
Georgie Garner
Give and Surf
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to experience a different culture, meet new people, and do something meaningful outside of my everyday ro...
Read Full Interview

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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Volunteer in Peru’s Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Inca Empire through archaeology. This program offers hands-on experience at archaeological sites, helping with excavation, preservation, and research. Volunteers work alongside local archaeologists to uncover ancient a
See All 3 ProgramsLove Volunteers
2
This exciting program is perfect for those who wish to volunteer, travel, and experience the magical country of India in a short period. It offers a wonderful combination of volunteering and fun, with initiatives involving disadvantaged children in Delhi and elephants at a sanctuary in Jaipur. Trips
See All 2 ProgramsVolunteer World
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Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
WorldStrides
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Build your skills through a service-learning experience in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital where modern city life meets centuries of history and cultural traditions. Partner with community organizations focused on marine conservation, youth support, disability services, and environmental protection whi
See All 2 ProgramsGoBeyond Student Travel
3
Live in dormitories and hotels in Dharamsala for the majority of your stay and participate in daily Tibetan Immersion and Mutual Learning Partnership programs. Students spend some time learning the Tibetan language, music, art, cooking, and philosophy, and get to share cultures too! Since relocatin
Volunteering Journeys
2
Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, an
Carpe Diem Education
12
Pulling the best of all our programming, Latitudes is a sequential, growth-oriented experience for students looking to see the landscape before diving deeper. It is an immersive gap year experience combining a group travel semester and an individual volunteer placement. As a Latitudes student, you’l
El Terreno
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Want to use your skills to help low-income rural communities in Ecuador? This position is for you! Join us and become integral to promoting and growing El Terreno's initiatives. Work alongside the founder and other key stakeholders to help design and implement strategies that ensure long-term succes
Global Works
3
Embark on a French adventure that takes you through the Alps, the streets of Paris, and more! Make local friends, experience homestays with French families, and earn community service hours while working with locals and through environmental projects in the Alps! Experience the famous Bastille Day t
Spanish Institute for Global Education
5
Are you looking for hands-on work experience to help launch your professional career? One of the best ways to impress prospective employers is to complete an international internship! Students appreciate the unique opportunity the Spanish Institute provides through our internship program. With the
World Unite!
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Stone Town of Zanzibar is a unique place that has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Its rich history of seafarers, explorers, sultans, and traders from Africa, Persia, Arabia, India, and Europe is reflected in the town's extraordinary architecture and narrow labyrinth of lan
See All 2 ProgramsConnect-123 Internship Programs
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Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing huma
Spanish Gap Year
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This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months in Barcelona where you choose your pathway. You’ll build soft skills (communication, confidence, problem-solving), hard skills (Spanish, digital tools, cooking), professional skills through internships or
See All 2 ProgramsJakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure
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Join our Best Seller Program! Combine immersive Spanish lessons with Surf or Yoga classes and meaningful volunteer work at our home base in beautiful Santa Teresa—one of the top surf spots in the country. Make a real impact through purposeful volunteering, help with sea turtle conservation, assist
Institute for Global Studies
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Through World Internships, land a history-related placement in London. Home to some of the world's literary greats and historical figures, England’s capital is an ideal setting for internships within the Humanities. In the History internship, you may find yourself performing archival research, worki
Meiji Internships
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South Korea has a unique culture and history that has already reached far beyond Asia, impacting many parts of the Western world. In just a few decades, the Land of the Morning Calm rose to one of the globe’s richest economies and hosts many world-renowned brands from various industries - a dynamic
See All 10 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
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Are you passionate about protecting our planet? Are you looking to travel but also want to get off the beaten track? Take part in a valuable conservation project and help preserve one of the world’s most unique sets of islands for biodiversity and beauty. Combat problems such as coastal erosion, t
Global Service Adventures
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Explore Jamaica’s tropical rainforest! On this program, you’ll journey to Jamaica’s tropical rainforest high in the Blue and John Crow Mountains. After viewing its rustic landscape, there will be no question why it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majestic slopes span across
Volunteering With India
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Volunteering With India offers various opportunities to extend a helping hand in Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan and one of the safer locations throughout the country. Jaipur is accessible from most of the popular cities in India and is near the capital city of Delhi. Volunteering Wit
Our Generation Voluntary Organisation
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Volunteer abroad in Ghana with Our Generation Voluntary Organisation. Our non-profit, non-governmental African organization offers meaningful, exciting, and affordable developmental volunteer programs. These include working with orphans, teaching children in primary and junior high schools, coaching
Human civilization is at an apex of innovation, technological innovation, and infrastructural development. Our modern global society is near unrecognizable from those of the ancient and medieval worlds. Yet, in order to understand the present and what the future may hold, we must always look to the past for guidance. Beyond the aesthetic beauty and wonder which timeworn structures continue to instill in us, preserving our history is of great importance to upholding the wisdom and perspective of humankind overtime. By volunteering in historic preservation you can help protect our past, and learn a lot doing it.
History is everywhere, so naturally, there are volunteer opportunities in historical preservation all over the world. Placements range from the upkeep of well known historical monuments to the preservation of centuries-old villages, it all depends on where you choose to volunteer abroad.
A good way to assess the amount of volunteer opportunities available in different countries is by checking out the UNESCO World Heritage List, which shows how many protected sites a country or region has within its borders. This is generally a good indicator of the magnitude of a country’s institutional commitment to upholding its cultural and architectural heritage through historical preservation.
The UNESCO region of Europe and North America have, by far, the largest amount of World Heritage Sites, followed by Asia and the Pacific. Europe’s leading countries, when it comes to volunteering in historical preservation, are Italy, Germany, France, and Spain. However, the United Kingdom, Russia, Greece, and Portugal also have quite a few UNESCO sites.
In Asia, China, India, Iran, and Japan lead the way, each one the focal point of ancient civilizations dating back thousands of years.
Of course, there are plenty of other historical preservation projects and areas well worth protecting, located all across the globe. Some of the most noteworthy destinations may have one specific type of project due to a specific event in the nation’s history, such as Poland or Israel. Be sure to check out a variety of volunteer opportunities in historic preservation and research carefully which one seems like the most interesting and worthwhile project for you.
Volunteering in historic preservation will often mean combining physical volunteer work with educational opportunities surrounding the history, culture, and architecture of the area. For example, you might spend mornings in the classroom learning about the history of your host nation and the afternoons mastering preservation techniques, such as woodworking and plastering. Frequent outings to museums and other cultural heritage sites are common during any historic preservation volunteer program too.
Some volunteer organizations based in urban areas around the world are specifically centered on historical preservation, but with more of an emphasis on urban planning and sustainable development. Students who studied either of the latter fields, or are pursuing degrees in architecture or history, can gain valuable experience volunteering with international nonprofits or NGOs strictly focused on historic preservation. In these placements, volunteers will gain hands-on experience in the field, and learn how to protect and incorporate the old when planning for the new.
There are many volunteer opportunities in historical preservation that allow volunteers to combine volunteerism with academic or internship credit, so if you are still enrolled in school then keep an eye out for these great opportunities!
Volunteer work in historic preservation is usually fairly open-ended and flexible according to individual preferences, meaning you can often decide on the length and timing of your own volunteer program. Additionally, volunteers are usually not expected to have any previous experience in the field; all you need is an interest in historic preservation!
Do Your Part. Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites and countless other historical preservation projects around the world rely on philanthropic and voluntary support to sustain their needs. By providing on the ground support, you will be playing a vital role in the continued conservation of our past.
See Relics in a Different Way. Even if you are not planning on pursuing a career in a field related to historical preservation, the knowledge and experience you will gain from working on historical sites will stay with you forever. It will also give you a whole new appreciation for the hard work required to run museums and maintain historical monuments around the world!
Protect the Past. As our world continues to rapidly industrialize, and globalization infiltrates more and more countries and cities, many historical structures are under constant threat of destruction. Along with environmental preservation, it is important to equally contribute to projects that work to preserve the root of mankind as well.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Peru – Archaeology Volunteering in Sacred Valley of the Inca
The most satisfactory part was visiting and working on various archeological sites. Wonderful feeling to know that though small I did have an impact. Also staying and interacting with our host family gave me a glimpse of the culture and the people.
Program: Peru – Archaeology Volunteering in Sacred Valley of the Inca
Participating in archaeology was very informative and amazing. I had no idea how involved Incan and pre-Incan infrastructure was still a part of modern Peruvian life. Being a part of something that predates even America was amazing!
Program: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.
Program: Conservation Work in New Zealand
I’m doing very well, here the volunteering has been great and kept me busy. I’m enjoying exploring wellington on my days off too. The first few days were a bit disrupted due to my cancelled flight and then my delayed bag but that was all sorted quickly.
I'm extremely satisfied to have been part of this great program helping children, their future and the future of the country. Accommodation - I was very happy and comfortable in a clean and pleasant environment. Food was always delicious, transport was always good, and cleaning was perfect. Staff were very kind and friendly with very good support; I was always able to reach them. I enjoyed every experience. Thank you so much for everything.
I enjoyed being part of the teaching program very much. Teaching English to year 3&4 was challenging at times but also a lot of fun. Receiving an email 2 weeks before arriving regarding school, classes would have been good. Emphasising the need for a laptop for lesson planning would have helped. I was very satisfied with accommodation; beds and pillows were comfortable, though upgrading to aircon was needed. Having 2 people in hot climate was better than three. Food was excellent and fresh with a great selection of meals all prepared by lovely, helpful staff. Having the occasional chicken meal was welcomed. Enjoyed experiencing Kerala food. We didn't need transport and the room was cleaned once a week & bathroom a few times each week. No complaints. All the staff were incredibly helpful, answering many questions. Working with Reshma was great both in and out of the classroom. She was extermely supportive when doing lesson planning & her help in the classroom with translation & classroom management was fantastic. Staff knew where various yoga places were always willing to suggest places to visit. Great suggestion by Shamla for cooking lesson and Kathkali.
Program: Peru – Archaeology Volunteering in Sacred Valley of the Inca
I was excited when I read that I could expect to do 4-6 hours of archaeology Monday- Friday. And all the different tasks it would entail, such as excavation, artefact classification, etc. There was a warning about weeding, but I didn't expect to do it 10 days out of 12. Furthermore, the 'archaeology' was only for 2 hours a day. On one occasion it was only one hour. The people I stayed with were lovely and it's not their fault, it's the bureaucracy in Peru which you aren't warned about until you're already there! Basically because you're not qualified, you can only weed. There was no consistency, nearly everyday was somewhere different so there was no measure of progress. The only benefit was getting to see archaeological sites off the beaten track that tours don't cover. But every afternoon I was having to be creative to find something to do because I had 5 hours free time. There is only so much you can do in the middle of nowhere. This project was wildly missold and needs to be reevaluated.
Program: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions
Program: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir
Program: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.
Program: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.
Program: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

This was absolutely the best internship I could have dreamt of! Robert made this journey unforgettable and offered me the best internship in a local IT company. I had a very intense two months that exposed me to so much learning and coding with Phyton, C++ and Java. THANK YOU for the great work you did!!!
Just finished my 6-Month internship in Tokyo and it was simply amazing. Great people, great food and the lifestyle is a rollercoaster of fun, excitement and adrenaline all the time. They say Tokyo never sleeps and I can approve that 100%! Meiji did a great job in placing me at a great IT startup that helped me developing their European business branch from zero. At the beginning I was like, "Hold on, you want what?" and then I ended up bringing in the first clients after 4 months which sounds like a long time but considering the whole marketing campaign I made together with their designer team it was actually quick. The highlight of my internship was the trading convention the boss took me together to Okinawa, which I will never forget. Now looking back after this great time it is time to get back to my business degree as these people decided to hire me after my studies are done! I can't thank everybody more than enough and I recommend anybody to consider the Meiji experience as it changed my life! Literally!!! I should mention with a grain of salt that we had in the same host company at least 4 other Meiji interns at my time and two of them didn't work well with the working culture and stress in Japan... so before you choose to come to Japan I do recommend to know what you want as Tokyo can become sometimes quite extreme. For me I loved every second and would do it anytime again! Arigatou to Yanagida-shacho for your kind and strict guidance throughout my journey. Can't wait to be back!
I don't know where to start but this IT internship for the past three months was a game-changer for me! I have made so many contacts, developed my Java Script and C++ coding skills to the next level while networking with the local entrepreneurial crowd filled with international IT geeks, locals business man and even a few angel investors, Fukuoka just blew my mind! The best thing about Meiji was how much of a grip and connection they have in Kyushu and really know the whole local companies pretty much. I have hung out with the staff and fellow interns for a couple of dinners and food gatherings and I cannot intensify how much it is important to get out of your comfort zone.
Fantastic experience if you want to challenge yourself, seek out new cultures and information whilst having a paternal support behind you. The Organisation provides you a great foundation from which to intiate a living abroad experience, with your liasing support person there to assist for all your queires. More so the organisations are forthcoming with educational experiences and allow you to immerse yourself into the work culture. Colombia itself is an amazing country to be explored and by doing an internship you are given plenty of time to do so. Cannot recommend enough!
Thank you Jorja for sharing your experience! We are glad that you have had an enriching experience and we look forward to seeing where your career takes you.
I did my internship with The Intern Group in Colombia and I don’t have enough words to describe how amazing it was. The internship experience was beyond my expectations and the activities that were set up by the company were amazing. I cannot express how much this helped me in a professional matter. Also, our coordinator Maria was amazing and was always there for us. Please don’t think twice about doing your internship in Colombia! You will never regret being in such a beautiful country and with such beautiful people.
Thank you Helena for sharing your experience! We are glad that you have had an enriching experience and we look forward to seeing where your career takes you.
Program: Conservation Work in New Zealand
New Zealand is incredible. I am loving every moment, especially the conservation. The people that I met on my short time on the trip became a little Nz family to me and I’m very sad to be going. The work was rewarding, fast paced and fun but the other activities and fun days we also did make it completely worth it! Living in a house with just other volunteers was daunting at first but it was a really fantastic expensive and I have made some lifelong friends and memories. Many thanks for all your help!
Program: Conservation Work in New Zealand
We did everything from removing invasive plants to planting seedlings. It was a great chance to explore Christchurch & help at the same time. The following week we drove to Punakaiki where we planted some 600 trees. We were right on the beach and I got a chance to run a couple miles and jump in the ocean right after volunteering was over. I have never seen such amazing stars as I did while I was there. It felt as though you could pluck them out of the sky. Thanks for helping me put all of this together
Program: Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference - From US$175!
I previously participated in a trip abroad to represent my country abroad in the field of art and music, and we got third place in singing. I am a girl who loves to travel and help others, especially since I am a doctor. I am used to caring about the health of others. I strive to volunteer in many fields
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Georgie Garner
Give and Surf
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to experience a different culture, meet new people, and do something meaningful outside of my everyday ro...
Read Full Interview
Timothy Taylor
Nature Care Volunteering
AlumniAfter a financial disaster with a failed franchise venture, which led to my divorce after 25 years of marriage. I wanted to escape the UK, travel to p...
Read Full Interview
Marieh Namutebi
A Broader View Volunteers Corp
AlumniIt's my passion and dream to travel, and I want to gain more experience in other countries and get connected to different countries and people as well...
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Janosch Thalmann
Voluntours Colombia
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to move beyond traditional tourism and experience a country in a much deeper, more meaningful way. I had ...
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Mailys Dellicour
Voluntours Colombia
AlumniI have always wanted to experience a culture from the inside rather than simply visiting as a tourist. After finishing an important period in my life,...
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Mark Lünnemann
Cambodia Volunteer Foundation
AlumniI've always had a strong desire to explore the world, experience different cultures, and connect with people from all walks of life. After going throu...
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Lena
Vocational Impact
AlumniI was interested in understanding aspects of well-being across different cultures, specifically in cultures across Asia. Specifically, Asia has a very...
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Arero Sora
Go Volunteer Africa
StaffMany people are inspired to go abroad for different reasons, and these motivations often shape their personal and professional journeys. One of the ma...
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Josh Clement
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
AlumniWe were inspired to go abroad because we wanted to combine travel with something more meaningful. Instead of just visiting a new place, we were lookin...
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Gilberth Johan Pérez Monge
Greentalist Costa Rica
AlumniI wanted to experience something new, to observe and feel what it is like to be in a different place, with different people doing different things. I ...
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Margaret Smith
Kar Geno-Center for Hope, Kenya
AlumniI have always had a strong desire to see the world and understand how people live in different cultures. I was born in Germany and left at a young age...
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Linda Wells
Kar Geno-Center for Hope, Kenya
AlumniI have always believed that travel becomes more meaningful when it is connected to learning and contributing to communities. As a public health lectur...
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Josephine Populin
Kar Geno-Center for Hope, Kenya
AlumniI was inspired to volunteer because I wanted to experience a different culture while contributing to a meaningful community project. I have always bel...
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Samantha Fei
Joinki
AlumniI've always loved travelling, and after completing my bachelor's degree, I wanted to go on some solo adventures—especially since my original exchange ...
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Maren Kateraas
Fundación Bolívar Education
AlumniA desire to learn Spanish and be able to see a part of the world and experience a culture and life philosophy different from my own. My hope always wa...
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Saboor Zeeshan
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniA goal of mine, ever since I developed an affinity for altruism and human compassion, has been to serve in underprivileged parts of the world.
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XIMENA VELA ROMERO
International Medical Aid (IMA)
AlumniI have always been raised in an international context in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, and the USA. Throughout my lif...
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Judy Ross
Mondify
AlumniI felt inspired to travel to Cordoba because Argentina's history of human rights activism is powerful and deeply moving. I wanted to learn directly fr...
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Razain Alhassein
Fundación Bolívar Education
AlumniMy ultimate goal is to go to a Physician's Assistant School, and I had the opportunity to live in Ecuador for 8 months because my mom is Ecuadorian.
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Sung Suhr
Fundación Bolívar Education
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was a desire to step outside familiar routines and experience life from a more grounded, human perspective. I wanted to ...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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