Homestay Programs Abroad

A country known for its welcoming attitude, intersectional cultures, and abundant natural wonders, Colombia offers a host of opportunities to expand your worldview. Here, in the second most biodiverse country in the world, a vibrance for life is reflected in its people, history, and environment. Colombia’s diverse lifestyle is influenced by its indigenous, African, and European heritage. Venture off the tourist track to experience a view of the culture through the eyes of a host family in the mountains of Popayán. You and other students will explore dynamic culture, starting with the ornate churches, colorful markets, and fascinating archeological sites of Popayán! You will also have the chance to venture into lush natural landscapes and take part in activities like horseback riding and hiking. By living with a local host family, you will truly become a part of Colombian daily life as you share conversations and cultural insights around the dinner table. Round out your cultural experience with fun activities like dance lessons, nature walks, and city bike tours. You might even spot a condor – a gigantic bird native to the Andes Mountains – soaring overhead!

Spend 28 days exploring the underwater world through photography on South Africa’s vibrant KwaZulu-Natal coast. This hands-on program is designed for students and emerging photographers who want to build their skills in a real-world setting. With guidance from professional underwater photographers, you'll learn how to shoot in challenging marine environments—focusing on lighting, composition, and camera settings. Daily SCUBA dives give you the chance to put new techniques into practice, with regular feedback sessions to help you improve. You’ll also learn about safe and responsible diving practices while working in one of the most biodiverse reef systems in the region. Whether you're aiming to boost your creative portfolio or gain practical experience, this course offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills and connect with other aspiring photographers in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

Combine volunteering and adventure travel in Uganda in just one week! This program is designed for first-time travelers who want to go beyond backpacking and really experience Uganda's rich, welcoming culture and stunning wildlife. Each day, you'll visit a new community-based program and work alongside motivated Ugandans, improving their lives. Expect to work in communal gardens, get traditional dance lessons, and learn how we cook! The tour concludes with a wildlife safari, featuring a game drive and a boat ride on the Blue Nile. We'll track lions, giraffes, elephants, baboons, and hippos over 2 days. Get your cameras ready! Inquire today for our 2023 tour schedules! An all-inclusive price of $1,595 USD covers: - Airport pick-up and return - 7 nights accommodation - Transportation throughout - 3 meals each day - Game park fees - A donation to all programs we visit

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

The Volunteer Adventure program combines 1 week of volunteering with 6 days of travel and exploration in Costa Rica. This is an excellent option if you're interested in learning more about international volunteering and you want to make sure you visit the most important sites and highlights in beautiful Costa Rica! Depending on individual skills and interests, you can get involved in the following volunteer projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Construction - Conservation - Medical/Healthcare Tours included on the Volunteer Adventure in Guatemala are: - Cultural Night in San Jose - Butterfly garden, Volcano tour, and Waterfall garden - Catamaran Tour - Manuel Antonio Beach (2 days/3 nights) The all-inclusive Volunteer Adventure also includes 2 hours per day of Spanish classes during your first week, accommodations, and daily breakfast and dinner.

Embark on a 30-day adventure through Ecuador, combining culture, adventure, and meaningful volunteering. You’ll start in Quito, exploring its historic streets and vibrant atmosphere before heading to the Andes to marvel at breathtaking landscapes like Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Crater. Along the way, you’ll learn Spanish, dance salsa, and enjoy thrilling activities such as mountain biking and zip-lining in Baños. In Puyo, you’ll make a difference by volunteering at an Amazon rescue center and caring for wildlife. Finally, unwind on the coast in Montañita with yoga, surfing, and beachside relaxation. This trip is your chance to connect with Ecuador’s beauty, culture, and people in a small international group of travelers hosted by a local tour guide.

Buenos Aires is known as the Tango capital of the world! With Mente Argentinas Tango Program you will have the chance to learn Tango in exciting and innovative ways by integrating technical instruction with individual attention. These courses will be given at some of the most highly recognized tango institutions in Argentina. Individuals have the option to choose from the one month regular program or the two week intensive program. Individuals may also choose to have the course taught in English or in Spanish. Participates may also opt to take Spanish lessons during the week. Lessons are offered Monday to Friday and last 4 hours. Lessons are a combination of group classes with individual lesson.

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!

Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm people. Our programs take you off the beaten path for an unforgettable journey through Thailand. This includes: Thailand Adventurer – Travel from the mountains to the beach and Chiang Mai to Bangkok as you go rock climbing, snorkeling, and rafting. Plus, interact with Asian elephants. Thai Elephant Conservation Project – Learn how to be an elephant trainer while doing hands-on tasks at an animal sanctuary. Ocean and Rainforest Service – Explore Thailand’s vibrant ecosystems as you snorkel pristine reefs, learn conservation techniques in ancient rainforests, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of a unique seaside community. Come with Nothing – Dive into service projects at three remote villages in Northern Thailand, and then spend time with your host families as you learn about local life in this culturally immersive program.

Global Works specializes in teen service trips and educational experiences to Costa Rica for high school and middle school students. These student travel programs have been our most popular over the years for good reason. Incredible biodiversity and a welcoming culture make Costa Rica an awesome choice for a summer adventure. Global Works offers volunteer programs in different focus areas. We offer opportunities for community service, Spanish immersion, cultural exchange, pre-med and public health, wildlife, adventure travel, and a middle school-focused program to this special corner of the globe. Program Options: * Costa Rica: Service & Sand (15 days) * Costa Rica: Wildlife Adventure (17 days) * Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health (17 days) * Costa Rica: Middle School Service Adventure (10 days)

The Costa Rica: Cloud Forest Community Initiative program offers the perfect mix of adventure and service. Whitewater raft through the lush rainforest of the Pacuare River, spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans along the way. Live in a remote cloud forest village, contributing to important infrastructure projects. Learn to surf the calm waves of Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean, while enjoying the country’s stunning palm-fringed beaches. Discover the process of coffee production in the lush green mountains where it’s grown, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of rainforests, pristine coastlines, and hidden waterfalls, all while connecting with and supporting local communities.

Are you interested in learning Spanish? Study at our school/hostel in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take morning language lessons from Monday to Friday. In the afternoons, enjoy dance classes and cultural excursions. We also have weekend trips to the beach and a two-night/three-day road trip to Viñales. This is a busy program and offers the possibility of immersion into Cuban life—past and present—and the opportunity to understand what makes this amazing country so special. Our programs are for participants 18+, but we also welcome minors accompanied by an adult. Accommodation is in our licensed Casa Particulare, where you’ll share a dorm room with other students. You could also stay in a private room with an en suite bathroom for an extra fee. Couples, friends, and family who book a program together are automatically upgraded to a private room. Breakfast and lunch are included, as well as activities such as group discussion/planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings. Airport transfers can be arranged on request. Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens. Feel free to contact us for more information!

Travel to Costa Rica for a program rich in community service and eco-adventure. Experience the traditional town of Atenas, surrounded by verdant mountains. Immerse fully in the Costa Rican culture by living with a local family and engaging in community service projects and afternoon cultural workshops. Travel for eco-adventure to the beautiful region of La Fortuna, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Trek through the rainforest to a breathtaking waterfall and go on a zipline canopy tour through the jungle. Perform trail work at a private reserve and see exotic wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans. Travel to Manuel Antonio beach on the Pacific coast for surf lessons, white water rafting, and hiking through the national park. Learn what sustainable tourism and eco-adventure are all about! A basic level of Spanish is recommended for this program.

Join conservation efforts along the west coast of Greece, where GVI partners with a local organisation to protect loggerhead turtles and their breeding sites. You will monitor nests and turtles, build protective structures, and collect data. With your assistance, the growing awareness of these turtles will lead to better protection for them, ensuring more hatchlings join the population each year. Combine your conservation efforts with learning about the arts and culture of the country. Traverse archaeological sites, medieval ruins, fortresses, and learn about ancient olympic history. Or, develop your palate with local dishes before exploring nearby mountain terrain and heading back to your beachside campsite for the night’s nesting activities. With short- and mid-term contributions, you are supporting the long-term goal of the project, and assisting in measuring our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including: Goal 14: Life Below Water, Goal 15: Life On Land, Goal 17: Partnerships For Goals, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities And Communities.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Travel through Australia and Fiji on a high school adventure that blends island culture, marine exploration, and rugged Outback discovery. Begin in Fiji, where you experience village life, explore rivers and reefs, and connect with local traditions. Continue to Australia to bike through Sydney, sail the Whitsundays, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Trek among ancient rock formations in the Outback, camp under star-filled skies, and learn from local experts. Return home with new confidence, lifelong friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Pacific cultures and environments.

Discover China Through Language & Culture. Founded in 2003, Go Abroad China (GAC) offers immersive Mandarin programs for international high school students. This program combines intensive classroom learning with real-world practice, cultural workshops, and social activities. Program Types: Short-Term (2-8 weeks): Summer/Winter camps. Long-Term (Semester/Year): Study at top Chinese schools. Customized Programs: Tailored to individual needs. What’s Included: Mandarin instruction at leading schools. Homestays, shared apartments, or dorms. One-on-one tutoring and language exchange. Cultural tours, networking, and excursions. 24/7 support for safety and guidance. Why Choose GAC? Achieve Mandarin fluency with certification. Gain cultural fluency and global exposure. Enhance college applications and career prospects. Build lifelong friendships and professional networks.

Immerse yourself in China in this tailored journey of adventure, business culture, and language. Go on an unforgettable summer program designed to blend academic learning with deep cultural discovery. Offered in partnership with top Chinese universities and language institutions, it allows you to fully engage with local culture through student exchanges, visits to Chinese enterprises, and an optional weekend homestay. No prerequisite Mandarin skills are required to join! Plus, you can request short-term job shadowing if you want to make the most of your time in China. We offer a comprehensive package starting at $1,890 USD.

In a country where the phrase "gross national happiness" appears on a list of key development metrics, Bhutan encourages us to ask what we can learn about notions of "happiness" as contributors to our own quality of life. Our journey into the Himalayan region gives us rare access to the sacredness of the vast and wild landscapes, challenging us to reevaluate commonly held notions of our role in the natural world. Since the arrival of television in 1999 and a cascade of global influences, Bhutan has experienced a steady increase in foreign tourism, which contradicts long-held traditions. How can we understand the pressures and adaptations of Bhutanese culture in the face of a globalizing world? In our questioning and exploration of Bhutan in this summer abroad program, we hope to understand better the worldviews and assumptions that shape our lives and happiness back home.