
Larry Webber
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
AlumniTo travel with purpose. To offer something of myself to some small piece of the world and gain a memory and experience different from popping on and o...
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MAXIMO NIVEL
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Turn your passion into action with Maximo Nivel’s top-rated Volunteer Abroad programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru! Volunteering abroad is an incredible way to immerse yourself in a new culture, build essential life skills, and meet like-minded travelers— all while making a sustainable impact
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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Looking to give back while exploring one of South America’s most iconic destinations? International Volunteer HQ’s Cusco-based volunteer programs in Peru offer an unforgettable experience where cultural immersion meets community impact. With 13 different volunteer projects to choose from—including T
See All 3 ProgramsVolunteer for the Visayans
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Find out why it's more fun and meaningful to volunteer with us! Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) provides a wide range of program choices for people wanting to Volunteer Abroad in the Philippines through our local community partners and our very own community centers. VFV endeavors to improve the qu
See All 2 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
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A Mexico volunteer opportunity in International Business allows candidates to gain hands-on business experience while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Oaxaca. Examples of business placements in Mexico include accounting, social and economic business development, and graphic design, amo
VolunteerAbroad.com
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Teaching English to a monk isn't what you pictured when you volunteered. It's better. This program places you in a temple town in Cambodia's northwest, with a host who has lived here since 2018. You'll work alongside novice monks, young children, and local women across a tight-knit community. You're
See All 2 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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Meet the amazing people who call the settlements surrounding Cape Town home. By joining this project, you will get to make a real difference in the community and in the lives of the children, adults and families living in the area through a variety of ways. The residents of the community are looki
Love Volunteers
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Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to h
The Real Uganda
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The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between these locally requested interventions: Public health and clinical work: Volunteers work in rural clinics providing testing, treatment, counseling services,
Connect-123 Internship Programs
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Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities:
See All 4 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
See All 6 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
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Our Volunteer programs in India are based in Kerala, Southern India. Despite a fast growing economy owing to the Dot Com revolution in the late 90’s, a large portion of the Indian people are impoverished and in need of basic human necessities. Access to clean water, sanitation facilities and quality
See All 3 ProgramsUCESCO Africa
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The Women Empowerment Volunteer Program puts skilled, compassionate volunteers at the center of real, measurable change. Based in Nairobi, this program focuses on equipping young mothers and women with literacy, vocational skills, financial tools, and the confidence to build better lives. Volunteers
Carpe Diem Education
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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
Medi Trip
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In Arusha, Tanzania, countless women sustain families through remarkable resilience — yet lack access to the tools that could turn their existing skills into lasting income. This Women's Empowerment Outreach Program bridges that gap through community-based skills training, financial literacy, and en
World Unite!
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Ready to make a tangible impact? Join our microfinance program in Tanzania, focusing on Village Community Banks (VICOBA) and Economic Empowerment Groups. These initiatives provide vital microloans and financial education to individuals, predominantly women, who lack access to traditional banking. By
See All 2 ProgramsWorldStrides
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Build your skills through a service-learning experience in San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital and cultural, economic, and political center. Work alongside local NGOs, schools, clinics, and community organizations while exploring fields like education, museums, youth services, and healthcare. Thr
See All 2 ProgramsSpanish 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
Village Synergy
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Climate change is hitting hard, and local communities must build back smarter. This volunteer and internship program places you inside working eco-enterprise models in Pader District and across the Lango and Acholi sub-regions. You will contribute to climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration,
BIDII YETU FOR CHANGE
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Bidii Yetu for Change (BYC) welcomes volunteers to support our Early Childhood Education and Recreation Program in Kakuma, Turkana County, Kenya. The program focuses on creating a safe, welcoming, stimulating, and child-friendly environment where young children can learn, play, develop social skills
Nearly half of the world’s population lives in poverty, with children making up nearly one third of that group. Organizations that provide microcredit loans seek to help families in poverty become self-sufficient and able to provide for themselves and their children, long after the loan has been repaid.
Low-income families often lack the credit history or collateral needed to take out essential loans to increase their income or develop a sustainable livelihood. By volunteering abroad and assisting organizations that support microcredit programs, you will be taking a big step toward helping the world become a better place to live for thousands of families, while also helping individuals achieve their dreams.
Microfinance volunteer programs will give individuals the chance to learn the ins-and-outs of microfinancing on an international level, which means they will become more knowledgeable about international business practices and more open-minded and innovative when it comes to business development too. Microcredit volunteer opportunities will not only allow you to help locals learn how to develop a productive livelihood, it will also expose you to new business philosophies and experiences that will be useful in your career.
We no longer live in a world where hard work and passion are enough to make a business thrive. Therefore, microcredit programs and organizations that support microfinance initiatives seek to support small business development and the overall economic growth of specific cities or regions. Due to the recent popularity of microcredit programs and the positive results of small business loans, the microcredit industry has grown substantially in the past few decades, which means microfinance volunteers are welcomed in many countries around the world.
Microcredit loans first rose to popularity in Asia, so naturally, it’s a favored destination for microfinance volunteer programs. Volunteering in India, where money from private donors often helps local people establish or refurbish their farms to become profitable again, is an eye-opening experience. The Philippines and Cambodia are other popular destinations for microcredit volunteer programs, as they are countries where the large tourism industry often dwarfs small business attempts.
In Central America and South America, microcredit loan organizations operate mainly in subsets of larger cities, especially where significant slums exist. In these areas, microcredit volunteers work to come up with worthwhile projects to fund to help develop the local economy and employ the unemployed. Nicaragua is unfortunately home to large population of rural poor, which means there are many potential microfinancing opportunities worth exploring in rural areas, especially ones that support women.
There are many well-known organizations and ongoing microfinancing projects in Africa, such as the company that hires African women to make beads out of recyclables. More specifically, those who volunteer in Ghana will be exposed to creative people with big ideas about how to share art, music, and food with the world at large.
Your microfinance volunteer placement will differ depending on the organization you work with, your finance experience, and the location you choose. Volunteers, no matter their experience level, will likely have the opportunity to meet with and work with locals who will be the recipients of microcredit loans. Participating in microfinance volunteer programs will no doubt give volunteers the opportunity of a lifetime to step back from their own lives and gain a more accurate perspective of what poverty looks like in the real world.
Volunteers without experience in related fields will often be placed in internship-like roles, which will entail them observing supervisors actions as well as managing lower level tasks, such as paperwork or client or partner communications. In almost any type of microfinance volunteer program, volunteers will be able to see, first hand, the direct impact that microfinance loans have on local families and communities.
If you have a degree in business or finance and are interested in microcredit programs, your skills are in high demand abroad! Whether for a long or short period, it is possible for professionals in the field to manage their own projects, oversee the loan transactions, and track the progress or success of microfinance programs as well as develop future financial plans.
Make an Impact. For millions around the world, microcredit loans are an incredible opportunity to get out of poverty and develop a sustainable livelihood for their families. Each loan you help with will make an impact on the life of someone in your host country, which makes microcredit volunteer opportunities all the more rewarding.
Personal Perspective. While in school or working domestically, it’s easy to forget that money in the Western world is viewed very differently than in other countries. Half of the world lives on less than $2.50 a day, and volunteering abroad is the most emotionally gripping way to gain perspective on what money means to people dealing with poverty daily.
First-hand Finance. Microcredit programs are often praised as having the potential to end poverty, by allowing people to become self-sufficient. Hearing this and seeing this are two very different things. It is truly impressive to see the change a small amount of loaned money can make on a business, a farm, a family, or even an entire community.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
The Maximo Nivel team was always so generous and supportive during my stay. I experienced some sickness during my stay, but the team helped me out so much and took great care of me! In my volunteering I had so many awesome experiences and much fun 😁
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
My first time travelling and i couldn´t be happier having chosen to volunteer with IVHQ. They organise so many amazing free activities, and are great with their support. Everyone is so kind and always eager to help.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
We came as a family of four to Cusco to participate in the Indigenous Communities Umasbamba project and had an amazing time. It was an awesome experience for our kids, who are 15 and 13, to see how other people live out their daily lives. We would recommend this project to anyone.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
From working with kids in a nursery, to seeing beautiful tours, and spending 2 weeks in the Amazon jungle!.. i've learned so much about my self, and the people of Peru. By far my favorite project was the Panthera sanctuary. Aldo and Cristobal are amazing people who made me embrace ALL... Of the jungle, but i've never felt more energetic and driven. the location is beautiful and rustic, with a scenic view of the river. We were able to help reforest, monitor and document animals, as well as do other activities like play volley ball, go fishing, and night animal monitoring. Oh and dont get me started on how delicous the food was, we got breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Amazing. Im reminicing as i type this. 100% recommend doing this project as well as looking into the other incredible projects Maximo has to offer. You wont regret it!!!
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I did the Archaeology and Jungle Conservation programs around Cusco. They were all very well organized and Maximo made it very easy to learn how to get from place to place. I think similar programs would require much longer stays or affiliations with university programs. My feedback to future volunteers is to take whatever amount of bug spray and sunblock you think you need and triple it. If it is the rainy season, bring water proof clothes and boots.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
The cultural information shared by host families was amazing. We came to celebrate our 25th anniversary and the archaeology dig was great with a wonderful host family. We will be strongly recommending this program to all our family and friends. We cannot wait to come again. Muy bueno!
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I had a really good time teaching English to the Ticos here. While I was teaching them English, they were also teaching me Spanish which I loved. I’d love to do it again one day if possible. I think many people should consider this if they want to be immersed in culture, give back, and learn.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
My time volunteering in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, was an incredible experience. I spent my time teaching English in a community project. The program is well organised and provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to the local community. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a rewarding and impactful experience. The staff at Maximo are also lovely - Anika made me feel welcome from the moment i stepped in. I would recomend to many!
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I had a really good time! It was very interesting to learn about the culture in Costa Rica. The mariposario was beautiful. The institute is great, it has a pool!! Maximo Nivel is #Awesome I would absolutely recommend any of their projects.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I spent my time in San Jose teaching English in a High School and Daycare centre. Both of these placements were extremely rewarding and a great way to experience the local culture. The project staff and staff at Maximo Nuvel have been excellent. I have found the programme extremely rewarding and will definitely do this again! A great way to see the world and give something back to local communities.
Six weeks that changed my life — and a journey that continues When I first contacted Medi Trip about volunteering in Tanzania, I had no idea that I was about to embark on a journey that would change my life forever. From my very first conversation with Pearl, the founder and director, I felt something special. There was genuine warmth, openness, professionalism, and, above all, a sincere passion for making a difference. I felt confident that I had made the right choice. The preparation was excellent. All the information I received beforehand was accurate, clear, and complete. Arriving in a country and culture so different from your own can be overwhelming, but Medi Trip made the entire experience feel welcoming and well organised. The accommodation was comfortable, the Tanzanian staff were wonderful, and there was always someone available for guidance, questions, or support. But what makes Medi Trip truly special to me goes far beyond the practical arrangements. I originally came to Tanzania for six weeks of volunteering. Today, I am on my seventh trip, and what started as a volunteer experience has grown into something I could never have imagined. Those first six weeks opened my eyes, touched my heart, and ultimately changed the direction of my life. Through the experiences, people, and communities I encountered, I discovered a passion and purpose that I hadn't known existed within me. Over time, I have grown from being a volunteer into someone actively involved in philanthropic work, supporting vulnerable women, girls, and children in Tanzania. And throughout that entire journey, Medi Trip has remained by my side. That is something I value enormously. My official volunteering placement may have ended a long time ago, but the relationship never did. Pearl and her team continue to follow my work, offer guidance, provide assistance when needed, and genuinely care about what I am trying to achieve. Even now, during my extended stays in Tanzania, I am still welcomed into the Medi Trip hostel, where I feel very much at home. I have never felt that I was simply another volunteer passing through their programme. I have always felt seen, supported, encouraged, and valued as a person. What I particularly admire about Pearl is her vision of what meaningful volunteering and philanthropy should be. It is not simply about arriving somewhere with good intentions and wanting to help. It is about listening, learning, respecting local knowledge, building relationships, and understanding that sustainable change comes from working alongside communities rather than deciding what they need. That philosophy has deeply influenced the way I approach my own work today. Of course, volunteering in a different country comes with challenges. You encounter unfamiliar situations, cultural differences, and realities that can be difficult to understand. But those experiences are also part of what makes volunteering so valuable. Having an organisation behind you that understands these complexities and is willing to guide and support you makes an enormous difference. I can only speak from my own experience, but after seven trips and years of continued involvement, I feel I have come to know Medi Trip not just as a volunteer, but also through the relationships and work that have developed since. And I can say wholeheartedly that my trust in Pearl and her team has only grown stronger. I arrived in Tanzania hoping to contribute something meaningful during six weeks of volunteering. I never expected to find a new direction in life, a community that feels like family, and a purpose that continues to inspire me every single day. Six weeks changed my life. And under the wing of Medi Trip, I found my calling. For that, I will always be grateful. Thank you, Pearl, Emmanuel, and the entire Medi Trip family, for opening a door that I never knew would lead to so much. I cannot recommend Medi Trip highly enough to anyone who is willing to approach volunteering with an open mind, an open heart, and a genuine desire to learn as much as they hope to give.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
We really enjoyed working with the staff. They were very professional, friendly, helpful, fun, and informative. We loved our project! It taught us so many wonderful lessons of compassion, friendship, patience, and diversity. We definitely want to come again!
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
This program was very cool! we got to experience so much with all the other volunteers from night patrols, trash pickup and more! I loved all the people I met, and I feel like I made such great connections!☀️🪷🌊🌿🏄🤙
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I´ve spent a month at Panthera Sanctuary. I have the utmost respect for the Aldo and Cristobal. They´ve made me feel welcomed and safe from day 1. I had some reservations and fears of course before my arrival considering the remoteness of the location. But they made sure we were well informed and looked after at all times. The place is a paradise, I would recommend this program to everyone who wants to be a part of something bigger, who loves animals and nature or just for digital detox. Even though we´ve had no internet connection in the sanctuary, the guys from Maximo Nivel´s office sent us regular updates and checked-in on us. I thank the whole team for this once in a lifetime experience.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
When was I planning for my next 40 years wanted to embark on a multicultural adventure that would bring me new sights, smells and experiences. After 2 weeks of consulting with other outfit programs decided to enroll in the Maximo volunteer, Spanish immersion, and mini adventure program. I had limited time to maximize my journey, and was a bit overwhelmed. After communicating with Travis and his onboarding team i was confident that i chose the right outfit for my personal journey. Their team made it very easy to customize my experience and answered all my questions with details and confirmations. I was very excited to embark on this adventure. This was my first solo international adventure and the Maximo team had the experience i wanted to work with. After landing in Cusco, i was taken care of by their travel team and taken straight to my guest house. after that i was invited to meet with Gabby (the big cheese) and got to see the international office while meeting the remainder of their team of 50. i was welcomed with open arms and introduced to Reese, the field manager who met with my for an hour to discuss the plan of action for the next two weeks. after that meeting i was excited to start my journey. I could go on and on about the client services and attention to detail that this team provided to me, and i am forever grateful to have been apart of a program that cares for its clients, community and the overall contribution to the world. My 2028 goal is to become TEFL certified and will be using MAXIMO NIVEL for that next adventure. ¨To realize ones destiny is a persons only obligation!¨
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I genuinely enjoyed my experience with the program. I felt safe, informed, and happy. I had all the information I needed to have a successful experience. My only wish is that I could have stayed longer. Thank you!
Program: Women Empowerment Volunteer in India
I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩
Program: Women Empowerment Volunteer in India
I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩
Program: Women Empowerment Volunteer in India
I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩
Program: Women Empowerment Volunteer in India
I had a wonderful time during my women's empowerment volunteer stay in Jaipur! The girls were fantastic and the cultural exchange with them was truly special; plus, the staff was very kind and welcoming. My host family made sure I had everything I needed and made me feel right at home. On top of that, Jaipur is a gorgeous city full of vibrant colors and incredible history. I'm so grateful and satisfied with this experience as a solo traveler, and I will carry these precious memories in my heart forever. :))

Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Larry Webber
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
AlumniTo travel with purpose. To offer something of myself to some small piece of the world and gain a memory and experience different from popping on and o...
Read Full Interview
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
Mariona Borras Ros
Future For Africa
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, discover a new culture, and gain experiences that would help me grow as ...
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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...
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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.
Read Full Interview
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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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.
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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