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World Endeavors

Why choose World Endeavors?

World Endeavors was founded in 2002 with a single volunteer program in Nepal. Today, World Endeavors offers unique and immersive intern and volunteer programs in over twenty countries around the world, with new programs being added each year. We are passionate about international travel and the power it has to change lives, broaden horizons, and deepen intercultural understanding. Are you ready to change your world?

Reviews

Default avatar
Audra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A life changing experience

I interned at a local clinic in Quito for 8 weeks for college credit as well as to better my Spanish and expand my world view. My program through World Endeavors provided just that. I had the most incredible experience learning in the clinic, practicing my Spanish in everyday life, living with an incredible host family, making new friends, and doing the most adventurous, amazing things around Ecuador. There were many challenges through out the trip, but I feel better prepared for my future! I could not recommend this experience enough. There is never a better time to step out of your bubble, expand your worldview, and change your life! I promise it’s worth it, and you’ll leave with more than just a certificate of completion.

Pros
  • Language immersion
  • Adventurous opportunities
  • New friends
Default avatar
Caitlin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was like a dream...

I cannot say enough good about my experience in Nice, France. I was given the opportunity to take two weeks of French classes (which only took up about half the day, so I had free afternoons to explore the area) and then intern for 8 weeks with an organization in Villefranche. I was incredibly lucky. I was supported by the staff at France Langue and World Endeavors, but also welcomed with open arms by the president of the Association who not only helped me with professional tasks, but toured me around the area and even invited me to dinner for a home-cooked meal. My host mom also invited me to the theater with her and in lieu of making friends through the school since I was only there for 2 weeks, I actually made some friends through Bumble BFF! Overall, I wouldn't change a single thing about this experience. Despite some days being harder than others, it was so unbelievably worth it. I can't believe it was real!

Pros
  • Immersion and Cultural Experiences
  • Travel Opportunities
  • Professional experience
Cons
  • Not a smoke-free household
Default avatar
Kathryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Environmental Conservation in Ireland

My experience in Ireland was incredible! I learned a ton about sustainability and even Irish wildlife from it. My internship and the experiences I was able to have in Dublin and other parts of the country with other interns on the weekend were all amazing. World Endeavors did a really great job with organizing my internship, getting housing, preparing for travel, etc. Especially because it was my first time outside the U.S., all the travel tips and travel lists they emailed me were very helpful.

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe small refund option for covid but nothin bad
Default avatar
Ludovica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An actual life-changing experience

I joined the volunteering program in Tanzania last summer.
It was a great experience from the very start until the end. The Women Empowerment project we took part in is really good. It's an ambitious project considering the context in which it is implemented but it's really important for the women and the children who live there.
There are a lot of challenges, starting from the women position in the community. Fortunately, Neema is really a good and strong project manager and has been capable of introducing the project by totally respecting traditions and costumes so that our presence there was welcomed and appreciated.
World Endeavors has been by our side throughout the entire period giving us all the advice and suggestions we needed to enjoy our time in Tanzania to the fullest!

Default avatar
Ida
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Healthcare Volunteer in Quito

Last summer I volunteered at Basted Clinic in Quito, Ecuador for three weeks. I worked at the medical and social/behavioral health center with Dr. Andres Andrade. I supervised and taught his child-aged patients who had issues with drug & alcohol, ADHD, autism, and speech impediments. In my role, I monitored and supported the learning of groups of children while myself learning about the language and culture.

I spoke with the volunteer coordinator frequently up to my departure date. I had decided to do a program relatively last minute and she was very helpful, organized, and timely. She quickly was able to coordinate an opportunity for me. I was given a travel guide that explained some history, background information, what to expect, dos and dont's, and any other useful information. That guide was extremely helpful and prepared me for my trip.

Upon arrival to Ecuador, everything ran smoothly and my host family was very warm and receptive. There were other volunteers also housed there, which was great since we would often explore the city together in our spare time. Quito is a beautiful city with lots to offer. Many volunteers spent weekends traveling to the Galapagos islands, Baños, or other tourist attractions. My favorite part of the day was the commute back and forth. I took the bus around 1.5 hours each way to the clinic and I was able to see so much of Quito from the north to the south. My days at the clinic were flexible and I greatly enjoyed working with the children everyday. Everyone I interacted with was very welcoming. I also had another partner/intern to help me adjust and carry out my tasks. Overall, I learned a lot about the culture, customs, language all while helping the clinic.

What would you improve about this program?
The pace of life in Ecuador is much different than what we are accustomed to in the United States. Some of the spare time I had during my volunteering could have been better maximized. If you are not planning on taking Spanish classes during your stay, I would highly recommend studying beforehand.

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 mainly because I wanted to work abroad, but I also wanted to have a sense of security. I didn't want to worry about housing and insurance, so I'm very happy that World Endeavors helped me with that. Also, it gave my parents peace of mind when sending their daughter to a country I've never been to before.

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

The program basically helped me with anything that I had questions with. They helped me choose a meal plan (which is more so 'are you buying your own groceries?' or 'will your host parent provide you with a small breakfast?'), find housing close to my workplace, and insurance with BUNAC. The main thing that I had to do on my own is getting my visa. Although if I did have any questions, I would ask my advisor and BUNAC. They would answer my questions within 30minutes to an hour upon asking if it was on a weekday - super helpful and very nice.

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

Be open to traveling to a place you've never been before. There's so much to learn about other cultures! I took every experience (good and bad) in a positive matter to help me learn and better myself as an individual. My internship was not exactly a major specific, but I took every opportunity as a learning opportunity. I feel more well-rounded when it comes to the design world because I now know what it's like to be on the retail side interior designing, whereas before I only knew floor plans and interior renderings. It's nice to work with clientele.

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

I usually had a very structured work-day in London. I would wake up, go to the gym, get ready for work, go to work, pull and ship out samples, help clients, and do some personal work if the day was a little slow. Then everyone would usually have lunch around 1-2pm, and if I wasn't put to a specific task, I'd often go around and ask my co-workers if they needed any extra help. Work would end around 5:30 and I would start the evening commute home, top-up on groceries if needed, cook dinner and then start winding down for bed so I could do it all over again the next day.

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 my biggest fear was the way I would be treated being from America. In all honesty, I had nothing to worry about. The people in the UK were very lovely and would be more than happy to help if I ever had a question or needed help. I feel like the only way you can overcome the "inner tourist" is to adapt to what is around you and become a local! We're human beings and that is what we do as part of our nature. I watched and listened and soon enough people were asking me where to go and which tube to take! I quickly fell in love with British and European culture, and now I can't wait until the day I can make my way back.

Any other tips for any prospective traveler?

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HOW CLOSE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ARE TO EACH OTHER.

Honestly!!! I wish I planned more weekend trips than I had. PLAN AHEAD so you can get super cheap transportation and Airbnbs. Also, don't be afraid to ask co-workers where you can find the best deals and what places are worth traveling to.

FIND A TRAVEL BUDDY!

I was lucky enough to find a travel buddy (she also participated in the World Endeavors program). I traveled to Ireland, Belgium, and Switzerland and I had the best time! I also made sure to make my way to different places in and around London.

Staff Interviews

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

Andy MacGregor

Job Title
Participant Services Manager
Andy is originally from Portsmouth in the United Kingdom and has lived in Sweden, The Republic of Georgia, South Korea, and Colombia. In 2016, he moved to Minnesota and started working with World Endeavors, where he manages the Participant Services team. He's always willing to chat, travel, or play soccer if you can pin him down between trips!
Andy MacGregor

What is your favorite travel memory?

I spent a year and a half living in the Republic of Georgia, and every day I experienced something new and wonderful, but the one trip that stays in my mind is when I traveled to the mountainous region of Svaneti. The mountains are breathtaking, and the region is dotted with countless beautiful old towers and castles. Everyone I met was so friendly and always willing to share a meal and a story with me.

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

I now appreciate the work that goes into crafting immersive and safe international experiences. It's not just 'plug and play' because everyone is different and there are so many questions to be asked! I would also say that my cross-cultural communication skills have improved. On any given day, I might speak to people in 5 or 6 different countries, so I've had to learn how best to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds to get the best results.

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

I've heard so many stories about returnees meeting people abroad who've become their best friends, or sometimes even their partners, but the one story that stands out would be a first-time traveler we sent to intern in Ecuador a couple of years back. She'd never left her state and was incredibly nervous before she took off on her first flight. Whilst abroad, she completely immersed herself in the culture, refined her language skills, and really made the experience her own. It was amazing talking to her after she got back; the transformation was incredible and she already had her next international trip booked!

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

I've always wanted to go to Australia, so an internship in Sydney would be an amazing experience, but I would have to pick our Intern in the Valencia program. I love the Spanish language, food, and pace of life, and would relish the opportunity to learn more about the culture and perfect the art of the siesta!

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

We're a really well-traveled team, and we've lived the experiences we talk about each day, so I think that sets us apart. I'm always proud of my team when I hear them speaking to applicants, even if it's been a busy day in the middle of a Minnesota winter, I know that my team offers amazing customer service to everyone.

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

I think that having a well thought out health and safety plan and a good track record of safe experiences is huge for any organization that sends people overseas. I also think that passion plays a massive role in success. If you have a dedicated team, who truly believe in the transformational power of international experiences, then you're definitely on the right track!

Professional Associations

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