Volunteer work abroad....?

Question

I have just been looking at sites which offer volunteer work in mexico/south america. I was just wondering if there is any way of checking that they are genuine sites and not just a con. before i apply to any. Also if anyone knows of any good volunteer programmes it would be great if you could let me know. thanks

Answer 1

have a look at Gapyear.Com, Earthwatch and maybe Operation Raleigh.

Also, have a look at the Lonely Planet Thorntree for more info on this kind of thing

Answer 2

Just enter the organization name in a Google search - the information you retrieve should tell you instantly whether they are legit or not.

If in doubt, try searching the U.S. State Department web site for the organization names as well. They do some vetting of aid agencies.

Answer 3

I've Wwoofed (willing workers on organic farms) they were good, although you had to be cautious as with everything.

I've also put another site worth checking

VSO are a reputable organisation

Hope you have as good a time as I did.

Answer 4

final summer season, I volunteered with the affection of Christ Ministries (TLC), an orphanage for 0.5 year olds, in South Africa. i became there for 3 months, and that i went by using myself. It became a very reliable adventure. In some approaches, it became confusing. there became the conventional way of existence marvel of a sparkling place/new nutrition/distinctive expectancies. yet i became additionally shocked that the various difficulty became with the individuals I labored with. there have been people from international working there, and not anybody became fluent in English. This made communique confusing contained in the experience of having issues carried out, in spite of the undeniable fact that it became additionally hard socially. Jokes have been hardly understood. there have been circumstances as quickly as I felt so lonely. yet are not getting me incorrect, it became thoroughly worth it. the commencing up became rocky, yet then i began out to assimilate to the fashion of existence there. I made associates with people by using assembly them halfway, by using asking approximately their u . s . a .. We talked approximately our struggles, as nicely by means of fact the issues that made us smile. I now have associates that i admire dearly from international. i think of once you do something like what you're thinking, it incredibly is significant to have reliable help from domicile, no remember if that's relatives or associates. once you sense homesick or such as you do no longer slot in, you could fall back on them for encouragement. additionally, ascertain to hold some significant issues from domicile. perhaps a photograph of your fam, or a number of your prominent snack meals. Volunteering overseas is a superb adventure and that i think of that's an adventure you will fee for something of your existence.

Answer 5

Maybe the Volunteer Services Organisation http://www.vso.org.uk/ can help.

Answer 6

BUNAC - they've been running for 45 years. I'm going to Canada with them in September.

Think website is www.bunac.org but just google them if not.