<p>I'm currently a junior in high school, and I'd love to take the summer and volunteer in another part of the world. I'm from New York and I'm on a Model United Nations team, so I am very involved with international relations and global issues, but I'd really like some hands-on community service and cultural immersion.</p>
<p>The only thing is, is that my family cannot afford to be paying 5000 dollars for a two week trip in Africa. My father is a single parent, and we are middle-class, so it's not like I can really get need-based scholarships anyway. We live a little more-than-comfortably, but not comfortably enough for some programs like GLA. The extra money we have is for college, because we will encounter the same problem.</p>
<p>I don't really understand why it costs so much to volunteer abroad. I understand flight prices and what-not, but my friend went to Costa Rica to build houses with her church last summer for a very low price. Unfortunately, I am not affiliated with any churches or temples though. I mean, I'd like to go with a program/organization since I am only 16, but I still don't see why some programs have to be so costly (if I am really only going to volunteer). I really don't care for exquisite accommodations. Also, I'm really not doing this for college. I honestly just want the experience.</p>
<p>Are there any programs that you can think of off the top of your head that would suit me? Somewhere in the eastern hemisphere. Also, if there are programs that you think would give academic-based aid (writing an essay or sending a transcript, etc), then that would be very helpful. I don't mind having to be interviewed or writing some essays. I've applied to college summer programs before and as a matter of fact, I would probably prefer it if applicants were chosen on an academic basis.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>