We get this question a lot and the answer is, “it depends”. Our summer semesters typically start anytime from mid-April to the first (or sometimes second) week of May. We do not know exact departure dates until we book flights, which is 2-6 weeks (usually in March or April) before the semester starts.

Additionally, we do ask that you will arrive the same day as the other volunteers which can conflict with some school schedules.

As soon as you know your university’s schedule, talk to your professor to let them know you’d like to volunteer abroad. It’s completely up to your professor (or higher up positions) but some volunteers have had luck taking finals a bit early so they can leave on time for their semester.

You can also talk to your ILP representative about choosing a location that tends to leave the latest for their summer semester. Choosing a location that leaves in May rather than mid-April may be best for you. Our Thailand group departs the latest (typically early June) so that may work really well! You’ll just want to make sure to apply quite a bit early so that there are still spots available if there’s a particular group you would need to be in.

Or you can avoid this situation altogether. Other volunteers have deferred their spring semester at school and used that time to work and save up before their summer semester with ILP.