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Projects Abroad

Why choose Projects Abroad?

Ignite your potential with Projects Abroad!

Tired of the classroom grind? Break free and unleash your power with Projects Abroad! Since 1992, we've helped adventurers like you trade textbooks for turtle conservation or chalkboards for child care. Forget generic vacations - dive headfirst into meaningful experiences that will transform your world view and boost your resume.

But we're not just for students! Passionate high schoolers can dive into volunteer programs, and anyone with a restless spirit can join our ever-growing family of changemakers. Whether you're a seasoned doctor or a tech-savvy teen, we have a project that ignites your soul.

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us - it's our foundation. We build lasting connections with communities, leaving ripples of positive impact long after you return home.

Ready to unleash your inner hero? Don't just browse websites - speak to a real Project Expert today!

Visit Projects Abroad and discover the extraordinary you!

Impact

Sustainability

Travel with purpose! Projects Abroad champions responsible adventures, connecting you with communities through low-impact volunteer work. Ditch tourist traps, build rainforests, empower children, safeguard wildlife, and much more. Make meaningful journeys that leave a lasting positive impact - explore sustainable travel and become a global changemaker today!

Visit our website to learn more about our pioneering approach to sustainability.

Ethical Impact

Join Projects Abroad, a force for good connecting volunteers with communities. Build green futures, fight inequality, and empower locals on impactful adventures.

Visit our website to learn more about our impact worldwide.

Reviews

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Jasmine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable time!

Everyone in the team was very friendly and helpful. I knew that I was in good hands and that I could turn to them at any time. All the staff were very knowledgeable about the schedule and knew their way around the area. They were extremely flexible and made adjustments for our group if necessary. It was an incredibly precious time that we were able to spend together. The activities also matched our interests. I personally would highly recommend projects abroad and hope to have further experiences with you in the future.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We ere on the way to the Massai tribe for a medical outreach. Suddenly we encountered giraffes, zebras, ostriches and antelopes in the wilderness. it was a surprising and unforgettable moment.
Pros
  • Safety
  • Friendly people
  • Life experiences
Response from Projects Abroad

Thank you for taking the time to write a review, Jasmine. What an amazing surprise on your medical outreach! We're glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks for choosing Projects Abroad!

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Pia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical internship in Peru: unique experiences, challenges and personal growth

My medical internship in Peru was a unique experience that not only enhanced my professional knowledge but also contributed significantly to my personal growth. The host family that welcomed me during my stay was incredibly warm, providing me with profound insights into Peruvian culture. The support from the friendly staff at ProjectsAbroad was outstanding, and they were always there for me.

The opportunity to actively participate in various medical activities, including surgeries and treatments, broadened my horizons and offered practical insights into the healthcare system. The weekly medical workshops were particularly enlightening, imparting knowledge that is typically gained in more advanced study semesters in Germany.

The variety of social workshops not only strengthened my teamwork skills but also led to new friendships. Exploring the breathtaking landscapes and culture during my free time was an additional highlight, especially the visit to Machu Picchu, Palcoyo and the "normal" Rainbow Mountain, as well as the Sacred Valley and a lot more.

One aspect that was less favorable was the relatively independent nature of the internship, occasionally leaving me feeling somewhat isolated due to limited contact with my host family.

Regrettably, I had to visit the hospital twice due to health issues related to food on tours. Additionally, my phone was stolen on the bus, adding further inconvenience to the challenges faced.

Another area for improvement could be the supervision and communication within the hospitals. There were instances where I felt uncertain and bored as no one seemed to know how best to utilize my time.

Despite these challenges, my time in Peru was an unforgettable experience that significantly influenced my personal and professional development. A clear recommendation!

What was your funniest moment?
There were many funny moments during this exciting time. One of them, for example, was when another project participant and I took salsa lessons together (we were the only ones in the course) but never managed to get the turn. We always tied ourselves in knots and never ended up in the places we were supposed to end up. He was much more talented than me and also had a better sense of rhythm. I was constantly stepping on his toes, but it was still a lot of fun!
Pros
  • nice people
  • interesting and in-depth insights into the Peruvian healthcare system
  • amazing travels
Cons
  • illness
  • boringness during the work days --> mainly observation, less practice
  • stolen phone
Response from Projects Abroad

Hi Pia,

Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed and insightful review of your medical internship in Peru. We're thrilled to hear that it was a unique experience that significantly contributed to your personal and professional growth.

We understand that you encountered some challenges during your trip, and we sincerely apologise for the food-related illnesses and the unfortunate theft of your phone. These were undoubtedly stressful situations, and we appreciate you acknowledging our support in accompanying you to the hospital, providing necessities, and assisting with the police report and flyer distribution.

Regarding your feedback about the internship's independent nature and limited interaction with your host family, we want to acknowledge your perspective. In midwifery placements, the dynamic can be different due to the unpredictable nature of the work and the need to be readily available. However, we always strive to ensure our volunteers feel supported and connected, both at their placements and within their host families. In hindsight, we could have done better in proactively communicating this dynamic and exploring alternative options for increased host family interaction.

We're surprised to hear about your experience with the hospital staff. Open communication is crucial to a positive internship experience, and we sincerely apologise if you sometimes felt unsupported or disengaged. We take your feedback seriously and will use it to improve our communication and supervision practices at this placement. If you had expressed these concerns during your stay, we would have been happy to intervene and address them directly with the staff.

Despite these challenges, we're delighted that your overall experience was positive and that you found Peru to be an unforgettable destination. We are committed to providing our volunteers with enriching and supportive experiences, and your feedback helps us continuously improve. Thank you again for sharing your insights, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Best regards,

The Projects Abroad Team

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Liv
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend!

The time I spent with Projects Abroad was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much, gained so much experience in the field of human rights, met the most amazing people and was lucky to see the beauty of Ghana. Despite coming alone, I made great friends who I travelled with and I stayed with an amazing host family who looked after me so well. I cannot recommend this experience enough, it helped me grow as a person and in my career, thank you Projects Abroad for making it so memorable.

Pros
  • Met the most amazing people and lifelong friends.
  • Learnt so much about my career path.
  • Explored Ghana and its culture.
Cons
  • It is daunting to solo travel.
  • The days can be quite long and tiring.
  • It takes time to adjust.
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Nolan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer trip in Kenya for transition year

I went on a projects abroad trip to Kenya with my school during transition year. We went for three weeks. We worked on conservancy, worked with the kids and painted in the school, and climbed Mt Kenya. The communication before and during the trip really put my mind at ease. I had an amazing time and projects abroad made the whole process easy and worry-free. Myself and my classmates enjoyed the time we had together. I had an incredible, life- changing experience! I would definitely recommend projects abroad (and already have)!

Pros
  • Working with the kids
  • Collecting the traps that put the animals in danger
  • The safari
Cons
  • Climbing Mt Kenya was difficult
Response from Projects Abroad

Thanks for taking the time to review Projects Abroad, Nolan. Really great to read about your experience. We're glad you enjoyed it - and thanks so much for recommending us too!

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Annabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Giraffe conservation in Kenya

I had an amazing time. The team - Tony, Enoch, Peter, Dalvin and Phyllis were wonderful and looked after us all so well. The conservation work was really interesting and fulfilling - I genuinely felt I was making a difference and I learned a huge amount. The house was lovely and the food cooked by Phyllis was plentiful and delicious. I didn't expect to see so many giraffes so close up. The landscape was magical especially the lake which was full of flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills etc. There were zebras everywhere - so beautiful. I'd go again if I could!

Pros
  • The wildlife
  • The staff
  • The people
Cons
  • Sometimes not many other volunteers there so would recommend taking a friend or two

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you choose this program?

I had some free time and I decided to use it volunteering for conservation. I did it twice, once in Costa Rica for three months and once in Galapagos for three weeks. I think that working hard in nature helps clear your mind and gives you a different perspective on life. And it worked very well.

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

As I am not a young person, I did everything by myself: looking for the program, choosing it, organising the flights and some of my traveling accommodations. I managed with Project Abroad about my fist night when I landed in the countries. And, of course, the lifts to my final destinations.

Everything worked very well.

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

When you go volunteering, bring always with you patience, smiles, curiosity and flexibility. Be open-minded - there are new cultures, foods, lifestyles that you’ll meet and you have the opportunity to share yours with local people. Don’t be scared to experience, but respect and follow the behaviours of your guests. You might have problems only if you insist to behave as in your country.

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

Days with Project Abroad in Galapagos are very well scheduled. You have the opportunity to see many different aspects of local life, nature, animals. You can also organise tours and short trips to other islands of the archipelago. It’s a never-ending adventure.

You work for 5 hours per day (average) and then you can enjoy surroundings, pubs, restaurants.

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

After the PA experience, I’m more confident in problem-solving and I know that a different lifestyle can be fun and definitely ‘change your eyes’. Things that seemed so important at home, take the right place in life.

I was scared not to find friends, but I was wrong. I found a lot of friends...

Any last pieces of advice?

The side goal of this experience in Galapagos (but also the one in Costa Rica) is that you really create a net of friends all over the world. You meet different people, different ages, different cultures. And it’s really interesting. I met Australian, Chinese, New Zealand, Canadian, European. When you share life, you learn a lot about other people.

Staff Interviews

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

Natalia Raquel Gomez

Job Title
Volunteer Advisor
Natalia was born in Argentina; she studied tourism and worked as a travel agent, receptionist and in customer service both in Argentina and abroad (Ecuador, Colombia and Panama). She is currently living and working in Mexico.
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What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory was having the chance to visit the coffee farmers in the central jungle in Peru. I got to see the entire process of coffee farming and the realities and life stories of the families working there.

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

I was able to grow both personally and professionally by traveling abroad and experiencing different ways of life. I was taught the importance of working as a part of a team and getting to know the different staff members, personally or via email or Skype.

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

Hearing the experience that one of our medical volunteers had when given the chance to witness a birth.

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

I would choose one of the marine conservation projects that are a great help to communities by contributing both with cleaning beaches and species research, and teaching children the importance of the environment.

Another project that I would be interested in joining is the nomad project in Mongolia. It will give you an amazing chance to experience a different culture first hand and learn a lot about their traditions.

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

I am very proud to be a part of this excellent team. I feel that we offer a great opportunity to people that wish to travel and make a difference, as an alternative to just tourism.

Projects like the Disaster Relief in Nepal after the earthquake, Teacher´s Training in Peru, Building in Ghana, Marine Conservation in several locations, and working with refugees in Italy are only a few examples of the different things that make me proud about Projects Abroad.

Professional Associations

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