Study Abroad Independently
Looking for the most budget-friendly, flexible, and meaningful option out there? Design your own study abroad program! Simply choose any of our volunteer projects or internship placements, and select your start date and duration. Complete our academic coursework alongside your placement for easy credit transfer back to your university.
How to study abroad independently
Join A Study Abroad Group
Want to travel with other like-minded students? We offer fully organized 2-4 week study abroad programs designed for you to gain hands-on experience, discover hidden gems, and engage with the local community in a meaningful way - all while earning 3 US academic credits through our online Global Citizenship course.
Choose from one of five destinations and discover a more exciting, immersive, and rewarding way to complete a uni course, far beyond the walls of a traditional classroom.
Join a study abroad groupStudy Abroad Group Destinations
Bali
📍 Volunteer program in Ubud & Nusa Penida
Immerse yourself in the island’s rich art and dance traditions, explore beaches, uncover the secrets of the ancient Garba Cave, and witness the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Batur. Experience the best of Bali while leaving a positive impact alongside your volunteer program.
📅 Start dates:
Dec 29, 2025
June 15, 2026
July 13, 2026
🏠 Accommodation type:
Volunteer House
🤝 Program focus:
Service Learning
👉 Explore volunteer projects in Ubud and Nusa Penida
Join the Bali Group
Jamaica
📍 Volunteer program in St.Mary
Dive into adventure at the Blue Hole, learn local flavors in a cooking class, discover the magic of the Green Grotto and Luminous Lagoon, and embrace the island spirit through reggae and dance - all while contributing to meaningful community projects and creating positive change.
📅 Start dates:
Dec 29, 2025
June 15, 2026
July 13, 2026
🏠 Accommodation type:
Volunteer House
🤝 Program focus:
Service Learning
👉 Explore volunteer projects in St. Mary
Join the Jamaica Group
Peru
📍 Volunteer program in Cusco
Make a meaningful impact through IVHQ while exploring the wonders of Peru. Explore the iconic Machu Picchu, trek the vibrant landscapes of Rainbow Mountain, connect with local culture at an alpaca farm, and experience the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
📅 Start dates:
Dec 29, 2025
June 15, 2026
July 13, 2026
🏠 Accommodation type:
Volunteer House or Homestay
🤝 Program focus:
Service Learning
👉 Explore volunteer projects in Cusco
Join the Peru Group
Spain
📍 Internship program in Seville
It’s hard not to fall in love with Seville - a city full of history, vibrant culture, and modern energy. With flamenco, citrus trees, colorful buildings, and endless sights, it’s the perfect place to grow professionally while immersing yourself in the best of Spain.
📅 Start dates:
June 15, 2026
July 13, 2026
🏠 Accommodation type:
Homestay
🤝 Program focus:
Professional development
👉 Explore internships in Seville
Join the Spain Group
Tanzania
📍 Internship program in Arusha
Explore world-famous safaris, vibrant Arusha, and majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Choose from diverse internship options - ranging from medical specialties to Psychology, Human Rights, Social Work, Accounting, and Education - designed for participants seeking meaningful global experience in one of Africa’s most iconic regions.
📅 Start dates:
June 15, 2026
July 13, 2026
🏠 Accommodation type:
Intern House
🤝 Program focus:
Professional development
👉 Explore internships in Arusha
Join the Tanzania Group
Cost
- 2 weeks: $2,300 USD
- 3 weeks: $2,800 USD
- 4 weeks: $3,300 USD
*Select volunteer projects incur an additional $200 USD charge to cover the cost of materials and supervision: Construction & Renovation, Medical, and Sea Turtle Conservation.
**Please note the Spain program incurs an extra $1,000 USD surcharge to cover the higher cost of living and in-country expenses: 4 weeks: $4,300 USD.
What's included
- Online pre-departure meet-ups to get to know other students
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Accommodation
- Cultural activities and excursions
- Volunteer or internship placement
- Welcome and farewell dinners + 2-3 meals per day, depending on the destination
- Weekly group reflections to process your learnings
- Global Citizenship Course materials and instruction
- Transcript from Warren Wilson College for 3 US credits
Who can join?
Anyone who is 18+ can participate, regardless of nationality or student status.
Why study abroad with IVHQ?
My study abroad program in Peru was so awesome. I had the pleasure of interacting with so many different locals, and working with the local team to make a positive impact daily, no matter how small. My language and social skills were challenged, and I am so grateful to have been hosted by such a hospitable nation.
Looking to join an Alternative Break Group?
A Spring Break with Purpose: trade the ordinary for something extraordinary. Join a volunteer healthcare campaign while enjoying the beauty and sunshine of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Programs start every Monday in March.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
They’re very different experiences, both impactful and culturally immersive.
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Joining independently: Choose your start date, destination, project, and excursions, and do your academic credit coursework at your own pace. You will meet other volunteers from around the world, from different ages and backgrounds.
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Joining a study abroad group: Choose from pre-set start dates, destinations, projects, and excursions. You will meet international students from different fields of study, who will be doing the program with you and reflecting on it as a group each week.
No! The study abroad programs are open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older, and the coursework applies to any area of study. Anyone is welcome to apply.
The 3-credit Global Citizenship course is relevant to any major. If you wish to transfer credits, we recommend discussing this with your academic advisor or the admissions office. Sharing a course syllabus and sample transcript can be helpful. Contact our Campus Team at campus@hqtravelgroup.org to obtain these documents.
By joining an organized Study Abroad program, we take care of all the logistics on your behalf and you have a dedicated group to build community with through welcome and farewell dinners, cultural experiences/tours, meaningful group reflections, and more. You will have the opportunity to get to know other participants in advance of your trip through a pre-departure meeting, and you’ll have an added layer of support throughout your experience. Our organized programs are great for someone who wants to be adventurous and Study Abroad in a non-traditional way while joining a group of like-minded students from around the world. If you are interested in making an impact, getting off the beaten path, and engaging with local community members, while earning credit abroad, this is a great option for you.
