Volunteer Abroad Programs

My family was really nervous about me going. Somos had every detail handled, and within a day I felt completely safe. Any concerns about safety can be put to rest. I would send my own kids on this trip.

Some of our students had been to a dozen countries. All of them said this was by far the best. By the end they were asking for more time with the community, and that tells you everything about what Somos built here.

Twenty years of teaching, and this is the Partners of the Americas trip I'll remember. Somos gave our kids access to people and places we could never have reached on our own, and every connection they made was genuine.

Somos didn't hand us a packaged itinerary. They put our students in real conversation with the people who live this work every day. I learned more about Guatemala's history from our driver, Marlen, than I ever did from a textbook. That is the difference.

Traveling with Somos Impact Travel allowed us to connect with the local community through their NGO partner. That depth made our students feel like they were part of something bigger than themselves, and it made the whole experience so much more meaningful.

I had the best time with Xplore Asia in Thailand. I knew I wanted to gain experience teaching abroad but I had a limited amount of time in the summer between graduating university and my new job starting in the fall. Xplore Asia offered this one-month program whose dates suited my timeline, didn't involve too much commitment but still offered a 60-hour online TEFL course so that I had some qualifications before starting, and offered a great social environment where you live alongside those doing an in-person TEFL for the month before they got placed at permanent schools around the country. There were only a few of us doing this camp but you had a community of around 40 others doing other Xplore programs who we socialized with. I made so many friends from all around the world not just through the program but also local teachers that we taught alongside, from a huge range of countries, ages, and backgrounds and I grew so much as a person during this time. I also had time to do some backpacking around Thailand after the program ended. The age range did skew a bit older (probably like mid-20s to early-30s although with a good number of recent uni grads and people up to 70) than something like Gotoco (which heavily targets university campuses), and as someone on the younger end of the range I really appreciated this as I got to meet people from a real variety of backgrounds rather than just entirely uni students. There was a huge range of teaching opportunities from camps for rural students with limited prior English experience to a top school in Bangkok where students were almost fluent, and for that we got to travel to Pattaya with the school for their camp. We received a stipend received for each camp we took part in. We had lots of free time and taught maybe 3-4 days a week, but sometimes we would only teach in the morning. You often delivered camps alongside the other teachers and prepared lessons together, but sometimes we did deliver individual lessons. Most of the camps consisted of coming up with and delivering games to help kids reinforce their English knowledge. I was definitely pushed outside of my comfort zone but received plenty of support from Xplore and the other teachers, and it is in Xplore's interests to ensure that they don't send out underprepared teachers! Camps were mainly local so no need to stay overnight, except for one where we were put in another hotel which was super nice. Hua Hin (where we were based) is a lovely town. It is about a 3 hours' drive from Bangkok and has two large shopping malls, some great night markets, lovely coffee shops and a great beach with warm water. The nightlife is not as big as some of the larger cities but it has its own charm! It has a lot of expats and does get lots of tourists but it is not a big backpacker hub. Xplore organized a range of activities where we could experience aspects of Thai culture, including cooking classes, trips to the markets, Muay Thai classes and watching tournaments, local temples, local museums, day hikes, a beach dinner, movie nights, etc. Accommodation was great in a basic hotel and had everything we needed including a pool, though you need to top up your own toiletries and bring your own towel etc. Most people had one roommate but you can also choose to have your own room if you want and pay a bit extra. Staff were absolutely fabulous, organized and caring, especially Pond who managed our Adventure Camp program! Xplore Asia seems to be one of the most legitimate programs out there for TEFL in Thailand and genuinely seems to be intentional about having a positive impact on the local communities in which it operates. The only drawback I would say is that communication could be a little unclear prior to leaving about which documents were needed for this Adventure Camp program and what was only necessary if you were doing the 6 or 12-month placements (e.g. for the camp program you didn't need to get your degree notarized). But any confusion is quickly cleared up by sending an email to Xplore. Costs involved can add up too, including flights, the program itself, accommodation, a DBS check, travel insurance, and day-to-day living costs. However, the program costs do include a lot including most of the activities they take you to, and you do receive a stipend for teaching (though this should not be expected to cover all your costs!). And it is definitely worth it if you are planning to stay in Thailand for an extra week or two anyway before or after the program to do some travelling. Overall, I will remember my time at Xplore fondly for the rest of my life and as a recent uni grad it was definitely life-changing! I can only speak for my cohort but the people were amazing and will be life-long friends, and the program really initiated my love for meaningful travel and interest in TEFL.

The Haven and Sister Cynthia took great care of us and made us feel welcome from the very beginning. Carol, despite her heavy workload, made sure we settled in and gave us direction to get started. The first week was mostly reading and familiarising ourselves with the work, which at first seemed slow, but as time went on we began to understand the importance of that foundation. Gradually, we got to know the colleagues better, and what started as a formal work environment grew into genuine friendships. By the end, I felt like we were not just interns tagging along but part of a team working toward shared goals. Over the course of the programme, we were involved in both community and legal work that made the experience incredibly meaningful. It gave me the chance to contribute to client submissions, legal drafting, and case preparation, which was both challenging and rewarding. We never felt thrown in at the deep end or left without support.During my time I worked with around 45 clients on a range of refugee and asylum matters. I drafted submissions that supported successful appeals against Home Affairs decisions, secured renewals of vital documents, and assisted with applications for asylum. I was also involved in client consultations, where I interviewed clients, gathered evidence, and prepared case files. This gave me a real insight into how important it is to build trust and listen carefully to people’s stories. Alongside this, I prepared case summaries, legal reports, and policy documents, and I also contributed to a project looking into corruption in South Africa’s immigration system. These experiences gave me the chance to use my legal research and drafting skills in a practical way, and to see first-hand the difference that this kind of work can make for vulnerable communities. I was able to contribute to casework and client submissions that directly affected people’s lives. Knowing that the work I did helped clients secure documents or strengthen their asylum cases gave me a real sense that I was supporting the team and the wider mission. The placement allowed me to grow personally and professionally, to build relationships with people I will never forget, and to experience South Africa in a way that was both meaningful and authentic.

This was my second time volunteering through IVHQ and it was just as memorable as the first. Since my first volunteer I have thought about it everyday. I knew I needed to do another one because it truly is so life changing. I’ve only been home a week and I miss the country, the people, the students, all of it. Through this program I found my dream job and something I wanted to work towards everyday.

After departing from Italy and arriving in Gweru—a journey that involved two flights and a five-hour car ride—I received a warm welcome that immediately put me at ease. The first day was dedicated to orientation: the projects, activities, and rules to be followed were introduced. Above all, it was an opportunity to meet the coordinators of the individual projects—professionally qualified individuals who are deeply passionate about their respective fields of expertise. The weekly schedule of activities is presented every Sunday evening, and each day the group gathers around a fire pit to review the plans and share the highlights of the day—a moment for coming together (much like during mealtimes). Programs includes ie for Wildlife : Elephant Boma cleaning, Bird identification, Rhinos observation, Hyena Enrichment activities or Lions feed. For Community program : teaching assistance, Soup kitchen or Orphanage visit. Safari Stables : horses feed and groom, Fence checks, Safari ride, Horse Swim , Overnight ( optional ) , Polocrosse . I took part in the project for two weeks; the group of volunteers was diverse in terms of age and nationality. The accommodations are comfortable, the location is surrounded by greenery, and the food is wonderful (I don’t eat meat or dairy, and the staff and the cook were always attentive to my needs, offering a varied selection of dishes rich in vegetables from the park’s own garden!). Should any needs, questions, or requests for assistance arise, the volunteer coordinator manager is always available to help 7/24 . I had the opportunity to be of use, to learn, to meet people from different cultures, and to immerse myself in this environment—an experience that has left me with images I will carry with me forever.

I wouldn’t change anything! I went in Jesus gang because I don’t like bugs but also Cristobal made the experience so fun and educational! I had a blast from night walks, fishing activities, and volleyball. I would 100% return to this project. They have amazing energy and I learned so much. I would definitely recommend this project to future volunteers. I’m so grateful I went 1’s the food was phenomenal!!

I had an amazing time. I was definitely helping with the turtle population. I felt I had an impact. This was my first time but it will not be my last. I met other volunteers who continued to volunteer with IVHQ because they really enjoyed their time.

What a special place this is . I did a working holiday for 2 weeks and will definitively be back . Everyone is so welcoming . The staff are absolutely amazing and the animals so loved and well cared for . It was also great to spend time with other volunteers. Most of all I will never forget spending time with the beautiful animals and learning about them . Thank you to everyone at Cheetah Experience ♥️

My first visit to Cheetah Experience changed my life. Since then, I've been coming back here at least twice a year. It's a wonderful place where people from all walks of life—of different backgrounds, ages, and nationalities—share the same goal and work together for the animals' well-being. Simply wonderful.

I did the working holiday, but worked with the volunteers. The staff are fantastic with the animals and people. The whole experience is one not to be missed. Everyone works together as a team Accommodation very good. Transport to the farm also very good. Food provided is great. Social events are good to The dedication shown by the staff is truly amazing.

As a veterinarian, it was very important for me to find a place where animals are kept ethically—with respect for their natural needs and interests—and where, as a volunteer, one can both learn a lot about them and give something back to Mother Nature. After my first visit in 2022, I returned two more times... I closed the animals at CE deeply into my heart, and deep international friendships were forged too during the weeks I spent there. CE is the best place for a great adventure and a profound inner journey too—one you will never forget! The spirit, that will change your entire life....

The multilingual school in Cusco is run by the lovely Boris and his family who are passionate about giving children equal opportunities in education and language. You can see they truly want the best for their students staff and volunteers as they treat everyone with the upmost care and respect. I stayed for 3 weeks, working with teacher Claudia with the 2 year old class. It was a great opportunity to give back to this wonderful community and I loved working with the kids they were so sweet and fun to spend time with. The accomodation is clean and comfy, and some cats that lived on site if that’s your thing, plus the food provided was always yummy. Cusco itself is a wonderful place with so much to do. On the weekend myself and the other volunteers often went on adventures and had a great time. The kindergarten is easy to get to and there are plenty of little convenience stores near by. I really admire Boris’s passion for this school and I want to thank him and his family again for making me feel so welcome.

The experience at Cheeta Experience is something I would recommend everyone to do. You get to work with the most passionate employees, that all have the animals wellbeing at top priority. Besides that, thet really make you feel welcome and part of the team. In my case, I had a special requirement, because I brought my cat with me. Riana and the team did everything necessary to accommodate me and him. We had our own unit, when staff was needed for maintenance or anything, is was strictly in consultation with me. They really made this experience the best for me so far. And if you put in the effort for them (animals and staff!) you’ll receive what you put in <3

I have been going to Cheetah Experience for 15 years. I first went in 2011 and the experience left me with a yearning to go back every year. It will always be the best thing I have ever done. I have done things I would never in my wildest dreams think I would ever do and I love every minute of being there. Ive made so many friends over the years from other countries and kept in touch

I gave been traveling to this project quite a few times so if am not too wrong this is like my 16th ti.d and every time you get some new and interesting knowledge and this is pretty much my home away from home

My two visits to CE have been nothing short of magical. Interacting with cheetahs, learning about them and many other big cats, carrying out husbandry, feeding and seeing these magnificent animals close up is an experience I'll never forget. Throw in dedicated and hilarious staff, social events and a hugely diverse group of volunteers and you will want to return again and again.