Humanitarian + Exchange Programs

ILP has two programs: Exchange and Humanitarian, plus a Hybrid program that combines elements from both. All of our programs have the same key features of an ILP adventure (like getting a mix of service + travel, all with a group of peer volunteers), but the main distinction between programs is in the background of the children you’re working with. In Humanitarian programs, we focus on offering free English classes to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford an education like this, and serving in orphanage programs. There are often opportunities to do extra service outside of volunteer hours as well in those locations. In contrast, the students in our Exchange programs typically come from middle to upper class families and pay a fee to attend ILP classes (which helps subsidize your program fee).

Hybrid Programs

Our newest location gets you living just outside of the Himalayan National Park, with Nepal as your neighbor! Your home is in the best part of the country, in the mountains, with time to explore everything else India has to offer. Everything from islands and beaches to camel rides in the desert and colorful cities is waiting for you. 

Humanitarian Programs

There’s plenty of adventure to be had here! Costa Rica is all about the outdoors, with plenty to keep you busy. Zip line through the rainforest, hike to a volcano, spot a sloth hanging out in the treetops, and practice your Spanish while you spend a semester in this welcoming country.

Spend a semester seeing the authentic side of this touristic island! You’ll be living right in one of the local neighborhoods, which adds so much to your experience. Then, spend vacations snorkeling in Caribbean waters, riding bikes through Spanish-influenced cities, and swimming through waterfall pools.

Nicaragua is hiding vibrantly colorful cities, swimmable blue lakes and beachy coastlines, jungle hikes through the rainforest, and so much more. You get the best of Central America with this program, without the crowds and higher prices found in nearby countries. We can’t wait for you to discover Nicaragua!

Knock off two major bucket-list dreams with a semester in Romania! Volunteer here and live the dream of backpacking all around Europe, while also making a difference by serving in the orphanage program here. There’s plenty of European charm at home, too — come fall in love with the charming towns and castles found all over Romania.

Help kindergarteners learn English and join in on other service projects during your semester in Africa. In addition to teaching English, volunteers here help build springs to provide clean water to the community. But don’t forget about the adventures! Go on a safari, white water raft on the Nile, and repel off waterfalls — there’s so much to do in Uganda.

Live the island life in this South Pacific Humanitarian program! Vanuatu is the perfect mix of relaxation and high adventure, all while helping the local community. Plan on a long list of outdoor adventures to tackle, tons of swimming spots to splash in, getting to know the friendliest locals, and eating the freshest foods during your semester in Vanuatu.

Exchange Programs

Experience life in this Baltic country! Lithuania is a melting pot of cultures and full of history, with so much to do. Sail around a castle, spend a Saturday on the coast, and buy a painting from the market in Old Town, then visit every country on your Europe list.

Tourists head to the resorts, but you’ll experience the authentic side of Mexico, which has so much more than you could see on a short trip. Come discover all the “locals-only spots”, magic towns, and secret beaches — Mexico is the place to go if you want tons of adventures on a budget!

Thailand is a country full of the kindest locals and the freshest mangoes, with the experience of living in a local’s only city. Spend your days teaching young kids before jumping on your bike to go grab a fruity smoothie. Then, admire temples and postcard beaches on vacation.

So much is waiting for you in Ukraine! Discover your favorite colorful church or cathedral, wander the cobblestone streets, then spend an afternoon sipping a cup of chocolate at a cafe. Volunteers here also have the perk of getting the true Ukrainian experience by living with a local family.

All 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.

Your adventure is 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. During your semester, you have enough time to step outside of your comfort zone and grow, make life-long friends, do quite a bit of traveling, and have that life-changing adventure you’re looking for.

Travel and make a difference — The best of both worlds. 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. 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 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. Several volunteers say they met their best friends during their ILP trip.