Has anyone done a volunteer programme abroad?

[Porridge]

I have spent the last year and a half living at home, working two jobs, and saving my little bum off to go traveling! I reached my savings goal, bought my round-the-world ticket, and handed in my notice. I am off in two weeks I can't wait!

I am starting in South America. There are 4 of us, and we plan to stay there for around 3 or 4 months to learn as much Spanish as possible and see the place etc. I was thinking while I'm there that it would be a good idea to go for a volunteer program that includes Spanish classes. So I'd learn Spanish and boost my CV (volunteering abroad would look great for the masters programme I'm applying to).

These programs cost though, so I want to make sure I don't waste my money. Does anyone have experience with any reputable companies that they could recommend? USIT is the obvious choice, however they unfortunately don't operate in the country I'm going to at the moment.

Any input appreciated!

 

[kelpie]

I haven't used any of those companies but if you are ever planning on Tanzania, feel free to use me as a resource.

 

[Porridge]

I haven't used any of those companies but if you are ever planning on Tanzania, feel free to use me as a resource.

Thank you Kelpie, I'll keep that in mind!

 

[chemgirl]

I haven't used one of the volunteer abroad programs, but I did read an interesting article about them the other day: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna

Not to say that all companies are bad, but they do make a pretty good case against anything involving orphans. Is there any way you can volunteer with a company that provides some sort of resource to a community? I'm thinking something similar to Engineers Without Boarders or Doctors Without Boarders (might not apply to you, but maybe you can help somehow?) I would think a company that installs clean water systems or something like that could be a good one.

After reading that article I would be nervous about doing anything where you have to pay large fees to volunteer your time.

 

[Porridge]

I haven't used one of the volunteer abroad programs, but I did read an interesting article about them the other day: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna

Not to say that all companies are bad, but they do make a pretty good case against anything involving orphans. Is there any way you can volunteer with a company that provides some sort of resource to a community? I'm thinking something similar to Engineers Without Boarders or Doctors Without Boarders (might not apply to you, but maybe you can help somehow?) I would think a company that installs clean water systems or something like that could be a good one.

After reading that article I would be nervous about doing anything where you have to pay large fees to volunteer your time.

Yes I read articles like that one - that's why I'm so wary!

The current programme I'm looking at is actually run by a well-established language school. You attend the school for a number of weeks and once your Spanish is good enough, if you like you can choose to be placed somewhere as a volunteer for no extra cost. All you pay for are the Spanish lessons. They don't do orphanages, just things like building houses, helping out at local health clinics, helping schools teach English that kind of thing. From what I've read and from talking to people who have been in that area it is a very reputable place. I'm just being extra cautious!

 

[chemgirl]

I haven't used one of the volunteer abroad programs, but I did read an interesting article about them the other day: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/14/orphans-cambodia-aids-holidays-madonna

Not to say that all companies are bad, but they do make a pretty good case against anything involving orphans. Is there any way you can volunteer with a company that provides some sort of resource to a community? I'm thinking something similar to Engineers Without Boarders or Doctors Without Boarders (might not apply to you, but maybe you can help somehow?) I would think a company that installs clean water systems or something like that could be a good one.

After reading that article I would be nervous about doing anything where you have to pay large fees to volunteer your time.

Yes I read articles like that one - that's why I'm so wary!

The current programme I'm looking at is actually run by a well-established language school. You attend the school for a number of weeks and once your Spanish is good enough, if you like you can choose to be placed somewhere as a volunteer for no extra cost. All you pay for are the Spanish lessons. They don't do orphanages, just things like building houses, helping out at local health clinics, helping schools teach English that kind of thing. From what I've read and from talking to people who have been in that area it is a very reputable place. I'm just being extra cautious!

Sounds like a cool program! I hope somebody chimes in with more info.

 

[megumic]

I'm not sure this is exactly what you're talking about, but back in college I did Habitat for Humanity in Hungary. It wasn't through college or anything, I just applied to attend and went! We helped build houses for two weeks in the countryside. It was an incredible experience!