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Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Student rating
144Reviews
9Programs
2006Year established

About Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) aims to help establish ecological sustainability and social stability in our host communities. We provide international education programs that support the education, conservation, and social development of isolated communities by assisting local institutions in sustainably handling the human-environmental intersection. Our nonprofit model finances conservation of isolated and unique places of particular natural beauty or relevance by inviting our clients to participate in our preservation efforts. In other words, our core competency is educational travel financed, environmental sustainability. The contribution of the visitor may vary by topic and place from research, to service learning or volunteering -- all embedded in a sustainable travel experience. As a nonprofit, all surplus goes into the conservation efforts of the respective location/project - from coral gardening to teaching English and from female empowerment to habitat restoration.

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Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

4.7
144 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
108
4
35
3
1
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Day to Day Life
4.7
Health & Safety
4.7
Volunteer Placement
4.7
Community Engagement
4.6
Program Administration
4.6
Living Situation
4.5

Participated in a Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) Program? Share your experience now.

Review this Provider
JimUnited States · February 2024
From: Sustainable Farming & Urban Agriculture in Galapagos

Memorable Experience in the Galapagos

I was a volunteer for a few weeks at the giant tortoise breeding center on Isabella Island in the Galapagos--in a program that aims promote health populations of tortoises on the islands. I learned a lot and had a great time, and I recommend this experience to others who are looking to do overseas volunteer work for a good cause.

IllyaSwitzerland · February 2024
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Dream island

Isabela is an unspoilt paradise. Working with the giant tortoises was rewarding. I never imagined they ate so much !! Our accommodation in the volunteer house was excellent and the restaurants served tasty home made meals.

Thomas July 2023
From: Community English Education Volunteer in Galapagos

Isabela truly is a unique place

I would recommend this volunteer experience because Isabela truly is a unique place and the locals are incredibly friendly and interesting. Helping them or helping preserve this paradise in any way, shape or form is a true privilege.

Terri July 2023
From: Community English Education Volunteer in Galapagos

I believe this experience was a win win win

I would recommend this volunteer experience because I believe this experience was a win win win! I gained incredible knowledge, my students practiced english and improved and my fellow volunteers learned about each other and to balance ecology with local needs.

BeauJuly 2023
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

I would recommend this volunteer experience

I would recommend this volunteer experience because you get to know the Galapagos and specially Isabela, in a whole different way and meet lovely people while doing so. Howere, for that you get thud insanely expensive so you must consider that you want to spend that money.

Benthe July 2023
From: Community English Education Volunteer in Galapagos

I enjoyed teaching the children and seeing them progress

I would recommend this volunteer experience with Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) because not only did I enjoy teaching the children and seeing them progress. The experience also enriched my knowledge and my perspective on ife.

LilyJuly 2023
From: Social Media Volunteer and Intern in Galapagos

I really got to know and love the community

I would recommend this volunteer experience to others because the staff and volunteers are lovely. I really got to know and love the community and the island is just such a perfect place. I am so happy that I took this leap of faith and joined the IOI team. I went in solo and came out with so many rich friendships.

Maggie July 2023
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Feel fulfilled by the work

I would recommend this volunteer experience with Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) because you will feel fulfilled by the work you do and you get to visit these beautiful islands with support, so you don't feel lost.

Tatiana June 2023
From: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos

One of the most memorable months of my life

I would recommend this volunteer experience because this was one of the most memorable months of my life. I think I made some lifelong friends, because people who want to volunteer with animals are my people! I loved the animals and nature here. It's one of the most amazing places I've ever been.

Ciara June 2023
From: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos

Everyone should experience the magic

I would recommend this volunteer experience with Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI), because everyone should experience the magic of this island and experience interacting with nature so closely.

TamarahJune 2023
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Volunteering at the Center was very rewarding

I would recommend this volunteer experience because I found it to be extremely valuable to immerse myself and feel like I'm part of the town . Volunteering at the Center was very rewarding. Love to be able to give back.

Caroline June 2023
From: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos

Wonderful experience

I would recommend this volunteer experience because this place is like anything else. Not that I've seen the whole world but from me and everyone else I've met here has said this is one of the favorite places that I've ever been.

TinaJune 2023
From: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos

I will not ever forget this experience

I would recommend this volunteer experience because Isabela and the Galapagos are a beautiful place to be it was magical to see the baby turtles find their way to the ocean. I will not ever forget this experience.

JasmineMarch 2023
From: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos

A great way to see this amazing island

I would recommend this volunteer experience because it is a great way to see this amazing island. This experience allowed me to stay for 6 weeks on Isabela where I met people I will never forget and had a once in a lifetime opportunity.

RosettaFebruary 2023
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

You're in touch with the nature that surrounds us

I would definitely recomend this volunteer experience because you're in touch with the nature that surrounds us, but it's not clear in the streets. A lot of plastic and at the airport so many controls.

BelleDecember 2022
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

I would recommend this volunteer experience

I would recommend this volunteer experience with Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) to others because you will have the opportunity to meet and work with incredible people and a unique opportunity to work with amazing wildlife.

AnnikaDecember 2022
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

So happy to have been a part of this community

I would recommed this to others because the feeling of helping this beautiful place is better than I ever could have expected. Words cannot express my gratitude. IOI is doing such an amazing job and with such a friendly staff. The staff at the breeding center care so deply for these beautiful animals. Not only is Isabela beyond beautiful, but the people are so friendly and inviting. So happy to have been a part of this community.

ElizaDecember 2022
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

An amazing month on an amazing island

Yes I would recommend this to others because Isabela is such a uniqque place to live and the people here are so welcoming. An amazing month on an amazing island. I really enjoyed my volunteer placement and saw so much wildlife in my free time.

SheilaNovember 2022
From: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

An incredible experience

I would recommend this experience to anyone that likes physical labor and care/feeding of these lovely creatures. As a newly retired senior (72) it was an incredible experience to contribute to the program and community.

CindyNovember 2022
From: Social Media Volunteer and Intern in Galapagos

Thanks to IOI

I would recommend this volunteer experience to others because it will help you to develop other skills, meet people and new place while you are on the program. I couldn`t be more grateful with this experience. Thanks to IOI to support the community and local environment/animals with their programs.

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Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Amanda Marie Lyons

Amanda Marie Lyons

Interviewed in 2017

Staff

Amanda grew up on Long Island, and went to University at the New York Institute of Technology, where she studied communication arts and TV production....

How did you get connected with IOI Galapagos Adventures? 

Show Full Interview
Katie Thompson

Katie Thompson

Interviewed in 2017

Staff

Katie grew up in the American Midwest, and went on to study biology at Oberlin College in Ohio. After graduation, she spent time working in Costa Rica...

How did your passion for conservation come about?

Show Full Interview
Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

4.74Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) aims to help establish ecological sustainability and social stability in our host communities. We provide international education programs that support the education, conservation, and social development of isolated communities by assisting local institutions in sustainably handling the human-environmental intersection. Our nonprofit model finances conservation of isolated and unique places of particular natural beauty or relevance by inviting our clients to participate in our preservation efforts. In other words, our core competency is educational travel financed, environmental sustainability. The contribution of the visitor may vary by topic and place from research, to service learning or volunteering -- all embedded in a sustainable trave...

Articles Written by Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Notable Mentions 2022
Innovative New Program, Volunteer Abroad
Innovation in Sustainability 2021 Finalist
Innovation in Sustainability 2021 Winner

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