Volunteering Anyone?! : Part Dos

Besides the Peace Corps there are some other alternative organizations that provide volunteering abroad opportunities. Bunac is a company that helps college grads either work or volunteer abroad. As far as volunteering goes, they have a programs that go to Peru, South Africa, and Cambodia. Unlike the Peace Corps, Bunac allows the applicant to choose the program he or she may want to pursue and you usually work in groups of other volunteers through the Bunac program. They also have various projects available to work with such as environmental and conservations work to education and social work programs. The programs go from five to seventeen weeks, and the requirements are request a background in foreign language (preferably french or Spanish depending on the area) and an undergrad degree. The only down side to the program is the fees it requires the volunteer to pay for living expenses while being abroad (because it isn't a government funded organization like the peace corps). The fees are determined by the length of the program along with the destination. An average cost for a program would be 1300-1540 dollars, not including air line tickets. Though this price is a bit hefty, it does cover everything from food, insurance, local transportation, housing, and orientation. You can also read into the program more on the web site and apply for Bunac online as well!There is a great article from transitions abroad by Katie Kruger that can help someone interested in volunteering abroad gain some more information about the experience.