Volunteers are paying for most of the costs with fundraising

Around $4,000, Including Your International Flight!

Options That Work With Your Budget
*Program fee prices vary, depending on the country you choose. Trip costs work for every budget, typically around $4,000, and as low as $2,670. Compare trips here.

Just One Fee
It’s one affordable fee that covers your entire semester abroad. We have payment plans and discounts available.

Cut Costs In Half
ILP is a non-profit organization, which means donations are tax-deductible for your friends and family. So many volunteers pay for half (or even all!) of their program fee through creative fundraising projects.

3-4 Months
And ILP trip abroad is about the same time as a semester at most universities. Take a semester off of school or volunteer during your summer break.

Go Again For Free
Volunteer once, then go back again as a peer group leader. The program fee is completely waived for Head Teachers, with the added bonus of receiving a spending stipend to help with in-country costs like vacations.

Discounts Available

ILP Adventure

*$4,000

per semester

Estimates reflect an average ILP Program Fee

What’s Included
  • Roundtrip international flight from the U.S.
  • Visa (designated countries)

  • In-country airport pick-up and drop-off with your group

  • Housing

  • WiFi

  • Three at home meals/day
  • Pre-departure + in-country training

  • Local support

  • 24/7 emergency assist line from ILP headquarters

  • International SOS membership

  • Hands-on education

  • Meaningful service opps

On Campus

$10,000

per semester

Estimates reflect Cost Of Attendance for a semester at BYU, 2024-2025

  • In-state tuition, as low as $3,344
  • Housing + meals, $5,198
  • Books + supplies, $196

  • Transportation, $1,240

  • Domestic travel to and from the U.S. group departure airport + airline baggage fees (if any)
  • Passport + ID photos
  • Travel emergency medical insurance (learn more)
  • Travel to Utah for Pre-Departure training (or online training registration)
  • Vaccines (if required for entry, varies by country)
  • Teaching supplies (most volunteers get these donated)
  • Shopping (eating out, snacks, etc)
  • Vacations + excursions (transportation, meals away from home, accommodation, etc)

 

We recommend that volunteers budget around $1,500-$3,500+ to cover these costs. The bulk will go towards the fun in-country things you’re excited for like vacations, weekend excursions, eating out, souvenir shopping, tickets to local museums, etc.

How much you spend during your semester is really up to you. Your personal spending habits (plus where you are volunteering) may mean planning trips and activities with a different budget than others in your group. You can certainly get by on less, but you may miss some unique opportunities to travel outside of your assigned city or country, and will need to watch your spending when it comes to snacks and souvenirs.

If you’re looking for a more affordable semester, your ILP representative can help you choose a country that has a lower cost of living, where things like traveling, vacation costs, and activities tend to be less expensive than another country or region.

Teaching in Vanuatu

Tax-Deductible Fundraising

Get Help — Neighbors, friends, businesses, family, and relatives can all donate.

Take Advantage — Donations made to International Language Programs towards your program fee are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers.

Earn Big — Those who do fundraising typically raise an average of $1,000+.

Success Stories — We’ve gathered tips into a downloadable PDF so you can see what other volunteers have done and get started.

Los Ojos in Nicaragua

Go With Others And Save Big

Friend Referral — Tell others about ILP and qualify for a $300 discount! Everyone counts — think friends, cousins, roommates. Check the details here or chat to learn more.

Couples Discount — We have several locations with housing available for married couples, but you’ll save a total of $500 with our married discount in Mexico and Uganda.

Split Travel Costs — Even if you apply to volunteer by yourself, you’ll be with new friends! ILP volunteers are assigned to a group, so you have built-in travel buddies. Splitting vacation costs (think taxis, dinner, and hostels) makes it more affordable for everyone.

On trek in India

Take Advantage Of Options

Pay In Full — You’re not required to pay everything when you apply, but if you’re able to pay in full within 3 weeks of being accepted, you’ll receive a $50 discount!

Pay Later — We offer custom payment plans that are flexible and adjust to a timeline that works best for you. The earlier you start, the lower your monthly payments are. Can’t afford it all before the semester starts? Take advantage of third-party services like Affirm and pay after you come home.

Learn Financing Options