Are there any cheap volunteering abroad programs??

Are there actually free abroad volunteering programs?

• I'm not a u.s citizen, so UN, peacecorps,etc aren't possible. I'm 20, and a university student, and would like to go on a volunteering program for about 3-4 weeks. But i'm not going to pay 3000-5000 $ for the program itself, i mean, its just stupid, why would i pay for my own work?? I'm willing to pay for the airfare, food and accommodation. I'd like something to do with wildlife, or animals. So are there any programs that offer something like this?

• Answer:

  Hello, take my advice. I went with a fee-paying program to do orphanage work and it was the BIGGEST mistake....what they 'organised' I could have organised myself. I suggest you go on your own...do some research prior to going as to the volunteer places available in the country you wish to visit. Maybe even contact these places themselves prior to going and then...organise your own trip. Trust me...I have regretted the decision to go through an organisation. a) It was way too costly for the lack of organisation and support I received and b) I could have organised a more enriching experience for my self, BY myself. If you go on your own you can choose where you want to work, for how long...you get to choose where you want to stay....backpackers accomodation? hotel? host family? You can choose how many hours/days/weeks you wish to spend working..and how many you wish to spend traveling. You can organise your own experience depending on what you're after. Do a lot of research prior to leaving though....make sure you're organised...and I wish you all the best in your travels!!! Take care!