I want to volunteer abroad next summer with a friend...?

Question

My friend and i have been looking into volunteering in a foreign country next summer. We were thinking of doing something that has to do with environmental stuff. We also decided that we want to go to a really random country like Iceland, or somewhere in the same location as Hungary or Romania, but not a popular place like France or Greece, or Italy.

If you would like to give us ideas on where and what we could do, thank you.

Our main question is, Does anyone know of a volunteer organization that will allow the two of us to volunteer together?

We are very exited to go, but the only way our parents will let us is if we go together.

-Thanks

Answer 1

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/

The Learning Abroad Center Work, Intern, Volunteer (WIV) Database, hosted by the University of Minnesota, allows you to search work, internship and volunteering opportunities all over the globe. There are more than 500 programs to choose from, and you can search by keyword, region, type of program, etc.

http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/programs/wiv...

Be aware that you will be required to pay a fee that will cover your expenses: (flights, in-country transportation, health insurance, accommodation, food, security, translators, training, staff to create the service opportunities and then to supervise and support the volunteers in their service, liaisons with the police and local officials, etc.).

Answer 2

Earthwatch is costly; most trips are about 2 weeks in length.  As students you may be eligible for a scholarship to help defray costs.  Its a great experience though!  Especially if you find a location and a project that interests you.  (mostly science related).

Another thing to keep in mind is that its fully tax-deductible for your parents (or yourselves if you're working next year)

Answer 3

TRY VOLUNTEERMATCH.COM OR VOLUNTEERABROAD