How to volunteer as a teen internationally?

Question

I'm 17 years old and I'd like to volunteer in another country sometime this summer. I really don't know anything about volunteering internationally so I'd any information on what I need to know would be great help! I live in the U.S., so if travelling internationally turns out not to be an option, I would love to volunteer in another state!

If you could tell me all I need to know or link me to more information that would be great!

Answer 1

Check out craigslist. Some organizations advertise in all the large city volunteer sections.

Habitat for Humanity or any of the worthy causes will have national projects. (Use the Internet.) Most already have their international folks for this summer trained, inoculated and in the field.

Answer 2

You should check out foreign exchange programs, or Google for ideas. There are many opportunities to travel to other countries where you can help out - some very impressive places to consider would be South America (Mexico, Colombia, etc.), India, or certain countries in Africa. There are also many summer groups that travel to certain countries exactly for what you want to do. Consider joining one of these groups so you won't be alone in a new country! Also, if you take any languages, or know any other languages besides English, you should consider going to that native country so that you can use the language, (and if you're doing this for college), impress the colleges by showing them that you are proficient in that language and were able to use it while volunteering in that country.

Also, you should read "The Teenager's Guide to School Outside the Box" by Rebecca Greene. It is an AMAZING book jam-packed with great ideas about volunteering in general, as well as volunteering abroad. There are personal stories, descriptions, ideas/suggestions, and multitudes of links and other places you can go for reference.

And of course, all of these suggestions apply to volunteering nationally, as well. There are great ways to volunteer in many states - all you have to do is research a while, and you'll be amazed where a few clicks will take you!

Let me know what you decide to do and how it turns out, because I was considering volunteering internationally/nationally, as well. Please keep in touch and tell me what you decide to do! Good luck, and make sure you do something that interests you and that you are passionate about and will enjoy doing, because that is vital in a volunteering experience!