Wondering what an ILP semester is actually like? Follow along to see what current volunteers are doing, get your questions answered, and see behind the scenes of a semester.
We know you’re already in love with the @ilpadventure Instagram account — it's a highlight reel of favorite vacations, snapshots of a teaching day, and other updates (like opening a new semester and new countries!). But do you know about the @ilptakeovers account?
Every semester, a volunteer from each of the ILP countries takes over this Instagram account to show you around their city for a few days. They’ll show you things like where they are living, what lunch was that day, pictures of the kids they are teaching, show you what treats you can buy at the local store — you name it. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what volunteering with ILP is like from their point of view!
You know it. Someone in each country “has” the account for a few days and so whoever is doing the take over for Mexico (for example) will walk you through things they think you’ll want to know. Things like what the walk to school is like, pictures of their housing, snapshots of what breakfast/lunch/and dinner looks like, and lists of things they wished they had packed, or favorite vacations. Each takeover is crammed with info, and typically has a day where they ask you to DM your questions.
You can also DM the account at any point and get your questions answered right then and there. Whoever is over the account is there to help you learn more about that country, so feel free to ask away! Ask what's on your mind, but popular questions include where the group is heading on vacations, what are good things to pack, how much money they brought to spend, etc.
Each semester, we're constantly rotating through most of our countries so you'll eventually hear from the ones you're interested in if you just follow along — but if you just can't wait to get the details on a semester in Central America, head to the highlight bubbles.
There, you'll find a row of all of our ILP countries saved from past takeovers. That way, even if the countries you’re interested in aren’t up soon for the takeover, you can watch what last semester had to say.
Here's a peek at some of the videos and pictures shared by one of the takeovers in Thailand. You'll see answers to questions followers were asking about, as well as snapshots of what a typical day looked like.
Still have a few questions?
Come talk with someone who can help you with exactly that! Everyone in the ILP office has been on at least one semester (most have been on a few!) and are here to answer any questions you may about volunteering abroad with International Language Programs.