• Programs for Academic Institutions •

In a time of globalization, we live in a world where the meeting of different cultures is an increasingly common occurence in our everyday lives. This cross-cultural and educational experience offered to your students by HorizonCosmopolite, aims to:

  • Enable students to develop the knowledge and experience needed to grow in an interdependent world.

This program fosters the development of essential tools needed in order to become agents of change. This international experience with HorizonCosmopolite allows for:

  • the development of responsible citizens who are open to the world and who engage in the progress of a just, harmonious, and environmentally respectful society.

Specific objectives: The program allows participants to reach the following objectives:

  • Acquire life experience within a community where the culture, values, and customs are different than our own.
  • Understand the world in which we live and better understand our own culture.
  • Develop and strenghten new skills: leadership, autonomy, resourcefulness, sense of responsibility, cross-cultural relations, ability to live and work in a group, communication, adaptability, problem solving, critical and creative thinking.
  • Learn a new language.
  • Volunteer in a local and/or international cooperation project.
  • Acquire knowledge and a different view of one’s field of study (groups in a post-secondary level).

Achieving these objectives can add value to a specific academic program. However, with its non-formal educational methods, it also promotes a learning experience that is complementary to our traditional educational learning model.

OUR GROUP PROJECTS:

How about offering your students the opportunity to increase their knowledge and develop new skills in the context of a cross-cultural experience abroad that is stimulating and enriching?

In collaboration with our Guatemalan partner, this project allows young people to live in a traditional community located 10 minutes away from the colonial town of Antigua. Host families will accommodate groups of two students each. Participants will take morning Spanish courses in Antigua and participate in cultural and community activities in the afternoon. Please note that this experience caters to the needs and goals of student groups that have limited or no knowledge of Spanish, but who are highly enthusiastic about learning a new language.

Furthermore, this project is intended for participants who want to share an experience with people in need while discovering this Central American country, known as the most exotic in the region. HorizonCosmopolite offers you a two week awareness-raising visit to the village of Ciudad Vieja near Antigua, Guatemala.


Through our projects in Honduras, we offer your students the opportunity to live an enriching experience, both on a personal and professional level. The goal of this project is to provide the participant with the opportunity to experience a way of life that is different from his / her own, to learn a new language and acquire other useful skills.

HorizonCosmopolite, in collaboration with its Honduran partner, offers participants the chance to live with a Honduran host family in the small town of Copán Ruinas. The program includes private Spanish classes every morning and volunteer activities in the afternoon. This program is unique in the sense that it provides participants with the opportunity to live in direct and continuous contact with the local population while being immersed in a Spanish speaking environment during the entire trip. By living with a host family, taking Spanish classes and doing volunteer work, the participant will discover the daily life realities of a people whose rich traditional customs are still very much alive. Along with cultivating new knowledge and skills, such an experience also fosters personal growth from which can emerge a sense of civic responsibility and a better understanding of the realities linked to globalization.


Youth who take part in this program will experience Costa Rica through community life in a small rural village, Rosario and city life in Nicoya, the first colonial city. The province of Guanacaste contributes to the cultural identity of the country with rich traditional values and customs.

Upon arrival, students will complete 16 hours of Spanish classes at a secondary school in the historic city of Nicoya. This will be followed by a more intensive cultural immersion in the rural community of Rosario. During this time you will have the opportunity to take part in different volunteer activities in order to contribute to an improved quality of life for the local community. Additionally, you can experience different cultural activities related to the Aboriginal culture of “Chorotega.” The Chorotegas are indigenous to the region.

In both Nicoya and Rosario, students and their teachers will live in host families in order to foster a complete cultural and linguistic immersion.

It goes without saying, that nature conservation is very important in Costa Rica. We will take the time to discuss biodiversity in the country, visit a bird conservation park and participate in reducing carbon emissions by planting trees.


Not available for the moment

HorizonCosmpolite is offering a glimpse into Dominican culture as it has never been seen before. Expect a warm welcome and an opportunity to appreciate the authenticity, community spirit and ‘joie de vivre’ of local residents.

Participants will experience community life through a homestay accommodation in the semi-urban town of Puerto Plata, at the foot of the Isabela de Torres mountain. Our local Dominican partner works closely with a number of schools, community groups and churches. This will allow you to experience different facets of the community.

The program includes a tour of the historic town of Puerto Plata and an excursion up the Isabela de Torres mountain to admire the coastal landscape and the mountain ranges; all boasting lush vegetation.

Your volunteer stay will allow you to experience daily life in a rural Dominican town and immerse yourself in the local community.

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HorizonCosmopolite offers you the opportunity to work in an agricultural cooperative with its local partner organization, located on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. The organic farm is located in the heart of a small valley which sustains the livelihood of several small indigenous communities. The organic farm welcomes volunteers with open arms. The farm is located 30km away from the town of Bahia de Caraquez. People in the community lead a simple life based on tradition and without access to most 21st century Western commodities. For instance, this community only gained access to electricity 3 years ago.

This project is designed for groups who wish to immerse themselves in a cross-cultural and enriching experience in a remote environment. In order to facilitate the participants cultural adaptation process, Spanish lessons can be arranged on the farm for small groups. The rest of the time is dedicated to volunteer work and socio-cultural activities in the area with members of the community. The participants will live in small groups in the huts adjacent to the main pavilion located on the farm. A host family lives on the farm on a full-time basis and will be there to prepare meals, supervise and assist the participants in their experience, and to ensure their needs are met. The participants will have the chance to visit the city of Quito which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In terms of altitude, Quito is the second most elevated capital in the world. The young participants will also have the opportunity to take a bus ride across the Andean Cordillera. On well maintained roads, they will climb to ridges nearing 4000 feet in elevation. Unforgettable moments await them.


Not available for the moment

If international solidarity appeals to you and you want to make it live with young people in a stimulating, authentic and francophone environment, Haiti stands as a destination of choice. HorizonCosmopolite and its Haitian partner offer you a colorful stay that will allow young people to open up to the world.

Participants will experience community living through hosting in Gonaïves as well as volunteer work in different areas. Our Haitian partner works with many schools and orphanages in addition to managing numerous projects in the environment where participants can provide support.

The program includes a guided city tour of Gonaïves, the cradle of Haitian Independence where you can discover the many honorary squares, important figures in the history of the country as well as the Cathedral and the Town Hall. You will also spend a day on a wild beach where the Caribbean Sea and nature will be at the rendezvous.

Your stay will allow you to visit a Voodoo sanctuary and attend a typical gathering of some faithful. Faith being a central element of culture. Come and experience Creole culture through food, language, colors and traditions in Haiti, nicknamed the pearl of the West Indies.


HorizonCosmopolite offers your group a cultural exchange experience in a small rural Inca community situated in the Cusco city region of Peru.

You will be welcomed in Cusco, a city perched at over 3400 meters, by our Peruvian partner. After visiting this historical city, cradle of Inca civilization, you will head in a small native village where people live mainly from agriculture, in modest living conditions. You will live in host family, share people’s lives and be involve in various construction projects, agriculture and/or animation for children. The volunteer projects will depends of your interests and the needs of the community when you will visit it.

At the end of your stay, you will return to Cusco where excursions and cultural visits will be plan to discover the history and traditions of the Incas. The ascent of Machu Picchu is possible, under special conditions. This very different stay requires a good ability to adapt to basic living conditions.


HorizonCosmopolite offers your group a cultural exchange experience in a small rural Inca community situated in the Cusco city region of Peru.

You will be welcomed in Cusco, a city perched at over 3400 meters, by our Peruvian partner. After visiting this historical city, cradle of Inca civilization, you will head in a small native village where people live mainly from agriculture, in modest living conditions. You will live in host family, share people’s lives and be involve in various construction projects, agriculture and/or animation for children. The volunteer projects will depends of your interests and the needs of the community when you will visit it.

At the end of your stay, you will return to Cusco where excursions and cultural visits will be plan to discover the history and traditions of the Incas. The ascent of Machu Picchu is possible, under special conditions. This very different stay requires a good ability to adapt to basic living conditions.


Its history, culture, cuisine, landscapes, and temples are all elements that make Thailand a fascinating country to discover. Both modern and authentic, this country certainly is known for attracting tourists, but what is unknown to many travelers is the multitude of exotic locations that remain “off the beaten track”.

You will see that there is more to Thailand than just tourism. Welcome to the Kingdom of Siam, a country on the cutting edge of technology where it is still possible to ride around on elephants! You will arrive in Thailand, “Land of Smiles”, and will spend your first night in Chiang Rai, surrounded by scenic landscapes that are simply breathtaking. The following day, a four hour trek will take you to your host community, Lahu tribal village in the hills, where you will stay with a host family. Over the course of your stay, you will learn the Lahu language, organize activities with the local primary school, participate in a construction project, play with children, cook and savor Thai and Lahu food, relax with your host family, visit the town of Chiang Rai and explore the Thai and Lahu cultures.

Vietnam is more than the typical stereotypes of rice paddy fields baking in the sun, bamboo bushes and conical hats. Vietnam represents an image of an eternal Asia, miraculously preserved, simple and rustic. A journey to Vietnam is an absolute adventure and you will notice that the infrastructure is often very basic. Do not expect a tranquil trip during your travels in the Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, the city of Hanoi with unique colonial architecture and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the large city in the south. Vietnam is making up for lost time and is a rapidly changing country. Without a doubt, Vietnam is entering a new era.

Thanks to HorizonCosmopolite and our local partner, this project provides the opportunity for youth to take part in a unique cultural experience, in a small community in the Nam Dinh province. Depending on your group’s interests, you will have the chance to participate in volunteer work such as: teaching, orphan care, community gardening, reforestation, maintaining heritage sites or construction, etc. During the projects you will be partnered with local youth from the community, youth centers and village schools. You will also have the chance to visit the Ha-Long Bay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and explore the charming city of Hanoi.


Dare to discover West Africa through an exceptional experience at a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You will stay with a host family in the heart of Ganvie, the lake village often referred to as the “Venice of Africa”.

Please note that this village has limited amenities; which will provide you with the opportunity to un-plug and live simply. Recognized for their legendary hospitality, the countries in West Africa are tourist-friendly and have interesting customs, history and music. The traditional culture in Benin is vibrant; including, ancestor worship and voodoo culture. You will quickly come to learn that human relations are a priority in all aspects of life and you will understand the true significance of the word “community”.

By taking part in different volunteer projects in the community, you will have the chance to experience the daily reality of life in the village. You will also come away with a better understanding of the challenges facing Africa today. By experiencing the life of Beninese people, you will discover the richness of this fascinating culture. A new world awaits you!

Come discover West Africa, in a village that is located in the center of the country, halfway between the tropical climate of the coast and the dry climate of the African Sahel in the Republic of Togo. Recognized for its legendary hospitality, Togo is visitor friendly and has a culture rich with local customs, history, music, nature reserves and diversity. The traditional culture, rich and complex, is vibrant in the community, as well as the honoring of ancestors. Even though a variety of local dialects are spoken in Togo, French remains the official language.

Your volunteer experience will be in the heart of a traditional community. You may not have access to many amenities, but the importance of human relations is paramount in all aspects of life. You will reside with a host family during your stay, who will welcome you as a member of the community. Get ready to experience an extraordinary cultural exchange!

Through different volunteer projects in the community, you will have a chance to experience the reality of living in Togo and will come away with a better understanding of the issues facing Africa today. By taking part in daily life in Togo, you will discover all the riches of this fascinating culture.

 WHAT’s Included?

    • A HorizonCosmopolite representatives and/or a local guide on site;
    • Accommodation;
    • All meals for the duration of the stay;
    • All transport within the country;
    • Volunteer work in various community organizations (construction, renovations, social work);
    • Support by our host partner for the duration of the stay;
    • Cultural activities and visits;
    • Pre-departure and return training offered by HorizonCosmopolite;
    • Participant’s guide;
  • Availability of the entire HorizonCosmopolite team before, during and after the trip.

What’s not included?

  • Plane ticket
  • Travel insurance
  • Passport
  • Vaccination
  • Personal expenses
  • Visa (if needed)
  • Exit Tax (if needed)

Information about pre-departure orientation

It is of utmost importance to prepare the students for their experience in a cross-cultural exchange. This is why we offer a 30-hour pre-departure orientation and training session that will be valuable to the whole group. HorizonCosmopolite will conduct the training sessions at your school, at the time that is the most convenient for you.

HorizonCosmopolite is flexible in terms of scheduling : we are available during the day, evenings and on weekends. Here are the topics covered during the training, which is divided into 9 information sessions :

Session 1 : Meeting with the parents
Session 2 : Introduction to the project
Session 3 : Globalization and socially responsible consumption
Session 4 : Group dynamics
Session 5 : Communication and cultural acclimatization
Session 6 : Background information on the host country
Session 7 : Traveler’s health, security, and logistics
Session 8 : Reverse culture shock
Session 9 : Accompanying a group in a cross-cultural context

HorizonCosmopolite offers nonformal educational opportunities. Our aim is not to impart theoretical knowledge but rather to emphasize interactive learning. The sessions are interactive and dynamic, since we prefer simulation exercises and interactive games to facilitate the understanding and the acquirement of the different notions seen during the workshops. Each participant will also receive a training guide that will complement the training and and that he may consult at any time. The order of the sessions may vary depending on the needs of your group. All the workshops aim to complement the information that the person responsible for the group will receive from us during the process of planning and organization of the project, and allow young people to be fully prepared for this unique experience.