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Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Nothing makes a trip abroad more meaningful than the opportunity to also do some good.  There are social service agencies around the world that welcome volunteers. Additionally, there are some language and culture schools that network with these agencies in order to provide community-based experiences for their students.  IAW offers a number of options for people who are looking to learn and help!

Generally, a certain ability to communicate in the foreign language is needed and some volunteer options (especially in the medical field) are limited to licensed practitioners. Volunteer positions are normally scheduled from 3 to 15 hours a week, with most in the areas of social service or teaching.


Volunteer Opportunities are available in:

BOLIVIA: Health, Social Services, Orphanage, Teaching, Eco & Children

BRAZIL: Health, Social Services, Children

COSTA RICA: Children, Teenagers, Orphans, Women and Men, & Elderly.

ECUADOR: Children, Teenagers, Orphans, Translation, Medical, Health, Social Services, Orphanage & Teaching

HONDURAS: Health, Social Services, Orphanage, Teaching, Eco & Children

PERU (Child Welfare): Teaching, Gardening, Workshops


Why do you want to volunteer?

Volunteering will bring you the opportunity to help others and learn about yourself, plus improve your foreign language skills.

What do you hope to gain?

  • Personal enrichment and growth
  • Career and resume enhancement
  • Independence and confidence
  • Opportunities to meet new people
  • Learning another culture and language
  • Helping others
  • Live with host family and learn their traditions
  • Add to your purpose in life

How much time are you willing to commit?

You must go for a minimum of four weeks (accept for a few select programs with varying minimum durations...check above) but can extend the position for as many weeks as you want. The longer you are able to participate, the more you will gain and the more you will contribute to the society.

Why to pay for international volunteer?

Volunteering is not just the giving of one's time to do some good. Your volunteer fees are used to pay for your lodging and food, cover language program tuition, organize the volunteer project and donate to the infrastructure of the community.

How to apply for the volunteer? A few planning guidelines:

  1. Plan ahead. These programs require additional coordination.
  2. Schools provide progress reports if needed by your home university or employer.
  3. Allow a week or two after arrival for local interviews to finalize placement.
  4. Enclose with your registration form a statement about your a) background, b) objectives and c) foreign language ability. This helps with placement. If schools have nothing which fit your needs, your deposit/registration fee will be returned. Because the reality of volunteer work and internships may not match expectations, sometimes they do not work out. In that case, placement fees (if any) would be refunded, but normal class tuition and housing costs would be paid. Adjustments to the local culture will be needed.

How does it work? Tentative advance placement is based upon your letter and resumé. Final coordination is completed upon arrival. Scheduling of interviews with organizations takes place within one to two weeks for volunteer. It is helpful to research the city/country you will visit prior to departure. If you are familiar with the area, government, and/or social structure/norms it will be easier to adjust.


All Volunteer Opportunities Include:

  • Qualified Educators... experienced working with foreign students.
  • Local Housing Coordinators... familiar with local homestays, B&Bs, apartments and hotels.
  • Local Activity Coordinators... for varied culture and social activities and tours.
  • On-Site Program Director... if you need extra support services.
  • Student Advising... orientations, referral and 24/7 Bilingual Emergency Worldwide hotline.
  • Medical Insurance... includes accident, medical, med-evac coverage.
  • Transportation... optional assistance with airfares, arrival transfers and in-country tours.
  • Telecom Support... web and e-mail access - most on site.
  • International Student Body... study with others from throughout North America and the world!