volunteering?
Hello to all! Nowadays I am especially interested and searching some new facts about volunteering somewhere else in the world...
What do you guys have to say about this? Do you find useful all sorts of it? Your experiences, opinions and tips are very welcome here 
2 Answers
I live in The Netherlands and have allot of experience volunteering. I work in the music industrie and to get some experience I've volunteered at a cultural music venue and allot of music events.
Next summer I graduate from college and I will find a real job ;D. I'm thinking about volunteering for an animal shelter in my spare-time next to my job. I don't have experience in other countries.
I have a friend that moved to San Fransisco to studie for 6 months. She is looking for a place (volunteering) were she can help woman with different cultural backgrounds, but talk spanish (a latin american communitie woul'd be her number one choice). She studies cultural antropology and is fluent in spanish. She arrived in San Fransico last week, so if anybody has an idea were she could help, al ideas are welcome!
Hi Swing,
I think this is a great and noble idea. There are so many places in the world in need of help. One such place that comes to mind is Haiti. It seems that many have forgotten that they are still in need of help. Actually, I would suggest going to the Dominican Republic, which is on the same island. As I'm sure you know, Spanish is spoken there, which will enable you to practice your Spanish and be of service. There are so many needs in the DR itself. However, according to our friends who live and work there, they have had a major influx of Haitians since the earthquake. When I was there, months before the quake, there were many needs. I can't imagine what it is like now. Also, the Dominicans are very receptive and welcoming people.
Other than that, I would suggest that you become involved with a church or group in your country that specializes in this sort of thing. They will be able to give you suggestions and tell you what the pros and cons are.
Each country is different. It is probably best to do something short term (less than a month) before committing to any location. You will have to check with the various immigration/ travel/ working visa policies of the countries you are interested in. Some are easier to work with than others. That is why it is probably best to work with a group that can answer all of these questions for you. They will tell you what you need, what to watch out for, etc.
Buena suerte Swing 
