I Want to Volunteer Abroad. Are There Any Programs Without High Fees?

Ask Rolf: Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

03.31.06 | 10:00 AM ET

Rolf Potts

Dear Rolf,

I’m planning on departing on a long-term round-the-world journey sometime in the next few years, and I was interested in volunteering throughout the journey. To learn more about this possibility, I checked out the Cross Cultural Solutions site and was excited to see the many different opportunities. However, I soon discovered it wasn’t free. It was, actually, very expensive!

My question is, are there any solid, reputable, good volunteer programs that don’t have high “program fees”? I know those programs are probably well worth the money, but I just don’t have the budget to spend $2,000 every time I want to volunteer for a couple weeks. Are there cheaper alternatives that still offer the same rewarding and memorable experience?

Thanks,

—Ian

Dear Ian,

You bring up a good point. Volunteering is indeed a great way to experience the world, and it can be discouraging to discover that many volunteering opportunities are expensive enough to deplete your long-term travel budget.

With this in mind, I recommend that vagabonders look for informal volunteer opportunities on the road. That is, instead of applying in advance through a volunteering agency, just keep your eyes open as you travel, and donate your skills as you see a need. As a former teacher, I often drop by neighborhood schools in various countries to volunteer informal English lessons to local students and classes. Not only does this help kids practice their English and interact with someone from a different country—it also deepens my experience of travel, and it allows me to meet local people who aren’t tied to the tourism trade.

Similarly, if you have expertise in, say, computers, you might volunteer your time helping to improve online access at village Internet cafes. If you’ve been trained in law or health, you can probably find ways to help with refugee communities near international borders. Even simple willingness to lend a hand in extraordinary conditions can be a great way to reach out to your host community—and a good example of this came after the Asian tsunami of 2004, when scores of independent travelers in Thailand and Sri Lanka spontaneously pitched in to assist rescue, recovery, relocation and fund-raising efforts.

So as you travel, definitely keep an eye out for these types of spontaneous volunteer opportunities. Just remember to be sensitive to local concerns as you offer your time and labor. Volunteering expert Doug Cutchins (whose book Volunteer Vacations is in its 9th edition) tells me that “the concept of ‘volunteering’ isn’t universally held. There are some cultures and countries around the world where what you want to do won’t be familiar, or where your help—as an outsider from a country with perceived power—won’t be welcomed.”

Moreover, even as you plan to volunteer informally as you travel, I recommend that you be aware of the formal volunteer opportunities that are out there, even if they require a fee. Transitions Abroad magazine, for example, maintains great online resources for volunteering, and I recommend a subscription to anyone who is considering a long-term journey that combines travel with volunteering, work or study.

This in mind, I contacted Transitions Abroad editor Gregory Hubbs to sound off on a few of your volunteering concerns, and here are some outtakes from our Q&A:

Why does it typically cost so much to volunteer through an agency?

Gregory Hubbs: Primarily because most volunteers are more of a liability until they are trained to help the local community. Often the money spent volunteering is best spent on the local volunteers/people, particularly if the outside volunteer does not have medical, teaching, technical or other useful skills which would allow them to “hit the ground running.” In addition, it is usually very important for there to be continuity in a volunteer project for it to truly succeed in helping those who need it. Several online resources address this issue, including articles in Transitions Abroad, Verge Magazine and the Cross-Cultural Solutions website itself.

How does one prepare for a volunteering experience?

GH: You must decide the type of volunteer work for which you are best suited. It is very important that to make sure that you have both the interest and the physical ability to volunteer for a particular project, and this requires some self-analysis beforehand. You must also take into account many of the practical issues you will encounter abroad as a volunteer and plan how to handle them. Who pays for meals? Who pays for the room? Do you have health insurance while you travel, along with all required immunizations? Have you taken into account all transportation costs to and from the location(s) you choose to volunteer? A good article on preparatory issues which could apply to short-term volunteer work can be found here.

Where in the world can one volunteer?

GH: This can depend on whether your itinerary will be spontaneous or highly planned. If you tend to prefer some spontaneity, as do I, then doing research on a variety of programs up front is even more important in order to avoid losing any up-front registration money. Around-the-world trips rarely go as planned, nor should they. But to get to the meat of the issue: There are a couple of excellent “umbrella” organizations with volunteer programs that go on year-round:

Volunteer Vacations author Cutchins suggests a few more options for less-expensive international volunteer placement agencies (most of them in Western Europe), including:

Send your questions to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Tags: Voluntourism


102 Comments for I Want to Volunteer Abroad. Are There Any Programs Without High Fees?

James 04.04.06 | 9:51 AM ET

Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for volunteer vacations. Volunteering abroad in Kenya in East Africa region is the experience of a lifetime as hundreds of volunteers travel there to work and make a real difference in the lives of local people.

The Volunteer Programmes are organised by Touch-Humanity International Voluntary Services (THIVS)a Kenyan-based non-profit organization which works to promote volunteering as a powerful force for change, both for those who volunteer and for the wider community.

Touch-Humanity International Voluntary Services 04.04.06 | 9:56 AM ET

Volunteer, Expereince and Develop.

Ron Mader 04.04.06 | 1:08 PM ET

This is an excellent topic, excellent advice. We’ll be adding a link from Planeta.com headlines.

One question—are there any good discussion forums about volunteer tourism? I’d like to see a frank “Trip Advisor” or “Amazon.com” type review system.

Doug Cutchins 04.04.06 | 5:55 PM ET

In response to Ron’s question regarding a review system: I would be hesitant to see such a system put into place.  The turnover in the administration of these organizations is fairly high, which can greatly impact the quality of a program (either for the better or worse).  One key administrator can make all the difference in terms of whether an individual volunteer has a positive or negative experience.  If that administrator leaves, it can greatly alter the experiences of future volunteers.

Also, in my experience, many volunteers who have a negative experience do so because they were a poor match for the organization—their expectations did not match what the organization was offering.  What might be a “bad” organization for one volunteer could be perfect for a different one.

All of the above is why we don’t try to review organizations in “Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others.”  Instead, we provide detailed information about the organization, and then leave it to the individual volunteer to decide whether or not this organization is a good fit for them.

Gregory Hubbs 04.05.06 | 10:37 AM ET

I agree with all Doug Cutchins has to say based upon two personal experiences at the French organization R.E.M.P.A.R.T. as a teen (30 years ago)—which was in one instance very well run and in another somewhat less so. The same can be said of my experiences with study abroad programs via very reputable institutions.

There are just too many factors involved in “ranking” programs, and one cannot rank them as one might rank products via Amazon.

What I am wrestling with is the creation of a forum for the discussion of such subjects on a more extensive basis, since one risks either receiving “spam” from programs providers or “flaming” which might have many personal motivations.

I still think there is a need for a forum for the discussion and comparison of experiences and welcome any ideas for facilitating such exchanges. At Transitions Abroad, we have always urged writers to “stick to the facts” and let the description of the experience speak for itself—thereby exposing both positive and negative elements implicitly. But we are, of course, aware that there is no such thing as pure objectivity concerning what can be a pivotal experience in one’s life…

Ron Mader 04.05.06 | 5:41 PM ET

Greg writes: “I still think there is a need for a forum for the discussion and comparison of experiences and welcome any ideas for facilitating such exchanges”

My suggestion—let’s create such a forum. We just need to agree to a set of rules for exchange.

Gregory 04.05.06 | 6:18 PM ET

Right. We can hopefully come up with something useful offline and return in the future with a new resource/forum prompted by Rolf’s column (and also necessitated by the dearth of person-to-person communication modes on this important subject).

Judy Blunden 04.06.06 | 10:16 AM ET

For native English speakers there is a wonderful FREE program in Spain teaching English to Spanish business men and women. They don’t want teachers, just English speakers who love to chat.

It is an emmersion course sponsored by the largest in-company language school in Spain. You exchange seven days (12 hours or more a day) of conversation for board and room.

There are two venues: a renovated medieval village in the mountains north of Madrid and a four star complex in Salamanca. A company chartered bus picks you up in Madrid on Friday afternoon and returns you there the next Friday.

The programs are weekly, but you can volunteer for more than one. Some people make a career out of it. I learned of a Canadian woman who has been over 50 times.

Since you are “interested in volunteering throughout the journey”, this might fit into your schedule. The experience is unique and fun—lots of laughter and you make great friends.

They are developing a new venue in Tuscany for next year. But for now only veterans from the Spanish venues are accepted because of the demand.

Check it out at vaughanvillage.com.

Rori 04.07.06 | 12:58 PM ET

Hi I would like to recommand this site http://www.openmindprojects.org

Realy good people and good works.

Yari 04.07.06 | 7:57 PM ET

The Peace Corps allows for volunteering all over the world. You have to be qualified, and they pay you. You don’t pay them.

Jane B. 04.08.06 | 12:29 PM ET

Here’s another site with low cost volunteer projects:www.volunteersouthamerica.net

Eni 04.15.06 | 7:01 AM ET

Hi,

if you look for affordable volunteer placements in Thailand check this organization: http://www.thai-experience.org

I had had a great time and will definitly go back soon.
Cheers,
Eni

Steve McElhinney 04.17.06 | 6:02 AM ET

Thanks Jane B.
Here is the link for Volunteer South America: http://www.volunteersouthamerica.net
Support FREE volunteering in South America.

David Chamberlain 04.28.06 | 9:00 AM ET

The PhilanthropicTravel Foundation

Our mission is to connect people from around the world at the heart. Please join us at a humanitarian outreach program for a half-day of fulfilling and intense personal discovery next time you are enjoying the luxury of exotic travel. Our planning resources are free to travelers and non-profit organizations.

Swazimoto 05.22.06 | 8:18 PM ET

Dear Rolf, I was not totally happy with your answer to Ian who didn’t want to pay high program fees. You promptly referred him to dozens of fee volunteer agencies. The answer is, Yes, you can find volunteer opportunities that don’t cost anything but your travel expenses and living expenses. Use the internet to find them online. Or just show up in any Third World country and ask around. Volunteer agencies are for people who are not smart enough, or unqualified to travel on their own. You will be very happy to have that extra cash to donate directly to the charity you find after you get there. The key is to communicate with the charity manager before you arrive to determine if you will fit in or not. Keep looking until you find the right fit. Good luck!

Mark Alan 05.25.06 | 12:50 AM ET

Lion’s paradise Travels (Pvt) Ltd was incorporated as a private limited company under the companies ordinance No. 17 of 1982, on the 20th of October 2004.The number one travel agency in Sri Lanka, we provided travel services such as trails, safaris, bird watching, water sports, culture and historical sites. Visit http://www.lions.lk

JulieSunrise 06.05.06 | 5:36 AM ET

I have been traveling since March 2004 and have volunteered in places such as Nicaragua (3 weeks at a drop in educational center for street kids), Laos (3 days helping teach English to a group of kids), Thailand (4 days clearing rubble on Phi Phi Island), India (4 weeks teaching English one-on-one to an adult in India), etc. I never paid for any of these volunteer opportunities.  Look in the guide books for places that do something good for the community and check out those places, ask around. It’s not hard to find ways to help out.  Everyone wants to learn English.

If you are looking for more long-term opportunities, with some kind of benefits like free accomodation, check out http://www.idealist.org.  The sites that have multiple listings and say “1 or 2 weeks” or “no experience needed” are agencies that charge money. You will begin to recogize the few same names. Just avoid those groups.

Ron Mader 06.21.06 | 3:19 PM ET

FYI, we are referencing this topic in the Ethical Travel Dialogue online Planeta.com through July 21

Philanthropic Travel Foundation 06.21.06 | 7:58 PM ET

Forgot our link in the post above, here it is:

http://www.philanthropictravel.org

Rhiannon 07.03.06 | 3:47 PM ET

Hi there,

I have been reading through everyone’s comments with interest….

I am writing my dissertation about volunteer tourists, and their expectations / realities.  I am most interested in slightly older volunteers ie not Gap Year Students but people who have done a bit of work first and those who went out or stayed and helped post-tsunami.  I also don’t have any contacts with anyone who works for volunteer organisations….

If anyone would be happy for me to interview them via email, could you send me your address to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Thanks

Rhiannon

Mike 08.18.06 | 11:09 AM ET

Check out this Blog.  Very Interesting - unfortunately doesn’t offer any place to go in order to not get gouged.
http://voluntourismexposed.blogspot.com/

Gregory Hubbs 08.18.06 | 11:56 AM ET

The blog looks like it is off to a good start.

The following site from Canada (where independence of spirit is a way of life) show promise in this regard and is similiar to what I am working on to add to our volunteer section.

<a ref=“http://www.truetravellers.org/”>True Travellers</a>

Gregory Hubbs 08.18.06 | 11:57 AM ET

ash 09.24.06 | 6:44 PM ET

There are indeed cheaper options to volunteering.some charge as little as 200 dollars per month.you can check the above link.

Jenna 10.23.06 | 1:10 PM ET

Hi

It may not be for all as it is a volunteering organization with fees but I had an amazing time and really felt that the money I paid contributed to me getting more out of the experience with great training and support, thus I could help the project more, so it worked both ways. They also have some really high profile project partners which I think is a great way of testing the credibility of such organizations.

jenna 10.23.06 | 1:11 PM ET

whoops sorry here is the url http://www.gviusa.com

bbosa steve martin 10.27.06 | 11:57 AM ET

Dear sir,

I wanted to volunteer in America but my
request is how do i start off the way?
i will be great full if my request is considered

Jason 11.13.06 | 3:09 PM ET

Another useful one is: http://www.volunteeramazon.com

ash 12.06.06 | 7:28 PM ET

i gave the wrong link to a cheap volunteer organization.Here is the right link.WWW.buffalotrailsafrica.com

Volunteer Unlimited 12.20.06 | 1:55 PM ET

Provides information about volunteer, volunteer work, opportunity volunteer, program volunteer, service volunteer, center volunteer, organization volunteer, abroad volunteer, vacation volunteer, group volunteer, job volunteer, free newsletters, special offers and much more.

Naresh Raj Ghimire 01.02.07 | 6:32 AM ET

Hi , If you like to volunteer in Nepal than we can organize for you, affordable volunteer placements in Nepal check INFO Nepal.

kelly johnston 02.04.07 | 10:59 AM ET

hi, i would do anything to work abroad, and help people and vaulteer, can you please help me and give me some advise?

Rabi chand 02.11.07 | 4:03 AM ET

Hi
our school dont charge fees for volunteer. our school`s website is holylandschool.bravehost.com
  thanks

Khyam Prasad Shiwakoty 05.23.07 | 8:34 AM ET

Dear Ian,
I respect your keen interest.So, We can manage affodable volunteer placement and experiance real Nepal with real organization.If You need more information,please check: http://www.idfnepal.org
Thanks

Bhagawan Karki 05.23.07 | 8:55 AM ET

Reasonable fee and high quality service we provide. Your choice of Ideal friendship Nepal would be your right choice.

Gregory Hubbs 05.25.07 | 1:12 PM ET

A recent article on TransitionsAbroad.com addresses the issue of how to go about finding inexpensive volunteering work overseas.

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0705/volunteer_in_latin_america_independently.shtml

Priscila 05.27.07 | 9:22 AM ET

Hello,
If you are currently looking for a low cost volunteer program (no fees charged and they give you food and room) and you are willing to truly commit to the place for at least a few weeks check this site http://www.sjia.or.in. I am currently volunteering here and there is a great need for more volunteers to come.

RABYN 05.27.07 | 1:45 PM ET

There are many choices in Nepal, why not you can try HOPE and HOME.

B. Raj Giri 06.23.07 | 1:59 PM ET

Nepal Sathi Foundation (http://www.nepalsathi.ws/), which works to support rural people and their children in particular in areas of education, environment and health. As a part of its first major project, SATHI team established a Children’s Home (called Sathisangi) in Bhaktapur district (a city next to Kathmandu), which can host more than 40 students. As we support rural children to get education a better quality private English medium schools and start quite late, they require extra tuition supports than those who join schools like European children do (i.e. age based school years). Therefore, we are looking for at least two lady volunteers to teach both in-and out-school activities to our students at the Home and at their school (http://www.proed.edu.np), which lies just 3 minutes walking distance. By explicitly saying lady volunteers, we are not trying to be gender biased, but, among a whole host of concerns, we have to take into account the local culture as 75 percent of our students are girls. We hope interested volunteers will be able to go there for at least 3 months to a year. If they can go for a longer period of time (e.g. 6 months or a year), we will help them receive a long term visa, which specifically allows them to teach in our hostel as well as at the school (which is cooperating with us!). We also provide basic a place to stay and basic Nepali meal in the hostel for our volunteers.
Volunteering can start at any time, so please help us in this regard,

Thank you,

The SATHI Team

Harriett 06.28.07 | 9:42 PM ET

I am looking for a volunteer opportunity in Saigon for 2-3 weeks; I’ve actually found a program I like run by WLS International Ltd. but know nothing about the company.  (And yes, I’m willing to pay, but not several thousand dollars!)  Anyone know anything about WLS?

Andrew Wahba 07.10.07 | 5:44 AM ET

Sorry for the self promo, but we are a community that shares information about no fee volunteer opportunities around the world.  Membership and access to the information is free.  We have a growing database that you can check out at http://www.truetravellers.org/destinations

Chiamba Joshua 07.13.07 | 9:31 AM ET

Hi
If you arelooking for volunteering oportuinties in Cameroon, then rudec would be a good place for you.Rudec works with youths,carry out beefarming,organic farming and work withold people in clubs.
We do not charge fees for voluntters,
Thanks

Jason 07.26.07 | 8:17 AM ET

Hello,

An independent source for free volunteer opportunities is http://www.volunteerforum.net

All feedback more than welcome.

Emmanuel Olaosebikan 07.31.07 | 6:34 AM ET

Hi sir,
  This program is a good program

Amy T. 08.03.07 | 6:56 PM ET

Maybe I’m a Pollyanna, but I like to think that a lot of those organizations actually need and deserve the money that they charge, and I don’t mind their fees. This from a person who was unable to afford a volunteer trip to Romania this spring.

Simply put: it costs money to get stuff done!

As much as I like to romanticize the idea that we as individuals can just go in a completely foreign country and “ask around” to find volunteer opportunities, I shudder a little at the repercussions of this. Definitely, under the right circumstances, the right traveler in the right environment can connect with great opportunties to help. Others are likely to be plain awkward; this kind of work takes enormous sensitivity (cultural and otherwise) 

To solve my funding problem for Romania, I intend to raise money through my community this fall. So there, that’s my suggestion: Scrounge up the cash, pay the fee, and know it’s going to a good place.

chiamba Joshua 08.05.07 | 1:36 PM ET

Hi
I think that rudec charge low charges as compied to others who charge very high fees.

Melika Hosseina 08.05.07 | 2:24 PM ET

I have done my volunteering with HOPE and HOME, they are local oganization and great tem work.

Melika Hosseina

168 West Queens Road,
North Vancouver,
BC, Canada, V7N-2K3

Brandon 08.07.07 | 9:38 PM ET

I respect the smaller organizations that accept volunteers without expecting a huge fee.  I have a very simple site that provides a free listing of organizations that are searchable by country or types of volunteer work.  Please take a look and offer any suggestions for improvement.  <url>http://www.vaops.com</url>

jojit marcos celiz 08.25.07 | 6:17 AM ET

dear sir/madam
im jojit from the philipines i writeto u because of my situation her in our country..im apologize to read dis letter of mine..sir/madam can u help me i want to go abroad to work for my family ..because i dont have money i cant aply fo find a job .in any country all i want is there someone support me to find a job any kind ill accept i want to go..if there a chance even a janitor ..just to help my family in hanger..plz madam can u help me just any kind of job ill accept just to help my family help me to find a sponsor i ahve a child but i dont have a job.. im so worry i dnt no wht to do where well i find the food the we eat .and daily needs tank u so much hoping to her frm you..im begging from you plz help me

Khyam 08.28.07 | 12:30 AM ET

Nepal is a beautiful country and if you like to volunteer in Nepal for a few weeks,we offer you a good services.You will get 50% discount on our charges.Please visit our website for the detail of the charges.

Allan Jose Maria 09.03.07 | 10:10 PM ET

I want to be voluntary in any place.

Nick 09.07.07 | 10:37 AM ET

There are plenty of low cost volunteer projects out there. Take into account accommodation and food with free and low cost volunteer projects. The project may be free but you’ll still have to find somewhere to live.

For added security see if you can find past volunteers or registered organisations. Non-profits are a good way to go and are much more open about where the money goes.

In Ecuador try http://www.youvolunteer.org

Tam 09.11.07 | 5:07 PM ET

I have training and experience in a technical field, and I’m looking for opportunities for world travel. I am somewhat bohemian, and I’ll happily pack up my Harley and hit the road, but that only works as far as the ocean. Is it possible for training and experience to be of enough value that a person without the money for world travel, would be able to “volunteer” their way around the world?

Stephen Knight 09.30.07 | 7:01 AM ET

Volunteer Latin America was set up because of the exborbitant fees charged by many voluntary work facilitators. It connects international volunteers directly to the projects in Central and South America. This not only saves you money but ensures that the participation fee (if any) goes to the host organisation. There are hundreds of affordbale and worthwhile volunteer programmes available. Visit http://www.volunteerlatinamerica.com

Dawn 09.30.07 | 7:06 AM ET

Another great site for low cost volunteer work is Volunteer 4 Africa. They have a database full of rewarding volunteering opportunities: http://www.volunteer4africa.org

Patrick 10.05.07 | 9:24 AM ET

Try this site: http://www.naserianventures.7p.com, they have free projects. You dont have to pay for anything to participate.

Cheers

Maggie Nyabate 10.31.07 | 10:39 AM ET

I do appreciate this column for volunteering.

I am a volunteer myself and i volunteer along with volunteers from all over the world in different community projects.

I would also like to introduce my organisation to you and tell intrested volunteers that it is for a worthy cause to volunteer here in Kenya as it will not only be on community work,cultural diversity but on cheap travelling too .

Good job done ,hope to hear from you.

Brian Ombego 10.31.07 | 11:25 AM ET

Volunteer in Kenya is just an exciting experience ,you will never know how it feels until you experience it.
The fee is affordable ,214 euros ,this includes Food,accomodation and airport transfer to and fro.

Its an opportunity with community work in a diverse culture setting,homestays where you will experience true african feeling, excursions to the famous site of interest at cheap rates,

its a wonderful experience ,contact me for more information

Daniel 11.25.07 | 3:25 PM ET

I suggest you try http://www.ecoteer.com a very good site though it is new (started 2005) they have many past volunteers to ask for help about certain projects!

Yuddha S.Bhandari 11.27.07 | 4:16 AM ET

Namaste everybody.This is Yuddha Bhandari from Nepal working in an NGO.
If you wanna travel nepal,please contact me directly.
I am working for volunteer organization as a Volunteer manager.PLease let me share information about my organization and its opportunities for global volunteers.
Community Advancement Society-Nepal is a non-profit making, non-political community based organization. It was registered with Nepal Government -Chitwan in 2000 & with Social WelfareCouncil-Nepal in 2001 by highly enthusiastic board members.
CAS-Nepal and rural side of Nepal go hand to hand. The Organization always deals with people of countryside community offering them some sort of profit making training on business skills, new technology on agriculture and animal husbandry, high value crops and access to market for small farmers and other programs on education and health and sanitation.
Mission:
The primary goal of CAS-Nepal is to make community self -dependent & developed through utilization of local, national and international resources .A special focus is given to uplift the social and economic status of poor and indigenous people through various aid oriented programs.

Objectives: 
To utilize the local human and non human resources to make community developed & make the youth and other people involve in national development.
To work collaboratively with existing aid organizations and other possible stakeholders to maximize the efficiency.
To uplift the community through the programs on education, health and sanitation specialist support on agriculture and animal husbandry, and other income generating projects suitable for village people.
To introduce Nepal as culturally, naturally and behaviorally rich to the foreign aid agencies and foreign people through the volunteering opportunities.
We warmly welcome you to join with our customized volunteer opportunities to render your expertise and services in the following program areas:-
Teaching English in School and Village Learning Center (VLC).
Raise awareness on sanitation and environmental issues.
Develop income generating &training; projects on weaving, craft skills, business & marketing skills etc.
Provide administrative support and computer trainings.
Sponsorship Programs (Child Sponsorship, Project Sponsorship& School Sponsorship).
Provide primary health education &health; check up.
Financial & expertise support to small farmers.
Research opportunities on desired areas.
Health & Medical Internship
Children /Orphanage

amitghosh 11.29.07 | 3:16 AM ET

Our company Starfish ventures offer volunteer work, volunteer programs and volunteer opportunities in Thailand where you can take part in volunteer abroad programs. You can contact us on web site http://www.starfishventures.co.uk for further details related to volunteer programs in Thailand.

Naresh Asim 11.29.07 | 3:42 AM ET

Hi
Very goog news for Gap Yera student to have a great experience with Experience Real Nepal. We are organizing a Everest Expedition + Volunteer placement porogram in March 2008 for 6 weeks program.The program fees is just 1000 Pounds that covers your accomondation, Transportation around the country, Food, Guide and training, Placement accomondation and the profits will go to our New Happy Home in Chitwan for 13 Orphan children’s educational support.
Please visit http://www.realnepal.org

WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 12.04.07 | 3:14 PM ET

VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN!! Join an amaziing program, the only requirement is to be over 18 years of age, any one can participate!!  Become a part of our amazing program, get to live in an island for six months, learn portuguese, have an international experience and expand you heart!

contact us at:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

or visit our website:
http://www.richmondvaleacademy.org

Bishnu Poudel 12.20.07 | 12:29 PM ET

I respect your interest. So, We can design volunteer placement and real volunteering experience in Nepal with Future Nepal. If You need more information, please http://www.futurenepal.org

maggie 12.22.07 | 6:34 AM ET

Intresting site.
If you have the spirit of volunteering in a developing world ,you are just at the right place

Bikram paudel 12.23.07 | 8:03 AM ET

HELLO THERE, ANYBODY LIKE TO EXPERIENCE REAL NEPAL…...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VCD Nepal is a non profit volunteer organization. We provide an opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and community aid programs. We provide Nepali Culture and training for foreign volunteers who wish to render their services to Nepal. We send trained volunteer to Orphanages, schools and communities to generate awareness regarding environmental issue, orphans care, sanitation, income generating initiative, teaching English and health care. This will give you a chance to make an important contribution to the people of Nepal and while doing so gain an in depth experience of the country and its culture, that will stay with you the rest of your life.

The mission of our volunteer program is to offer meaningful volunteer opportunities for international volunteers and to seek sustainable solutions for education, health, conservation, and development issues through volunteering. We hope to achieve this goal by offering community orientated volunteer programs where the efforts of our volunteers go directly to the poor people and their communities.

:: The Program

- Teaching English at the school
- Working in an orphanage
- Work at the health center or hospital
- Home stay/cultural exchange
- Teaching at the Monastery
- Trekking and teaching in the mounatain


Placements:
Our Placements are available in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan, all of which are near to the main city. Volunteer can look up the places to get more of a feel for the areas and we can discuss where you are to stay when you arrive according to your needs and also determined upon arrival with considerations of safety of volunteers and availability.

Program Requirements:

Volunteers for this program must: be 16 years or older
have no major health problems

We do not ask for any formal qualifications from our volunteers. All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to help people and are committed to seeing the programme through.


VCD Nepal………..Global volunteers for Nepal
Post Box: 23889
Thamel, Kathmandu,
Nepal
Tel: (+977) 9851017902
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website:www.vcdnepal.org

Richmond Amoakoh 12.24.07 | 11:38 AM ET

Dear Sir / Madam,
The R.V.O is a registered youth organization in Ghana
which offer variety of volunteer projects / placement
to international students and volunteers in Ghana.
We are please requesting for partnership with your
agency , where in this partnership your organisation
may send volunteers to Ghana via R.V.O . and we would
offer them placement.
Please find below and attached more info about us and
our projects.
You can also visit our website at http://www.robborg.org

ABOUT THE R.V.O ?
R.V.O is registered in Kumasi , Ghana in 2000 with the
following agencies in Ghana .
Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), social Welfare
of
Ghana, Registrar Generals Dept., National Youth
council of Ghana.

R.V.O is one of the fasters growing volunteer
organization and it is dedicated to service projects
across Ghana .

. R.V.O offers all types of placements in all the ten
regions of Ghana :
Volunteer Abroad
Internship Abroad
Teaching Abroad
Language and cultural studies
Etc.

Between 5 and 8 volunteers participated in R.V.O
volunteer programmes every month and that is a good
omen of how unique our programmes are and how reliable
we are to volunteers.

We offer group and individual placement, cultural
exchange programmes etc to meet the needs of our
volunteers.
R.V.O is dedicated to provide our participants with a
lot of opportunities.


R.V.O MISSION :

R.V.O organises unique and affordable
volunteer
programs in all the ten regions of Ghana .
Our dedicated to service projects focuses on rural
community development, volunteering, educational
programmes /trips, Language and cultural studies.
Internships etc.
We offer students / volunteers a unique programmes for
their memorable experiences.
Below are highlights of few programmes offered by the
R.V.O.

- R.V.O offer volunteers the opportunity to
live and work with vulnerable / orphan children in
Ghana .
- R.V.O also offer volunteers
the opportunity
to work with hundreds of local organizations actively
involved with HIV AIDS education.
- Other programmes offered by the R.V.O are:
Teaching in Ghana , Health project for medical
personal and pre-medical students, Soccer coaching in
Ghana , Language and cultural immersion, Drumming and
dancing lessons, educational trips, work camps in
rural communities etc.
- R.V.O designs an internship placement for
students on the fields below:

Radio, TV and news paper Journalism
Nurses and
Doctors
Women and Youth empowerment
Politics in Ghana
Law
HIV AIDS education
Drumming and Dancing (African studies)
Architectural
Soccer coaching
Language and Cultural Studies
Forest Conservation
Research
ETC
R.V.O ACHEIVEMENTS ( 2000-2005)
Since the inception of the R.V.O barely 6 years ago,
we have successfully organise / offer volunteer
abroad, intern abroad, language and cultural immersion
programmes for students / volunteers across the globe.

- In the first year of operation (2000), R.V.O
place only 15 volunteers. In 2001 and 2004, nearly 300
volunteers mostly students participated in our
volunteer and intern in Ghana programmes in
Ghana ,
making R.V.O the successful and reliable volunteer
organization in Ghana .

We are looking for a partnership with your
organisation whereby volunteers can be send to our
programs in Ghana whiles we also send some of our
dedicated volunteers to your programs abroad.

I would be very glad to hear from you
soon.


Sincerely yours
Richmond Amoakoh
R.V.O -PROGRAMS MANAGER
Box ry 655 railways
Kumasi-Ghana
Tel- 233-51-47956
Mobile – 233-24-4591378

Affordable volunteer program in Nepal, Trekking, J 01.06.08 | 3:16 AM ET

VCD Nepal is a non profit volunteer organization. We provide an opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and community aid programs. We provide Nepali Culture and training for foreign volunteers who wish to render their services to Nepal. We send trained volunteer to Orphanages, schools and communities to generate awareness regarding environmental issue, orphans care, sanitation, income generating initiative, teaching English and health care. This will give you a chance to make an important contribution to the people of Nepal and while doing so gain an in depth experience of the country and its culture, that will stay with you the rest of your life.

The mission of our volunteer program is to offer meaningful volunteer opportunities for international volunteers and to seek sustainable solutions for education, health, conservation, and development issues through volunteering. We hope to achieve this goal by offering community orientated volunteer programs where the efforts of our volunteers go directly to the poor people and their communities.

:: The Program

- Teaching English at the school
- Working in an orphanage
- Work at the health center or hospital
- Home stay/cultural exchange
- Teaching at the Monastery
- Trekking and teaching in the mounatain

Placements:
Our Placements are available in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan, all of which are near to the main city. Volunteer can look up the places to get more of a feel for the areas and we can discuss where you are to stay when you arrive according to your needs and also determined upon arrival with considerations of safety of volunteers and availability.

Program Requirements:

Volunteers for this program must: be 16 years or older
have no major health problems

We do not ask for any formal qualifications from our volunteers. All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to help people and are committed to seeing the programme through.

VCD Nepal………..Global volunteers for Nepal
Post Box: 23889
Thamel, Kathmandu,
Nepal
Tel: (+977) 9851017902
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website:www.vcdnepal.org

sven mauleon 01.08.08 | 2:47 AM ET

OpenmindProjects is a Thai registered NGO with education, health and eco projects in South Asia, and with volunteer hubs/houses in Nongkhai, Krabi in Thailand, Battambang in Cambodia and Kathmandu, Nepal.
Fees are significantly lower than US, UK based volunteer organization but still , according to many schools, projects and volunteers, the best in country training.
Check also the volunteer community http://www.openmindprojects.nu
Welcome to contact us or a volunteer.

Grizzly Bear Mom 01.10.08 | 1:19 PM ET

I am a U.S. Government employee who was justed assigned the task of encouraging volunteering.  To find opportunities worldwide working in categories from animals to public health please try this website: http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/.  You select the category in which you wish to work, and enter your zip code to find those in the local area.  After local opportunites appear you can click on worldwide opportunites.

CAS-Nepal 01.20.08 | 2:11 AM ET

Hi everybody,If you want to travel Nepal in a affordable fee and reliable way.Please check http://www.casnepal.org
and writeemail to me personally.
Thank you .
Yuddha Bhandari.

Bishnu K.C. 02.01.08 | 12:53 AM ET

I would like to give information about our organisation. CSDN (Centre for Sustainable Development Nepal) is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization registered with the Social Welfare Council of the Government of Nepal. CSDN, running volunteer programs in Nepal for community support and cultural exchanges. Programs are available year-round in the areas of English teaching, orphanage, conservation work, health, and many more as per the interest of volunteers.

Bishnu K.C. 02.05.08 | 2:51 AM ET

Dear Ian
I would like to suggest for volunteering in Nepal with Centre for Sustainable Development Nepal(CSDN). We are a professional people who trust integrity humanity and harmony.We are providing volunteer opportunity in very reasonable price. And I hope that you will get unforgetable volunteer experience with us.

Thanks
Bishnu KC
Chairman
Centre for Sustainable Development Nepal (CSDN)
Kathmandu, Nepal

Katie at findingDulcinea.com 02.06.08 | 1:04 PM ET

Hi Rolf, Ian and everyone,
This is such great advice, and the comments are just as helpful. For anyone looking for even more information on Volunteering Abroad, we just did an Alternative Spring Break Web Guide with just that. This guide presents organizations focused on volunteer travel (several you have also suggested), along with recently published articles on the topic, so you’ll be equipped to find a cause and project that suit your own unique interests and talents. We linked to this site as well.
Hope you find something helpful!

jane 02.14.08 | 7:32 AM ET

We organize voluntary service projects for international volunteers in Kenya and we
endeavour to put them in direct touch with the people where they will get
the opportunity to contribute in whatever projects or activities running
in the local communities. This will give the volunteers a chance to apply
whatever skill he/she has in making Kenya a better place. Volunteers
Placement Adventure also organizes home stays as the main mode of
accommodation. A host family will usually provide accommodation and food.

Looking for an international agent to partner with.

jane 02.14.08 | 7:49 AM ET

Hi everyone
Would you love to have a partnership in voluntary service projects for international volunteers????? Then check http://www.volunteersplacement.com.

Looking for an international agent to partner with.

Yakubu Awal 02.15.08 | 6:18 AM ET

Dear sirs,
    I’m 28yrs and i want to be a Volunteer and i want to ask if you kindly give information on how the trip of a Voulnteer is need.
Hopping this few lines of words would reach with your kind consideration and approval.
Yakubu Awal

chiamba joshua 02.18.08 | 1:10 PM ET

My dear tourist,if you are looking for a trekking program in cameroon at a cheaper rate ,then look at http://www.rudec.org and even volunteer programs then rudec will be a goog place for you

jane 02.23.08 | 4:16 AM ET

NYOKABI 02.23.08 | 4:23 AM ET

SAFARIS TO KENYA VISIT
http://www.beulahadventures.com

VOLUNTARY SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS VISIT
http://www.volunteersplacement.com

Bishnu KC 02.24.08 | 5:08 AM ET

I would like to give information about our organisation. CSDN (Centre for Sustainable Development Nepal) is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organization registered with the Social Welfare Council of the Government of Nepal. CSDN, running volunteer programs in Nepal for community support and cultural exchanges. Programs are available year-round in the areas of English teaching, orphanage, conservation work, health, and many more as per the interest of volunteers.

David Healey 02.28.08 | 2:31 PM ET

Hi, I am currently looking to do some voulenteer soccer coaching over the summer break, although it seems to be very exspensive. Are there any companies that will sponsor me to do this?

Thanks

Gregory 02.28.08 | 2:43 PM ET

You might wish to try

http://edukick.com/aboutus.asp

Brandon 03.11.08 | 10:22 AM ET

For a listing of free and low cost volunteer opportunities visit http://www.vaops.com

Centre for Sustainable Development Nepal(CSDN) 03.11.08 | 11:54 PM ET

Dear all
I would like to refer CSDN organisation which is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. CSDN organisation is No. 1 volunteer organisation in Nepal. So fo royur safety and learning about Nepalese Culture. Goto with CSDN

Thanks
Bishnu

martin 03.20.08 | 10:35 AM ET

Low cost volunteer projects

Ralph 03.27.08 | 6:44 AM ET

Hi,

We are a Non Governmental Organization & also Non Profit looking for volunteers all over the world. We help in orphanages, schools and medical clinics and we are looking for volunteers all over the world.

You can be of help to our organization and also its cheap and fair and worth because the money goes towards helping the poor in our country.

Our organization is in Africa Kenya, which will also give you a chance to visit our beautiful country and learn more of our different cultures.

You can visit our website: http://www.hopevolunteerskenya.org

If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us on: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Thanking you.


Ralph Muchai
Co - ordinator
Hope Volunteers - Kenya

Lillian O'riella 04.12.08 | 8:05 PM ET

Anybody else know of Elghana. I have heard they offer affordable volunteer abroad programs in Africa. It looks they have lots of past volunteers and projects. Any advice?

Jatuporn Jitprapan 04.14.08 | 12:36 AM ET

Dear Rolf                

  We are new International non profit in Thailand.We work for social and community.we interesting with you website.we want to be your member in Thailand.I though many tourism want to come to thailand for teaval and some of them want to be volunteer so We have many program.

    You can visit our website that   http://thai-project.lima-city.de  .  If you are interesting in our project or want to know some thing more about us you can contact with our Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  .

I hope that we will hear some thing from you soon.


Sincerely yours,

Jatuporn   Jitprapan

    Manager

Be More 05.12.08 | 8:50 AM ET

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities in South Africa, have a look at our charity http://www.be-more.org. We offer volunteer positions at orphanages, schools and hospices in South Africa. Placements range from 4 weeks - 3 months.

luis delgado 05.28.08 | 10:27 AM ET

Hi dear friends
This is Luis Delgado from Huaraz Peru; I was wondering the posibility of partnering our volunteering organizations since everywhere it is the same, we need hearted people wanting to make some different and really get a good experience doing something for others.
This our organization in Peru:
http://www.teach-huaraz-peru.org

Carl Leferte 06.04.08 | 5:13 AM ET

Hi Everyone,

This is such great Site! The advice and comments are so helpful. For those of you who still looking for more information on Volunteering Abroad,(South-Asia)I been volunteering for 3 months in Nepal,Teaching English & Environmental Awareness Action research Plus travel around the Country with CCSV-Nepal VOLUN-TOURISM program. its affordable and hassle-free. checkout their site http://www.ccsvnepal.org.np/volun-tourism.php

Hope this help!

Carl

Lasse Christensen 06.04.08 | 7:24 AM ET

Hello

Hi all the people in world hum. I am going to volunteering in Nepal with Centre for Sustainable Development Nepal(CSDN) from July 1, to December 2008. In Kathmandu I found CSDN is no.1 volunteer organisation in Kathmandu. CSDN provides lot’s of facilities with great volunteering work like Culture Exchange program, Health and Sanitation, and Buddhism Meditation.

So, I would like to recommend to all the people who would like to volunteer with CSDN kathmandu, Nepal.
Contact them: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Thanks,
Lasse

Ethan 06.10.08 | 7:54 PM ET

Free opportunities to volunteer in Central America.

http://www.volunteerforfree.com

Ralph 06.11.08 | 4:51 AM ET

Ian 07.03.08 | 7:31 PM ET

Volunteer in Nepal with Orphans,poor street children and/or victimized women for a day, a week or a month at Fresh Nepal.  Volunteer in various projects at the orphanage which include teaching, health care and/or office work.  Spend time with the children (orphans) playing and doing activites with them.  For more information visit http://www.freshnepal.org

Bikram Paudel 07.27.08 | 6:25 AM ET

VCD Nepal is a non profit volunteer organization. We provide an opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and community aid programs. We provide Nepali Culture and training for foreign volunteers who wish to render their services to Nepal. We send trained volunteer to Orphanages, schools and communities to generate awareness regarding environmental issue, orphans care, sanitation, income generating initiative, teaching English and health care. This will give you a chance to make an important contribution to the people of Nepal and while doing so gain an in depth experience of the country and its culture, that will stay with you the rest of your life.

The mission of our volunteer program is to offer meaningful volunteer opportunities for international volunteers and to seek sustainable solutions for education, health, conservation, and development issues through volunteering. We hope to achieve this goal by offering community orientated volunteer programs where the efforts of our volunteers go directly to the poor people and their communities.

:: The Program

- Teaching English at the school
- Working in an orphanage
- Work at the health center or hospital
- Home stay/cultural exchange
- Teaching at the Monastery
- Trekking and teaching in the mounatain

Placements:
Our Placements are available in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan, all of which are near to the main city. Volunteer can look up the places to get more of a feel for the areas and we can discuss where you are to stay when you arrive according to your needs and also determined upon arrival with considerations of safety of volunteers and availability.

Program Requirements:

Volunteers for this program must: be 16 years or older
have no major health problems

We do not ask for any formal qualifications from our volunteers. All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to help people and are committed to seeing the programme through.

VCD Nepal………..Global volunteers for Nepal
Post Box: 23889
Thamel, Kathmandu,
Nepal
Tel:  (+977) 1 4700934
Mobile: ++977 9851017902
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website:www.vcdnepal.org

Yakubu Awal 07.28.08 | 4:50 PM ET

Hi out there and i’m so excited to have got this site and it’s my privillage to share my thoughts here so that i maybe get help or information from people.
Well,i’m Yakubu Awal from Tamale and i’ve being trying my all best to travel oversea somewhere in Romania,Cyprus or Nepal to visit there and to help the children out there to learn how to speak and writeEnglish and i’ve applied for Visa for many times and the Visa wasn’t granted to me and may i know,is there any way that i can get Visa to any one of this countries?
Is there any way i can get invitation to this countries so that i can also share my love with love ones?
I would be extremley happy and glad if i could get any one to assist me get Visa to one of this places.
Any one to help or give information?
Here’s my email,MOYOYO_8@hotmail.com
Stay blessed all in here.
Awal.

CODEC VOLUNTEERS (KENYA) 07.30.08 | 3:47 AM ET

If you need any more information on our volunteer projects in Kenya visit http://codecvolunteers.org for all projects in Kenya.

Ruma 08.28.08 | 2:03 AM ET

Hey friends,

Looking for volunteer India? try http://www.smilengo.org

it is good!

Paul Giles 10.16.08 | 1:30 AM ET

Hello,

My Name is Paul Giles and I am looking for free volunteer work.  I am only 19 so I don’t have the money to actually pay to volunteer myself.  I have no use for money so I do not need to get paid. I do not know where to start.  I have lived my life helping my friends and anyone around me that needed me and i’ve felt that this is my true place.  I think it’s high time I’m ready to help somewhere else now that needs it.  Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.  Your friend,

Paul

John Tumwebaze 10.19.08 | 7:47 AM ET

I am the Director of Action to support orphans and Disadvantaged (ASOD) Uganda. Action to Support Orphans and Disadvantaged (ASOD) - Uganda is an indigenous humanitarian child-centered development organization, established in 2004 as a grass root charity, to support the scale-up of paediatric and family HIV/AIDS prevention, care and community support. It was mandated by the Government of Uganda as an NGO.

Our mission is to fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, use education and social services to improve the health status of disadvantaged communities in Uganda, build human capacity, and create synergy between the educational, health, and social sectors.

The services offered by ASOD-Uganda includes but not limited to:
  Educational support for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children (OVC) and we have a school called Millennium college and vocation school project for ASOD to orphans and vulnerable children.
  Health, Promotion of group work, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Community and HIV/AIDS Prevention.
  Basic structures for taking care of OVCs.
  Tracing and Reintegration of OVCs with their relatives and community.
  Economic empowerment.
  Youth and adolescent support group activities.

I am requesting for volunteers for any kind of volunteer service to support our work and share experience. Internship, expertise and all who wish will make a difference in the lives of our orphans.

Our project is situated 4km away from Kampala city. And we have a conducive environment, security is guarantied.

You are welcome to work with us.

John Tumwebaze
Executive Director
John Tumwebaze
Tel;+256 772 848478
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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