FAQs Archive

Q: Is it safe to live abroad?

We go to great lengths to find locations for our programs that we feel would be a good spot for American volunteers to live in. Part of this includes our Directors and Program Managers personally traveling to scout out each location prior to opening a new program and visiting again at the midpoint of each semester to talk with volunteers in person about how their experience is going. Program Managers are also available by phone 24/7 for the group when support is needed throughout the semester. The media tends to look for the most extreme stories to report on, and often generalizes an entire country even if only one area is affected. Even if stories are being shared on the news, it may not affect our particular program, so we have several other watchtowers to rely on when making decisions about the safety of our volunteers. ILP also keeps an eye on similar programs who are in the area (like church mission programs and university study abroad programs) and stays in touch with our Local Coordinators in each country (who act as our ‘eyes on the ground’). Our Directors welcome any calls from parents (or volunteers) who would like to discuss concerns in more detail. There are always certain risks associated with traveling but following the ILP safety rules helps reduce those risks. Over more than three decades, ILP has worked hard to make sure thousands of volunteers have had a safe experience abroad and will continue to work hard to maintain that for future volunteers.

Q: Can family and friends visit?

Your parents are welcome to visit you, but be sure to call the office to make arrangements prior to purchasing tickets. It often works best for your parents to visit at the end of your semester or during your scheduled vacation days so you don’t miss any teaching days. You will not know your vacation dates until you arrive in-country (they are set by the host school) which can make planning a visit a little tricky. ILP cannot predict your vacation dates, so your parents will likely need to wait to purchase tickets or plan on visiting you after your ILP semester ends. Friends and siblings are not allowed to visit during your semester unless they are accompanying your parent’s visit. If your friends and siblings would like to visit on their own, they can schedule a trip with you once your ILP semester is completed (if you choose to travel on your own afterward).

Q: Will I have free time or vacations?

You’ll have every Saturday and Sunday off, plus a few vacation dates scattered throughout your semester. Usually, it works out to be around 9 days off from volunteer days (in addition to your free weekends). You will not know your travel dates until you arrive in-country; your school and your Local Coordinator will figure out your vacation dates. Usually, semesters have a couple of 3- or 4-day weekends, plus a longer vacation that may be around 5 days off from teaching (plus the time off you get on the weekend, of course).