It’s July and summertime is in full swing.  Why not spend a vacation that’s worthwhile and meaningful? Make amazing memories with summer volunteering experiences.

Farridha Barra writes about her Summer Volunteer Program (reposted from the summer volunteer program site from January 2011): “I volunteered in India the summer after I graduated from college and thought it would be the perfect time to explore and be open to new sights and experiences. My most vivid recollection from that trip was the time we spent in Bhuj, Gujarat, doing disaster relief work. An earthquake devastated the area in January 2001 and we worked alongside local relief agencies to help distribute food supplies in various villages. We arrived six months after the incident and it was incredibly shocking to see the buildings and roads in a dilapidated state. The local villagers who came to receive the supplies were incredibly resilient and hopeful despite having lost virtually everything including their homes and farms. That experience taught me about the human spirit and put things in perspective for me about my own life. Nine years later, I still feel nostalgic about the trip and it has made me more aware of social and economic issues faced by those less fortunate around the world. I hope individuals seek an opportunity to benefit from such a rich experience that can inspire them to help make an impact for others.”

In order to make sure you have a rewarding and meaningful experience make sure you plan ahead and find the right volunteer opportunity for you! Click here for advice on how to make the best of your volunteering.  It’s best to use specific planned group programs, or if you want to plan your trip yourself contact local organizations ahead of time to ensure there are opportunities and activities to be done.

Here are some other resources where you can find summer volunteering/gap years/ and volunteering abroad programs:

Cross-Cultural Solutions

World Wide Organic Farm Opportunities

Gvi Summer Volunteering

Voluntouring Programs

Idealist.org lists volunteer opportunities all over the world