what is a good company/program for summer community service abroad for a college student?

Question

I am a freshman in college and am interested in doing community service abroad this summer. Can anyone share their experiences of a program they recommend?

Answer 1

Given your age, lack of experience and short availability (just a few months), you are probably going to have to go with a fee-based program. 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.
http://www.volunteerinternational.org/

I'm sure there are blogs and web sites online by people who have been in these programs about their experiences.

If you are a USA citizen, I strongly recommend the book How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas, by Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zehara Heckscher, available in bookstores onsite and online. It will give you details about what international volunteering really entails, why some organizations require that international volunteers pay, suggestions on how to raise funds for such, and a good overview of your options.

Answer 2

Why not head to the Gulf Coast this summer, there is plenty of work there, Habit for Humanity is in New Orleans or there is Project Noah going on there that will have a room for you, also in Mississippi there is http://www.rebuildlakeshore.com/, I was here twice last summer. A great place to help people and very rewarding. Good luck and God Bless!!!