• shanghaipudong "Two of my articles got published in the August issue of the magazine. I have already used the writing clips in an interview for an editorial internship on my campus, and I was recently offered the position. The person conducting my interview was very impressed with my experience abroad and my articles from the magazine." Sarah H. - Shanghai Journalism Internship
  • orphans_ghana"The orphanage is amazing and my host family is better than I could have hoped for. I really appreciate all you have done to help me have this experience.  It was definitely the life changing experience I had hoped for. Thank you." Grace S. - Ghana
  • cape-town"The internship is a dream. I observe and get involved with consultations and go on special trips to have hands on experience administering vaccinations to animals.  Thank you so much for arranging all of this." Anne Kurtz - South Africa

  • mylapore“I had spent weeks looking for an organization with the right volunteer program for my fieldwork experience. In ELI I found the perfect match.  I have learned so much. I am so grateful for this enriching life experience.”  Stephanie S.- Women’s programs in India
  • monastery"I am so happy with my internship placement as well as with my host family and I would like to thank the people at ELI  for their work in organizing this fabulous, unforgettable adventure."   Julian - Medical Intern in Nepal
  • ecuador"I just wanted to write and thank you very much for the experience I was able to have in Ecuador because of your help.  What an amazing experience. I am in love with the family that I stayed with." Randi - Teaching in Ecuador
  • women“Working with the women here has been a touching experience, especially hearing the astonishing stories of their troubled lives.  Working here has been a perfect complement to my studies in international public health.”  Amisha P. - Women’s programs in India

  • costa-rica"Everyone in Costa Rica was amazing, so helpful and friendly. They were open to any of my questions and went above and beyond my expectations along with my host family. It was an incredible and amazing experience."  Lisa M, Costa Rica

  • ecuador-2"My experience in Ecuador was amazing and I can't wait to go back! Thank you for helping me to have such a wonderful time in Ecuador." Emery A. Orphanage in Ecuador

  • cape-town-2"I had an amazing experience at the centre and with our house family!!! This trip was definitely once in a lifetime.  Thanks for the help with this trip! It was so amazing!!!" Sarah C. - South Africa

  • carabou"Thank you so much for everything you have done. Volunteering in the Philippines was one of the greatest experiences of my life and we wouldn’t have been able to do it with out all the help." Joye K - Philippines
International Volunteers

Volunteer teacher and child in Tanzania


Can you fit 2 weeks, a month, a year into your life for the benefit others?  If so, we invite you to join us in our work with organizations worldwide providing valuable services in their communities.  It's possible that international volunteering will be the most rewarding experience you've ever had.  It not only gives you the opportunity to have a positive impact on others, but it truly brings you into the global community, and gives you an in-depth immersion into another culture that no other travel experience can rival.  Imagine living among the Masaai in Tanzania, or living in the jungles of Ecuador with the Tsachilas people.  Of course, those are extreme examples, not meant for everyone!  You might prefer working with underpriviledged kids in Krakow, Poland, one of Europe's great cities, or with a women's group in South India.  The options are endless.

Our organization, International Volunteers, creates opportunities for these experiences, arranging a placement for you with an reputable organization and a place and to live, as well as providing in-country support in your chosen destination.  These are not tours!  You should be a self-sufficient, open-minded traveler ready to deal with the unexpected.  If you are looking for something more controlled, we can recommend organizations that provide volunteering that is more akin to tourism.  They provide many services that we don't claim to match.  Please feel free to contact us about our programs to see if they're right for you.

Browse our site by country, or use the search function to the left for specifics.