<p>Has volunteering abroad become an application cliche? I am interested in doing some volunteer work in Latin America, but I read somewhere that college admissions sees that as redundant and almost elitist (!). Is this true?</p>
<p>If it's something you will enjoy, do it- and let your enthusiasm for the experience shine through on your application. If you show how it was an important/fun/exciting thing for you then it won't be cliche. It would only be clidhe if you make it sound like a boring resume builder.</p>
<p>you're to be commended. The cliche and perhaps elitist "help the poor brown people" junkets do exist however. Travel down to a locale, do some volunteer work, hang out at the beach and the night clubs, come home w/nice tan. Mommy writes the check.</p>
<p>It seems that you're truly looking for something meaningful. Do some real research and ferret out the posers from the real service ventures. If you're willing perhaps make it part of a larger generalized trip to multiple regions? Maybe go with a parent or your family. I think it can be done but avoid the pricey junket/resume builders.</p>
<p>Sometimes mission/aid trips abroad allow you to connect more effectively with local needs. Having been to Latin America a few times on vacation and to help out, my kids have all volunteered with new immigrant families in our community. While the kids were of some help while abroad, they've been far more valuable locally because they have some language skills, and they have some understanding of the places/culture these immigrants have come from. Completing the circle is good.</p>
<p>Thanks, all. I have always wanted to volunteer in Central/Latin America to help my Spanish and to witness a part of the world and a part of the population that I've not yet experienced. I've been thinking of going either with a volunteer organization or my own group of friends and peers to hang out with kids, help out in local non-profits, do clean-up work, maybe spread the word about global warming, and perhaps play some tunes for the people I visit. </p>
<p>I was really psyched about doing this when I read that colleges interpret this as the kind of scenario T26E4 described. While it won't stop me from volunteering, I might have been reluctant to mention what will surely be a life changing and positive experience on an application or in an interview. I didn't really want to have to censor my character, but then again I certainly didn't want to seem like a spoiled brat who's just trying to build her resume to get into a good college.</p>
<p>I don't think it would be held against you -- especially if your service commitment shows in other areas. You can correctly state that this was just one project among others.</p>