ISV community development volunteer projects are specifically designed to make a difference in the lives of people in developing countries who struggle with poverty, communal resources (i.e. running water, basic health care, etc.), sub-standard housing, and those who work to improve their community through sustainable development alternatives. Community development projects are ideal for participants who earnestly desire to invest in people’s lives.

Daily project activities focus on tasks that directly benefit and relate to the local community. Such tasks may include basic-construction, painting, gardening, teaching English to children, initiating recreational activities and children's programs (i.e. music, theatre, games, and puppeteering, dancing, clowning and magic). ISV participants are instrumental in helping to develop new initiatives within the host communities to increase revenue, e.g. in areas like tourism and production of organically grown foods.

Volunteer projects run in collaboration with a variety of local and international conservation organizations, including not-for-profits, local governments, universities, private researchers, and grassroots organizations. Accommodations vary with each project, ranging from home stays within the local community, National Park huts, hostels, bunkhouses, tent camping, etc. All meals are included during conservation projects while foods generally reflect local cuisine.
ISV envisions the program experience provided will enlighten participants on cross-cultural awareness and acceptance, and educate participants to the socio-economic challenges that face developing countries and communities. No prior experience in community work or relevant fields of study is required in order to participate.

ISV community development projects take place in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Eastern Europe, Ecuador, South Africa and Thailand.

ISV’s Commitment to Underprivileged Children

The ISV Children’s Program gives underprivileged youth a chance to learn effectively, highlight talents and give children tools for a prosperous adult life. The program is designed to develop basic academic skills in English, Math, Geography and Natural Sciences through creative teaching methods. When possible, ecological and sustainability concepts are integrated and woven into lessons. The ISV Children’s Program has inherent and continuous fun elements that make learning entertaining and exciting. Arts and Crafts, Music, Dance and Physical Education are integral parts of the program that fuel a child’s imagination.

The essence of volunteer work within the ISV Children’s Program is to inspire and instill a fun and creative learning process that will spread through communities and continue onward through the lives of each individual. When volunteers educate and share their life experiences with children in their communities, volunteers help others and themselves to fashion a worldview based on firsthand knowledge of grass-root experiences.