SOME HISTORY...

Alliance Abroad Group was created in 1992 with a mission: to develop programs and services for people who would bring positive change in their communities in the U.S. and abroad, and also to enhance international understanding. Alliance Abroad Group is a designated Work/Travel J-1 visa sponsor by the U.S. Department of State.

AIDE was born in 2007 in order to allow Alliance Abroad Group to expand its reach to give back to local and global communities, and to create socially responsible citizens. AIDE’s programs help participants and communities develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to build a more tolerant, more just world.

AIDE, a non-profit organization, now operates independently from Alliance Abroad Group, but continues to draw from its 16 years of expertise and experience in program management and support.

 

SINCE THEN...

We were the only Volunteer Abroad organization approved to be represented at the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative University. AIDE is also a member of the 2009 Dell Social Innovation Competition Judge's Circle.

Alliance Abroad Group and AIDE have, throughout their 16 years of experience in operating work, teach and volunteer abroad placements, changed the lives of more than 5,000 people of all ages and origins. Our participants, from around the world, have traveled both in groups and individually through customized programs.

AIDE, with its parent company Alliance Abroad Group, benefits from strong affiliations in the most recognized organizations of the industry such as: 

  • WYSE  (World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation)
  • NAFSA (Association of International Educators)
  • GWEA  (Global Work Experience Association)
  • ALLIANCE for International Educational and Cultural Exchange

 

OUR MOTTO: SAFE AND MEANINGFUL TRAVELS

All of our programs are developed with the goal of providing a rewarding and fully secure experience, with the best possible preparation and support throughout the process. They are also aimed to fulfill the true needs of local communities.

Our programs are customizable and 100% service oriented:

    • Placements prior to departure
    • Housing and Meals
    • 24/7 Emergency Hotline
    • Personal support from a dedicated AIDE Country Specialist and
      On-Site Coordinator 
    • Activities and Tours
    • Airfare Booking Services
    • Local Transportation 
    • Medical Insurance
    • Fundraising Resources

AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible.

 

OUR ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

For the last 3 years, we have continually given our personal time, financial contributions, support and energy to the following organizations and events in Austin, TX where we are based:

Project Transitions, Austin Habitat for Humanity, Communities in Schools, Make a Wish Foundation, Matthews Elementary School, Meals on Wheels, Ride for AIDS, Lyons Gardens Family Eldercare, Capitol Area Food Bank, Caritas, Town Lake Animal Shelter, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Shoal Creek Cleaning

In 2006, we got involved with the Katrina Evacuees in Austin by providing food, clothes and friendship.

In 2008, AIDE staff joined a group of university students in painting, repairing, and teaching English at a rural school in San Carlos, Costa Rica during their Spring Break. We also traveled to Guatemala to demonstrate our commitment to community service by painting the exterior of a local heath care facility for adults and children with disabilities. Finally, we volunteered for 2 months in an orphanage in Khayelitsha, the second largest township of South Africa.

In 2009, we implemented the Austin2Africa project that supports 20 volunteers in Austin, TX to fundraise and travel to Nyanga, South Africa the first week of November and restore a crowded orphanage.

For details, please check our Community Service section.