Anthropology Volunteer Programs Abroad

My internship at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects pushed me far beyond what I expected, taking me from supporting program logistics to independently running counseling sessions and managing my own client caseload within just a few months. I was trusted with real responsibility early on, from leading a group of 45 adult learners on my own to adapting a therapeutic intervention on short notice for an urgent client referral, and that trust taught me more about clinical work and resilience than I could have learned in a classroom. This experience confirmed that clinical psychology, particularly cross-cultural and community-based care, is exactly the path I want to pursue.

Connect-123 made my experience in Ireland truly incredible. From the beginning, they did an amazing job matching me with a company that fit my personality, interests, and career goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. They also did a great job planning weekend trips around Ireland, giving me the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and make unforgettable memories along the way. Overall, Connect-123 made my time in Ireland an amazing experience both professionally and personally.

My trip to Nicaragua with Give volunteers that I took in June 2026 was a wonderful and life changing experience. All four of our guides were so great and they truly cared about making a genuine connection with me and the other volunteers. We all had so much fun together because the itinerary was never bland and neither were the people I met. One minute we would be helping the local people and environment of Jiquilillo and the next we’d be surfing the waves of the pacific. I made connections with so many locals that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Everyone in this community welcomed us with open arms and endless kindness, they showed it through the food they fed us, stories they told, and the bracelets they made for us. If you are looking for a fulfilling travel experience where you’ll meet all sorts of new friends, I recommend taking the leap and join give volunteers in Nicaragua.

My internship has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. My co-workers are what made my time there so memorable. Connect-123 made the entire process smooth and easy, especially Antonella and Xena. They were both so kind, supportive, and helpful every step of the way. I’m so grateful I got to meet my program group, it was truly an amazing experience!

Coming to Barcelona with Connect 123 was one of the best decisions I've made. They were incredibly helpful in helping find me an internship I felt comfortable and confident in and always very communicative. The housing they provided was amazing, and in a great location. Barcelona is now one of my favorite cities

As my time in Ireland comes to a close, I want to thank Connect-123 for partnering with Bucknell University to provide students like me with an opportunity like this. As an undergraduate, it can often feel stressful trying to gain relevant work experience while preparing for your future career. Thanks to Connect-123, I was placed with a company in a field aligned with my career goals, allowing me to grow professionally while exploring a new part of the world. This experience has given me valuable workplace experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for living and working abroad. Thank you for making it possible!

This experience has been nothing short of incredible. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. My internship could not have been a more perfect match. I have gained not only new skills but also a new perspective as well. Outside of the internship, exploring this beautiful city has been so fun. Carla, the program coordinator, is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She planned the most fun activities for our group and was truly invested in our well-being!

Following this program was a unique experience that I will never forget. I thought it gave a great balance of working at my internship, meeting new people, and exploring the new country. The opportunities each weekend gave great insights and experiences to explore outside of where we were staying and i highly recommend going to each one.

My experience with GIVE Volunteers in Laos was truly unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the GIVE staff and the local community. The trip was thoughtfully organized and balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and adventure. The GIVE staff created a supportive, encouraging environment that made it easy to step outside my comfort zone while feeling safe and included. They were knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely cared about both the volunteers and the communities they partner with. This experience gave me a new appreciation for different cultures and reminded me of the importance of human connection. I left Laos with lifelong memories, incredible friendships, and a perspective that will stay with me for years to come. I would highly recommend GIVE Volunteers to anyone looking for a meaningful travel experience that combines service, cultural exchange, and personal growth. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to be a part of it.

never knew that 2 weeks could make such an impact on my life and change my perspective of life. This trip has shown me what true love, community, family, and happiness looks like. Being in rural communities that have nothing and being immersed in their world and seeing how happy, welcoming, kind, and generous they were was truly a privilege to witness, I want to thank all the wonderful people I met during this trip who made me feel like I had a family here in Nicaragua I will forever carry you in my heart. To my students your presence, personality’s , and character have left everlasting memories and joy on me and I will never forget you or our memories together. I want to encourage everyone to take a step out of your comfort zone, no matter what it may be because it may reveal something within you heart you never knew was there before. I am extremely proud of myself for deciding to take the risk and do this trip because it enabled me to witness rich culture and the most beautiful places I have ever seen

What made this experience so great wasn't just the cool things we got to do or see but the connections and impact we were able to make. As someone who had never been outside the United States, I had many preconceived assumptions and fears about where I was going would be like. However, as each day went by throughout the trip, I got more and more comfortable about where I was, grateful for everything I had, and above all, excited about the fact that all of my fears and worries couldn't have been farther from the truth. Every Single Person throughout the trip was kind, compassionate, helpful, and thankful for us being there, despite any language barriers there might have been. Throughout the trip, we were able to make positive changes in both ourselves and the communities we were in. From helping the community's environment, children, and families to even helping its infrastructure, we were able to make a difference for good. Additionally, getting to see life from such a drastically different perspective truly was life-changing in the best way. No matter how long your trip is, it will feel like a lifetime, it will change you and those around you for the better, and it will be worth every penny...

I traveled with GIVE to Laos in the summer of 2026 and the trip impacted me in ways I never thought possible. The volunteer projects included building a road up to the village of Sop Chem, and teaching English to the local children. Each project was so important and taught me a lot about hard work and dedication. The adventures we went on were always so fun yet informative. We got to go to: the UXO museum to learn how Laos was impacted by (and continues to be affected by) the Vietnam War; the Save the Bears wildlife refuge; hiking; camping under the stars; swimming in different waterfalls; and so much more. There was never a dull moment. While the volunteer work and fun adventures were great, they are not the most enjoyable part of the trip. The most memorable part was just interacting with and working alongside the local people in Sop Chem each day. The people in Laos may not have many physical riches but they are so rich compassion, community, and love. They taught me to always live in the moment, accept the uncertainty of uncomfortable situations, and to appreciate the little things. Even though there was a language barrier, I still have such a strong connection with many of the women there and I’ll always value the many lessons they taught me. If you are wanting to step out of your comfort zone, volunteer on amazing projects, and travel the world, I highly recommend traveling with GIVE!

I can’t say enough about this experience, from environmental work to helping the community, it taught me a lot about myself. The people were amazing and the trip was really well organized. William Pugh was fantastic in his support of us. This was a truly life changing experience. Thank you!

Thank you for this experience and for welcoming me in Atandahua. I will never forget this time. During my stay, I had the opportunity to work closely with local families on the chocho production project, learning about the agricultural processes, challenges, and traditions that are such an important part of the community. It was inspiring to see the dedication and resilience of the farmers and to contribute, even in a small way, to a project that supports local livelihoods. Beyond the work itself, what made this experience truly special was the kindness and generosity of the people I met. Living and working alongside the community allowed me to better understand their culture, values, and daily life. I am grateful for every conversation, every shared meal, and every lesson learned. The friendships, memories, and experiences I gained in Atandahua will stay with me forever, and I will always look back on this time with gratitude and appreciation.

I collaborated with colleagues to design and implement a bilateral education program for undergraduate and graduate students. The experience was strengthened by exceptional planning, thoughtful local insights, and a commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities. The program delivered significant value for students, community partners, and hosts, while fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic growth. The professionalism and dedication demonstrated throughout the process exceeded expectations.

This experience demonstrated how social entrepreneurship can create meaningful and lasting change in communities. Through exposure to local initiatives and community-led projects, I gained valuable insight into innovative approaches to sustainable development and social impact. The program highlighted the power of local leadership and the importance of creating opportunities that benefit communities over the long term.

Seeking an immersive learning experience for a group of 17 young people, we found a program that exceeded our expectations. The support and guidance provided throughout the experience were exceptional, allowing us to form meaningful connections with the people of Dungetar and learn from their culture, resilience, and hospitality. The experience had a profound impact on our group, and we left feeling connected to a community that will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Participating in the International Sustainability School was a life-changing experience. Living within Nepali culture and visiting a range of sustainability-focused projects expanded my understanding of sustainable development and community-based solutions. The combination of cultural immersion, practical learning, and direct engagement with local initiatives created a unique educational experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in sustainability.

I took part in the International Sustainability School and left both challenged and inspired beyond my expectations. The program offered meaningful learning opportunities while exposing participants to real-world sustainability initiatives and community development efforts. It was an educational and transformative experience that broadened my perspective and demonstrated the positive impact that responsible global engagement can have on both communities and participants

I participated in the Exploratory Journey to Nepal in 2016 and found it to be a truly life-changing experience. The program provided an opportunity to engage with local communities, gain new perspectives, and deepen my understanding of Nepal's culture and development challenges. The experience left a lasting impression on me, and I believe many more people would benefit from participating in programs like this.