Volunteering abroad can be one of the most fun and fulfilling thing you can do in life. You can explore another country and culture while helping the community. No matter what your interests are, their is a charity that can work for you. I taught English in Spain with VaughanTown and it was one of the most fun experiences I have ever had. Not only did I meet great people from Spain, but other English teachers from the U.S. and the UK. Not only did I learn a lot about Spain, their culture and the people, I learned a lot about myself and how difficult the English language can be.
Finding a volunteer opportunity is pretty easy. First, figure out your interests. Children? Animals? Next, narrow down your country choice. Several companies can arrange short-term volunteer opportunities for you for a fee, but it is also pretty easy to be done on your own with a little research. At the end of the day, I like being able to give more directly to a charity than pay astronomical “administration fees”.
Long-term volunteers
US Peace Corps- For a 2 year contract, you will get a portion of your student loans paid off and get to travel to one of 77 different countries. You will provide technical assistance in one of six different areas: education, youth & community development, health, business technology, agriculture and environment.
Short-term volunteers
All Hands and Hearts – Volunteer just about anywhere for disaster relief.
Idealist– Links to hundreds of overseas volunteer opportunities.
Teachers Without Borders– for educators.
VaughanTown– Teach English in Spain. No teacher degree required.