We accept applications up to three semesters (1.5 years) in advance. Because we’re limited on how many volunteers we can send to each country, the earlier you’re able to apply, the more likely we’ll have spots available! As we mentioned, each location has a limited number of volunteers based on factors like housing and the number of students who attend ILP classes there. Once those spots are assigned, we work off of a lottery system. We are always working to expand so that we can meet the demand of the number of volunteers who apply and want to go. It’s not uncommon to be in the lottery when you first apply (especially if you're applying closer to the start of the semester), only to receive a spot a bit later.

FAQs Archive

Q: Are there any deadlines?

There are no deadlines! As soon as we open up a semester on our application, you can apply. Typically, you have more options the earlier you apply, but we frequently have last minute spots available even during the weeks or days leading up to departure.

Q: What happens when I give you my name and number?

Don’t worry, you are not making any commitment when you leave this information. We will contact you within a few days to see if you have any questions or help you through the application process if you have chosen to apply. If you aren’t interested, we won’t bug you anymore.

Q: What if I don't have a passport?

A passport is required for any travel outside of the U.S. and Canada, but you don't need one to start your application. Getting a passport isn’t difficult, but it does take time (or can be rushed if you're applying late). After you're accepted into the program, getting one will be one of the next steps. It feels pretty rad to have a passport, so welcome to the club! If you're ready to get yours, start by visiting the website for the US Department of State and follow the steps to apply for your first passport. Just as a heads up, you will need to apply in person and provide proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and bring along 2 passport photos which can be obtained at places like Walgreens, Sam’s Club, as well as certain US Post Offices. We have a blog post about other locations to get passport pictures for the lowest price.

Q: What if I've never traveled before?

You’re likely not the only one! The Head Teacher in your group will have lived abroad with ILP previously, but we’ve seen a wide range of experiences when it comes to our first-time volunteers (some have traveled, others haven’t). Your semester abroad will be an adventure, whether or not you have experience outside of the country … plus, you have many people to support you. We believe that this experience is a great way to travel for the first time because you can rely on your group and others associated with ILP instead of trying to go it alone. ILP has also put together many tips and resources to help prepare our volunteers — check a few of those on the ILP Blog.

Q: Do I have to be religious to volunteer?

Nope! ILP is not affiliated with any religion. We do our best to support our volunteers who wish to practice their individual faiths while living abroad and understand that this can be an important part of your experience. You may notice some info regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — we are not affiliated with this religion (or any other religion), however many of our volunteers are members of this faith and have requested information about church access, etc.

Q: Can I get school credit for this?

Since ILP is not affiliated with any university, you must arrange all credits directly with your university. Most universities encourage a semester taking classes off-campus whether that’s through online classes or through other methods. We suggest working with your university’s Internship Coordinator to see if an ILP semester would qualify. You can often also work with your academic or department advisor to discuss adapting your ILP service as an internship or to fulfill credit requirements. Some volunteers even take a few online classes during their semester abroad. If you go that route, don’t overdo it … The beauty of ILP is that it is not a study abroad, but a service abroad, which is a very hands-on experience. Generally taking more than about 6 credits can be a lot of work to complete while you are abroad. You will only be teaching half of your day, but there are so many things to experience that you probably won’t want to use all of your free time abroad doing coursework in your apartment. If you need to take credits in order to volunteer with us (for academic, family, or other reasons) we support you doing so! Just remember that credit cost to your university is in addition to the ILP program fee. Since credits are arranged directly with the university, payment for them needs to be made directly to them.

Q: I'm still in school during April and part of May ... can I still volunteer over the summer?

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.