Drug & Alcohol Recovery Volunteer Programs Abroad

Volunteering through Maximo Nivel has been one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had. The staff and my host family were incredible and I felt completely supported every step of the way during my 3 weeks. I’m sure I’ll be doing another project in the future.

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.

I really enjoyed my volunteer experience with Maximo Nivel at the nursing home. The staff was welcoming, supportive, and made me feel like part of the team. While it wasn’t quite the hands-on medical experience I was expecting, it was still incredibly rewarding to spend time with the residents and learn more about the local culture and healthcare environment. The experience reminded me that compassionate care is about more than medical procedures. Overall, I had a great time, met amazing people, and would recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica.

I had a great time volunteering for this program. I did not know what to expect from Cusco and it was a cool way to throw myself out there and get out of my comfort zone. For people solo travelling alone, this program made it easy and comforting to do. I learned a lot and had lots of hands on experience.

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.

I really enjoyed this misson trip. I am very grateful that I was able to volunteer my skills and time and provide care for underprivileged individuals. It was very fulfilling! The time spent was very scheduled and the program in its entirety was very well planned and laid out.

This was such an amazing experience with amazing support from Maximo Nivel. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible. It will be a week I will never forget, i’m so grateful to have an experience so hard to leave.

I had an amazing experience volunteering with maximo! the staff was so kind amd amazing and i got lots of good medical experience for my future career! I highly recomend this company and this experience!!

Maximo Nivel’s staff were so amazing and sweet. Had the best time volunteering in low income communities, learned so much from Dr. Carren and Micheal, and also loved the classes Maximo Nivel held to give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture. 10/10 experience!!

My experience in Costa Rica was amazing! Micheal was amazing and was always there for us. I feel very fulfilled not only educationally but socially. This was a life changing experience and there isn’t one person I wouldn’t recommend this to.

I would definitely recommend this program to any aspiring medical professional. This was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to learn so much about myself and the community. Maximo Nivel was very attentive to all our needs and made it a priority to make us feel comfortable and safe. Very great for this opportunity and would definitely do it again.

Maximo Nivel is extremely supportive, organized, and their staff is incredible. I felt safe and supported throughout my entire trip and Michael was so funny! He was not only our project lead but became a very good friend. The volunteer projects were truly humbling and grounding, and thats what made them unforgettable. My future in healthcare will always be indebted to serving this project and all the people who supported me through it.

Maximo Nivel/IVHQ provided a safe and great opportunity to serve and volunteer in Costa Rica. This is a great opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals, a great opportunity to meet new people, and overall have fun!

Things ended up just about as good as I could have hoped. I was a dental volunteer and helped a dentist 8am to 11 or 12 in the afternoon. Lots of extractions and fillings, good shadowing time, and eye opening to Guatemalas oral health culture. My experience was much better because I speak spanish, and could ask lots of questions and truly know what was going on. My homestay family was great, and I apreciated being able to stay with people in the volunteer program that were new like me. A couple things to improve is that I did not know I would only be volunteering for half the day. If you want to learn spanish in some of the classes they have in the afternoon, that would be perfect. But I just ended up planning things to do on the fly to pass the time and explore. I also know that not all dental volunteers were as lucky as me, and did not see as many patients.

This was truly such an amazing and eye opening experience. We were able to consistently put a smile on patients faces and make their days better. Truly an experience of a lifetime that I will carry heavily with me for the rest of my life and future career.