ILP has two main volunteer programs: Exchange and Humanitarian (plus a Hybrid program that combines elements from both). Our programs are very similar, with a few key differences. Let’s go over the details to see which is a good fit for you!
Which Program Is Right For Me?
country options 〉
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
India (Hybrid Program)
Nicaragua
Romania
Uganda
Vanuatu
Each Humanitarian program is quite unique, so click that button to compare countries further.
about volunteering 〉
You’ll help children learn English naturally through the ILP method by playing with them, singing songs, making treats, and arts & crafts. You’ll get to plan the activities you lead with the guidance of our methodology. Think summer camp in a classroom. And don’t worry, you don’t need any teaching experience.
Just like in the Exchange program, you will be helping children learn English in the classroom. We also have a unique program located in Romania where rather than teaching English, you will be helping children in our orphanage program to progress towards the ultimate goal of adoption.
the kids 〉
The classes you teach are in a public or private school or as part of an after-school program. Your students come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and often are from middle to upper-class families. They are generally about 4-12 years old.
The focus of the Humanitarian program is serving children who have very limited means and wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford your classes. Each program is unique; some children come from families who are underprivileged and in Romania (and sometimes in Uganda) you will spend time with orphaned children.
The exception is our program in India where not only do you get to work with children who are included in the Humanitarian side of things, but also children who are part of our Exchange setup as well.
costs 〉
Your program fee is $2,670 for Mexico or $2,970 for Ukraine, Lithuania, and Thailand — that includes your roundtrip international airfare, visa, housing, 3 meals per day, training, culture classes, and support throughout your entire semester.
We are able to keep your costs for things like your flight, housing, and meals a bit lower because your student’s family helps subsidize the program for you by paying a fee to have their child attend ILP classes.
Your program fee for Costa Rica, the DR, India, and Nicaragua is $3,970, Vanuatu is $4,470, and $5,470 for Romania and Uganda. It covers the same elements that the Exchange program fee does.
Unlike the Exchange Program, the families of the children you work with will not be helping to subsidize your costs. These children come from very limited means and the service you provide is completely free for them. We love that that is balanced by the fact that so many of these countries are very affordable to live and travel in! So while your initial program fee might be a bit higher, overall, the entire cost of the experience is often very similar to that of the Exchange program volunteers’.
living arrangements 〉
Volunteers typically live together in an apartment or dorm, or with a local host family — depending on the location. Housing is very similar to how locals live, giving you a more authentic experience.
Just like the Exchange Program, it depends on the location! In the Humanitarian program volunteers always live together (and not with a Host Family), in a house, apartment, dorm, or some version of a large complex.
about volunteering 〉
In the Exchange program you’ll help children learn English naturally through the ILP method by playing with them, singing songs, making treats, and arts & crafts. You’ll get to plan the activities you lead with the guidance of our methodology. Think summer camp in a classroom. And don’t worry, you don’t need any teaching experience.
the kids 〉
The children you work with in the Exchange program are attending public or private schools and come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, often from middle to upper-class families. They are generally about 4-12 years old.
costs 〉
Your program fee is $2,670 for Mexico and $2,970 for Ukraine, Lithuania, and Thailand — that includes your roundtrip international airfare, visa, housing, 3 meals per day, training, culture classes, and support throughout your entire semester.
We are able to keep your costs for things like your flight, housing, and meals a bit lower because your student’s family helps subsidize the program for you by paying a fee to have their child attend ILP classes.
living arrangements 〉
On the Exchange program, volunteers typically live together in an apartment or dorm, or with a local host family — depending on the location. Housing is very similar to how locals live, giving you a more authentic experience.
country options 〉
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
India (Hybrid Program)
Nicaragua
Romania
Uganda
Vanuatu
Each Humanitarian program is quite unique, so click that button to compare countries further.
about volunteering 〉
Just like in the Exchange program, you will be helping children learn English in the classroom. We also have a unique program in Romania where rather than teaching English, you will be helping children in our orphanage program to progress towards the ultimate goal of adoption.
the kids 〉
The focus of the Humanitarian program is serving children who have very limited means. Each program is unique; some children come from families who are underprivileged and in Romania (and sometimes in Uganda) you will spend time with orphaned children.
The exception is our program in India where not only do you get to work with children who are included in the Humanitarian side of things, but also children who are part of our Exchange setup as well.
costs 〉
Your program fee for Costa Rica, the DR, India, and Nicaragua is $3,970, Vanuatu is 4,470, and $5,470 for Romania and Uganda. It covers the same elements that the Exchange program fee does.
Unlike the Exchange Program, the families of the children you work with will not be helping to subsidize your costs. These children come from very limited means and the service you provide is completely free for them. We love that that is balanced by the fact that so many of these countries are very affordable to live and travel in! So while your initial program fee might be a bit higher, overall, the entire cost of the experience is often very similar to that of the Exchange program volunteers’.
living arrangements 〉
Just like the Exchange Program, it depends on the location! In the Humanitarian program volunteers always live together (and not with a Host Family), in a house, apartment, dorm or some version of a large complex.
But With Both Programs You'll Still Get To ...
Whether you choose an Exchange or a Humanitarian location, both programs have the same elements of a classic ILP semester.
Build your resume — No experience is required to join either program, but you’ll gain quite a bit to help build your resume and get ahead in school. Your semester abroad is a perfect conversation starter and an easy way to stand out when interviewing for jobs.
Semester lengths — All ILP programs are about 3-4 months. We feel like this is one of the best parts; not only does it benefit the children you work with to have a teacher who is there for longer than a couple of weeks, but it gives you enough time to really dive in and experience the culture, plus travel and see all you can. It gives you enough time to step outside of your comfort zone and grow, make life-long friends, and have that life-changing adventure you’re looking for.
Travel and make a difference — The best of both worlds. Impact not only your own life, but your fellow volunteers, the locals you meet, and especially the kids you serve. Volunteer time is 20 hours per week with every Saturday and Sunday off, plus you’ll have scheduled vacation time throughout the semester to travel with your group and experience your own country as well as neighboring countries (when approved).
Training and support — Both programs provide the same level of support. We don’t just drop you off and wish you good luck; you’ll have both in-country help as well as contact with our office in Utah when you need it. You’re never alone.
Serve with volunteers of similar standards — ILP has a code of conduct and high expectations of our volunteers. All volunteers agree to follow a set of standards, no matter which location you’re in.
Group placement — You’ll be with a group of volunteers! We are not a solo program; ILP is built around the idea of giving you a team of new friends to experience just about everything with. Teach together, travel together, and in many cases you’ll also live together. Most volunteers say they met their best friends during their ILP trip.