ISV offers an array of projects in each host country. Please refer to specific country list on right side panel for existing projects, host countries and opportunities.

Project types available:

Participants are assigned to volunteer projects approximately 30-days prior to departure. Project descriptions and manuals are sent at that time. Project descriptions outline program goals, host organization background, accommodation, volunteer tasks, suggested reading and packing materials, health and safety considerations and much more.

We invite participants to submit project preference upon allocation to your host country and departure date; this will come by email in the form of a project questionnaire. Participants who do not submit or return the completed questionnaire by email to the ISV office no later than 65 days prior to departure are considered to have 'no project preference'.

ISV will strive to fulfill every participant project preference, however, please note that project assignment is dependent upon a number of factors, which often vary by host country. Common factors include:

Project availability: Only certain projects are available through the season. Your assigned departure date will depend on project availability for that specific date.

Limited space: Maximum participant numbers vary according to host country (avg. 10 to 20 participants per project).

Academic credit: If you choose to participate in academic credit, you must be placed on an approved academic credit project with a qualified academic credit supervisor (Project Leader).

Friend Preference:  If you wish placement on the same ISV program as your friend(s), please advise ISV. Note: due to limited space, this may have an effect on your project assignment.

Dietary information:  If you are vegetarian, advise ISV either by email or ISV application.  Participants with very specific dietary requirements may be required to supplement ISV included meals with additional foods at their own expense.

Medical information:  If you have pre-existing or current medical conditions and/or allergies, you must advise ISV either by email or ISV application.

Project Leader: An ISV Project Leader accompanies every ISV volunteer group. The ISV project leader's role is to liaise with the host organization and supervise ISV group safety and work activities. ISV Project Leaders are also responsible to facilitate group discussion sessions and assist participants in their daily field journal. Project Leaders email their ISV participants approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure; participants, where possible, are encouraged to reply.