



Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)
Why choose 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.
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.
Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Memorable Experience in the Galapagos
February 03, 2024by: Jim - United StatesProgram: Sustainable Farming & Urban Agriculture in 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.
Dream island
February 03, 2024by: Illya - SwitzerlandProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
Isabela truly is a unique place
July 26, 2023by: ThomasI 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.
I believe this experience was a win win win
July 12, 2023by: TerriI 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.
I would recommend this volunteer experience
July 10, 2023by: BeauProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
I enjoyed teaching the children and seeing them progress
July 10, 2023by: BentheI 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.
I really got to know and love the community
July 03, 2023by: LilyI 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.
Feel fulfilled by the work
July 03, 2023by: MaggieProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
One of the most memorable months of my life
June 27, 2023by: TatianaProgram: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos
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.
Everyone should experience the magic
June 26, 2023by: CiaraProgram: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos
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.
Volunteering at the Center was very rewarding
June 23, 2023by: TamarahProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
Wonderful experience
June 13, 2023by: CarolineProgram: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos
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.
I will not ever forget this experience
June 09, 2023by: TinaProgram: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos
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.
A great way to see this amazing island
March 06, 2023by: JasmineProgram: Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring and Conservation in Galapagos
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.
You're in touch with the nature that surrounds us
February 27, 2023by: RosettaProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
I would recommend this volunteer experience
December 25, 2022by: BelleProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
So happy to have been a part of this community
December 11, 2022by: AnnikaProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
An amazing month on an amazing island
December 04, 2022by: ElizaProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
An incredible experience
November 30, 2022by: SheilaProgram: Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos
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.
Thanks to IOI
November 30, 2022by: CindyI 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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Media Gallery
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Amanda Marie Lyons
Interviewed in 2017
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....

Amanda Marie Lyons
Interviewed in 2017
What inspired you to travel abroad?
How did you get connected with IOI Galapagos Adventures?

Katie Thompson
Interviewed in 2017
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...

Katie Thompson
Interviewed in 2017
What inspired you to travel abroad?
How did your passion for conservation come about?
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...

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)
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

Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI) has received




