Travel/volunteer programs??

Question

I want to know about those programs where you get to visit another country/culture and work for pay or just volunteer. I'm not really sure about them. I just know that a friend of mine last year did something where he got expenses paid to go do ?something? or help mission overseas? I'm not sure. like foreign exchange almost. But I want to do something like that. Where you get to go visit another culture and do something rewarding or just a memorable experience. I don't have alot of money, that's why I'm looking for the ones that pay you, or volunteer, or whatever. Not sure. Me and my best friend want to do something different this summer. any knowledge?? :]

Answer 1

This site has a long list of teen travel programs.

Check it out:

http://www.teen-summer-camps.com/Teen_Tr...

I've actually been considering enrolling in one of these programs myself:)

Answer 2

You will need a fair amount of money -- programs for young, unskilled workers to volunteer overseas for a few weeks or a couple of months require you to pay all of 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 you in your service, liaisons with the police and local officials, etc.

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 want to volunteer with organizations that don't charge, you need to be ready to give at least a  year, you need to finish your undergrad degree (Master's preferred), and more. Advice for how to volunteer and study so you can be a viable candidate for long-term volunteering organizations that don't charge to volunteer here:

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