Teen volunteering opertunities in spanish-speaking countries?

Question

Hi!

I've been researching for a few hours looking for non-profit organizations that need volunteers internationally. I would like to travel to a spanish-speaking country to work with street children, orphans, under-privelaged youth, schools, or anything of the sort.

While I have found some good organizations, they are either way too expensive for volunteer work ($2,000 for two weeks??) or do not offer programs for 16+ (it's usually 18)

Anyone who has experience, knows of a volunteer organization, or just has suggestions would be really helpful. Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

Tu hablas español, ¿sí? Porque, esto es fundamental para un trabajo en un pais donde las personas hablan español. Mis habilidades español no son adecuadas para tal trabajo, obviamente.

At your age, and without extensive expertise in working with street children, orphans, etc., you are going to have to pay a hefty fee for your short-term volunteering experience, which will pay for at least your in-country transportation, staff to supervise you and ensure the safety of the children with whom you would work, training, security, and accommodation. You also will need to have travel insurance and pay for your own travel to and from the country.

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 for unskilled volunteers, 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 long-term placement organizations that don't charge for volunteering, and how you can gain that experience locally, wherever you are right *now*, no matter your age.

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