Giving Something Back...
Volunteer Vacations
(Research: Marcy Ross)

If you've been there, done that or you would simply like to do something different, volunteer vacations are a great way to immerse yourself in another culture without bumping into a tourist on every other street corner.

Virtually anyone can volunteer - - rarely is experience or expertise required. Projects range from teaching conversational English and saving endangered species to caring for at-risk children and light construction work.

Each organization requires that you pay a tax-deductible fee that covers food, lodging, ground transportation in the community and project materials. It does not pay for immunizations, incidentals and transportation to the country.

$Tip: Most program-related costs, including airfare are tax deductible if the organization is registered as a 501 © (3) nonprofit group with the IRS.

Among those we recommend: Habitat for Humanity, Sierra Club, Earthwatch, American Hiking Society, and:

Globe Aware, 214-823-0083, www.globeaware.org . Encourages individual and family participation on projects in Latin America and Asia .

12 Must-Ask Questions
Before signing up for your mini-Peace Corps stint, get answers to all of the following questions that make a difference to you.

  • What does the fee cover? Medical insurance? Emergency evacuation? Cancellation insurance?
  • Do you arrange for airline flights?
  • What skills are required? What foreign language?
  • Where will I be sleeping? Will there be access to potable water?
  • Will my dietary requirements be a problem?
  • Am I too old? Not agile or strong enough?
  • Will I have Internet access? Can I check my email?
  • Who is leading the project?
  • How many volunteers in my group?
  • Can I leave the program early? Can I stay on after the program ends?
  • Do most volunteers come alone? With friends? Family?
  • What do I need to bring?