FSD Program Review
FSD offers four different volunteer and intern programs for university students, professionals, and retirees. No matter the program selected, FSD participants come away with an experiential understanding that development solutions must first recognize the delicate nature of the culture and community they are working within. Disrupting the existing system with temporary solutions or hand-outs can often do more harm than good. FSD strives to empower participants with a sustainable approach to their project work that recognizes the long-term impact and viability of their efforts. This is done through much collaboration with the local community, whereby participants listen and learn from the community before acting on its behalf. 
Download a catalogue of our programs!
Programs are currently available in: Argentina, Bolivia, Kenya, India, Nicaragua, and Uganda.
Subject Areas for Project Work: Microenterprise/Microfinance, Youth and Education, Health, Environment, Women’s Empowerment, Human Rights, and Community Development.
Select from one of our 4 programs to find the opportunity that best fits your needs. All programs consist of an individual placement with a host organization, a one-week orientation, training in sustainable development, language support (not in Latin America), an individual family homestay, regular debriefing sessions, a $200 minigrant to support project work, and ongoing support from the FSD in-country staff.
Internships (9-52 Weeks)
FSD’s premier program immerses students and professionals in grassroots development, offering them a comprehensive experience working with a locally run NGO. Interns receive training in development issues by conducting needs assessments, designing and implementing project work, grantwriting, and other relevant topics. These skills are directly implemented into project work that is collaboratively designed by interns, FSD, and the host organizations to ensure sustainability. Participants are able to apply for grants directly from FSD to resource their project work in the community. Download the FSD Internship Brochure!
ProCorps Volunteering (1-52 Weeks)
Professionals and retirees with 7+ years of professional experience partner with development organizations in need of capacity building and technical expertise. A wide variety of skills and knowledge can be utilized by our network of host organizations. Participants are placed where their abilities and interests are best utilized and work begins with exposure to local development issues and community needs. Volunteers efficiently assess avenues to optimally apply their skills in collaboration with the FSD staff and their host organization. Project work can be funded directly by FSD for volunteers staying over 8 weeks. Download the FSD ProCorps Volunteer Brochure!
Short-Term Volunteering (1-8 Weeks)
Students, professionals, and retirees volunteer with FSD’s partner organizations to support their existing project work. Volunteers begin their experience getting oriented to their new surrounding and are soon assigned to service projects that match their interests and skills. Depending on your length of stay, you will receive training in development and ongoing support from the FSD support staff.
Study Tours (1-4 weeks)
FSD provides universities, professors, and students with in-country logistics and local resources to support development-related courses and study tours abroad. Logistical support includes transportation, room and board, and site visits to community development organizations. Students participate in service projects, development lectures from local professionals, and tourist activities. Contact FSD to form your own Study Tour for winter break, spring break, or summer.
Click here to return to the International Opportunities Page.
Download a catalogue of our programs! Programs are currently available in: Argentina, Bolivia, Kenya, India, Nicaragua, and Uganda.
Subject Areas for Project Work: Microenterprise/Microfinance, Youth and Education, Health, Environment, Women’s Empowerment, Human Rights, and Community Development.
Select from one of our 4 programs to find the opportunity that best fits your needs. All programs consist of an individual placement with a host organization, a one-week orientation, training in sustainable development, language support (not in Latin America), an individual family homestay, regular debriefing sessions, a $200 minigrant to support project work, and ongoing support from the FSD in-country staff.
Internships (9-52 Weeks)
FSD’s premier program immerses students and professionals in grassroots development, offering them a comprehensive experience working with a locally run NGO. Interns receive training in development issues by conducting needs assessments, designing and implementing project work, grantwriting, and other relevant topics. These skills are directly implemented into project work that is collaboratively designed by interns, FSD, and the host organizations to ensure sustainability. Participants are able to apply for grants directly from FSD to resource their project work in the community.
Download the FSD Internship Brochure!ProCorps Volunteering (1-52 Weeks)
Professionals and retirees with 7+ years of professional experience partner with development organizations in need of capacity building and technical expertise. A wide variety of skills and knowledge can be utilized by our network of host organizations. Participants are placed where their abilities and interests are best utilized and work begins with exposure to local development issues and community needs. Volunteers efficiently assess avenues to optimally apply their skills in collaboration with the FSD staff and their host organization. Project work can be funded directly by FSD for volunteers staying over 8 weeks.
Download the FSD ProCorps Volunteer Brochure! Short-Term Volunteering (1-8 Weeks)
Students, professionals, and retirees volunteer with FSD’s partner organizations to support their existing project work. Volunteers begin their experience getting oriented to their new surrounding and are soon assigned to service projects that match their interests and skills. Depending on your length of stay, you will receive training in development and ongoing support from the FSD support staff.
Study Tours (1-4 weeks)
FSD provides universities, professors, and students with in-country logistics and local resources to support development-related courses and study tours abroad. Logistical support includes transportation, room and board, and site visits to community development organizations. Students participate in service projects, development lectures from local professionals, and tourist activities. Contact FSD to form your own Study Tour for winter break, spring break, or summer.
Click here to return to the International Opportunities Page.