"Voluntourism"

The neologism is a bit off-putting, but volunteering appeals, especially opportunities that pair the volunteer with a host family.

Habitat Global Village Volunteer program

• In 40 countries abroad
• most trips seem to be between 8 and 12 days
• About half the program cost goes towards the project; the other half covers volunteer's expenses
• On-ground trip coordination seems to be included in most trips
• Engagement includes rest and cultural activities

Projects Abroad

• Active for over 20 years; worldwide office; hundreds of projects. Brochure
• Prices include food and lodging; airport pick up and drop off; necessary work-related transportation; travel and medical insurance (to age 65); support etc etc.
• Volunteer responsible for flights, visas etc.
• "Grown-up Special" projects for volunteers over 50. Currently in South Africa, Nepal and Jamaica. Two-weeks, with a group. Example pricing: South Africa = $3170; Nepal $2195

Global Volunteer Network

• Founded in New Zealand in 2000
• Projects in Africa, Asia and the Americas
• $250 application fee + $495/week for up to four weeks, then $200/week thereafter
• Includes accommodation, meals, coordination, supervision, training, airport pick up

Five tips from Shannon O'Donnell, who wrote a book on volunteer tourism, The Volunteer Traveler's Handbook.

• Understand development and aid -- to avoid projects with questionable ethics
• Choose a good fit; assess time commitment and personal volunteer motives
• independent volunteering - for long-term travelers with flexible itinerary; all self-arranged
• placement companies - for specific type of volunteering; medium level of facilitation
• voluntours - high level of facilitation; bulk of fee goes to the company
• social enterprises: skip the volunteering and donate to local communities as you travel
• Research organizations in your area of interest; links to many sites for researching included
• Ask the right questions; Full list of questions here, but the core issues are
• where's the money going
• how is the organization working with the community
• what is expected of volunteers
• Then take a break, take a deep breath, and start the detailed planning