Comments on: How to Choose an International Volunteer Program http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/ Travel Advice and Guidance for Taking Cultural Career Breaks Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:10:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2 By: Best International Volunteering Articles http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-4033 Best International Volunteering Articles Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:00:26 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-4033 [...] How to Choose an International Volunteer program This site is overall exceptional resource for Big Trips AND this article is a solid explanation of what questions to ask yourself when picking a program before going on the Big Trip. [...] [...] How to Choose an International Volunteer program This site is overall exceptional resource for Big Trips AND this article is a solid explanation of what questions to ask yourself when picking a program before going on the Big Trip. [...]

]]> By: Michaela Potter http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-440 Michaela Potter Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:58:16 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-440 Hi Veron! I'm not as familiar with Annette's recommendation of Geovisions (though I know of the organization) so definitely look into that as an option. Another thing to consider when it comes to financial issues is how far will your dollar go in a country. You'll most likely find that places in Central and South America will be easier on the wallet then Middle Eastern/European countries. Again, I highly recommend starting with http://idealist.org for a search of organizations that may fit what you are looking for. Also, Sarah Van Auken of Volunteer Global has put together a list of smaller service organizations: http://www.volunteerglobal.com/ Make sure that whichever organization you are thinking of going with, that you ask for some referrals so that you can learn more about the program from a volunteers perspective. Nora Dunn (aka The Professional Hobo) wrote an article about how to travel full-time for less than $14,000 a year. You may find some of her resources helpful, including how to work or even find free accommodation. http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/cheap-travel/ Working abroad is always a bit trickier for Americans as it's difficult to get work visas. But teaching English is also something to think about, though most paid jobs require you be certified. Our co-founder, Sherry Ott, wrote a series of posts about her experience teaching English in Vietnam for a year. Maybe you can find some inspiration there as well: http://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/category/esl/ And lastly, we just posted an interview today with David Lee of GoBackpacking.com. He has some great spreadsheets on how much he spent in each destination (which will give you an idea of cost), but also some good advice about setting goals for yourself when it comes to planning something like this. Be sure to check out his post: http://briefcasetobackpack.com/2010/01/david-lee-–-realizing-a-dream/ I hope these are helpful tips on getting you on the path to fulfilling your goals! Cheers, Michaela Hi Veron! I’m not as familiar with Annette’s recommendation of Geovisions (though I know of the organization) so definitely look into that as an option.

Another thing to consider when it comes to financial issues is how far will your dollar go in a country. You’ll most likely find that places in Central and South America will be easier on the wallet then Middle Eastern/European countries. Again, I highly recommend starting with http://idealist.org for a search of organizations that may fit what you are looking for.

Also, Sarah Van Auken of Volunteer Global has put together a list of smaller service organizations: http://www.volunteerglobal.com/

Make sure that whichever organization you are thinking of going with, that you ask for some referrals so that you can learn more about the program from a volunteers perspective.

Nora Dunn (aka The Professional Hobo) wrote an article about how to travel full-time for less than $14,000 a year. You may find some of her resources helpful, including how to work or even find free accommodation.
http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/cheap-travel/

Working abroad is always a bit trickier for Americans as it’s difficult to get work visas. But teaching English is also something to think about, though most paid jobs require you be certified. Our co-founder, Sherry Ott, wrote a series of posts about her experience teaching English in Vietnam for a year. Maybe you can find some inspiration there as well: http://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/category/esl/

And lastly, we just posted an interview today with David Lee of GoBackpacking.com. He has some great spreadsheets on how much he spent in each destination (which will give you an idea of cost), but also some good advice about setting goals for yourself when it comes to planning something like this. Be sure to check out his post: http://briefcasetobackpack.com/2010/01/david-lee-–-realizing-a-dream/

I hope these are helpful tips on getting you on the path to fulfilling your goals!

Cheers,
Michaela

]]> By: Annette http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-439 Annette Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:13:09 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-439 Thank you Veron! You can go to GeoVisions and check out their work abroad options. Here's the link: http://www.geovisions.org/pages/1313_work_abroad_with_geovisions_and_get_paid.cfm Thank you Veron! You can go to GeoVisions and check out their work abroad options. Here’s the link:

http://www.geovisions.org/pages/1313_work_abroad_with_geovisions_and_get_paid.cfm

]]> By: Veron http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-435 Veron Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:40:18 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-435 Hi Michaela, This is all pretty new to me!! I'd like to volunteer in a Spanish speaking country, due to a desire to learn Spanish. But I'm also interested in Middle Eastern/Europe(I'd like to experience some of the places where the 3 Abrahamic faiths began - Judaism, Christianity(in particular), Islam) Annette's recommendation looks interesting. I'd like to head out sometime in the latter part of 2010. That would give me some time to save a bit more, however, if I can find a way to earn while abroad(p/t), or volunteer in exchange for room and board, that would help. Due to financial constraints, and a desire to, as you put it, "give back to a community" in some way, I am looking for organizations, that foster that combination(serving in some way & the ability to explore). I've been away from your site for a few weeks, but look forward to following for any tips in this area! Thanks for what you do. Hi Michaela,
This is all pretty new to me!!
I’d like to volunteer in a Spanish speaking country, due to a desire to learn Spanish. But I’m also interested in Middle Eastern/Europe(I’d like to experience some of the places where the 3 Abrahamic faiths began – Judaism, Christianity(in particular), Islam)

Annette’s recommendation looks interesting. I’d like to head out sometime in the latter part of 2010. That would give me some time to save a bit more, however, if I can find a way to earn while abroad(p/t), or volunteer in exchange for room and board, that would help.

Due to financial constraints, and a desire to, as you put it, “give back to a community” in some way, I am looking for organizations, that foster that combination(serving in some way & the ability to explore).

I’ve been away from your site for a few weeks, but look forward to following for any tips in this area! Thanks for what you do.

]]> By: Annette http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-432 Annette Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:17:54 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-432 Love this post! Have you tried GeoVisions.com? Great people, fantastic projects! They're based in the US, and have opportunities for more 'mature' volunteers. Love this post!
Have you tried GeoVisions.com? Great people, fantastic projects!
They’re based in the US, and have opportunities for more ‘mature’ volunteers.

]]> By: Michaela Potter http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-287 Michaela Potter Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:56:38 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-287 Thanks Veron! Volunteering is a great way to give back to a community that you are getting so much from while traveling. Even if volunteering encompasses just a portion of your travels, I think it is an important aspect to include. Where are you thinking of volunteering and when are you heading out? I look forward to hearing more about your experience! Thanks Veron! Volunteering is a great way to give back to a community that you are getting so much from while traveling. Even if volunteering encompasses just a portion of your travels, I think it is an important aspect to include. Where are you thinking of volunteering and when are you heading out? I look forward to hearing more about your experience!

]]> By: veron http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-280 veron Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:40:22 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-280 Thank you for the detailed advise. It was encouraging to read about your experiences abroad. I have just begun doing some research on volunteer & travel opportunities and your article was helpful! Thank you for the detailed advise. It was encouraging to read about your experiences abroad. I have just begun doing some research on volunteer & travel opportunities and your article was helpful!

]]> By: Michaela Potter http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-216 Michaela Potter Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:51:00 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-216 Sydney, Australia - I'm so happy to hear that you are volunteering in Cusco, Peru - it is truly a magical place. And embrace those varying emotions you are feeling because they are part of this incredible experience; before you know it, it will be here and gone in a flash. So lap up every part of it that you can. I'm also happy that you did some research to find a program that fit your expectations. I can't wait to hear more about it. Please come back and share! Sydney, Australia – I’m so happy to hear that you are volunteering in Cusco, Peru – it is truly a magical place. And embrace those varying emotions you are feeling because they are part of this incredible experience; before you know it, it will be here and gone in a flash. So lap up every part of it that you can.

I’m also happy that you did some research to find a program that fit your expectations. I can’t wait to hear more about it. Please come back and share!

]]> By: Sydney Australia http://b2b.meetplango.com/2009/03/how-to-choose-an-international-volunteer-program/comment-page-1/#comment-209 Sydney Australia Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:25:46 +0000 http://briefcasetobackpack.com/?p=2195#comment-209 I'm gearing up to spend a month in Cusco, Peru teaching English. I flit from "excited out of my brain" to "terrified as all hell". I've often thought about spending time in Cusco and I was finally in the position to do it (I had some money saved up. I thought I wanted to put a downpayment on a house but then thought, "mmmm, not yet"). I went through a company called i-to-i and they deal with young people who need a gap year to those people who need a career break and everyone in between. They are a British company, yes, but I'm Australian and paid in Australian dollars for my TEFL course and for a volunteer placement (they have in-country help etc etc). You're right, though. You really do have to put the research in to find an organisation you feel comfortable with. I can't wait to get there and experience life in Cusco, meet people like me who are looking to see what's beyond life under flurescent lighting and meet local Peruvian children and their families. I’m gearing up to spend a month in Cusco, Peru teaching English. I flit from “excited out of my brain” to “terrified as all hell”. I’ve often thought about spending time in Cusco and I was finally in the position to do it (I had some money saved up. I thought I wanted to put a downpayment on a house but then thought, “mmmm, not yet”). I went through a company called i-to-i and they deal with young people who need a gap year to those people who need a career break and everyone in between. They are a British company, yes, but I’m Australian and paid in Australian dollars for my TEFL course and for a volunteer placement (they have in-country help etc etc). You’re right, though. You really do have to put the research in to find an organisation you feel comfortable with. I can’t wait to get there and experience life in Cusco, meet people like me who are looking to see what’s beyond life under flurescent lighting and meet local Peruvian children and their families.

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