Volunteering Abroad

[salty mud]

Does anyone have any experiance regarding this? I've been investigating it just today and it seems like it could be immensely useful.

I'll be starting my degree in Environmental Science very soon, so what better way to get to grips with the subject than actual, hands on work in a proper environment? This one in particular grabs my interest: http://www.projects-abroad.co.uk/volunteer-projects/conservation-and-environment/costa-rica/ It's relevant and an excellent eddition to any CV. Only thing I'm not certain of is the price.

Also, it's an excellent way to see the world. I'm assuming it will be cheaper than paying for a proper accommodation. If possible, I'd like to go next year once my course gets underway.

 

[Formaldehyde]

This German nonprofit organization caught my eye when they did a Baba Yetu promo video:

https://www.african-solar-rise.org/en/index.php

I imagine there are numerous other similar groups.

 

[Synobun]

Knew a girl once that went down to Guatemala on a Mission. It was around $2000 for two weeks, and she had a blast. It's highly recommended if you're into that sort of thing.

 

[Glassfan]

I had friends in the Peace Corps years ago who had very positive experiences. International groups like CARE and Doctors Without Borders do excellent work, too. However, some places are becoming increasingly dangerous to Europeans and Americans. So be careful.

 

[salty mud]

Knew a girl once that went down to Guatemala on a Mission. It was around $2000 for two weeks, and she had a blast. It's highly recommended if you're into that sort of thing.

Yikes! I'd have to start saving soon if I were to go next year, then.

 

[Elfdemon]

Trust me, this thing is a business. Your thread immediately caught my eye coz I was seriously considering doing a volunteer program in South Africa, even registered but decided not going a few days ago.

The thing is, short-term volunteering is nothing but a profit-making venture. You have to pay to volunteer, and the price isn't cheap. It's over $4200 for 4 weeks (2 weeks volunteer work, 2 weeks so-called "adventure tour" which is basically travelling), or you could pay "only" $2100 for the 2 weeks volunteer work.

The price you pay doesn't even cover air tickets, whether international, or domestic within South Africa.

In short, short-term volunteering is a BUSINESS. If you seriously want volunteering, look for other options. There should be some longer term ones out there which you don't have to pay and you actually do work, instead of just being a glorified vacation like the short-term ones.

 

[salty mud]

I'm not sure if I could do a serious "long-term" volunteering stint. There wouldn't be much time off, and with my other time I'd have to do essays and such.

 

[Takhisis]

Come to Argentina and check the Riachuelo, you'll find out how ineffectual environmental organisations can really be.

 

[Eat_Up_Martha]

Just curious, what type of degree (Bachelor's, Master's etc.) are you going for? What are you specializing in, if anything?