
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

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
See All 2 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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This reserve is home to Africa's infamous Big 5 including the lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and many other key animals as well as over 400 species of birds. Staying on the reserve gives volunteers opportunities to be involved in a variety of research initiatives on endangered and
See All 3 ProgramsLove Volunteers
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This amazing project was created to preserve the beautiful natural environment of Cape Town and its surrounding areas. Activities include hands-on conservation work in parks and reserves or initiatives revolving around educating future generations on the environment. This aspect is run through educa
See All 3 ProgramsIntercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)
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Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rul
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 ProgramsGIVE Volunteers Growth International Volunteer Excursions
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Explore the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia, meditate with monks, volunteer in regenerative farming, swim in magical waterfalls, and immerse yourself in Lao culture! The Laos Experience is a perfect combination of white-knuckle adventure, cultural immersion, meaningful volunteer work, and, last
Volunteer 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 3 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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Journey through Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand on a 10-week adventure that blends exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Surf volcanic coastlines, hike through lush rainforests, and volunteer on conservation projects that protect Polynesian ecosystems and honor Indigenous traditions.
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
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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
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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
Beyond Travels
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Build practical conservation skills and explore sustainable tourism in Uvita, a coastal community on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Through Beyond Travels, you’ll gain hands-on experience with local organizations, learn from people working in conservation and tourism, and experience daily life in one o
Roots Interns
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Grab this exciting opportunity to gain practical work experience in Africa’s wildlife conservation. You'll join a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of the ground hornbill, an iconic African bird in danger of extinction. The organization, run by a team of biologists and expert conservationists,
Kaya Responsible Travel
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If you can’t decide on a travel itinerary when visiting Africa, join our African Marine and Wildlife Volunteer Adventure Tour! This five or six-week program is a combination of adventure activities and volunteering opportunities in various locations: Kruger National Park, Swaziland (now called Eswat
See All 2 ProgramsDimitris Farm/Vineyard
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On the small Greek island of Lipsi, nestled among rolling hills and olive groves, lies a charming farm and vineyard that embodies the essence of eco-tourism. This destination offers simple beauty, where the sun shines brightly, the breeze carries the scent of wildflowers, and the sea sparkles in the
WorldStrides
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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 3 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
Institute for Global Studies
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Build your portfolio with international internship experience in the fun and dynamic field of Event Management. With seasonal, cultural, and international events that occur throughout the year, interns in this program from World Internships are sure to keep busy through the duration of the program a
Sadhana Forest
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Our main project is the reforestation of 70 acres of severely eroded land. We are working to re-create the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest indigenous to our area. This forest type is found only in Southern India and Sri Lanka and provides a rare biological richness due to its very high species abundan
Volunteers For Peace
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Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best w
So you know you want to volunteer abroad, but you haven’t nailed down your focus. Organizations around the globe with limited resources and funding depend on park volunteers to maintain their unique missions. Volunteering in parks is a good option for people who enjoy adventure, don’t mind rubbing elbows with woodland creatures, and secretly (or not-so-secretly) like having a little dirt under their fingernails.
When you choose to volunteer in parks abroad, you are choosing to contribute to the future of our planet. If you are interested in entering into the wildlife management or conservation fields, your experiences abroad will make you equipped with knowledge to implement the skills you learned when you return home. Additionally, students studying environmental science will be better equipped to narrow their career paths after gaining experience in the field in different areas of interest.
When you step away from your natural surroundings and the comforts of home, your eyes will be opened to new and creative ways of thinking. Whether your work as a parks volunteer includes conducting wildlife research, participating in studies to protect endangered species, or learning techniques to preserve biodiversity, you’ll gain knowledge and experience that will benefit you as well as the country you choose to spend your time in. And when you return home, you will be a more attractive candidate for jobs in your field of interest!
There are hundreds of locations to volunteer in parks abroad. It is important to do thorough research to determine what location would be the best fit for the goal you hope to achieve from your volunteer experience.
The Mountains. Asia and North America are amongst the most popular locations for volunteering in parks abroad, each offering a wide range of volunteer opportunities in mountainous parks. Beast K2 and fight off invasive species all in one day (OK, that might not actually be possible). Popular parks volunteer destinations include the United States and Nepal.
The Coast. If you prefer a coastal destination, you might consider volunteering in Central America or Oceania, in particular the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica. Not only would you be contributing to worthwhile conservation efforts, you could participate in world class bungee jumping, surfing, or whale and dolphin watching in your free time.
The Desert. If you’re drawn to desert climates, Africa has a multitude of unique volunteer opportunities in parks. To make things even better, you’ll get to experience African culture firsthand. If you become a parks volunteer in Zimbabwe, you’ll have opportunities to explore the world-famous Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park, and the ruined city of Great Zimbabwe.
Certain locations need parks volunteers more than others. Although it is important to make your decision based on what is best for your particular situation, you might want to consider spending your time volunteering in parks in a location that needs the most help. What better way to make a true difference in the world, and in the process find out what you are made, then by a life-changing volunteer experience?
Once you have determined that you want to volunteer in parks and have narrowed down your location, it is time to choose your focus. Depending on your interests, there are many causes to choose from.
Education. Provide education to schools and tourists for preserving land for future inhabitants. Work with community groups to ensure ecologically friendly programming is the “norm” rather than the exception, and challenge tourists to make choices that will benefit the Earth. Take part in teaching local children about their natural surroundings and the environment so they will understand the importance protecting and preserving animals.
Wildlife Reparation. Become immersed in a wide array of activities, including endangered species research or bird surveys, by supporting wildlife residing in parks abroad. You could also take part in conservation workshops and events in the community or teach anti poaching education to villagers.
Trail Maintenance. We all love a good hike, and it turns out, those trails weren’t put there by accident! Trails are the result of many hours of hard labor from volunteers and land-lovers alike. Give back to adventure by helping others find theirs through this type of volunteering in parks.
Be willing to commit to an extended stay as a parks volunteer if at all possible. Although, most parks volunteer programs have short-term as well as long-term projects. You might not have the flexibility to stay in your country longer than a couple of weeks, but if you can stay a few months to a year you will gain the greatest understanding of cultural needs, and in return help the success of the overall project. You do not necessarily need specific experience in order to become a parks volunteer abroad, all you need is a burning desire for adventure and making a difference.
No matter the field or location you decide on, volunteering in parks abroad can have a lasting positive impact on your future for years to come. If you are preparing to apply to colleges, you can use your experiences abroad to gain acceptance by showcasing the skills you have already learned in the field. Parks volunteer experience is also a great asset for your resume, as many companies seek out employees who have foreign language skills and hands-on experience that cannot be learned in the classroom. You will have an advantage over other candidates and you will have gained amazing experiences on a personal level as well by immersing yourself into a new culture, helping you grow as an individual.
It is important to allow yourself enough time to gain the full benefit you are seeking from your volunteer experience. In short, time constraints can be challenging. If you are capable of planning an extended stay, it is recommended. A person committing to 10 days as a volunteer in parks abroad won’t have the same overall experience as someone who is able to spend three weeks, one month, or even a year engrossed in the culture. Another challenge might be that once your experience is completed you won’t want to return home.
There is no better way to learn about yourself, others, and the world than by traveling and volunteering. If you have the desire to make a positive impact, then volunteering abroad in parks can open up tons of doors for your future. If you love adventure and the outdoors, parks are a great place to spend your energy and time. You will thank yourself for taking the leap into the unknown and becoming a part of something bigger. Now, “Get Over Yo Self” and let the adventure begin!
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
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.
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 Costa Rica! Community Construction Programs
Working at the dog shelter was such a rewarding experience. Being able to help with construction and renovation projects while also spending time around the dogs made the experience even more special. I really enjoyed being hands-on, learning new things, and seeing the difference our work made for the shelter and the animals.
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: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
After only 2 weeks I decided I wanted to live and work in CR. So I think this says it all. I’m now going from volunteer to employee. Maximo / my host family and my volunteer project have now become friends.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Great experience. This was my first time paying to participate in an overseas volunteering program, and I was afraid I would get scammed. No such occurrence. All arrangements from homestay to the work itself were exactly as described. My Peruvian family took great care of me and my work (medical volunteering in a local community clinic) was fulfilling. Maximo Nivel maintains a relationship with a reputable tourism company (American Inca Trail) that has an office in their same building, and I took full advantage of this for some amazing hiking trips. The services Maximo Nivel provides (arranging accommodation, placing you with host family, placing you in volunteer project, etc.) aren´t cheap and you might think you can do it cheaper on your own, but in my opinion, they´re worth the price you pay. Let them handle some things for you so you can focus on enjoying your experience abroad, not dealing with shady travel companies, lodging/logistics that aren´t what you were promised, etc.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
As a 16-year-old traveling alone in Costa Rica, Maximo Nivel made me feel safe, supported, and welcomed throughout my entire experience. The staff and my host family gave me all the support and guidance I needed, which made being away from home so much easier. I especially loved how Maximo brings everyone together, allowing me to meet so many amazing people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. This has been one of the best experiences of my life so far, and as my first solo trip, I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person. I gained more confidence, independence, and a new appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. I truly don’t think I would have had this experience or grown as much without Maximo Nivel.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
I found the program very enjoyable. It was easy to fit in and meet other volunteers.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Everybody who is willing to embark on such journey will definitely not be disapointed!ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
Everything was excellent, great support from Maximo Staff. Good introduction session as well as bases covered. And good offers of support from Maximo staff.
Program: Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru
You guys were great! There was great support, info, and involvement. Thank you!ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
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
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 ...
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...
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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...
Read Full Interview
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.
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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