What are some GREAT volunteer abroad programs that make a difference?

Question

What are some GREAT volunteer abroad programs that make a difference?

Answer 1

depends on what you want to do.....I use kidsworldwide.org b/c it is cheap (the cheapest I have found)......and also puts me with kids...usually teaching, but also building wells and houses...repairs.....there are many out there...but if you search, you can find some that don't cost thousands just to help out others....good luck!

Answer 2

churches, the red cross

Answer 3

The best volunteer abroad programs are the ones that accept *only* highly-skilled experts as volunteers who speak at least two languages and can give local people the knowledge they need to generate income for themselves, and that place these volunteers for at least a year. That includes VSO in England, UN Volunteers, PeaceCorps, and most any other long-term volunteer placement agency.

If you are an unskilled person who doesn't have an area of expertise (agriculture, medicine, vet medicine, HIV/AIDS education and prevention, sanitation systems, well digging, etc.), there are lots of volunteer-for-a-fee agencies that place people in short-term assignments. Most of these agencies raise money through volunteer fees, which funds long-term programs, and give short-term volunteers a feel-good experience. You will be expected to pay for your flights, in-country transportation, health insurance, accommodation, food, security, translators, training, staff 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/

You can also try United For Sight. The goal of Unite For Sight and its partner eye clinics and communities is to create eye disease-free communities. "While helping the community, volunteers are in a position to witness and draw their own conclusions about the failures and inequities of global health systems. It broadens their view of what works, and what role they can have to insure a health system that works for everyone..." This program was featured on CNN International. Volunteers, both skilled and unskilled, are 18 years and older, and there is no upper age limit. It is obligatory for accepted volunteers to purchase insurance coverage through Unite for Sight's recommended provider, and volunteers are responsible for all travel arrangements, visa vaccine requirements, lodging, airfare, food, and any additional expenses. http://www.uniteforsight.org/intl_volunt...

Here is a web site that can help you learn more about the skills and experience desired by long-term placement organizations, and how you can gain that experience locally, wherever you are right *now*, no matter your age. You are never too young nor too old to start engaging in activities and training that will make you a viable candidate for long-term volunteer placement agencies:

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

Answer 4

Peace Corps

Answer 5

help build homes= habitat for humanity