International Family programs help bring families together and provide a truly unique and invaluable bonding experience. Family program participants have a desire to break away from traditional family vacations, and choose to instead embark on a program that will teach their family the benefits of giving, learning, and respecting cultural diversity. Sharing a life-changing experience abroad with family not only helps bring the family members closer together, but also opens their eyes to how diverse and incredible the world is. It is a great opportunity to share a fun experience with a group of trustworthy traveling companions. Families who take advantage of the opportunity of a program abroad often find that the stories, photos, and the meaningful memories made are a lifelong gift they share with each family member.

Family programs offer many different options based on the needs and goals of the unit. Some past World Endeavors’ families have included a father and daughter who worked side by side at an orphanage in Ecuador, a family with two high-school-aged children volunteered with a street children assistance project in Ecuador, and a young couple who spent their honeymoon volunteering in Costa Rica.

World Endeavors Family programs run year round and last for 1-3 weeks, depending on the family’s schedule and availability. Because traveling with a family, let alone as an individual, can be tricky and at times daunting, we choose very safe and especially family-friendly locations for our family programs. Our in-country-coordinators are very good at accommodating families and making them feel at home.

We offer Family programs in the following locations: Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Thailand.

Requirements

Family programs are designed for any group of people who are a family, from a single parent and his/her children, to a group of adult siblings, to a husband and wife duo, to two parents and their children, and so on.  World Endeavors requires that children on Family programs must be at least 8 years of age and have parental supervision.  Participants that are 18 years and older do not need parental supervision.

Brazil

As the largest and most populous country in South America and the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil is known for its ecological and cultural treasures. With its winding Atlantic coastline, expansive agricultural regions, and the Amazon River basin and rainforest, Brazil’s landscape is as diverse as its people and their culture. Despite its natural resources and beauty there is a great need for volunteers to support social and environmental causes in Brazil. Millions of Brazilians live below the poverty line, mostly due to social injustice and uneven economic growth. Volunteering in Brazil offers participants the opportunity to support local communities at the grassroots level.

Volunteers live and work in the coastal city of Salvador, which is the capital of the eastern Brazilian state of Bahia and Brazil’s third-largest city. The city’s prime location in Todos os Santos Bay on the Atlantic made it into a vital port city, and up until 1763 it was also Brazil’s capital.  The city’s Centro Historico (Historical Center), called Pelourino, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors delight in its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone charm. Salvador is rich with warm and welcoming people, vibrant culture, and African-influenced cuisine and music, which is especially marked during Salvador’s week-long, exuberant celebration of Carnival. Salvador certainly doesn’t lack in beautiful nature, either—the city boasts a coastline full of gorgeous beaches with excellent surfing waves and tropical fish, and is set against backdrop of beautiful rolling hills and mountains. Combine this with a steady climate of warm, balmy temperatures, and it’s no wonder that Salvador’s residents like to spend as much of their time as they can outdoors.

Most volunteers in Brazil stay with host families, where they share space, build relationships, practice language, and learn about traditional culture, food, home rituals, and customs. Living with a host family ensures total immersion in the culture, and provides the most authentic experience in the host country. Many returning volunteers cite their host family experience as one of the most meaningful and eye-opening aspects of their time abroad.

Program Outline

The following* volunteer programs are available in Brazil:

Building and Infrastructure in Brazil

Childcare and Orphanage Assistance in Brazil

Community Development in Brazil

Environmental Conservation in Brazil

Eldercare in Brazil

Healthcare in Brazil

Health Education in Brazil

Teaching in Brazil

Wildlife Conservation in Brazil

*Some volunteer projects may be better-suited for different age groups and abilities.

Program Features

• Volunteer Placement
• Onsite English-Speaking Coordinator
• Portuguese Language Instruction: 15 hours for programs 4 weeks or longer
• Home Stay Accommodations
• Onsite Orientation
• 2 Meals per Day
• Travel Medical Insurance
• Visa Support
• Airport Pick-Up and Welcome
• Pre-Departure Guidance and Handbook
• Cell Phone Rental
• 24/7 Emergency Phone Support
• Reentry Support and Alumni Services

Program Dates

The World Endeavors Family program in Brazil is available year-round, for a duration of 1-3 weeks, depending on what best fits your family’s schedule.

Please note that placement availability may be limited during the Christmas holidays, as many Brazilians go on vacation at these times.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s renowned biodiversity, laid-back culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America. Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, while occupying only 0.25% of the world’s landmass. The Costa Rican people, affectionately known as “Ticos,” have a well-deserved reputation for being friendly, fun-loving, and welcoming to foreigners. Despite its natural beauty and wonderful people, Costa Rica experiences the problems that plague many Latin American countries. Many nonprofit organizations that work to improve conditions in local Costa Rican communities lack funding and volunteer support. With eco-tourism ranking as Costa Rica’s main industry, education and environmental conservation are essential to ensuring a bright future for the Costa Rican people.

World Endeavors volunteers live in Atenas, a small, relatively prosperous farming town in the central highlands of Costa Rica where coffee, sugarcane, and fruit are grown. Life here revolves around family and community, and the nightlife consists mostly of family gatherings, barbecues, and shared meals. Local residents can often be found browsing the colorful farmer’s market for fresh produce, enjoying a cup of local coffee at a café, or strolling in the park at the center of the city. Atenas is renowned for its climate, which keeps the city warm in the daytime and cool at night. Public pools and hiking trails make Atenas an appealing destination for those who wish to spend time outdoors, and the town’s location, less than an hour from the capital of San José and the international airport, makes it easily accessible for arriving volunteers.

Most volunteers in Costa Rica stay with host families, where they share space, build relationships, practice language, and learn about traditional culture, food, home rituals, and customs. Living with a host family ensures total immersion in the culture, and provides the most authentic experience in the host country. Many returning volunteers cite their host family experience as one of the most meaningful and eye-opening aspects of their time abroad.

Program Outline

Participants on the Family program in Costa Rica can volunteer at one (or a combination) of the following projects:

Childcare and Orphanage Assistance: Volunteers can give their time at an orphanage, where they help provide care for the children and much-appreciated support for the adults who care for them.  An additional option is for volunteers to help at nutrition centers in Atenas to serve nutritious meals to children and help them learn about healthy eating.

Wildlife Conservation: Volunteers care for the aquatic inhabitants at a freshwater turtle conservation site and help with general maintenance and upkeep.

Women’s Development: Volunteers assist a small group of women who make compost and cultivate orchids to sell at  expositions, fairs, and festivals.

Teaching: There are multiple schools around Atenas where volunteers can give their time to help teach the students and assist the teachers.

Environmental Conservation: Volunteers lend a helping hand at nearby reserves, helping with whatever is needed at the time—whether it be outdoor work like planting trees, clearing brush, or making trails, or working with community outreach by helping promote recycling and composting.

Program Features

• Volunteer Placement
• Onsite English-Speaking Coordinator
• Spanish Language Instruction 2 weeks for programs 4 weeks or longer
•  Home Stay Accommodations
• Onsite Orientation
• 3  Meals per Day
• Travel Medical Insurance
• Visa Support
• Pre-Departure Guidance and Handbook
• Cell Phone Rental
• Cultural Activities (cooking class; dance class)
• 24/7 Emergency Phone Support
• Reentry Support and Alumni Services

Program Dates

The World Endeavors Family program in Costa Rica is available year-round, for a duration of 1-3 weeks, depending on what best fits your family’s schedule.

Please note that placement availability may be limited during the Christmas holidays and Holy Week, as many Costa Ricans go on vacation at these times.

Ecuador

Ecuador’s stunning diversity of landscapes and cultures belies its relatively small size.  From dense jungles to Andean highlands to the renowned biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador contains tremendous natural resources, and its culture reflects a combination of indigenous, African, and European influences.  Despite these assets, many Ecuadorians still live in poverty, and the country struggles to protect its natural resources.  Volunteers are needed to support efforts by nonprofit and government organizations to strengthen education, social programs, and environmental efforts.

World Endeavors volunteers in Ecuador live in Guayaquil or Quito.

- Guayaquil is the biggest and most modern city in Ecuador, and it’s changing every day. Located where the Guayas River meets the Pacific Ocean, it’s a major economic center as well as a destination for tourists from around Ecuador and South America. Life here is very busy, but the city’s restaurants, concert venues, and festivals prove the locals still know how to have fun in South American style. In recent years, the city has revitalized the promenade along the Guayas River, known as the Malecón, which is now a beautiful outdoor park that attracts both residents and visitors. Visitors to Guayaquil can easily take trips outside the city to see the Galápagos Islands, hike in the Andes, or have an adventure in the rainforest.

- Quito is the capital of Ecuador and the country’s second largest city. Nestled amongst the snowy peaks of the Andes and situated between Pichincha Volcano and the Machángara River Canyon, the city flaunts beautiful panoramas and breathtaking views in every direction. Ecuadorian history comes alive in Quito; the city is a wonderful mix of colonial and modern architecture, and its historical center has been distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culture is another aspect that Quito isn’t lacking. The city hosts a variety of museums, festivals, art galleries, shops, and restaurants and cafés for its lively and engaged population. Visitors to Quito are fortunate to have a variety of outdoor opportunities at their fingertips—from hiking in the Andes surrounding the city, to paragliding from a volcanic peak, to going on archeological and birdwatching tours, the area has something for everyone, ranging from the cautious to the most adventuresome explorer.

Most volunteers in Ecuador stay with host families, where they share space, build relationships, practice language, and learn about traditional culture, food, home rituals, and customs. Living with a host family ensures total immersion in the culture, and provides the most authentic experience in the host country. Many returning volunteers cite their host family experience as one of the most meaningful and eye-opening aspects of their time abroad.

Program Outline

The following* volunteer programs are available in Ecuador:

Teaching in Ecuador

Deaf Education in Ecuador

Special Education in Ecuador

Childcare and Orphanage Assistance in Ecuador

Environmental Conservation in Ecuador

Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador

*Some volunteer projects may be better-suited for different age groups and abilities.

Program Features

• Volunteer Placement
• Onsite English-Speaking Coordinator
• Home Stay Accommodations
• Onsite Orientation
• 3 Meals per Day
• Travel Medical Insurance
• Visa Support
• Airport Pick-Up and Welcome
• Pre-Departure Guidance and Handbook
• 24/7 emergency phone support
• Reentry Support and Alumni Services

Program Dates

The World Endeavors Family program in Ecuador is available year-round, for a duration of 1-3 weeks, depending on what best fits your family’s schedule.

Thailand

As one of the largest, most populous, and most ecologically diverse nations in Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been a popular destination for tourists. Visitors are drawn to its friendly people, stunning scenery, and world-renowned cuisine. Beyond the Thailand that most tourists experience, however, there are many social and environmental challenges plaguing the country. World Endeavors volunteers in Thailand can make a meaningful contribution to Thai society through a community-focused volunteer project, all while experiencing immersion in authentic Thai culture.

Participants volunteering in Thailand will live and work in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and its largest city. Occasionally, placements may also be available outside of Bangkok. In the evenings and on weekends, volunteers are able to spend their time among the numerous cultural, educational, and entertainment activities that Bangkok has to offer. Volunteers can explore the floating markets and intricate temples, or they can head farther afield to experience the fascinating hill tribes in the north or the sparkling turquoise beaches in the south. The World Endeavors Thailand coordinator can provide guidance and travel tips for those wishing to explore the country.

Most volunteers in Thailand stay with host families, where they share space, build relationships, practice language, and learn about traditional culture, food, home rituals, and customs. Living with a host family ensures total immersion in the culture, and provides the most authentic experience in the host country. Many returning volunteers cite their host family experience as one of the most meaningful and eye-opening aspects of their time abroad.

Program Outline

The following* volunteer programs are available in Thailand:

Childcare and Orphanage Assistance in Thailand

Community Development in Thailand

Deaf Education in Thailand

Teaching in Thailand

Eldercare in Thailand

Environmental Conservation in Thailand

Healthcare in Thailand

Health Education in Thailand

Special Education in Thailand

Wildlife Conservation in Thailand

Women’s Development in Thailand

Youth Soccer Coaching in Thailand

Youth Basketball Coaching in Thailand

*Some volunteer projects may be better-suited for different age groups and abilities.

Program Features

• Volunteer Placement
• Onsite English-Speaking Coordinator
• Thai Language Instruction: For programs 4 weeks or longer
• Home Stay Accommodations
• Onsite Orientation
• 2 Meals per Day
• Travel medical insurance
• Visa Assistance
• Airport Pick-Up and Welcome
• Pre-departure guidance and handbook
• Cell phone rental
• 24/7 Emergency phone support
• Reentry and Alumni Services

Program Dates

The World Endeavors Family program in Thailand is available year-round, for a duration of 1-3 weeks, depending on what best fits your family’s schedule.