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Integrated Learning Experiences- INLEX

Why choose Integrated Learning Experiences- INLEX?

Integrated Learning Experiences offers volunteer programs , group volunteering and internships in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru and Argentina. Our programs are customized to the participants to create great cultural experiences.

Reviews

Benjamin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Guatemala

My experience with this teaching program in Guatemala was truly one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by the staff, and the local community. The program was well organized, and it was clear that everyone involved genuinely cared about creating a meaningful experience for both the volunteers.
Teaching in the classroom was incredibly fulfilling. Although I was initially nervous about working with students in a different country and culture, the program provided excellent guidance and support that helped me quickly gain confidence. The students were enthusiastic, eager to learn, and brought so much energy to each lesson. Even when there were language barriers, we found ways to communicate through patience and creativity.
One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to immerse myself in Guatemalan culture. Outside of the classroom, I was able to explore towns, try delicious local food, and learn about the country’s rich history and traditions. Interacting a local family and community members gave me a much deeper appreciation for the culture than I could have gained as a typical tourist. It was an experience that broadened my perspective and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
The program staff were exceptional throughout my stay. They were always available to answer questions, provide assistance, and ensure that volunteers felt safe and supported. Whether it was helping with transportation, offering teaching advice, or recommending places to visit during free time, they consistently went above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable. Their passion for the program and dedication to the community was inspiring.
This program challenged me in the best possible ways. It improved my communication skills, increased my confidence, and gave me valuable teaching experience while allowing me to contribute to a community in a meaningful way. I left Guatemala with unforgettable memories, a greater appreciation for different cultures, and a renewed sense of purpose.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in teaching abroad, volunteering, or simply stepping outside of their comfort zone. It offers the perfect combination of meaningful service, cultural immersion, personal growth, and adventure. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and will always look back on my time in Guatemala with gratitude and pride.

Pros
  • Language emersion
Cons
  • Limited amenities
Jannes
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A time I won’t forget

When learning about the opportunity to stay abroad in Costa Rica for a few months, it sounded like the perfect experience to take after a lot of studying for my high school degree. And what should I say: it was fully worth it. I got in touch with so many nice people, not only from Costa Rica but from a lot of nations worldwide. When not working in my projects, I travelled around the country and the neighbouring countries (Panama and Nicaragua). Of course you have to be a bit more careful while travelling compared to Europe, but nevertheless I never felt insecure. There are so many beautiful places in Costa Rica which are waiting to be explored, so the time went really fast. I came back with a lot of new friends and unforgettable experiences and memories.

Isabellyana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

I had a wonderful time and I learned so much. It was a great experience and I recommend this to any student that considers the option to volunteer through Intern HQ. I loved my host family. I learned a lot at the clinic I worked at and learned so much. This experience was essential in my education and I will use all the knowledge gained in my future career as a doctor. I recommend this program to any student looking to learn or gain clinical experience. Is also a great opportunity and a great way to explore Costa Rican culture.

Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Antigua, Guatemala

Great host family: even when communicating was a bit difficult.

Great experience: food vice, traveling/exploring.

Great work at Eco Farm: good work and good teamwork.

I easily got help when I was sick, every step of my process. And met some great people, who I am also going to see again, when they are back.

I am born in Guatemala, but adopted, so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to travel and seeing the country I came from.

I also got reminded, not to take what I have in Denmark for granted.

What was your funniest moment?
Every weekend my roomie and I went to see different things around Guatemala.
Pros
  • Good help, when needed
  • Beautiful country
  • Great coffee
Cons
  • Beans
  • Bad stomach
  • Change of temperature from place to place
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

life changing experience!

I can't write enough great things about this program. The clinic we helped at really felt like we were improving people's lives. The staff was unforgettable, and I looked forward to going every single day of our stay. Our guide, Alex, was a genuine lifesaver. We felt so cared for and safe all thanks to him. Our host mother made us feel at home and cherished. There was also plenty to do in Guatemala for fun on the weekends. I am so thankful that this program exists and that I had the opportunity to experience it.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I wanted to go somewhere that I could practice my Spanish, but also get hands-on experience. I also wanted to go somewhere that I had never been before. This program would give me the opportunity to get exposed to real-life experiences in the medical field. It would also help fulfill my graduation requirement at my school.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program arranged my placement at the clinic I was working at. They also arranged my host family, two meals each day, and transportation from the airport. My program coordinator would check in on me and take me out to visit the city. The only things I had to organize on my own were flights, transportation to the airport, and any tourist activites I wanted to do.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I wish I had spent some more time being preparing emotionally. The culture shock was very real for me, and was something that I had not put a lot of thought into. My biggest piece of advice though would be to not be afraid to travel alone! At first I was very scared, and I wish I had spent more time in the beginning thinking about the fun I was having.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

My day would start off by opening the triage room, greeting patients, and preparing the examination room. The doctor would then come in and we'd start calling in patients. On an average day we'd see anywhere from 20-30 patients. The days consisted of shadowing doctors and helping them with their examinations. In between patients, I would have the opportunity to ask the doctor questions about the particular case or the healthcare in Peru. I assisted with translation for the doctors, and had the opportunity to help in surgeries as well.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I think the most challenging part by far was how difficult it is on your mental health to be seeing sick patients every day. Sometimes you have to deliver bad news and it's emotionally taxing. Luckily, the doctors were always there to give me advice or talk to me about how they get through the days. It was great to speak with people who understood and had gone through the same emotional rollercoaster.

What was the best piece of advice that was given to you?

The doctors gave me some great pieces of advice as I continue my educational career: the key to being a successful doctor is the ability to empathize with your patients; treat each one as if they're your mother, father, sibling, or child.

Our job is to bring peace of mind to patients, peace of mind to live happy, healthy lives.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Carolina Barrantes Vargas

Job Title
Student Coordinator
Passionate about getting to know cultures and people. She loves traveling, nature, animals and the history of each country and person. She studied Social Work so she also considers herself very empathetic, friendly and always willing to help.
Carolina Barrantes Vargas

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

When I did a work & travel in Vermont (USA) where I was able to work with children in a day care center and many times I was their babysitter when their parents needed to go out. I had the opportunity to share with them for several months, to see them grow and learn, it was very beautiful. I always carry them in my heart.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

It has allowed me to learn a lot about people's different cultures, countries, life experiences and language, to be a more open-minded person, and they inspire me to be more courageous. They also represent a constant learning for us because each person is very different and they teach us new things.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Recently some German students were telling me that in Germany they can drink alcohol from the age of 14, which represented a cultural shock since here it is until the age of 18. They also told me that in their schools they can go as they want, the teachers do not care if you go with only a few clothes for example, or if you have piercings or tattoos.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would go for the one from India, since it is the most culturally different from Costa Rica. Currently my company offers many experiences in the Latin American area, so although I think they are amazing countries, they are not so culturally different from my country. India would be a great opportunity to learn about a culture 100% different from mine. It would be a great experience.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

They are always willing to improve and open to constructive comments. They try to offer the best possible experience while maintaining adequate prices in the market. They provide the opportunity for foreigners to come to towns that are not so touristy so that they are really immersed in the Costa Rican culture and also, the volunteer programs are very different from the traditional ones offer in the country, they try to provide a truly unique experience.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

To understand volunteers and students why they travel, to understand their love for learning about other cultures and to share it as well. Be very tolerant with them, empathetic to understand that they are far from home and need help sometimes, and make them feel at home. It is important to try to connect with them through my own experiences, as well as to be a great host in my own country.