Youthlinc is proud to launch our newest service site in Mongolia, with our first team traveling in Summer 2026. We will be working in Ulziit soum of Arkhangai Province—an area known for its vast grasslands, forested mountains, and communities deeply connected to Mongolia’s rich nomadic heritage.
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Our in-country coordinator, Adiyabold, has been working with Youthlinc since 2020 to build a meaningful, sustainable partnership rooted in community engagement. A lifelong advocate for rural development and cultural preservation, Adiyabold plays a key role in helping identify local needs and guiding our work on the ground.
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Mongolia’s history is both powerful and complex. In the 13th century, it was the center of the vast Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan, whose legacy still shapes Mongolian identity today. After centuries of foreign influence and socialist rule, Mongolia peacefully transitioned to democracy in the early 1990s. While urban areas like Ulaanbaatar have rapidly modernized, rural provinces continue to face challenges in education access, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure.
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Youthlinc teams in Ulziit will focus on English teaching, ecological development, and cultural exchange—working directly with schools and community groups to create lasting impact.
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Beyond service, participants will experience the natural and cultural beauty of Mongolia—visiting ancient monasteries, staying in traditional gers, and connecting with local families whose hospitality, resilience, and traditions make this country truly unforgettable.
We are honored to begin this new partnership and look forward to many years of collaboration and growth in Mongolia.
Trip and Program Details
What's Included?
The Youthlinc Service Year is a 9-month transformative program focused on youth service learning and leadership development. This immersive program empowers young individuals to become lifelong humanitarians by making meaningful impacts on both local and international communities.
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9-Months of programming, monthly team meetings, local service and international travel support
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Round-trip international airfare is included from Salt Lake City, Utah (we are a Utah-based program).
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​All Meals and clean water while in Mongolia
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All Accommodations and Transportation
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Excursions to Terelj National Park, ger camping, horse and camel riding, zip lining, rafting and traditional cultural performances.
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Emergency Medical and Evacuation Travel Insurance
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Travel Clinic consultation with The University of Utah Travel Clinic
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Medical Professional that travels with the team
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Trained Adult Team Leaders
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1:3 Ratio of students and adults
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2 elective credits of College Credit through Southern Utah University
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Virtual Impact Modules
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Youthlinc Dashboard and Service Hour verification system
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Presidents Volunteer Service Award (currently on hold by current Presidential administration)
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Social Fundraising Platform
Potential construction projects will focus on ecological efforts, including building a large greenhouse for the local school. The greenhouse would be maintained by student and teacher volunteers to support sustainability and education. Additional projects may include repainting the school and on-site dormitory to improve the learning environment.
Basic Itinerary
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Depart SLC
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Arrive at Ulaanbaatar and transfer to Ulziit
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Opening Ceremonies in Ulziit with Community
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Naadam Festival and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Closing Ceremonies
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Transfer to Gorkhi Terelj National Park
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Ger Camp and Cultural Excursion
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Shopping and Cultural Performance
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Depart Ulaanbaatar and Arrive back to SLC
Meet Our
In-Country Coordinator
Adiyabold Namkhai - Youth for Success
Adiyabold Namkhai grew up in Mongolia during the Soviet era and witnessed the country’s transition to democracy. Embracing new opportunities, he learned English, joined the Scout Organization, and devoted many years to volunteering with youth initiatives. After studying Tourism and Hospitality, he began his career as a tour guide and in 2004 founded New Milestone Tours to share Mongolia’s rich culture, history, and nomadic traditions with travelers.
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Driven by a passion for bridging visitors with local communities, Adiyabold has worked on projects that empower nomadic families to engage in tourism and hospitality. In 2010, he founded Youth for Success, a nonprofit supporting children from rural and low-income families. What began as providing clothing and school supplies evolved into programs that help entire families, from oral health initiatives and school supply drives to business training for young entrepreneurs. Youth for Success thrives through partnerships with travelers, donors, and local communities, creating sustainable, community-driven change across Mongolia.
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Adiyabold is a devoted father of four and actively serves his local church. Since 2025, he has also been collaborating with Youthlinc to connect remote villages with meaningful opportunities for youth engagement.
Meet the Mongolia
Team Leaders
Team Leader (TL)
Sandy Jones
Hey friends, This service journey has taken me from mentoring in Thailand to leading teams in Peru, Vietnam, and Kenya. Each adventure has stretched me, filled my life with unforgettable friendships, and fueled my passion for humanitarian work. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to lead in Mongolia with this new team, to experience our growth together and make a lasting impact. I love to work hard, but I also love to celebrate the small wins and keep things fun along the way. Welcome to Team Mongolia 🇲🇳!
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Email: Sandy.J@youthlinc.org
Assistant Team Leader (ATL)
Izzy Larson
My name is Izzy Larson, I am so excited to start this new service year! I have been involved with Youthlinc since 2021, and have had the opportunity to visit Peru, Cambodia, Thailand and now Mongolia!
Outside of Youthlinc I am a licensed broker at a financial firm, but in my free time I love to explore nature, read, listen to music, learn new things and connect with my friends and family.
I am so excited this year to be able to create beautiful and memorable experiences for us and for the people we will connect with in Mongolia!
Email: Izzy.L@youthlinc.org
