If you're thinking about volunteering abroad, the United States Peace Corps is one of the first possibilities to come to mind. If the thought of 27 months away from home makes you wary, however, there are plenty of shorter alternatives that will fulfill your civic service need just as well.
Projects Abroad
If you're looking for a gap year or summer program, or are considering a career break, Projects Abroad might be what suits you best. You can choose where you want to go and what you want to do; from teaching English in Latin America to conservation work in Thailand.
Cross-Cultural Solutions
Those seeking a shorter volunteering opportunity might be interested in the one to 12 week programs offered by Cross-Cultural Solutions. Instead of living on your own in a rural village with the Peace Corps, you will live with other volunteers in one of 12 countries from Russia to Peru.
Social Entrepreneur Corps
Not only can you volunteer with Social Entrepreneur Corps all over the world, but intern and consult as well in one of three countries: Guatemala, Ecuador or Mexico. Participants take classes to learn Spanish, live with locals and participate in field work ranging from rural tourism to education.
United Planet
Anyone looking for a longer-term volunteer experience can consider United Planet with its short-term quests from one to 12 weeks and long-term quests from six months to one year. United Planet has programs in over 50 countries with possibilities to work in healthcare, orphanages, environment, construction, education and women's empowerment.
SOTENI
Those with an interest in helping orphans and those affected by the African HIV/AIDS pandemic can volunteer with SOTENI International. Their student internship program offers training to work in rural and urban settings in Kenya, including education on providing HIV/AIDS prevention services.
Tags: Peace Corps, United Planet, Cross-Cultural Solutions, Entrepreneur Corps, live with, Projects Abroad