
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...
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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
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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Volunteers on the Kindergarten program in Sigatoka support local kindergartens and early-childhood centres where children aged around 4 to 6 benefit from extra care, learning and nurturing. You will assist local teachers by leading songs, games, arts and crafts, helping with basic lessons, supervisi
See All 27 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 6 ProgramsAdelante Abroad
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Make a positive impact in Mexico! Adelante Abroad offers affordable volunteer programs in a wide variety of fields and sectors in Oaxaca, Mexico. Put your time towards helping those in need. Volunteer in sectors such as ecology, social work, arts, or NGO, just to name a few. Oaxaca is one of the mo
See All 5 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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Volunteer in the Pez Maya tourist destination of Quintana Roo, Mexico to make a positive impact on their marine ecosystems. Begin your volunteer abroad experience by becoming PADI certified or expanding your current dive skills before diving into the volunteer work portion of your experience. Vo
See All 21 ProgramsInstituto Hemingway
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Give your time, and energy while becoming part of the local community Beach Clean-Up: Help protect the coast and keep our beaches clean. Soccer Assistant: Support local soccer activities and connect through sport. Community Service: Get involved in meaningful projects that support the local communi
African Impact
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Join our Wildlife and Research Conservation Project and immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or an aspiring conservationist, this enriching volunteer experience will unveil the many wonders of the African
See All 13 ProgramsThe Excellence Center in Europe
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Volunteers taking part in short-term volunteer projects in Germany will be responsible for teaching one-to-one conversational English courses to students at the Center, as well as instructing small groups (anywhere from 2 – 5 students). Students come from a plethora of backgrounds, with ages ranging
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
See All 5 ProgramsRustic Pathways
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Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm people. Our programs take you off the beaten path for an unforgettable journey through Thailand. This includes: Thailand Adventurer – Travel from the
See All 20 ProgramsThe Excellence Center in Palestine
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The Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine offers short-term Volunteer Projects in Palestine, providing international participants with immersive experiences in Hebron, West Bank. These programs focus on community engagement with Palestinian children, refugees, women, youth, university students, and
See All 8 ProgramsInvolvement Volunteers International
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Kindergarten classes in Fiji are often large, making it difficult for local staff to give each child the necessary attention. Due to the shortage of local teachers, the main objective of this program is to assist the teaching team with activities for 4 to 6-year-olds and share ideas about the lesson
See All 79 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
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International Medical Aid’s Pre-Med and Global Health Internships welcome undergraduates, pre-med and medical students, graduates, and healthcare professionals interested in learning from local teams. High-school applicants follow IMA’s high-school pathway, with activities suited to their age and pr
See All 14 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
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Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med
See All 23 ProgramsGlobal Leadership Adventures
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Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Projec
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 5 ProgramsEl Terreno
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If you dream of immersing yourself in South America's Andean cultures amid snowcapped volcanoes, while making a real-world impact for rural communities, our International Changemaker Programme is for you. As part of El Terreno's international community, you'll use your skills on social and environm
See All 14 ProgramsCommunity & Humanitarian Engineering
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Engineering Without Borders Argentina (ISF Argentina) offers international volunteering opportunities focused on community development, humanitarian engineering, and social impact across different regions of the country. Volunteers collaborate with local communities, professionals, and civil society
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 2 ProgramsTerra Sylvestris
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Are you interested in collaborating with a local community, focusing on the development of a permaculture initiative as well as protection of biodiversity in an off-the-beaten location known for its global importance? In that case, sign up for a Sustainable Development Program - a field volunteer p
Summer is a great window to try something different without overcommitting. Volunteering abroad gives you structure, purpose, and a deeper way to see a place.
Summer is prime time for global travel, and these countries offer both adventure and impact. From coastal communities to vibrant cities, here are three standout places to volunteer this summer.
There’s a reason so many volunteers head here in the summer. You’ll find projects along the coast where you can teach English or support marine conservation, and the pace of life is relaxed but welcoming. It’s hot, yes, but beach evenings, island weekends, and fresh mango everything make up for it.
Volunteering in South Africa during the summer feels like hitting pause in the best way. Whether you're helping with wildlife, supporting health projects, or working with local youth, the slower winter season gives you space to really connect. The cooler weather is a bonus when your days are full and hands-on.
If you’re looking for community projects or environmental work, Peru has a lot going on. You’ll experience daily life in a real way, whether you’re in the mountains or the jungle, and it’s a great place to improve your Spanish while you’re at it.
There are almost as many summer volunteer programs abroad as there are countries and people in the world. It’s best to focus on your interests and skills, but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new. Below are some of the most common fields for summer volunteering:
From natural disasters that strike to refugee crises, there’s an entire population of people forced out of their homes. This field is commonly understaffed, but always in high demand. If you want to give immediate aid or are pursuing social work, disaster relief is high in rewards and commitment.
Nurses, doctors, dentists, and the health-conscious are great candidates for summer volunteering in the medical field. Some placements are at hospitals, while other occur in field clinics. There’s also high need for volunteers to help with physically or mentally disabled children, and preventative health care is a rising field.
If you would like to improve the animal kingdom a bit, try a hand in animal conservation projects. Popular summer volunteer placements include monitoring the nesting of sea turtles, marine preservation, and wildlife reserves. Be a cool cat while befriending a few feisty felines during your summer abroad.
While the advantages of summer volunteering abroad are many, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Get answers to the questions travelers ask most
When looking for ideal volunteer destinations in summer, think pleasant weather and beautiful sights. Thailand is perfect for working with elephants and then lounging by the beach in your free time. Head to South Africa to contribute to wildlife conservation and witness the Big 5. Help disadvantaged youth in Peru and end your stay with trips to historic sites such as Machu Picchu.
Yes, you can find a few free volunteer programs abroad in summer. But most placements come with a fee to cover operational or administrative costs. Many organizations also use a portion of the money to support their partner communities and provide the basic needs of participants, including housing and some meals.
No one is too old to volunteer abroad! Whether you’re in high school or already retired, you can find an international volunteer program designed specifically for your age group. If you want to make a difference with your kids, many placements are open to families. Of course, organizations take into account physical fitness and other factors, especially when offering programs to older adults.
Yes, it is safe to volunteer abroad in summer. You just need to choose the right destination to do it. In general, steer clear from countries with reported cases of heat waves and health concerns such as food poisoning and mumps. Consider your overall safety as well, since several studies have discovered that crime rate tends to increase in summer.
With summer volunteer programs abroad generally open to students on school breaks, placement durations range from one week to two months. This is the perfect time to travel, contribute to a meaningful cause, and enjoy excursions to new places.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: School Teaching Assistant
I spent a month in Bolgatanga (Ghana) with Future 4 Afrika in a Education program. I went to a school and gave classes to the children in the morning and we did other different activities in the afternoon, like going to orphanages to spend time and play with the kids. It was certainly the best experience for my life and I recommend it to everybody! It made me change my way of seeing life. All the people working in this NGO are angels and the took care of us like we were family. I can’t wait to come back!!!



Program: School Teaching Assistant
the best experience of my life❤️ spending time with the children, teaching them and having the opportunity to see the Ghanaian culture and its reality is something I will never forget. I totally recommend Future4africa since they helped and accompanied us from the very first moment, they are so awesome people!!!



Program: School Teaching Assistant
I spent almost four weeks at Future4Africa and truly enjoyed my time there. During this period, I gained many new experiences and had the opportunity to work both in the primary school and in the community with the children in the afternoons. The time with them was incredibly rewarding and brought me a lot of joy. A special thanks goes to Joshua and Samuel, who put so much effort into making my stay unforgettable. They not only organized everything perfectly but also took me on trips to show me the country, its culture, and the beautiful nature. This gave me a very authentic insight and made my stay even more valuable. I can highly recommend Future4Africa to anyone who would like to get to know a new culture, work with children, and at the same time make a positive impact.



Program: School Teaching Assistant
J'ai vécu ce dernier mois la plus belle expérience de ma vie. Nous avons été entourées de personnes bienveillantes dans chacune de nos missions, qui nous ont accompagnées de façon à vivre notre expérience de la façon la plus impactante et bénéfique possible. Les missions proposées étaient très intéressantes, nous avons la liberté de proposer des activités & autres occupations, nous étions très libres dans nos propositions ! À côté de cela, l'association se souciait chaque jour de notre humeur, notre journée et notre ressenti, et elle a tenu un rôle accompagnateur réellement présent. Nous avons pu faire des rencontres incroyables, et passer des moments d'échange que nous ne pourrons oublier. Nous avons aussi eu la chance de découvrir de nombreux endroits du Ghana, et d'en apprendre plus sur les cultures locales. Je n'ai qu'une hâte, c'est de revenir, pour continuer de travailler avec eux sur les nombreux projets qu'ils ont pour l'avenir, pour toutes ces personnes qu'ils aident au quotidien ! Merci future for africa 🙏🏼 *** english *** This last month has been the best experience of my life. We were surrounded by caring people on each of our missions, who helped us to live our experience in the most impactful and beneficial way possible. The missions proposed were very interesting, we had the freedom to propose activities & other occupations, we were very free in our proposals! On top of that, the association was very attentive to our mood, our day and how we felt, and played a really supportive role. We were able to meet some incredible people, and spend some unforgettable moments of exchange. We also had the chance to discover many parts of Ghana, and learn more about the local cultures. I can't wait to come back and continue working with them on the many projects they have for the future, for all the people they help on a daily basis! Thank you future for africa 🙏🏼



Program: School Teaching Assistant
My experience in Ghana was extremely positive and enriching. I carried out several missions related to education, water supply, and the construction of sustainable, affordable houses adapted to the hot climate. The association provided excellent support and comfortable living conditions, making my integration easy. The local community welcomed me warmly and showed great appreciation for my work. This experience allowed me to discover a new culture, develop new skills, and contribute to meaningful projects. I am very happy to have supported this association and its valuable work for local communities.



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 to Teach English & Study German (1-12 Weeks)
The excellence center is truly an incredible experience. I was unsure when I first signed up, but my doubts were washed away after a week. The center, the people themselves, the community around the center is incredible. I’ve never felt more comfortable in a foreign country than I did here. Rafat has created something special, and if you have the chance to experience it I 100% would. You won’t find anything else like it. And be ready to go with the flow! Any plan you make will probably collapse - so have fun rearranging. - Queen Taylor



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.
Overall, getting to experience something out of my comfort zone was truly amazing. I enjoyed every moment of working with kids and exploring and learning more about the culture and environment of Fiji. Going on this journey opened up my mind to all new possibilities and has encouraged me to go out of my comfort zone more often.
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.
This was such a great place to volunteer, the people, the sunsets, the history and fun. The experience was absolutely fantastic, ivhq made this an easy, safe and affordable experience. I'm so pleased I hot to do this.
I travelled to Kisumu alone, a new country, a new culture and language not knowing what to expect, but it was the best experience. Each day was so different, and I quickly became accustomed to the laid back “Kenyan time”. When people hear about the trip the first thing they ask is “What was your favourite part?”, and I never know how to answer. It was the people, the lessons and the laughs shared that made the experience so special. We spent lots of time in the children’s remand home. In a time of such uncertainty in these young people’s lives seeing how eager they were to broaden their knowledge was honestly eye-opening. Getting to spend every evening chatting, playing lego, listening to music or being taught Kiswahili by the children are the little moments I will never forget.


My stay with Reef Buddy was simply lovely! Gary, Raquell, Tom and Romel made me feel like part of a family, inviting me to dinners and activities throughout my stay. The training, supervision and attention to detail in conservation were outstanding, and I felt a real sense of accomplishment gaining hands-on experience building coral structures. Tom and Romel especially improved my diving tenfold. I went from being an Open Water diver with just five dives to an Advanced diver with 70 dives. Their support
Program: School Teaching Assistant
My experience as a School Teaching Assistant with Future For Africa has been a valuable and rewarding opportunity to develop my teaching, communication, and classroom management skills. I enjoyed supporting teachers, assisting learners with their educational activities, and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. This experience has strengthened my patience, teamwork, and commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals. I am grateful for the opportunity and the knowledge gained.

It brought me so much joy to soend time with the kids. It felt like we built a geniuine connection right away and i miss them very much. I am very thankful, that i was welcomed dearly by everyone. They made me feel like i belonged there and were always so hapoy to see me. I loves the walk to the waterfall and the hike on our last day. The view from up there was incredible and i loved being sorrounded by all those lovely people. I also enjoyed our trip to the lake. We danced and sang, it made me feel so nostalgic and it got me to really think about the future, and where and how i wanna spend my gap year after i graduate. I loved the whole experience and defenitly wanna come back.



Living abroad in Turkey was an important experience in my life. I had the opportunity to discover a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and learn how to adapt to a different environment. This experience helped me become more independent, patient, and open-minded. It also taught me the importance of communication, hard work, and respecting cultural differences. I believe that living abroad can help people grow personally and professionally.
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.
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...
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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.
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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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