The underlying principle of United Planet (UP) programs is recognizing that the relationship between people of diverse backgrounds is the basic building block for uniting the world. They work with local, sustainable projects to give volunteers meaningful work and place them in the homes of local families, so they can form relationships and learn about the realities and joys of daily life. You can work with street children and orphans, build and repair homes, teach English, provide health services, assist with HIV/AIDS education, help with environmental conservation and much more.  
 
With United Planet’s Volunteer Abroad Program, you can choose to volunteer for one week, or for a whole year – or anywhere in between. You can choose any one of 40 countries and you can choose the project of your choice. The minimum age for unaccompanied volunteers is 16 in some countries, 18 in others. Short term programs are from 1-12 wks. and average $2100-3600 for 6 wks, $3000-$5000 for 12 wks.  Long term/Gap Year quests are also available for 6 mos or 1 Yr.
 
United Planet is a 501(c)(3)  nonprofit organization in the United States and, according to their website, all fees associated with your Volunteer Abroad Quest may be tax-deductible for U.S. citizens; this includes the Program Fee, and may include your airfare as well. Some companies will match their employees’ contributions to a nonprofit such as United Planet. You may want to check with your parents’ employers.
 
Program fees typically include pre-departure training, airport transportation, orientation, meaningful community service work, ongoing support, language lessons (most destinations), cultural activities and excursions (varies by country),  host family network and a range of lodging options, local meals, and emergency medical insurance. You will be responsible for your own airfare, visa, passport and miscellaneous personal expenses.

A Broader View (ABV) is a 501(c)(3) charity organization. They support local grassroots organizations worldwide to offer humanitarian mission trips. Programs have short and long term options, anywhere from one week to six months; programs are offered year round with customized departures.  Volunteers pick their own travel dates, length of time and location. Project location options include rural villages, small towns and urban areas with host family options – over 165 locations throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia with a variety of programs for teaching English, orphanage support, working with special needs children/adults, health care, HIV awareness, law and human rights, dental, language immersion, conservation and animal welfare. There is a day of onsite training on arrival in-country with the local coordinator and there is an ABV Coordinator in each location with volunteers.
 
ABV is a 501(c)(3) organization so program costs may be tax deductible for some. Program cost includes airport pick up and departure transfer, in-country orientation with ABV staff, project placement and support, housing and meals. Minimum age is 17. No scholarships or financial aid.

Founded in 1992, Projects Abroad offers a wide variety of opportunities in over 20 countries to do over 100 different internships and service projects including volunteer programs in health care, teaching English, conservation, sports, culture, archeology, and performing arts. They also offer intern programs in health care, law, journalism, business, and animal care. They pride themselves on safety and in-country backup and have over 200 directly-employed staff around the world to help organize all aspects of the programs and provide in-country support for 3500 volunteers annually. Programs include pre-departure counseling and transportation to/from the in-country airport, and comprehensive medical and travel insurance. These fees do not include airfare and visas. There is no mention of financial aid or scholarships.

Projects Abroad offers The Global Gap program for high school graduates taking a year off before college. The program consists of a one week orientation program in Ghana, followed by one-to-two month programs in each of South Africa, Peru, India and Thailand. In each of these countries, volunteers work closely with local staff members on different service projects that lend insight into important issues in developing countries like housing, education, environmental conservation and human rights. This program is tailored for a maximum of 15 volunteers (min. of 5) and commences in the fall of 2011.The Global Gap all-inclusive program fee is $29,995 including all food and housing, medical and travel insurance, airport pick up and drop off in each destination, as well as 24 hour support from staff and all required plane tickets from the US and Canada, including round trip tickets home for winter break. This program fee also includes various sightseeing tours and activities in each destination.

Projects Abroad is a member of the International Volunteer Program Association. They have answered the IVPA list of questions to ask when choosing a volunteer program. It may be worth looking at this when comparing programs.

Global Citizen Year (GCY) “is a non-profit organization building a movement of young Americans who engage in a transformative “bridge year” between high school and college. Through an innovative cross-sector model that partners with high schools and colleges in the US and NGOs around the world, (they) create opportunities for emerging leaders to work as apprentices in Asia, Africa and Latin America. By providing intensive training and support, GCY ensures that Fellows develop an ethic of service, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures, and a deep commitment to becoming agents for social change…. Incubated at Harvard Business School with a team of graduate students from Harvard and MIT, today the Global Citizen Year team has grown to include leading experts in social enterprise, global development, international education and exchange, and higher education.”

According to their website, “following one month of in-country orientation, (volunteers) will spend six months living with a family and working as an apprentice with an organization in anything from health to agriculture. A major part of your responsibility as a GCY Fellow will be to share your experience with your community back home and with wider audiences online through blogging, photography, and videos.”

GCY works with families to determine the appropriate contribution based on a sliding scale that ranges between the $500 deposit and a maximum limit of $26,300. Over 80% of students receive financial aid and there are a number of full scholarships available each year. Students are responsible for personal expenses, vaccines, immunizations, medications, passport fees and any costs associated with early withdrawal.

“Volunteers are given in-depth country and program information and extensive on-site orientation regarding health, safety, cultural differences, local travel information, and volunteer program details. All of the volunteer programs have staff available to help you when you need it, including a 24-hour local support team and trained field guides on all programs.”

Started in the UK in 1971, “WWOOF is a worldwide network of organizations that links volunteers with organic farmers and helps people share more sustainable ways of living”. Volunteers subscribe to a WWOOF organization in the country where you want to work – Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Pacific – to receive a list of farmers needing help in that area.

There is no set program. You contact the farmers to work out the duration of the trip and cover your own airfare and personal expenses; the farm host provides room and board. Who knows, maybe you will be working alongside a Nepalese farmer next summer.

Since 1986, World Teach has partnered with governments and other organizations in developing countries to provide volunteer teachers to meet local needs and promote responsible global citizenship. Countries request World Teach volunteers.

Two month summer programs are open to anyone over the age of 18, including undergraduates and others who do not have a bachelor’s degree. As a volunteer, you will receive training, language preparation and field support and can choose from programs in China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Namibia, Poland, or South Africa.

Your volunteer commitment (cost of program) is a complete “package” program that arranges for your teaching placement, work visa, pre-departure materials and in-country training, international airfare, international travel health insurance including emergency evacuation, 24 hour emergency support, and room and board during your training and teaching service. Your host school or sponsoring organization (often the Ministry of Education) will provide your accommodation and meals, either with a local host family or in teachers’ housing on or near campus.

The World Teach field staff will take your preferences into account when they work with partners in the host country to assign volunteers to schools that need teachers and, when possible, will keep volunteers in close proximity to each other or other year-long World Teach volunteers. 1-800-483-2240. The website has great pre-departure information and a great Fundraising Guide.

TBB programs are specifically designed to provide a complete educational experience including a service project, language and study, and living with a host family. . While each component is a valuable learning experience on its own, the powerful nature of each program is the result of completing the entire itinerary and curriculum. The curriculum is specifically designed to give students a snapshot of the interplay between governments, economies and social systems throughout South America, Asia, Africa, and the US.

TBB’s Global Gap Year programs include language courses to give a basic introduction to local languages. TBB’s Gap Semesters include intensive language study leading to exceptional language acquisition. These skills allow students the independence to meet their basic needs and interact with others to learn more of the local language. Applicants do not need to meet a minimum language requirement, though it is important that they make a commitment to learning new languages and engaging across language barriers.

Successful applicants to TBB programs can demonstrate two things: 1) their passion for learning, and 2) their commitment to making change in their communities. Any student is eligible who is between 17 and 20 years old and has not passed more than one academic year between high school graduation and enrollment in a TBB program.

Unique language immersion programs available in China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and other countries around the world.

If you like languages, be sure you look at NSLI-Y. It’s a fully funded U.S. government program that trains young people to speak other languages. Their website says: “The US Department of State through the National Security Language Initiative for Youth provides full scholarships for eligible high school students to learn a new language, attend a new school, understand a new culture, create a new life with a host family, host community and international friends and colleagues for a summer, semester or school year.

What do speakers of Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Persian, Russian, and Turkish have in common? They are all actively sought by universities, government agencies and the business sector for their skills, experience, and knowledge. If you love languages and learning about new cultures, imagine receiving a scholarship to study for a year, a semester, or a summer in another country. Over 600 scholarships are available to US Citizens, 15–18 years of age at the start of your NSLI-Y program, enrolled in high school at time of application, 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Previous language study is not a requirement and all levels of language ability are encouraged to apply. Students are responsible for obtaining a U.S. passport, required medical examinations and immunizations, and extra pocket money while on the program.

This Australian company organizes online courses in teaching English and then places the graduates in schools in China. Here’s what Matt Garratt, project manager of the program says on their site: “Learn a language, gain work experience, go traveling and take local kung fu, sport or art classes… and get paid to do it. You tell us what you are interested in, and we customize the trip to your preferences so you get the most out of the trip as you possibly can!
••••• • Introduce you to locals and other English speakers who can show you
••••••• around and introduce you to social networks
••••• • make sure there is someone you can always contact in an emergency, and
••••• • keep in regular contact with you to make sure everything is going smoothly.”

You pay your own air, food, and incidentals but the money you earn from teaching will more than cover your living expenses, activities and some travel (or your regular shopping sprees!). Apartments are provided by the school, and you will receive a bonus at the end of a 12 month placement. Hence the total cost of your trip should amount to next to nothing!
LGG contacted them and they told us they would be happy to accept applicants from the U.S. And most recently, they told us that they would offer a $1,500 grant to an American student, which would make the program pretty much free.

The Experiment in International Living is an innovative program offered by World Learning. Based in Vermont, World Learning is the oldest private nonprofit educational services organization in the world. With programs in 25 countries, the organization is committed to promoting international and intercultural understanding through education, field projects, and training. About 1,000 students from across the United States participate each year in language, art, ecology and service projects.

Depending upon the program you choose, your EIL experience can last from three to five weeks. Fees are typically between $3,000 and $6,000. This includes the cost of airfare, meals, lodging, admission to special cultural events, and any necessary insurance coverage.

Since World Learning is committed to helping a diverse group of students experience the benefits of international travel, the organization offers a number of scholarships for program participants. Most scholarships are based primarily on the applicant’s financial need; although a small amount of merit scholarships are available. Additional scholarship information can be found at www.collegescholarships.org.

ARCC recently announced GAP Semesters in Africa and Asia. GAP Africa explores the majesty, cultures, and challenges of three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. GAP Asia is a unique blend of education, service and exploration of the intriguing and ancient cultures of Thailand, China and Tibet. All programs offer an educational and cultural bridge between high school and college. They are an opportunity to live, work, learn and explore in some of the greatest classrooms on earth. The programs examine five essential themes: Literacy & Education, Public Health, Urbanization & the Movement of Peoples, Environment & Conservation, and Microfinance & Economic Growth.

ARCC offers “educational, life-changing adventure filled with discovery and hard work,” commented Scott von Eschen, President of Adventures Cross-Country. According to their website, “programs are extremely well planned, leaving little to chance.” All trips have experience leaders who have had “80 hours of first aid training.” The programs are open to students finishing 12th grade in 2011. Some financial need scholarships may be available. 1-800-767- 2722

Thailand based company offering multiple ideas for Gap Year placements throughout Thailand with a wide variety of experiences and interests ranging from Voluntary Teaching, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation to working within a local Thai community. Alternatively self-improvement packages such as learning Muay-Thai boxing, Yoga Teacher Training, Reiki Master or TEFL Teacher are also available.

Programs are flexible enough to allow you to plan and meet personal goals, needs and requirements. The average age for programs is 17-23 and participants are required to provide their own travel and medical insurance, passports and visas, air, and spending money. There is an orientation on arrival and in-country assistance at all times either by phone or in person on set days.

If you need assistance choosing a program, Asian Gap Year offers 2 different consulting options ($395-$750) depending on how much help you need. Beyond that, programs range in price from a one-month teaching children at a Buddhist temple that includes shared accommodations, breakfast and lunch for $900; a one-month Yoga Teaching retreat including shared accommodations but no meals for $1350; to a two-month Thai immersion program with shared room and breakfast for $3600.