For a fee of about $4,000 ILP gives you and 15-20 volunteers the ability to move to another country for 3-4 months. During this time housing, food, and amenities are provided for you. Without their help it would be nearly impossible to sustain ones self, especially in these third world/developing countries.

While abroad, you are expected to teach English to the children of that country for 15-20 hours per week. Volunteering includes training on the ILP Method of teaching. Volunteers may teach children 2-15 years old in various group sizes. Volunteers  are expected to plan and execute their own lessons using only English.

I always wanted to live by the ocean so the option of volunteering on an island was a no-brainer for me. I was also looking for the opportunity to improve my Spanish, so that quickly narrowed down my choice!

Volunteers live in the province of Puerto Plata. My group lived in Javillar, one of the most impoverished cities on the island. Javillar is only a 30-minute walk from the beach (and a 5 minute drive)! The locals are charming, welcoming, and love their wonderful city.

Some groups with ILP are as small as 3-4 people. I knew that whoever I was assigned to live with, I was going to have to deal with for the entirety of the trip. So, I opted for the trip with the largest group size to improve my chances.

Someday I want to move back to the beach! I had so much fun there collecting shells, tanning, and swimming.

Though not my favorite genre of food, Dominican food will always have a place in my heart. Even though they use way too much mayo.

I taught some of the funniest kids on the planet and I hope I never forget all of their names. They were so sweet and kind to us.