World Endeavors

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.