Semester Abroad

Volunteering

Duration

Semester Abroad Volunteers serve for 3 months (6 weeks for Summer Semester).

What You Can Expect

When you volunteer abroad with OSSO, your main priority is to help meet the emotional needs of children living in orphanages! Your days might include playing soccer, reading books, doing crafts, wiping away tears, and giving hugs.

This is where you come in! OSSO volunteers help make sure every child knows they are loved, which is pivotal for their health and development. When needed, you may also help the orphanage staff with feeding the children, changing diapers, and other basic needs. For more detailed information click here to see what an average day in the life of a volunteer is like.

What's Volunteer Life Like?

Want all the details of day-to-day life? Click here.

Program Fees

It costs $4,720 dollars to volunteer for a semester abroad ($3,160 for Summer Semester Special July-August). See below for a price comparison.

Available Semesters

Winter Semester 2026

Jan 5 - Apr 5

12 weeks

Spring Semester 2026

Apr 20 - Jul 12

12 weeks

Summer Semester 2026

Jul 20 - Aug 30

6 weeks

Fall Semester 2026

Sep 14 - Dec 13

12 weeks

Price Comparison

When you look at the numbers, OSSO truly gives you more for less. A semester at a university costs thousands, and many humanitarian trips charge even more for only a few weeks abroad. With OSSO, your program fees cover your housing, meals, excursions, and most importantly, the chance to love and serve children every single day. You are not just signing up for a trip. You are investing in meaningful experiences, lifelong friendships, and memories that will stay with you forever, all at a fraction of the cost of other programs.

BEST VALUE

OSSO Semester Abroad

$4,720

/semester

$250 off the price if you sign up before the end of October 2025!

OSSO is cost-effective and comprehensive. Your fees cover all in-country essentials plus unforgettable experiences, so you spend less while getting more than with other programs.

  • Domestic and International Flights to and from the country

  • Weekly excursions

  • Housing

  • 3 meals per day, 7 days per week

  • T-shirt and sweatshirt

  • WiFi

  • Clean water

  • Pre-departure and in-country training

  • Airport pick-up / drop off

  • In-country transportation

  • Background check

  • 24/7 in-country support by Volunteer Directors

  • Personal spending (souvenirs, restaurants, shopping, etc.)

  • Registration fee of $95 USD

Other Humanitarian Programs

$6,500+

/semester

Estimated cost for other local humanitarian programs including approximately $4,000 in volunteer fees and $2,500 for cultural experiences.

  • Housing

  • Wifi

  • Clean water

  • International flight

  • Domestic flights not included

  • Meals only included on weekdays

  • Excursions not included

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal spending (souvenirs, restaurants, shopping, etc.)

  • Registration fee ($200 - $500)

  • Training not included

College Tuition

$10,000+

/semester

Estimates reflect an average Cost of Attendance for a semester at BYU, BYU-Idaho, or Utah State University.

  • In-state tuition - $3,400+

  • Housing - $1,960+

  • Food - $1,800

  • Books + supplies - $428

  • Transportation - $1,324

  • Personal / misc - $814

Mary Sharp - OSSO Volunteer

OSSO is absolutely amazing! My experience volunteering with them has been everything I’d hoped it to be and more. The OSSO team is so well organized, with an incredible team that works both locally here in Ecuador and remotely to ensure that volunteers are safe and well cared for.

Macy Nuttall - OSSO Volunteer

Every time I think of my time in Ecuador with OSSO, I feel SO much love in my heart!! The moment that I met those amazing kids, my life was changed forever! OSSO is amazing, and I am so incredibly thankful that I had the chance to travel to Quito and volunteer. All I can think about is how I want to do this again!!

Our Locations

OSSO supporters

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OSSO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the principles, teachings, and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, OSSO is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. While primarily a member-created organization, volunteer opportunities are open to people of all faiths who are willing to follow OSSO's code of conduct. Our Statement of Faith

Photos on this website are used with permission and follow Ecuador’s privacy policies for children in orphanages.

OSSO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the principles, teachings, and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, OSSO is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. While primarily a member-created organization, volunteer opportunities are open to people of all faiths who are willing to follow OSSO's code of conduct.

Our Statement of Faith

Photos on this website are used with permission and follow Ecuador’s privacy policies for children in orphanages.