<p>My daughter is hoping to find a program through which she can volunteer abroad this summer. She is hoping to find something in Africa and to work with children. She will be 17 which prevents her from participating in some programs. We've found Cross Cultural Solutions, Global Crossroads and Global Leadership Adventures. Does anyone have experience with these organizations or can you suggest others? She is hoping for something that is more service oriented than teen-tour in nature. Thanks.</p>
<p>As a 17 year old your daughter would qualify for LPI Global Impact programs during the summer in Guanajuato, Mexico; Heredia, Costa Rica; or Cusco, Peru. Students are immersed in the foreign language and culture through academics, activities, excursions and through their participation in volunteer service projects. You can find out more about LPI Global Impact volunteer programs at [LPI</a> - LPI GLOBAL IMPACT - High School Study/Volunteer Abroad for College Credit](<a href=“http://www.lpiabroad.com/global/global_impact.cfm]LPI”>http://www.lpiabroad.com/global/global_impact.cfm).</p>
<p>Good luck in your search!</p>
<p>[/advertising]</p>
<p>(I just don’t think it’s appropriate for companies to be promoting their programs on such a forum.)</p>
<p>For a time I was considering Projects-Abroad.org, since it really fit most of my needs for when I was considering spending the summer volunteering in India or Nepal. The fact that it ended with ‘.org’ for some reason convinced me I was really doing something worthwhile (now I know paying to volunteer isn’t really that awesome).</p>
<p>The site looks pretty legit and reading through their programs, it seemed they had a pretty developed and flexible system. They require you to be 16, so your daughter would be fine with the age thing.</p>
<p>Your daughter can always try finding her own volunteer opportunity.</p>
<p>Last year I wasn’t too keen on spending so much money on a volunteer opportunity and my family was also planning on visiting relatives in Taiwan so I searched around for reputable education associations in the more rural areas there. I then called up some and asked if I could help teach English and some were fine with it. Since my mother was vacationing in the main city a couple hours away she was fine with me being on my own volunteering. </p>
<p>If you’re o.k. with your daughter essentially being by herself and not with a program, you can try calling volunteer organizations and asking if they would be willing to accept another volunteer for the summer.</p>
<p>We recently registered our 16 year old (current Sophomore) for a Global Leadership Adventures trip to Tanzania this summer. We did a lot of research including visiting their office. We also talked to a family who sent their daughter last summer and they highly recommended the program. We haven’t heard any negatives (besides the fact that it is not inexpensive). Our son is currently working to raise the funds for tuition.</p>
<p>I highly recommend the GLA program. I went on a trip to Costa Rica with them this summer, and it was the most incredible experience that I’ve ever had. I also know that they will help with fund raising, and occasionally they have an essay contest in the spring/summer that offers a free or discounted trip with them. I’d be happy to answer any questions about the program! (I’ve been looking for excuses to talk about it, it’s all I’ve talked about since I got back!)</p>