Who we are
IOI is a non-profit organization that designs
educational adventures that empower isolated communities to grow in a
sustainable way. We strive to help establish ecological sustainability and
social stability in our host communities. As such, our mission is to provide
international education programs that support the education, conservation, and
social development of isolated communities by assisting local institutions in
sustainably handling the human-environmental intersection.
What we do
- We develop and implement
our outreach projects with local institutions to ensure their sustainable
implementation. Our projects address pressing conservation needs. Our partners
include The Ocean Foundation, La Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales,
Oceans for Youth, and University of Havana’s Marine Research Center.
- We provide volunteer
opportunities in conservation, providing our participants with life changing
experiences, and our local partners with funding, expertise, and (wo)man power
on site.
- We provide immersive
study abroad programs in which students study the local environment and learn
the local culture. All our programs are based on cultural integration and
service learning.
Where we work
We work in the community of Cocodrilo on the southern coast of Isle of Youth in
Cuba. Cocodrilo is a small welcoming coastal town of 300 residents surrounded
by nature. Some of the most beautiful reefs in Cuba are right off shore and sea
turtles nest down the coast. Cocodrilo is a laid-back Caribbean town in the
middle of paradise!
Our history
Since embarking on our journey in 2006, IOI
has evolved into a mature and recognized organization with an innovative design
of merging educational travel with conservation and community development. We
began in Galapagos and, after 10 years of experience, have expanded to Cuba and
Costa Rica.
Vision and Mission
We Empower Isolated Communities to Grow in a Sustainable Way. It is our Vision
to help establish ecological sustainability and social stability in our host
communities. Our mission is to provide international education programs
that support the education, conservation, and social development of isolated
communities by assisting local institutions in sustainably handling the
human-environmental intersection.
Who are we looking for
We are looking for adventurous volunteers ready to travel to remote parts of
the world to make an impact on conservation and education projects. Our
volunteers should be flexible, understanding, and respectful of the local
cultural context. Depending on the position, we ask that our volunteers are
physically able to work outside, sometimes in extreme weather conditions (think
the tropics!) and be able to work on a team and individually.
Why choose us...
- It's a unique
opportunity to gain insight and firsthand experience in
the world of hands-on conservation and environmental management
- All of our
locations are unique and have exceptional beauty and biodiversity.
- Our sites
are slow lane kinds of places. If you need a break, this
is your ideal escape.
- You
will learn Spanish and immerse yourself in
the community--you'll finish your time volunteering feeling like a
local!
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