Volunteering Abroad

[rockstar]

Does anyone have experience volunteering abroad?

Thanks to cmyden, I recently booked a one-way flight to Europe, and I feel like giving my trip a real purpose. I have a sudden and inexplicable urge to help people, work hard, and experience rewards more significant than cash in the hand, and I figure this would be a good way to do that. I'm not sure if I want to do something just for a few weeks, or a longer term stint. I'm keeping it open.

Has anyone volunteered through any Canadian or internatinal organizations in the past? Obviously I'd prefer to do this somewhere in Europe, but feel free to share any volunteer experiences you have.

cadip.org seems to have a ton of options, but I've read about some bad experiences with this company.

Also, I realize there are fees for most of these opportunities. I'd like to know what an acceptable charge would be for any of you who have done something like this.

Thanks again CP.

[black rubber disc bunny]

Take my wife, please.

Whoops...I should have read the OP.

[Ozy_Flame]

http://www.gviusa.com/

That should help. See what you can find. I've heard nothing but good things.

[rockstar]

Thanks Ozy. That site offers some amazing opportunities but the prices alone are more than I have to my name.

[blankall]

I did a think with Youth Challenge International (www.YCI.org) several years ago.

Great experience. The price was a bit much.

After airflight to South America it ended up being $4500-$5000. The money you pay in is a tax right off though. So it ended up costing me closer to $3000.00 (this was when taxes were higher).

It wasn't so bad considering I was down there for 10 weeks and that included air fare, accomodation, travel to and from work sites, food, buliding supplies, etc...

Since I did the program, YCI has expanded their program from South America and the Pacific Islands to include several sites in Africa.

How old are you? This program is really for anyone aged 18-30. If you are in the upper range or have lots of experience you can get hired on by them as a group leader. This is a longer commitment but they will actually pay you to go.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by rockstar

Does anyone have experience volunteering abroad?

Thanks to cmyden, I recently booked a one-way flight to Europe, and I feel like giving my trip a real purpose. I have a sudden and inexplicable urge to help people, work hard, and experience rewards more significant than cash in the hand, and I figure this would be a good way to do that. I'm not sure if I want to do something just for a few weeks, or a longer term stint. I'm keeping it open.

Has anyone volunteered through any Canadian or internatinal organizations in the past? Obviously I'd prefer to do this somewhere in Europe, but feel free to share any volunteer experiences you have.

cadip.org seems to have a ton of options, but I've read about some bad experiences with this company.

Also, I realize there are fees for most of these opportunities. I'd like to know what an acceptable charge would be for any of you who have done something like this.

Thanks again CP.

I remember the time you "volunteered" to drink all the wine at my hostel. You done did a good job, rockstar.

[rockstar]

Thanks, 4X4. I do what I can to help, you know?


I've been to this site, Cadip.org, which seems to offer a load of opportunities at very good prices. Problem is, I can't find much more info on them, other than one sketchy testimonial and one refute of said testimonial. The lack of info is disconcerting, but the prices are (relatively) very low.