What are some good sites? Im 22 yrs old and would really like to do this. Do I need to have a college degree to be able to? Im guessing a passport (which I have). How does one go about this... so many questions... Sorry... What ever information you have I need!!! Thanks so much! All answers are wanted:)
2007-10-14 17:10:19 · 5 answers · asked by Jessica B 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
Im not a church goer.. but thanks :)
2007-10-14 18:12:45 · update #1
Here are some good sites with loads of opportunities listed:
http://www.goabroad.com
http://www.transitionsabroad.com
http://www.idealist.org
No, you do not need a college degree. Qualifications vary so some positions will require it, but a large number just require a willing heart.
Yes, you'd need a passport, as well you may need to get immunizations, depending on where you're going and possibly a visa. Also, if you go to an area that is a malaria risk, you should take anti-malarial drugs (there's no immunization for malaria, instead you would need to take ongoing drugs while you're in the country),
As far as how to go about it, first think about what kind of experience you want to have. For example, rural or urban? in a developed country or developing country? one that speaks a language you know, or do you want the challenge of learning a new one? live with other volunteers, on your own, or with a local family? what kind of work do you want to do? what kind of living conditions - running water, electricity, phone, internet? what kind of health risks and immunizations are required for the country you're thinking of going to? how long are you wanting to go?
I recommend going for a minimum 2 months, if possible, because it takes time to get to know your way around, the culture, the people, your job, etc. and before you know it, you're back on the plane again!
To help you choose which organization to go with, ask if you can speak to their former volunteers, looking at what support they cover - you should get enough pre-travel info so that you know what to expect and how to adapt to your new culture, what screening they do - I avoid ones that take anyone and everyone, what in-country support they give, how long they've been in operation, and just what kind of vibe you get from their website and by talking to them on the phone.
Read up on the country and the culture before you go so you can be well-prepared. If you are patient, open to different ideas and ways of doing things, flexible, and have a sense of humour then you'll have a fantastic experience that will be life changing!
I've volunteered in several African countries, as well as in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. I HIGHLY recommend it!! I call it my 'selfish' work because it so incredibly rewarding. We're filled up on the outside with all of our 'stuff' but I find people in developing countries so full on the inside, where it counts. My overseas experiences have been challenging and tough at times, but yet the best times of my life. I have also learned so much from the indigenous people I've met - so warm, friendly, joyful, courageous, and to be greatly admired.
2007-10-15 05:13:06 · answer #1 · answered by Worldluv 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't need a college degree - though you usually have to be at least 18 years old. Most programs are expensive though - you have to pay for your airfare and living expenses as well as administrative fees for the organization to arrange the trip. Here are some of the better known organizations:
Earthwatch Institute -
http://www.earthwatch.org/site/pp.asp?c=dsJSK6PFJnH&b=2136833
Amizade
http://www.amizade.org/Courses/Individuals.html
Sierra Club -
http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/service.asp
You didn't say where you wanted to travel. Here is a "free" volunteer vacation abroad - your living expenses are covered and there is no admin fee if you commit to stay for 3 months - probably longer than you had in mind:
Ecuador Volunteer - http://www.ecuadorvolunteer.org/general_info/faq.html
But you would have to pay for your own airfare.
2007-10-15 00:35:56 · answer #2 · answered by Theresa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of churches have things called mission trips where you go and spend time helping others and such they are really awesome you should try one
2007-10-14 17:53:23 · answer #3 · answered by babigirl2375 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try global routes. they have programs for college students where you go abroad and volunteer as a teacher.
globalroutes.org
2007-10-14 17:51:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there,
try visiting http://www.volunteerabroad.com
2007-10-14 17:44:40 · answer #5 · answered by silksurreality 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋