Volunteer / charity work abroad

[z_chromozone]

Hi,

My friend is interested in doing volunteer / charity work in Africa, or Asia for a period of ca. 1 year. He is in his mid thirties, so not a student and has some building skills. He has the cash for flights etc.

Can anyone recommend a source of good information, or a reputable contact he can speak to.

Has anyone had good / bad experiences they would like to share.

Thanks,

Z

[Metroarea]

The only thing I would say is to be careful if using a "reputable company" to help organise everything. It seems that they charge a huge amount for the privelege of going and volunteering abroad, but that not alot of the money you pay to them actually goes to the places you are meant to be helping.

I would go direct to an international charity insterad of a "volunteering holiday" company. They are likely to just pay you a small local wage and you get involved in lots of local charity work.

I did a bit for a landmine clearance charity in Laos - was very good.

[Overhaulin]

A good starting point would be to chck out the VSO website.

[z_chromozone]

I had heard that there were a few people out there ripping off volunteers, hence the initial post.

THanks,

Z