Will my volunteer experience abroad reflect badly for college admissions?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm a dedicated volunteer and I work around 20 hours a month between 2 organizations. One works to provide food for children in impoverished countries and the other is one is a music immersion class I do for seniors. I've been working with these two organizations for four years.</p>

<p>I went on a volunteer trip to Nepal for a month this past summer, working with children and in a few medical clinics. (Somewhat related to the first organization I mentioned).</p>

<p>The problem is, some people have mentioned that volunteering abroad makes students appear as if they are paying to improve how their application looks. Will admissions officers get the wrong idea?</p>

<p>I did a work exchange program and really only paid for my flight ticket and medical/travel insurance. I didn't pour money into this for possible future benefits, but I don't know if my trip will come across as fake. </p>

<p>Do you have any input?</p>

2

<p>Yes, keep doing what you’re doing, stop trying to second-guess yourself, and when the time comes, describe your endeavors as thoroughly as you can in your college applications.</p>

<p>Don’t let other people tell you what you should or should not be interested in.</p>

3

<p>It’ll come off as fake if you make it seem that way. It sounds to me like you are dedicated and passionate about what you do—so don’t second guess yourself like the other person said. In your essays and interviews talk about your experiences abroad so it doesn’t seem like you just did it for your admission.</p>

4

<p>Avoid the clich</p>