[StuartWbMitchell]

Hi there,
I've been looking at going abroad during the summer of next year once I leave school. My idea is to volunteer for around 2 months, then travel for a short while and experiance a little of the world by myself for a few weeks after. I've been looking at various projects, however i'm not really sure what i'd like to do. I know i'd like to be quite hands on and independant, not involved in a set "programme" for a few weeks, but don't want to leave the big city in Scotland to travel to another big city abroad, for example Rural Locations in Africa appeal quite alot to me. I have no idea where to start, which companies to look at, how much it will all cost ect.
If you could perhaps point me in the right direction.
Thanks
Stuart

[La Esmerelda]

international citizen service (ICS). You're welcome.

[Khaya]

Hi there,

I volunteered a few years ago and am now interning at the volunteer placement company I went with, Khaya Volunteer.

Atleast you have a start and know what you are looking for in a volunteer project. From what you've said, if you were to come to Africa I wouldn't suggest a township project, perhaps a wildlife project? Are you an animal lover? There's awesome cheetah rehabilitation centre in the Karoo called Modgaji.

[Nadinchen]

I can tell you what I have done when I did voluntary work abroad... maybe it can help you ....
I first went to Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali, where I worked for an organisation called BARC (Bali Adoption and Rehabilitiation Centre). Ubud is an amazing place and I loved working for this non profit organisation.
Then I went to Koh Lanta (Thailand) where volunteered for Lanta Animal Welfare. Again, I had a great time.
If you are looking for "quiet" locations (I mean, not big cities) and for exotic places.... they are perfect!
In both cases, all you have to do is contact the organisation and tell them if they need volunteers. you do not have to pay registration fees or other such things.
Enjoy!