Program: Western Sprint - 11 Days
Participating in the program was an absolute joy! It was a fun and enriching experience where we not only made new friends but also gained valuable knowledge and skills. The activities were diverse and engaging, providing hands-on learning opportunities that made complex concepts easy to grasp. We delved into exciting topics, explored new cultures, and worked on team projects that were both challenging and rewarding. Overall, it was an incredible journey of growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories.
Program: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
This was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done in my entire life. I would say with confidence that I had learned more during this 10 week program than I have in the two years of college that I have already attended.
Program: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
I went on the polynesian gap year journey not knowing exactly what to expect. I remember a day before it hit me that i would be spending 10 weeks with complete strangers. However, these were some of the best people I have met and best friends for life. There were many experiences that one would unlikely ever experience without doing a programme as such and i therefore highly recommend it. Many people were put out of their comfort zones and had to take risks which caused them to growth as an individual.
Program: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
My Polynesian journey with Pacific Discovery has helped me get over a lot of my fears and anxiety around social interaction and relationships as well as my physical fears and it has really helped me to grow as a person
Program: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
Literally the time of a lifetime, never experienced something like this ever, and even though I’m young this will be something I will 100% tell my kids about. So much happened in only 10 weeks it’s hard to even fathom.
Program: USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic Pathways
Eye-opening cultural experience! Really changed how I see the world. Made a real difference in the community too. Even if you can only do a short trip, it's worth it! Thank you Rustic for giving me this opportunity.
Hey Isabella! Thanks so much for traveling with us. We're happy that this changed how you see the world! We hope you travel with us again soon.
Program: USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic Pathways
Really made me appreciate what I have in my own life. No doubt it was an amazing experience that developed by personality and boosted my confidence and morale. A life time journey that let me make new friends. Thank you so much for this incredible trip.
Hey Aaron! We're so happy that you traveled with us, and that you returned home with a deep sense of gratitude. What's even more awesome is that you got a confidence boost! Imagine all the things you can do now that you thought you couldn't do before? We hope you travel with us again soon!
Program: USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic Pathways
It was fun that we could connect with locals and other volunteers and make an impact building houses. Hands-on experience that brought us all together to make such an incredible team. Learned so much in this exercise.
Hey Lucas! We're so grateful that you traveled with us and made a significant impact in the community you visited. That home you helped built will stand for a long time! It's something to be very proud of! We hope you have more positive experiences like this, and travel with us again soon.
Program: USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic Pathways
This trip was top-notch. The staff went above and beyond—helpful, friendly, and always there when needed. I'd jump at the chance to do it again. I learned so much, and the team’s expertise was clear from the start. They had my back every step of the way, handling any issue I had with genuine care. Absolutely recommend it to anyone. Thank you Istvan and team.
Hi Gabriel! Thanks so much for joining us. We're thrilled to hear that you felt comfortable and supported by our team. We hope you travel with us again in the near future!
Program: USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic Pathways
The place here was always kept clean. I had some concerns with another kid on my tour, but he was send home and then I felt super comfortable everywhere I went with the group, whether that be in the village, the forests, or in the city.
Thanks so much for traveling with us! We’re committed to making sure all students feel comfortable, and we’re glad you had an enjoyable time. We hope you travel with us again soon!
Program: USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic Pathways
Loved my week with Rustic! I learned so much about myself when I was there. The staff was great and I'm planning to go back for more. If you want to learn to surf and do service and hang out in a beautiful place, this is it! I really loved the trip and was totally exhausted by the end
Hey Dylan! Thanks so much for traveling with us. We're glad you had a great time surfing, and doing service. Hopefully you took a big nap when you got home. And we hope to see you on another trip soon!
Program: Alaska: The Great Exploration
I’ve had great experiences with guides at Discover. I’ve learned a lot in each country I’ve visited. The accommodations are great and trips are very organized. Our guide Karla was amazing. She is very knowledgeable, honest, intelligent, caring and patient. My daughter and I learned so much from the trip thanks to Karla’s guidance. She anticipated the needs of the group and her communication with as great.
Program: Alaska: The Great Exploration
The accommodations were beyond fantastic! We slept so soundly, felt safe and were welcomed with open arms. I cannot say enough about the amazing hospitality! The local Discover Corps staff is amazing! They go the extra mile EVERY SINGLE DAY. They are truly the loveliest people and absolutely made the trip. I cannot sing their praises enough. Please please pass along our gratitude once again. I feel like I have family in Tanzania. I LOVE the service aspect of this trip. This was the only company I found that seemed to be family friendly, service oriented with the addition of the safari. I would absolutely book another trip with DC!
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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