I’m a junior in high school and am considering doing a service trip abroad next summer, preferably at a wildlife research or conservation center (such as http://www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-africa/south-africa/big-cats-research-and-conservation-in-the-greater-kruger-area to give you an idea of what I mean). I’d really appreciate any advice/information people might have!
First off, I’m not looking to do this just to look good to colleges. I’ve both heard and read that colleges are unimpressed by volunteering abroad because it just means a student’s parents have the resources to send them. That’s not why I’m doing this–I love animals and wildlife and am considering a career in that area (or something related, like an environmental lawyer). But I’m wondering, since I’ve demonstrated interest in this in other areas (volunteering at the SPCA regularly and member of Paws for a Cause at my school) could colleges see volunteering at a wildlife conservation center abroad in addition to these as dedication to a certain area? What I mean is in forums on how big a factor volunteering is when it comes to college admissions, the general consensus seems to be quality over quantity. Colleges aren’t impressed by a laundry list of random volunteer hours at bake sales, fundraisers, etc, and would rather see dedication to a specific area. So I’m wondering if this kind of thing could help?
Secondly and more importantly, does anyone know any good programs or websites to check out for opportunities? Or has anyone done service abroad and could tell me a little about their experience? I have a friend who volunteered abroad last summer, and she said it was amazing.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I really really appreciate any information you might have!