Job Discussion Forums

housenuts · Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Hi,

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do this summer. I'm going to law school next September, and I don't entirely feel like working this summer. I've decided I'd be interested in doing some volunteer work around the world.

I look at places like Haiti and Chile, but volunteer opportunities there right now are limited. Alot of other agencies have volunteer positions but they are only 10 days or so, and have a $1300+ program fee. I'm not interested in paying money simply to volunteer my time.

I figure teaching english could be rewarding and there are probably lots of places interested in having a volunteer teacher. Ideally I'd like to have somewhere to sleep provided and possibly a meal or two, but that's it. Obviously would pay my own way there and back.

Anyone know of some good places I can look for this type of work? I've been all around SE Asia travelling and would go back there, but would prefer somewhere new.

Japan, China, or Korea would be cool. Or somewhere in South America. I guess I'm willing to try anything and seeking more information. I would venture a guess that assuming Id be gone for 3 months this summer, I'd be willing to work 2 of those months and would like to spend a little time just travelling around too.

Thanks

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

housenuts · Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

No not set on Asia. Somewhere like Georgia could be interesting and cool and I doubt it's somewhere I'd ever go later in life. I will look into it. Thanks.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

My adult training centre has short term volunteer roles. There is no fee, and accomodation and food is included. Duties aren't really full on teaching, you are often just required to attend our social events, and hold one or two English corner type activities. Your only cost is spending money and flights/visa.

http://www.omeida.org/

Whilst you are not taking the role of any paid teaching staff (which is often a source of complaint on the boards) you arent actually volunteering in a needy sector or charity. That being said, I guess its still quite a nice way to see part of China, without a long term commitment or teaching qualification or experience.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

volunteerabroad.com is a good place to start If you're interested in Latin America, try http://www.volunteersouthamerica.net

just_a_mirage · Joined: 11 Nov 2008 Posts: 169 Location: ecuador

Heres one in Ecuador that accepts volunteers for a month or longer. They provide room and board and three meals a day. Lots of organizations would be hapy to have free help in exchange for room and board. I think its a great way to spend a summer Very Happy

www.sea-elcarmen.org

Chancellor · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 7:56 pm Post subject:

This volunteer thing is about the only thing i-to-i might be good for: www.i-to-i.com.

MrMrLuckyKhan · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 8:34 am Post subject:

You could come volunteer in Cambodia! I volunteered for a locally-run NGO near Siem Reap. The founder/director is a really sincere guy that offers free English education to the poor children in the rural countryside village where he grew up.

It's a really nice place to volunteer, if you want to see a side of SEasia you won't normally get to experience. Since u are a volunteer, you can teach as many or as few classes a day as you want. I went above the call of duty and also started a methodology class for the local English teachers there. Also, you can stay as long as you want because they really want the children to have at least one native speaker there. I think you have to stay a MINIMUM of 1 week.

It costs $10USD a day, BUT that's just to cover your costs, and that money goes to a host family. That includes all 3 meals a day (which are HUGE) and your accommodation in the family's house. The meals are all prepared fresh, and its the best food I've had in this country. The host family is really nice, and so are the villagers, but hardly anyone speaks English. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me here or PM me.

www.hvto.org