Volunteering Abroad - Programs and Resources

Below are volunteer programs UT students have gone through in the past. The Volunteers Service Learning Center and The University of Texas at Austin are not affiliated with the programs listed. If you are interested in an affiliated program for credit or internship purposes, please visit the study abroad office.

Cross Cultural Solutions

Website

International Volunteers Inc.

Website

Peace Corps

Website

Countries visited by UT students:

Alumni Advice & Insight

Australia

International Student Volunteers Inc. 4 weeks
Cassidy

"My favorite part of the trip was the bond that I made with many of the other participants in the ISV program. We were all from different states and colleges in the U.S. and we still see each other about once a year! It was great being around people who love adventure and travel as much as I do!"

Australia

International Student Volunteers Inc. 4 weeks
Michael

"Push yourself to experience everything you can. You can catch up on sleep later. Take the opportunity to grow as a person and that only comes from learning new things and gaining new experiences to help you mold a more rounded you. You have to be willing to completely step outside of the everyday you. Jump at the opportunity to try new foods or take new risks. There's a 99% chance that you will never be able to be in that same situation again, so don't look back on your experience and wish you had taken a new plunge."

Costa Rica

Cross Cultural Solutions 3 weeks
Katy

"I find it essential that to be yourself and give service, one needs to feel comfortable in the environment they will be working in. I expected Cross Cultural to give that for me, and it is what I received. My experience in Costa Rica has made a tremendous impact on me. I was surprised to see the living conditions of some families and children."

Costa Rica

International Student Volunteers Inc. 4 weeks
Vanessa

"It was the most amazing, life-changing experience I have ever had. It changed my perspective, and touched my soul....Pack light and make connections with people you meet because then the trip never really ends if you stay in contact."

Dominican Republic

International Student Volunteers Inc. 4 weeks
Elise

"The most rewarding part of the trip for me was knowing that I had an impact on someone's life. I spent a lot of my time with a little girl in the village. On the last day, she wrote a letter telling me she loved me and would never forget me...It was the most satisfying and eye opening experiences of my life. I only hope that other people have the opportunity to take such a trip."

Thailand

International Student Volunteers Inc. 4 weeks
Maggie

"We were told that Thailand was the land of Smiles, and it truly lived up to its reputation for being an extremely friendly country... Learning all the cultural customs was something I had to consciously think about throughout the day. In Thailand there are various ways to greet someone depending on their status in society and their age. I knew that Thailand was a very conservatively dressed country, so I made sure to pack clothes that kept me cool, but covered. Knowing and practicing these actions are a sign of respect, so it is very important to know these things before going abroad."

If you have volunteered abroad and would like to share your experience click here!