"I loved every single activity and all of the service we gave! Even when I was not particularly knowlegable in a certain area, it was great to learn more and help everyone else on their projects. I discovered talents and interests that I had no idea I had before. Every single moment was so great. I loved it!"
-Jessica Reeves, Uganda 2007
"I loved every single activity and all of the service we gave! Even when I was not particularly knowlegable in a certain area, it was great to learn more and help everyone else on their projects. I discovered talents and interests that I had no idea I had before. Every single moment was so great. I loved it!"
If you still have questions about HELP International after reviewing the information on our website, please contact our staff by email at recruiting@help-international.
HELP International provides college students and young professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in poverty alleviation. We work with communities in Belize, El Salvador, Fiji, India, Thailand, and Uganda on a variety of community development projects. HELP International's approach involves participants collaborating with local leaders to design and implement meaningful programs and projects to assist individuals, families, and communities.
To provide participants with the tools nessasary to assist these communities, they are trained in teaching basic business skills, teaching Square Foot Gardening (for home gardens), teaching English as a second language, orphanage care and therapy, community health principles, and other important skills and theories. These basic skills are then applied to projects in a variety of community settings, including literacy education, service at schools and orphanages, and after-school activities that promote physical, emotional, and social health.
Not only are the participants projects valuable to the communities in which they serve, but their experiences lay the groundwork for creating a new generation of social change agents with the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to reduce poverty. Learn more about our projects.
We ask that HELP International participants fund their own experience. In 2009, the program participation fee was $2,750 plus roundtrip airfare. Participants may plan or participate in various fundraising activities to defray this cost. HELP International also offers individualized mentoring and assistance with fundraising. With this help, many participants are able to raise a substantial portion of the required program participation fee. In the past, participants have coordinated their efforts and had great success in raising funds. Learn more about cost and fundraising.
What are the requirements for a participant to serve in-country?
Participants must be 18 years of age or older (no minors, including children, can accompany participants) at the time they go in-country with their HELP International program. Those interested in participating with HELP International must submit an online application with their desired country (Belize, El Salvador, Fiji, India, Thailand, or Uganda), basic identification information, answers to two essay questions, a letter of intent, and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, all applicants are interviewed by the HELP International staff prior to acceptance into the program. Foreign language fluency is not required for any of our Central American programs, but there are only a limited number of non-fluent positions available on each team. After acceptance into a country program, participants are required to attend a total of 20 hours of training classes regarding their health and security while serving overseas and classes to prepare participants to be effective development agents. Apply Now!
HELP International participants can serve anywhere from six weeks to four months. We send participants in three waves, each lasting six weeks (dates subject to change).
Wave 1: May 5th - June 16th
Wave 2: June 9th -July 21st
Wave 3: July 14th - August 25th.
Participants can choose to stay for as many waves as they wish. The program cost is the same regardless of how long volunteers decide to stay in-country.
What does a typical day as a HELP International participant consist of?
Participants live together in the same house with their country directors. Breakfast and lunch are eaten at the work site or at home. Dinner is provided through a restaurant or a local cook. Although no day is exactly the same, participants spend their mornings and afternoons working on specific development projects in their area of choosing. Some evenings are spent working and preparing for projects, while others are reserved for fun events and activities which introduce participants to the local cultural traditions and practices.
The primary purpose of a participants time is to serve the members of the local communities. However, there are ample opportunities for sight seeing and to have fun with other participants and local community members.
Each team of participants is led by two country directors. Country directors are hired in the fall of the previous year and receive extensive training on the organization's goals and requirements for participant teams in country. Country directors also serve as liaisons between HELP International and our partner organizations in Asia, Latin America, the South Pacific, and Africa. Country Directors work closely with the HELP International administrative staff in carrying out the goals and efforts of the organization. Due to the time and commitment involved, HELP International covers the program participation fee and airfare for country directors in addition to paying a nominal salary.
How can I become a HELP International Country Director?
HELP International Country Directors are hired in November for the summer of the following year. Country Directors must be fluent in the native language of the country in which they will be working. Experience in international development, humanitarian service, and management is preferred. For more information please read the position requirements.To apply, review our application information and complete the online application.
Yes, HELP International is a private, non-profit, 501(c)3. We carry out projects that produce long-term and sustainable economic improvements for the poor, while providing a life-changing experience for our participants. We train participants to better understand the complexities involved in the fight against poverty. Donations made to HELP International are tax-deductible. Learn more about our Legal Status.
How can I receive academic credit for my experience?
Participants are welcome to seek academic credit for their internship with their college or university. We work with your individual department to ensure that your HELP International experience complies with the requirements of your program. For more information about internship credit, contact
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.
HELP International is a small nonprofit organization and does not have many positions available for staff members. If positions are available they will be posted here.
