International volunteering: How to avoid high program fees

In my latest “Ask Rolf” column at World Hum, a reader named Ian asks a very valid and common question about volunteering overseas. “I’m planning on departing on a long-term round-the-world journey sometime in the next few years,” he says, “and I was interested in volunteering throughout the journey.” He continues:

To learn more about this possibility, I checked out the Cross Cultural Solutions site and was excited to see the many different opportunities. However, I soon discovered it wasn’t free. It was, actually, very expensive! My question is, are there any solid, reputable, good volunteer programs that don’t have high “program fees”? I know those programs are probably well worth the money, but I just don’t have the budget to spend $2,000 every time I want to volunteer for a couple weeks. Are there cheaper alternatives that still offer the same rewarding and memorable experience?

Ian brings up a good point. Volunteering is indeed a great way to experience the world, and it can be discouraging to discover that many volunteering opportunities are expensive enough to deplete your long-term travel budget.

To see how I address Ian’s question — including tips on spontaneous, informal volunteering as well as organized volunteering, click over to my World Hum column here.

Posted by | Comments (1)  | April 4, 2006
Category: Vagabonding Advice


One Response to “International volunteering: How to avoid high program fees”

  1. Ron Mader Says:

    Excellent topic, excellent advice. We’ll be adding a link from Planeta.com headlines.