The best and worst volunteering organisations...

January 14, 2008 9:23 AM

Im interested in doing some Camp America/BUNAC/GAP year type programmes over the next year hopefully including one that gives me a Teaching English as a Foreign Language qualification...

So I guess my question is.

Who are the good guys and who is gonna take my money, throw me in the middle of nowhere in a foreign country and see if i float? There is a previous thread on mefi about a bad camp america experience that has rattled me. Ive googled thoroughly but any helpful information about good/bad experiences from any type of provider of these kinds of volunteer travel 'experiences' would be great.

...a few details about me.
Im 22, UK, in my third year of a degree and have experience with children. This next year (after uni ends so June - around August 2009) will be concerned with me gathering experience, seeing the world, doing fun things.
Things I want in a programme; lots of support, a fair price and most importantly a great experience. I dont want to be out of the country more than 3 months at a time.
Im looking to doing a camp america type thing this summer, and a TEFL learning and experience type programme in maybe china early next year.

posted by Neonshock to Travel & Transportation (2 answers total)

I did BUNAC for a year in New Zealand, and they really don't offer any support. Obviously I spoke the language, but their job search help is pathetic. It's great for getting the visa, and I had an amazing year, but once I was there I was pretty much on my own. And it was much harder finding work than they'd led me to expect.

However: I haven't heard of any programs that really hold your hand. You may want to get your TEFL qualification at home or in another English-speaking country. Then you could use your connections from that program to find a placement in China or wherever you want to go, or go through a program that focuses specifically on TEFL placements.
posted by bassjump at 12:04 PM on January 14, 2008

This doesn't help with TEFL, but you could consider doing a session or two with World Campus International, a business/culture/education program based in Japan. I'm close with most of the staff there and I know they will be very supportive and helpful.
posted by divabat at 8:25 AM on January 15, 2008