<p>I just wanted to see if anyone here has had experience volunteering abroad during the summer, I'm thinking about doing something like that this coming summer. Saving money and seeing new places? Yes please. </p>
<p>So, anyone with experience, fill me in on what you did, where you went, how you found the program, and your general impressions.</p>
<p>Make SURE you do it with a reputable company, research the HELL out of this! My friend went to Guatemala over Spring Break last year and their bus was hijacked, they were robbed, people got hurt, and the women were sexually assaulted. My friend found out AFTERWARD that the company wasnt as reputable as their website had lead her to believe, and it wasn’t really even affiliated with the university-- they just market service experiences to university groups. When she got home people accused the girls of exaggerating their experiences and my friend had to endure news crews waiting outside her residence hall to hound her. Volunteering abroad is great but you need to do so with a reputable, experienced program that offers ample security so you will be safe as you work. </p>
<p>I have to wonder how it’s saving money, though. I’ve never seen any sort of FREE volunteer abroad program and you’re working for free while you’re there. Not taking summer semester may save money but working for a wage and saving your money saves money, too, and doesn’t cost as much as traveling.</p>
<p>how are you going to live abroad and save money?</p>
<p>I suggest you work, and then take one summer to travel. I’m living proof you can do Europe on $75/day.</p>
<p>The safest method is to try and stick with programs with your college (or any accredited college). Most schools have a study/volunteer abroad website somewhere; first look for your school’s and see if there’s anything you’re interested in.
Then look at some other school’s websites and see if there’s anything there.</p>
<p>Back when I attended SUNY, I studied abroad in China. [SUNY</a> Administration Approval Account Login](<a href=“http://www.sunysystemabroad.com/]SUNY”>http://www.sunysystemabroad.com/)
You don’t need to be a student there to use their programs. And they have several summer volunteer positions.</p>
<p>The plus side of sticking with a college’s program (aside from the safety factor) is that you may be able to get scholarships, grants, or other financial aid to cover expenses.</p>
<p>Try WWOOFING
[WWOOF</a> - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms](<a href=“http://www.wwoof.org%5DWWOOF”>http://www.wwoof.org)
My daughter did this her 2nd sem senior year and loved it. Many many of her friends have done it, and loved it.</p>