<p>It's true there are so many local needs. However, a service project abroad is to advantage of the student. We live in an increasing global society. US will not be the center of the earth (=economic power) as US used to be. Students who have a global and cultural understanding will be better prepared to face the new challenges ahead of us. My 2cents.</p>
<p>emeraldkitty, are you sure they didn't cut off the adipose fin of the salmon fry (on the top of the fish right before the tail)? That is what they do around here to mark them as hatchery-raised fish. If they were like the ones around here, they were sterilized so they can't actually spawn.</p>
<p>I don't think there's anything wrong with going to a foreign country to volunteer. Heck, street people in the US probably have it a lot better than whole populations in third world countries . . . At least they can drink clean water from a drinking fountain and not worry about getting typhoid. (Not that street people have it easy by any means, but imagine risking your life every time you took a drink.) </p>
<p>But if someone doesn't have the $$$ to go on a volunteer trip, there are still plenty of local things they can do.</p>
<p>Volunteering at the local fire department changed my son's life. Not to be too dramatic, or anything . . . :)</p>
<p>D. volunteers at local hospitals every summer. Cost nothing, learned a lot.</p>
<p>There's very little downside to volunteering - no matter where you do it. As long as your intent is right, its hard to argue that its better to do it at home or abroad.</p>
<p>does anyone know of any good programs for teens to do in groups [including travel]?</p>