Select Organization
The heart of your Lumos journey starts here.
All Lumos Travelers are required to partner with an organization that will oversee and support their international project. Choosing the right sponsoring organization is one of the most important—and personal—steps in the Lumos application process.
A strong match is more than just availability or location. It’s about mutual fit: an organization where you can offer meaningful contributions through your skills and language abilities—and where you will be supported in ways that help you grow personally and professionally.
How to Find a Sponsoring organization
So…how do you find the right one?
Most Lumos Travelers discover their sponsoring organization through:
- Independent research on nonprofits/NGO’s working in regions or issue areas of interest
- Conversations with faculty or campus mentors
We encourage you to approach this part of the process with curiosity and depth. Explore broadly. Read about international development, grassroots work, arts-based activism or whatever aligns with your vision. Reach out to the organization. Ask questions. Look beyond the first internet search page.
This isn’t about checking a box—it’s about building a foundation for a project that reflects your values, challenges your assumptions and deepens your global awareness.
Explore Sponsoring Organizations
Need Some Direction?
We’ve compiled a list of organizations as a starting point for your research. The list includes Belmont Partner organizations that Belmont has existing relationships with as well as organizations that past Lumos Travelers have successfully partnered with. While there is no Belmont contact for these, they may serve as helpful inspiration as you explore your own options.
Note: While these are great entry points, you are not limited to this list. Lumos encourages independent exploration and self-initiated partnerships whenever possible.
Umbrella Organizations
These organizations operate across multiple countries and project types, offering structured placement services, internships, or volunteer programs with vetted local partners. They can be a great starting point if you’re still exploring your focus area or location, and many Lumos Travelers have worked successfully with them.
While Lumos encourages independent exploration, umbrella organizations can provide support, logistics, and access to projects in hard-to-reach regions.
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
The A21 Campaign is a global nonprofit working to end human trafficking through prevention, protection, and survivor restoration. Operating in over a dozen countries—including Australia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and more—A21 runs awareness campaigns, victim support services, and aftercare programs. Ideal for those interested in human rights, advocacy, or community development with a focus on justice and survivor care.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2015: JoAnna Adkisson – South Africa
Umbrella Organization | Africa-Wide
African Impact offers impactful volunteer and internship programs across Africa, with projects in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and more.
Focus Areas:
Community development, public health, education, wildlife conservation, and gender equality.
Key Features:
- Long- and short-term placements
- 24/7 in-country staff support and housing
- Strong local partnerships and a dedicated foundation
Past Lumos Traveler:
2014: Ritara Williams – South Africa
Global Health Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Christian Connections International Health (CCIH) is a global network of ~125 Christian-based member organizations working in over 90 countries to improve health equity and system quality through advocacy, networking, and capacity-building. Belmont University is a member. CCIH offers post-grads structured entry into international health development, especially for those combining faith-informed values and technical excellence in fields like health systems strengthening, advocacy, or community-based healthcare.
- Ideal for recent graduates pursuing roles in health systems, maternal-child health, climate resilience, or faith-based advocacy in global health contexts
- Typically involves network-supported placements with local NGOs, community clinics, or faith-based health institutions
- Includes professional development through peer learning, advocacy training, and evidence-driven capacity enhancement
Belmont University Contact: For more information, contact Dr. Shelby Garner at shelby.garner@belmont.edu
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) offers various programs for recent college graduates looking to work abroad. These include teaching English in different countries, participating in global internships, and even opportunities to work in specific fields like environmental sustainability in Denmark.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2013-14: Kyle Ducharme – Thailand
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Cross Cultural Solutions (CCS) is a nonprofit that offers short- and long-term volunteer and internship programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Programs focus on education, health and community development, with strong in-country support and logistics.
Other Items of Note:
- Operates in multiple countries with community-based projects
- Offers structured support: housing, transport, and 24/7 staff
- Ideal for travelers seeking a professionally managed experience
Past Lumos Traveler:
2016: Samantha Hubner – Morocco
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Connect123 creates personalized internship and volunteer placements in cities like Cape Town, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, Dublin and Sydney. They match participants with local NGOs, startups, hospitals, and businesses based on skills and interests.
Key Features:
- Tailored Programs: Flexible 1–6 month placements aligned with your goals.
- Comprehensive Support: Includes pre-trip guidance, housing, airport pickup, orientations, cultural events, and 24/7 local support.
- Diverse Fields: Business, human rights, education, healthcare, sustainable development, media, and more.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2012-14: Lindsey Ricker – South Africa
Umbrella Organization | Southern & East Africa
EDU Africa offers customized group internships and field-based programs across South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and other regions. These experiences are designed for recent graduates seeking global experience in fields like community development, education, global health, and environmental sustainability.
Programs emphasize cultural immersion, ethical engagement, and interdisciplinary learning—ideal for post-grads looking to deepen global awareness and contribute to local initiatives through collaborative, team-based work.
Past Lumos Travelers:
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
GeoVisions offers international internship, teaching and cultural exchange programs for recent graduates in countries like Spain, Germany, Thailand, and Italy. Programs include visa support (e.g., J-1 sponsorship), housing arrangements, and 24/7 in-country support. Participants can gain experience in education, hospitality, or community engagement while living abroad with host families or local partners.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2014: Brittany Robinson – Germany
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Global Vision International (GVI) partners with local NGOs, universities, and governments to run sustainable development and conservation projects across over 30 countries, serving more than 2,500 participants annually.
Post-Graduate Opportunities:
- Internships (2–12 weeks): Focused on marine biology, wildlife conservation, environmental or community development—often field-based and co-created with communities using UN SDG frameworks.
- Long-Term Placements (3–12 months): In-depth roles involving conservation research, education, policy, or women’s empowerment projects, with extensive support and professional development.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2010-11: Felicia Black – South Africa
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
International Justice Mission is a global human-rights organization that partners with local authorities in around 17 countries to combat modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labor, illegal detention, and police violence.
- Global Internships (12 months): Full-time roles in legal advocacy, aftercare, project management, community outreach, and administrative support within IJM field offices.
- Global Fellowships (12 months): For professionals to engage in strategy, training, advocacy, and systemic justice reform alongside field office leadership.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2019 – 20: Kate Wurm – India
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
International Volunteer HQ offers flexible volunteer and internship programs for recent graduates and early professionals across 50+ countries (e.g., Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, Pacific). Participants can choose 1–24 week placements in areas such as education, health, conservation, community development and refugee support.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2015 -16: Anna Randolph – South Africa
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Institute for Field Research Expeditions offers volunteer abroad programs. In collaboration with local organizations, IFRE presently offers volunteer abroad programs in Nepal, India, China, Thailand, Peru, Costa Rica, Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania. While project areas vary, they carry out field research programs on ecology, environment, wildlife, archeology, and other areas affecting global communities.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2012: Shirah Foy – Nepal
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Projects Abroad offers flexible, structured programs for recent graduates to gain hands-on experience abroad. Opportunities span healthcare, education, law, business, journalism, and more—available in 30+ countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Programs include housing, meals, and in-country support. Ideal for building international experience and advancing professional goals.
Past Lumos Travelers:
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) serves as the UN Secretariat for the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), supporting governments and communities worldwide to:
- Develop risk-aware policies and early warning systems
- Strengthen disaster governance at all levels of society
- Advocate for resilience and mainstream DRR into sustainable development efforts
- Offers exposure to international policy, program design, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in disaster risk science and advocacy.
- Internships and UNV roles provide practical experience in early warning systems, resilience frameworks, and development-oriented DRR—ideal for early-career professionals in climate, emergency planning, research, or governance.
They also coordinate with NGOs and the private sector (e.g. via ARISE) to scale DRR through global partnerships.
Engagement & Volunteer Opportunities:
- Internships: UNDRR periodically offers 2–6 month unpaid internships in Geneva and regional offices. Interns work on initiatives like climate adaptation, early warning systems, policy reporting, communications, and stakeholder engagement
- UN Volunteer Placements: Through UN Volunteers, recent grads and professionals can support DRR capacity building, community education, and resilience planning in collaboration with UNDRR field presences and national partners in 100+ countries
Belmont Partnerships in South Korea and Panama with United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
- Health-related projects in disaster risk reduction and response
- Internships are posted here, but they can also create an internship for the right candidate
Belmont University Contact: For more information, contact Dr. Shelby Garner at shelby.garner@belmont.edu
Global Eye-Care Social Enterprise Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Vision Spring trains and supports local entrepreneurs and NGOs to provide affordable eyeglasses in low-income communities across ~29 countries in South Asia and Africa.
- Offers roles in field operations, training, community outreach, and program coordination
- Combines health, livelihoods, and educational impact, e.g. boosting productivity by 22–32%
- Structured environment with proven global systems—ideal for early-career professionals aiming to influence social impact and sustainable development
Past Lumos Traveler:
2016: Rae Hatfield – India
Umbrella Organization | Multiple Countries
Volunteering Solutions offers flexible 2–24 week placements for recent graduates in areas such as education, healthcare (including medical/dental internships), community development, wildlife conservation, childcare, and women’s empowerment across 25+ countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe
Past Lumos Travelers:
Example Partner Organizations
Organizations based in-country (at the project site) that operate independently or regionally. These are often grassroots nonprofits, NGOs, schools, clinics, or social enterprises working directly with the local community.
Africa
Multiple Countries
Local Partner Organization | East Africa
KG Mountain Expeditions offers adventurous field-based placements for recent graduates in mountaineering, trekking leadership, and community development projects in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Participants work alongside expert guides from NOLS-trained teams, gaining hands-on experience in expedition logistics, outdoor education, cultural immersion, and sustainable tourism.
Ideal for graduates seeking immersive, rugged experiences that build leadership, outdoor skills, and cultural context in natural settings while working directly within East African community and conservation frameworks.
Key Features:
- Nearly 40 years of local expertise organizing climbs (e.g. Mt. Kenya, Kilimanjaro), safaris, and technical expeditions
- Emphasis on field instruction, guide training, and environmental stewardship
- Peer mentorship from seasoned guides like KG Kagambi—active leader in mountaineering and rescue operations
Past Lumos Traveler:
2017: James Mixon – Kenya
Consultancy Network | Africa-Focused
Reciprocity offers immersive field roles for recent graduates—working with local social enterprises, NGOs, and community groups in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Namibia. Interns engage in Learning Journeys, market research, and pilot program implementation aimed at building inclusive business models in low-income communities.
Ideal for graduates interested in social impact, community entrepreneurship, and real-world business solutions in Africa—especially those seeking data-driven, immersive projects.
Key Features:
- Supported by local expert teams and regional partners
- Hands-on work in community development, enterprise design, and sustainable livelihoods
- Project-based roles typically last 1–6 weeks, ideal for those wanting short-term but meaningful field engagement
Past Lumos Traveler:
2012-13: Alexandra Haass – South Africa
Egypt
Local Partner Organization | Egypt
BLESSEgypt (Bishopric of Public, Ecumenical and Social Services) is the social-development arm of the Coptic Orthodox Church, established in 1962. They run a wide range of programs addressing education, health, economic empowerment, disability support and disaster relief across 500+ communities in Egypt.
Why It’s a Fit for Post-Grads:
- Roles may include program implementation, community health outreach, education assistance, or economic development projects.
- Grounded in sustainable community development with an emphasis on local ownership and interfaith inclusivity
- Ideal for graduates passionate about grassroots social work and systems-level community impact in the MENA region.
Past Lumos Traveler:
Kenya
Local Partner Organization | Kenya
Wiser Girls Kenya is a pioneering Kenyan NGO that empowers girls to transcend poverty, HIV risk, and gender-based violence through its fully residential secondary school. Its holistic approach integrates rigorous academics (especially STEM), psychosocial support, and comprehensive healthcare—including clean water, nutritious meals, menstrual hygiene products, and reproductive health education
Postgraduate Opportunities:
- Research collaborations in education, public health, gender studies, or development
- Fieldwork placements or data collection in rural school/community settings
- Internship opportunities in monitoring & evaluation, program design, or community outreach
Past Lumos Traveler:
2015: Savannah Johnson – Kenya
South Africa
Local Partner Organization | Cape Town, South Africa
Lawrence House is a registered residential care center that supports up to 25 refugee and vulnerable youth through therapeutic, educational and life‑skills programs. Ideal for graduates interested in child and youth care, social work, psychology, or advocacy—providing direct experience supporting vulnerable populations and understanding systems of care in South Africa.
Opportunities:
- Field research & intervention design: Collaborate on studies in youth trauma, migration, identity, and psychosocial development
- Evaluation & monitoring placements: Support program assessment, impact evaluation, and service quality analysis
- Internships/project roles: Engage in community outreach, case management, therapeutic programming, or advocacy campaigns
Past Lumos Traveler:
2021: Olivia Shaw – South Africa
Local Partner Organization | South Africa
S-Cape is a faith-based nonprofit providing long-term restoration services for survivors of human trafficking. S‑Cape offers holistic restoration for women and children rescued from trafficking and sexual exploitation, through secure housing, tailored therapeutic support, legal assistance, education, skills training, and reintegration services. Ideal for those drawn to social justice, trauma-informed care, and community rebuilding, offering direct, meaningful engagement with a critical, underserved population.
Opportunities:
- Social work internships (6‑month+): Co-facilitate life‑skills workshops, assist safe‑house operations, support casework, and help develop protocols.
- Workshop facilitation: Lead short‑ or long‑term group sessions in arts, life skills, basic literacy, or vocational training (3–6 weeks to 6 months minimum).
- Program evaluation & monitoring: Support internal systems growth, data collection, and assessment of therapeutic and skills-training effectiveness.
- Research projects: Engage in studies on trauma recovery, reintegration strategies, education impact, or policy analysis in trafficking context.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2018: Madison Barefield – South Africa
Local Partner Organization | Cape Town, South Africa
STAY AFRICA is a not-for-profit travel and volunteer organization focused on affordable community engagement programs for students and youth. StayAfrica facilitates meaningful volunteer, internship, and cultural-exchange opportunities across Cape Town and its nearby communities. Programs usually include placements in childcare, education, healthcare, social, and environmental initiatives, supplemented by community-based living arrangements—either in a volunteer house or with local families. These projects typically span 2–24 weeks, include accommodation, meals, orientation, and 24/7 support. They’re an excellent fit for graduates seeking immersive, supported roles in education, care, health, conservation, or community outreach.
Volunteer Project Types:
- Childcare & Early Education
Support crèches and kindergartens by assisting with lessons, meals, creative activities, and supervision for children aged 0–6. - Social Welfare & Special Needs
Work in centers supporting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities—help with personal care, meal prep, transport, and administrative support. - Healthcare Assistance
Assist in public clinics and baby health programs—duties include prep-room assistance, administering basic tests, and pharmacy support (always under supervision). - Community Development & Animal Care
Engage with local NGOs on environmental initiatives or domestic animal rescue projects, including tasks in wildlife reserves and shelters. - Sports & Recreation
Coach youth in school or community-based sports programs, from primary education PE to surf outreach.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2022: Rachel Vernon – South Africa
Local Partner Organization | South Africa
United Through Sport is a sport‑for‑development nonprofit using sport, education & health to uplift youth aged 5–35. Since 2004, United Through Sport (UTS) has empowered over 150,000 young people through structured sports coaching (e.g., football, netball, cricket), life‑skills development, and health education—covering topics such as sexual health, gender equality, and substance awareness. Their flagship South African pathway-to-success model combines academic support, mentorship, and public health outreach to build life opportunities through sport.
Opportunities
- Sports Program Design & Evaluation
Help develop and evaluate sport‑based interventions—covering curriculum design, life‑skills integration, and performance metrics. - Sport Management Internship
4–12 week placements assisting with program coordination, safeguarding, volunteer support, data management & event planning. - Health Education Research
Assess the impact of integrated sexual/reproductive health workshops on youth knowledge and behavior; analyze pre‑post workshop outcomes. - Educational Pathways Analysis
Study scholarship and mentoring impacts on academic performance and school-to-tertiary transition rates. - Gender Equity in Sport
Co‑design gender-specific sport spaces (Girls Unite/Boys Unite), gather qualitative data on gender attitudes and shifts following interventions. - Community Outreach & Volunteer Impact
Investigate how volunteer-led sports initiatives influence community cohesion, youth wellbeing, and employment preparedness. - Environmental & Facility Development
Work on facility planning, sustainable sports infrastructure, and eco-education within local sport hubs.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2015: Jeanette Morelan – South Africa
Tanzania
Belmont and Local Partner Organization | Tanzania
AKU is poised to become a sustainable partner for Belmont’s Frist College of Medicine, College of Education, and Inman College of Nursing. Additionally, AKU will serve as an optimal site for Belmont’s Lumos Travel Award recipients, offering immersive experiences in global health, education, and community development.
Belmont University Contact: For more information, contact Dr. Shelby Garner at shelby.garner@belmont.edu
Local Partner Organization | Tanzania
Destiny Foundation supports children with mental and physical disabilities through community care, physiotherapy, education, and family outreach. Offers deeply immersive, meaningful work with vulnerability-focused care in Tanzania—well-suited for grads interested in disability support, inclusive education, and community health.
You can volunteer in areas such as:
- Daily care & physiotherapy for residents
- Educational activities: teaching, reading and developmental play
- Comprehensive family support: outreach visits and stigma reduction in homes
Key Features:
- Flexible commitment: 2 weeks to 6 months, starting anytime
- Inclusive: no professional prerequisites—strong empathy and patience valued
- Supportive infrastructure: accommodation, two meals/day, orientation, airport pickup, and on-site staff assistance
Past Lumos Traveler:
2022: Mary Kate Parmer – Tanzania
Local Partner OrgaLocal Partner Organization | Northern Tanzania
Sasa Foundation works directly with women and girls in rural Tanzanian communities. Ideal for graduates interested in gender equity, community health, and legal advocacy, offering hands-on, locally led roles in women’s empowerment and social development.
Sasa Foundation’s client services include the following:
- Outreach & Workshops: Running capacity-building sessions on health, gender rights, and financial literacy—seen by 14,000+ participants to date.
- Legal Aid & Health Days: Organizing community clinics and providing legal support to vulnerable women and children.
- Employer-Gender Analysis: Engaging with local businesses to assess workplace gender dynamics and recommend improvements.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2019: Sarah Evans – Tanzania
Local Partner Organization | Tanzania
Work the World specializes in short-term, immersive healthcare internships in low-resource hospitals, offering structured placements in medical, nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, radiology, dentistry, and paramedicine. Best suited for emerging healthcare professionals aiming for real-world clinical insight, global health understanding, and a culturally rich experience in essential care environments.
- Interns join low-resource clinical settings (e.g., Dar es Salaam), shadow local professionals, and support ward rotations, outreach clinics and community health programs.
- Housing is provided in a shared lodge with communal spaces and local amenities, close to placement sites.
Opportunity Highlights:
- Duration: 2–12 weeks, fully supported by in-country staff
- Hands-on exposure across departments: general medicine, pediatrics, physiotherapy, maternity, and more
- Experience vibrant local culture and optional weekend travel (safari, beach, etc.)
Past Lumos Traveler:
2017: Karah Waters – Tanzania
Uganda
Local Partner Organization | Jinja, Uganda
HEAL Ministries operates The James Place, a community center serving abandoned women and children. They desire for vulnerable families to become holistically transformed and empowered to stay together and live sustainably within their communities. Ideal for volunteers interested in child development, social services, community health, or nonprofit operations—offering immersive, values-driven field experiences with tangible impact.
Projects include:
- Childcare & Preschool: Supporting early education, play, meals, and care for vulnerable children
- Women’s Empowerment Programs: Leading skill-building sessions in sewing, artisan crafts, business literacy, and sustainable farming
- Social Work & Outreach: Assisting in counseling, home visits, health education, and Bible study groups
Key Features:
- Internships from 1–12 months in administration, education, social work, nursing, marketing, and more
- Comprehensive support: includes accommodation, meals, orientation, on-site staff, and airport pickup
- Christian-centered mission focused on family empowerment and sustainable community development
Past Lumos Travelers:
Asia
India
Local Partner Organization | Rajasthan, India
Jargran Jan Vikas Samiti (JJVS) aims to improve the socio-economic status of local communities by empowering them to drive and define their own development. By fostering collaboration among local tribal groups and developing latent assets and resources, JJVS works with local communities toward the betterment of their livelihoods as well as the development and protection of their environment. Focus areas include the preservation of traditional healing, local governance, livelihood development, agriculture and water, indigenous rights and advocacy and women’s health. Offers immersive, locally-driven volunteer placements in rural development—ideal for volunteers interested in grassroots health, sustainability, and social innovation.
Programs span:
- Traditional medicine: training village healers and operating health centers using indigenous healing systems
- Women’s health & empowerment: awareness around menstrual hygiene, income generation through women’s collectives
- Natural resource management: sustainable agriculture, water resource planning using GIS tools
- Livelihood & rural development: microfinance, craft-based income, community banking
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Join volunteer coordinators or field assistant’s roles (2 weeks–6 months): support program delivery in health, agriculture, women’s empowerment, or environmental planning
- Engage in community mapping, resource mobilization, and volunteer-led learning experiences in partnership with local teams
Past Lumos Traveler:
2012: Brent Shively – India
Thailand
Local Partner Organization | Chiang Mai, Thailand
Urban Light is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that empowers at-risk young males (typically 14–24) in Thailand from a life of exploitation and trafficking. From emergency assistance to empowerment programs and having served over 15,000 boys, Urban Light has been instrumental in helping vulnerable boys reclaim their lives and futures. Offers deep engagement in trauma-informed care, youth development, and rights-based social advocacy in a high-impact, long-term role—ideal for graduates with strong commitment, cross-cultural sensitivity, and social impact aspirations.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Role examples: Teach English and life skills; assist with outreach teams; support health and legal workshops; co-lead awareness campaigns; coordinate media and fundraising efforts
Minimum commitment: 6‑month placements (due to the sensitive and long-term nature of services)
Local Partner Organization | Bangkok & Thailand-wide Refugee Legal Services
Asylum Access Thailand AAT is a rights-based nonprofit supporting urban refugees in Thailand (especially Bangkok) through legal empowerment and advocacy. They offer legal services to navigate asylum status processes with UNHCR, engage in policy reform, and strengthen refugee leadership and community resilience.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer Legal Advocate (VLA): Requires a law degree or related background. Commit 6–12 months to support refugees through the Refugee Status Determination process, client interviews, submission of legal briefs, and community workshops. Includes intensive training in refugee law and mentorship
- Protection Internships: (~7 weeks to 2 months) Support the protection team with legal casework, documentation, interviews, and advocacy training—ideal for entry-level international human rights experience
- Community Engagement Roles: Volunteer with refugee-led initiatives like Psychological First Aid training, empowerment networks, language justice, and micro-enterprise projects like Click-Aroi and CHAMALiiN, facilitating peer-led tools for community resilience.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2023-24: Anna Thompson – Thailand
Europe
Iceland
Local Partner Organization | Reykjavik, Iceland
SIM (Icelandic Association of Visual Arts) serves as Iceland’s national organization for visual artists, coordinating exhibitions, advocacy, studio spaces, and international artist residencies. Ideal for emerging artists or curators seeking professional-level studio time, creative community in Iceland, and public exposure within a well-established, artist-led organization.
Residency Opportunities (Post-Grads):
- International artist residencies in Reykjavik at Seljavegur” and “Korpúlfsstaðir, open calls twice per year
- 1–3 month self-directed residencies with studio and accommodation included, access to on-site workshops in printmaking, textiles, ceramics, and shared exhibition opportunities
Key Features:
- Fully immersive artistic experience—designed for research-based or production-level projects
- Mentoring events, peer networking, public showcases, and connections to the Icelandic contemporary art scene
Past Lumos Traveler:
2015: Mary Elizabeth Vance – Iceland
Moldova
Local Partner Organization | Moldova
Justice and Mercy International (JMI) is a faith-based nonprofit that serves vulnerable children, teens, and families in Moldova through programs aimed at combating poverty and preventing human trafficking, delivered in partnership with local leadership. Volunteers gain immersive experience in vulnerable-child programming, youth empowerment, and trauma-informed community outreach within a deeply localized and sustainable context. JMI offers structured mission trips and community-based opportunities rooted in long-term relationships in Moldova.
Northern Ireland
Local Partner Organization | Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fighting Words NI is a youth charity based in Belfast that empowers children and teens (ages 6–18) across Northern Ireland through creative writing. They deliver free story-making workshops, Write Clubs, and literary events, helping young people build confidence, communication, and literacy skills through storytelling and publication. Volunteers can gain hands-on experience in youth development, education, and creative facilitation without needing specialized credentials—ideal for grads passionate about literacy, mentorship, or community service.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer mentors facilitate writing workshops in schools and communities—no previous writing or teaching experience needed. Training is provided.
- Mentor roles include guiding workshop sessions, supporting young writers, and optionally helping with story illustrations. Flexible commitment—often as small as single sessions.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2025: Eleri Hadaway – Northern Ireland
North America
Dominican Republic
Local Partner Organization | Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Dove Youth Development (formerly Dove Missions) supports 140–160 children (ages 6–18) in Puerto Plata barrios through after-school programs, mentorship, vocational training, and community outreach to combat poverty and exploitation. Offers hands-on, relational engagement in education, youth empowerment, vocational training, and mentorship—ideal for graduates seeking immersive community-based service with sustainable development outcomes.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Classroom support & mentoring—assist with English lessons, arts, sports, self‑esteem workshops, and after‑school care.
- Youth Ambassador Program—work with teen interns placed in local resorts, providing mentorship, employability training, and wrap‑around coaching in hotel settings.
- Vocational training support—help run cosmetology classes or rooftop garden programs, teaching practical life and job skills.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2010: Amber Garner – Dominican Republic
Local Partner Organization | Dominican Republic
New Hope Girls is a nonprofit rescuing at-risk girls from human trafficking, abuse, and exploitation. They operate four residential safe homes offering trauma-informed care, education, counseling, and empowerment. Their social enterprise workshop provides fair-wage employment to mothers through handcrafted goods, supporting both family livelihoods and restoration efforts. Offers meaningful engagement in anti-trafficking advocacy, social justice, youth care, and livelihoods development—all within a deeply relational, restorative community context
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities:
- Restoration & Safe Home Support: Assist with educational programming, mentoring, therapeutic care, and life-skills workshops for girls in residence.
- Social Enterprise Participation: Support administrative or operational aspects of the production workshop, empowering local women through sustainable employment.
- Community Outreach & Education: Aid in girls’ club programming, safety education, and school-supply drives in local neighborhoods.
Past Lumos Travelers:
Guatemala
Local Partner Organization | Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Casa Gloria is a Christ-centered children’s home caring for orphaned, abandoned, or abused children (typically ages 0–10). Accredited by Guatemala’s national adoption council, it provides stable housing, individualized psychological care, medical services, education, and family reunification support in a nurturing family environment. Offers immersive, relational service in a small-group setting with vulnerable children. Especially recommended for volunteers interested in child welfare, trauma-informed care, and long-term relational engagement in community-centered settings.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Childcare Support & Mentorship: Daily assistance under trained caregivers in caregiving routines, tutoring, reading, play, and emotional support
- Therapeutic & Educational Engagement: Support therapy sessions, assist in educational activities, children’s recreation, and enrichment programs
- Community Partnerships: Engage with family reunification/public services or sponsorship programs through supporting administrative or outreach work
Past Lumos Traveler:
2023-24: Jenna Yordy – Guatemala
Local Partner Organization | Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Centro Educativo Montecristo offers holistic education to children and youth in vulnerable Mayan communities. Their innovative model blends academic, technical, artistic, and entrepreneurial training within an eco-conscious, values-based environment. Offers immersive engagement in youth development, education, and community sustainability in a culturally immersive setting—ideal for volunteers interested in rural education, social entrepreneurship, or intercultural collaboration
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Academic Support & Mentoring: Assist with lessons, tutoring, and extracurricular enrichment in areas like English, arts, sports, or vocational training
- Development Programs: Support sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives that empower youth to build independent livelihoods
- Cultural Exchange: Engage with students in creative and environmental programming within a lively school community
Past Lumos Travelers:
Haiti
Local Partner Organization | Gonaïves & Jubilee, Haiti
2nd Story Goods is a Haitian-owned social enterprise founded in 2011. They collaborate with skilled artisans in Gonaïves to produce handmade home goods, home decor, and accessories using locally-sourced or upcycled materials. All artisans earn living wages—typically 3–5 times Haiti’s minimum wage—to foster dignity, skills, and sustainable income. The company transitioned to full Haitian leadership in 2025, reinforcing their mission of locally-rooted economic empowerment. Offers first-hand experience working within a locally led enterprise that combines economic empowerment with creative craftsmanship. Ideal for grads seeking immersive exposure to fair trade, small business operations, sustainable development, or artisan-led entrepreneurship in Haiti.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Although not a traditional volunteer host, post-graduates in fields like design, business, social impact, marketing, or supply chain development may engage by:
- Supporting artisan product development, quality control, or storytelling
- Assisting with sales, brand growth, or community outreach strategies
- Learning directly from a model of ethical manufacturing and fair trade practice
Past Lumos Traveler:
2018-19: Olivia Hosey – Haiti
Honduras
Local Partner Organization | El Zamorano, Honduras
Jovenes en Camino operates a campus-based home and holistic care program for orphaned, abandoned, or abused boys. The campus includes three residences, dining hall, carpentry shop, farm, educational center, and a medical clinic serving both residents and the surrounding El Zamorano community. Ideal for volunteers interested in relational youth care, mentorship, community development. The model provides hands-on opportunities in a structured environment with meaningful local impact.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Residential support: Assist house parents with daily routines, tutoring, life skills, and discipleship for boys living in dorm structures
- Community support projects: Help at the on-site clinic, education center, or campus farm, participating in health outreach, food distribution, or carpentry-based vocational training
- Roles typically range from a few weeks to longer-term stays, often as part of organized group trips or internships .
- Internships are open to any major since they have a thriving community to help the boys physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and educationally.
Belmont University Contact: For more information, contact Adam Pace at adam.pace@belmont.edu
Local Partner Organization | Rural Honduras (Choluteca region)
Mission Lazarus operates holistic development programs in rural Honduras, covering education, healthcare, vocational training, orphan care, agriculture, and economic empowerment. They serve vulnerable communities through bilingual schools, clinics, training centers, and residential care homes. Mission Lazarus offers volunteers a unique opportunity to contribute across multiple sectors—from education to healthcare and vocational training—within a spiritually-informed, relationship-driven program that values dignity, local ownership, and long-term impact.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Education & Vocational Training: Assist at Lazarus Academy or sewing, carpentry, and agriculture training centers—supporting youth skill-building and earning stipends to stay in school.
- Healthcare Support: Join medical or dental brigades in their clinics, working alongside local professionals to deliver primary care and outreach.
- Community & Economic Development: Engage in farming, dairy projects, agroforestry, or infrastructure work (e.g. building latrines), helping sustain livelihood initiatives.
- Child Welfare & Refuge Home Support: Work at Mission Lazarus’s refuge homes helping with childcare programs, therapeutic activities, and day-to-day residence support.
Key Features:
- Immersive rural setting with deep community engagement
- Structured support including accommodation, meals, orientation, and trained staff
- Internships or volunteer placements typically sharing responsibilities of local interns, adult team members, and brigades.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2016: Natalie Borrowman – Honduras
Mexico
Local Partner Organization | Guadalajara, Mexico
FM4 Paso Libre is a civil-society nonprofit dedicated to serving migrants and asylum-seekers with holistic humanitarian support in Guadalajara—including shelter for up to 100 people, legal aid, psychological care, meals, hygiene facilities, clothing, and community integration services. They also engage in policy advocacy, migration research, and neighborhood inclusion efforts like community clean-up campaigns to build empathy and fight stigma. Offers immersive, mission-critical experience in humanitarian assistance, legal and mental health coordination, and social justice in migration contexts. Volunteers gain exposure to community organizing, cross-cultural communication, trauma-informed care, and advocacy work in a dynamic urban shelter setting. Volunteer Opportunities:
- Shelter-based assistance: Greeting, orienting, and assisting newcomers with meals, hygiene services, clothing distribution, and access to legal or psychological resources.
- Community programming: Organizing local volunteer events like neighborhood clean-ups or educational outreach.
- Advocacy support: Helping with documentation of violations, research, or partnership coordination with universities and community groups.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2024: Aaron Kleinschmidt – Mexico
Local Partner Organization | Mexico
Someone Somewhere is a certified B Corporation that partners with over 200 artisans across seven of Mexico’s poorest states—including Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Hidalgo, and Estado de México—to produce sustainable apparel and accessories. They integrate traditional handcrafts with contemporary designs, providing artisans with fair and consistent employment opportunities. Approximately 95% of their artisans are women, and the company has increased their monthly by up to 300% through this model. Someone Somewhere offers an opportunity to work within a social enterprise that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern business practices. Post-graduates can gain experience in sustainable fashion, ethical business models, and community development, all while contributing to the empowerment of artisans in rural Mexico.
Volunteer Opportunities:
While Someone Somewhere does not have a formal volunteer program, post-graduates with skills in areas such as product design, marketing, supply chain management, or social entrepreneurship may explore collaboration opportunities. Engaging with the company could involve:
- Assisting in product development by integrating traditional crafts with modern designs.
- Supporting marketing efforts to promote the artisans’ work and the company’s mission.
- Contributing to supply chain optimization to ensure sustainable and ethical sourcing.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2022: Anas Saba – Mexico
South America
Argentina
Local Partner Organization | Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fundamind is a nonprofit organization established in 1990, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and social vulnerability. Operating primarily in the Balvanera neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Fundamind offers a range of programs including early childhood education, nutritional support, social assistance, and psychological counseling. Their initiatives aim to promote social inclusion and safeguard children’s rights through comprehensive community-based services. Fundamind provides an immersive environment for graduates interested in social work, community development, and public health. Volunteers gain hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary setting, working alongside professionals in education, nutrition, psychology, and social services. This opportunity is particularly suited for individuals passionate about making a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable populations in urban Argentina.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Educational Support: Assisting in early childhood education programs for children aged 1 to 3 years.
- Nutritional Assistance: Supporting the distribution of meals and food packages to families in need.
- Community Outreach: Engaging in public awareness campaigns and organizing special events.
- Administrative Support: Contributing to resource development and communication efforts.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2014: Rachel Butler – Argentina
Local Partner Organization | Buenos Aires, Argentina
Road2Argentina is an immersion abroad organization based in Buenos Aires, specializing in Spanish language programs, internships, and volunteer placements. They collaborate with over 70 local organizations—including schools, NGOs, and community centers—to offer meaningful volunteer opportunities in various sectors such as education, social services, and community development. Their programs are designed to immerse participants in Argentine culture while providing valuable work experience. This program offers an immersive experience in Buenos Aires, allowing volunteers to apply their skills in real-world settings while enhancing their Spanish language proficiency. Participants gain hands-on experience in community development and social services, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in international development, education, and social impact.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Road2Argentina offers a range of volunteer placements suitable for recent graduates, including:
- Teaching English to Adults: Volunteers assist in community and continuing education centers, helping adults improve their English language skills through small group or one-on-one sessions.
- Community and Social Service Projects: Engaging with local NGOs and community centers to support various social initiatives aimed at improving the lives of underserved populations.
- Tailored Volunteer Placements: Depending on individual skills and interests, Road2Argentina can arrange volunteer roles in areas such as healthcare, environmental conservation, and youth development.
Past Lumos Traveler:
2014: Rachel Butler – Argentina
Brazil
Local Partner Organization | Amazon Region, Brazil
Justice and Mercy International (JMI) Amazon ministry—Justice & Mercy Amazon (JMA)—serves remote communities along the Amazon River through locally-led programming focused on justice, education, child protection, and church leadership development. Ideal for volunteers interested in cross-cultural service, spiritual leadership building, and tangible educational impact in remote settings. Offers highly immersive short-term placements grounded in community transformation and Gospel-centered care.
Programs include:
- Pastoral training & equipping: Annual Jungle Pastors’ Conferences and village-level pastoral support
- Vulnerable child & teen care: Mobile children’s camps and community outreach in isolated riverside villages
- Crisis & family care: Emergency food, medical/dental outreach, and family support delivered via a ministry boat that travels to villages
- School & library construction: Building educational facilities in areas with limited access to schooling or literacy resources
Volunteer & Team Opportunities:
- Group-based service requiring boat-based travel and time in river communities
- Short-term mission trips (e.g., one-week Jungle Trips) involving outreach, camps, community engagement, and pastoral support