"I thought that I would just be making a difference in other peoples' lives, but through serving them and working with these people I grew to love them and found that the biggest difference that took place was in my life. This is an experience I will never forget."
-Anna Smith, Guatemala 2008
"From my experience, I gained an understanding of my responsibility to serve because I can, because I have been blessed to have the resources to turn away from my and my family's immediate needs and look outward. I never expected to gain such a pressing understanding of my need to serve. I never expected to meet people who were so much "better" than I am, who had so much to teach me of compassion, of self sacrifice and of hope. I feel that I was literally healed by the people of El Salvador as they changed my perspective and expectations."
Thank you for your interest in HELP International! Please be aware HELP International program participant applications and Hogar del Niño applications require a non-refundable $35 fee. Additionally, our online application system does not allow users to save and resume an application. Once you have started, be prepared to complete the entire application. Programs fill quickly, so apply early to ensure a spot on the team! If you have questions about participating, review our participant FAQ page.
HELP International offers three different in-country opportunities. Please read more to find out what opportunity is right for you.
HELP International Program Participant
Program participants serve in Belize, El Salvador, Fiji, India, Thailand, and Uganda where they plan and implement sustainable development programs. Participants can spend anywhere from six weeks to four months in country. Please be aware that program participants fund their own program expenses of $2,750 plus airfare.
Applications will not be complete until both recommendation forms are completed by the applicant's references. References will not be contacted by HELP International. Please direct them to this page.
The Hogar del Niño orphanage program in El Salvador only sends two volunteers to work with persons with disabilities during winter, summer and fall, and requires a different application than regular program participants. Applicants must speak Spanish proficiently. Please be aware that program participants fund their own program expenses of $1,750 plus the cost of food (this includes airfare).
Applications will not be complete until both recommendation forms are completed by the applicant's references. References will not be contacted by HELP International. Please direct them to this page.
