If there a program designed specifically for teenagers to volunteer overseas?

Question

Program need not be exclusivly for teenagers.

I would really love to spend a few weeks in the summer voluneering overseas. I will be entering college next semester, and will be unable to do anything on this scale for the next six or seven years.

I have very little money of my own, so what I really need is a program that will assist you in getting the papers to travel, lodging, transportation, and food.

I live in the United States and am 17 years-old.

Answer 1

Most programs require you to be 18+. Global Volunteer Network is a great program but you need to be 18. If you can wait for a bit, check them out - the prices are easily the best out there (trust me - I've done a LOT of research) and there are a lot of programs to work with.

Another option is something like Children's International Summer Villages. http://www.cisv.org/  I have a few friends who went overseas with them and it changed their lives. You may be too old for this, but I think you can volunteer to be a leader if you are too old.

Answer 2

As an unskilled volunteer looking for a short-term opportunity, you yourself will need to pay for your flights, in-country transportation, health insurance, accommodation, food, security, translators, training, staff to create the service opportunities and then to supervise and support you in your service, liaisons with the police and local officials, etc. The organization is NOT going to provide you assistance with such, because with that money, they could actually employ local people -- something far more beneficial to the local people than bringing in an unskilled teenager.

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/

Here is a web site that can help you learn more about the skills and experience desired by organizations that don't charge for volunteer placement (however, you must commit to at least six months), and how you can start gaining that experience locally, wherever you are, right *now*, no matter your age.

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