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, education, and
social development needs. Our partners include Equipo Tora Carey and Fundación
Horizontes.
- We provide volunteer
opportunities in conservation, education, and social development, 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 small fishing community of El Jobo in northwestern Costa Rica.
The ocean waters near El Jobo are home to whales, sea turtles, large fish, rays
and many other marine species. On land, parrots fly overhead and monkeys swing
from tree to tree. Community members monitor nearby beaches for nesting sea
turtles and teach marine education in the schools. When in El Jobo, you’re at
nature’s doorstep!
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!
