About ISV

ISV's mission is to support sustainable development initiatives around the world through life-changing volunteer and responsible adventure travel programs that educate, inspire and result in more active global citizens.

About ISV


ISV's Mission and Purpose is "To support sustainable development initiatives around the world through life-changing volunteer and responsible adventure travel programs that educate, inspire and result in more active global citizens."

  • Over 25,000 volunteers
  • Nearly 30 years experience
  • Program satisfaction rating of 4.8/5
  • 2.5 million+ volunteer hours completed
  • 24/7 support & office in every host country

ISV History

1983: The Very Beginning: Youth in Action

ISV’s founder, Randy Sykes, starts Youth in Action, an international exchange program dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange. After a highly successful run of nearly 20 years and tens of thousands of participants, the program evolved into something far different than its original mission of building bridges of understanding between cultures. 

Webinars with ISV

YOUR VOLUNTEER ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA (MAY-SEPT PROGRAM)

By: Rhys

Learn about ISV’s wild side, and have your adventure in South Africa. Rhys highlights ISV’s incredible projects protecting South Africa’s unique animals and habitats, as well as unique opportunities to support developing communities and needy families. Back it all up with an incredible adventure showcasing African animals and a host of activities ranging from diving with whale sharks, to a daylong canyoneering adventure!

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ISV's Global Team

ISV has over 200 staff who work tireslessly to ensure your experience is amazing and that each project makes a sustainable and meaningful impact. Below are just a few of our featured staff members and we encourage you to read more on our global team and the amazing people who make it all happen!

Deanna Mathewson

Deanna Mathewson ISV International Education Director

Deanna began with ISV in 2002 as a Project and Tour Leader in Costa Rica and was overseeing all operations there by 2003. Deanna has been involv...

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Randy Sykes

Randy Sykes Founder / ISV International Director

Randy is the founder and International Director of International Student Volunteers. For over 35 years Randy has been successfully operating cultur...

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Simon Costain

Simon Costain ISV International Marketing Director, University of Sydney

Simon started with ISV in 2004 promoting the ISV program across the USA and Europe. He is the International Marketing Director and spends his time ...

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View the rest of the team »

ISV's ONLINE COMMUNITY

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ISV Blog

Win a Trip to Thailand with The Little Big Project! Win a Trip to Thailand with The Little Big Project!
International Student Volunteers is excited to announce the partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand! ISV was approached by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to aid the Little Big Project which has been designed to encourage tourists to participate in a purposeful vacation. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced that they are giving [...]

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