(Stolen from the site of an exchange organization, i.e. TravelWorks. Find this text very good and agree to everything said)

What should you expect from volunteer work abroad?

Whether as an teacher in in Thailand, Park Ranger at the Costa Rican coast, an unsalaried employee at a health clinic in South Africa or nurse in an orphanage in Chile – your assistance becomes everywhere very appreciated, even if it is only a small contribution, which you can make untrained locally. But please do not expect to be able to change the country’s conditions completely. This desire for rapid change based on a western model will not necessarily be desirable.

Beside the volunteer work you will still have sufficient time to explore your host country:

* Trips to markets and cultural places, national parks, beaches or surrounding cities,
* Treks in the national parks,
* Cosy evenings with other volunteers or backpackers from all around world,
* Even a trip into a neighbouring country

The possibilities are all there, its up to you to make them on your way!

However please you consider also the following:

In most cases, due to the culture of your host country, your project will not provide you with any introductory course or specific work agenda. Instead you are merged into a team of local co-workers. However, by working closely with these co-workers and maintaining regular feedback discussions with your project leader(s), you can get a clear idea of how you are doing and the best ways you can help. Remember to ask when in doubt how you can be more helpful and effective.

Since the project placements and the accommodations often lie in particularly poor regions within the respective country, security, and infrastructure conditions are not comparable to those of your home country. Thus adaptability, responsibility, and flexibility are all indispensable for your stay.

Up to date info about the conditions in the host country can always be found online, try checking http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590