Global community service for teens?

Question

What are some good organizations for High School students to travel (anywhere) and really make a difference and also look good on college applications? Any past expiriance or know any places I could check out?

Answer 1

As an unskilled volunteer who is available only for a few weeks or months, you will need to be ready to pay your own way entirely: flights, in-country transportation, health insurance, accommodation, food, security, translators, training, staff to supervise and support you in your service, liaisons with the police and local officials, etc. You will either pay all of this yourself or pay it to the agency to handle arrangements for you.

There is a listing of the more-than-30 member organizations of the International Volunteers Program Association (IVPA) that is a good place to find reputable volunteer-for-a-fee programs -- programs where you don't need to have much experience in order to participate, and the placements are just for a few weeks or months:

http://www.volunteerinternational.org/

If you are 18, you can also try United For Sight. The goal of Unite For Sight and its partner eye clinics and communities is to create eye disease-free communities. "While helping the community, volunteers are in a position to witness and draw their own conclusions about the failures and inequities of global health systems. It broadens their view of what works, and what role they can have to insure a health system that works for everyone..." This program was featured on CNN International. Volunteers, both skilled and unskilled, are 18 years and older, and there is no upper age limit. It is obligatory for accepted volunteers to purchase insurance coverage through Unite for Sight's recommended provider, and volunteers are responsible for all travel arrangements, visa vaccine requirements, lodging, airfare, food, and any additional expenses. http://www.uniteforsight.org/intl_volunt...

Here is a web site that can help you learn more about the skills and experience desired by long-term placement organizations, and how you can gain that experience locally, wherever you are right *now*, no matter your age. You are never too young nor too old to start engaging in activities and training that will make you a viable candidate for long-term volunteer placement agencies some day:

http://www.coyotecommunications.com/volu...

Answer 2

You might want to try a big church in your area, they have missionaries go over seas all the time and a lot of them are teen groups. That may count for College brownie points, and look good on a resume. I know some people that did it and it really changed them for the better. They really got a chance to help people, they helped build houses, and tend fields, and provide medical aid, and helped feed the hungry.

The church they went to was called "Believers Chapel" and I think thats a regional denomination, so check around your area for one.

Good Luck

Answer 3

WORK WITH CHILDREN HOMES IN KENYA OR IN THE DISPLACED PEOPLE'S CAMPS IN THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY IN THE SAME COUNTRY -EMAIL ME [e-mail] for more info if you will be intrested.

isaac