<p>I'm currently 15 and seriously considering volunteering abroad specifically in Africa, Asia or any developing country/region. Does anyone know any programs that are legit and that have a good rep? Money is not really an issue considering we can afford it, but I would feel bad if my parents had to pay like over $3000, so programs that fundraising options would be nice. </p>
<p>If you could list ANY of the programs you are familiar with and know are legitimate, please do. </p>
<p>I've been looking into VISIONS, GLA, and Global Volunteers, so if you have any info on those, please tell, thanks!</p>
<p>I wrote an article about the Visions service program for my school newspaper (not linking to it for privacy purposes), and I know someone on the staff of the Global Student Embassy (not a program that you listed but it’s also a company that organizes service trips). So I know a bit about these programs, but I’m not a former participant nor a company rep trying to recruit you…kinda surprised that a GLA rep hasn’t jumped on this thread yet. Anyways, here’s what I know (not repeating what can be found on these programs’ websites).</p>
<p>Impact on College Apps
As you’ve probably heard on the College Confidential threads, in general, these programs mean very little on college apps, because they are so expensive and basically anyone who has money and who is enrolled in high school can go. If you’re just doing it for fun or to travel to a new place, these are a great way to do that, though.</p>
<p>Visions
For the article, I wrote about a girl from my school who went on the Dominican Republic trip this past summer, so the information is from a combination of an interview with her and notes I took looking at their website. From what I understand, the experience may be slightly different depending on where you go, but this should give you a rough idea of what you’ll do.
Reputation
It’s safe. The girl came back okay.
Cost
Not a scam, but fairly expensive. Definitely over $3,000, plus airfare.
Length
The person I interviewed did the two week Santo Domingo trip, but there are longer options (and also other options to other countries) as well.
Housing
My interviewee shared a 3 room house with 7 other girls.
Daily routine
Wakeup at about 7 a.m.
Either before or after breakfast, the entire group (18 boys and girls) did “group building activities.”
After that, the volunteers broke into 2 groups. One group went to the construction site of a community center and laid bricks. The other half went to a summer camp, where they read to and did art projects with local children ages 7-12.
There was a 1 hour break for lunch, then the volunteering work continued in the afternoon. They spent about 6 hours volunteering each day.
After the workday was over (at about 3), the students had free time. They either visited a local beach, went shopping at a market in Santo Domingo, or just did whatever they wanted until dinner.
Takeaway
My interviewee enjoyed the trip and is considering doing another service trip.</p>
<p>GSE
Reputation
A fairly new program, run mostly by youngsters (I mean, like people in their 20s and early 30s). Legitimate, though, like I said earlier I met someone from the staff and she was trustworthy.
Who can go
You have to attend one of the high schools they have a partnership with (listed on their website) to go. Looks like a lot of the schools are in Northern California. You go with other people from your school.
Cost
My contact said they help people with fundraising. Not sure to what extent.
That’s all I can remember about GSE (sorry my memory is bad, I talked to her over a year ago and didn’t take notes; when I typed the Visions thing I had my interview notes in front of me).</p>
