These are a few of the questions that will be going through your mind.
The first thing you need to decide is where. It is important to choose a country which you are interested in. If you can speak a foreign language or want to learn a specific one then volunteer in a suitable country.
Use your skills
Every volunteer has their own unique skills to offer the project the responsible volunteer would consider these before they decide on a type of project.
There is no point in putting round pegs in square holes as it will not get the most out of you. Also if you help doing things you know, you can get more done, having more of an impact.
One volunteer particularly stands out - he was a Dutch volunteer who went to Sri Lanka. He was starting a job in Indonesia helping to solve water irrigation problems.
Before he started the job he helped by organising and installing an irrigation system so now the whole village can water plants easily. You see the more you can help by utilising your skills the greater the rewards for the project and your self-satisfaction.
Where the money goes
Unfortunately it’s a sad truth but money does make the world go round and it is even more vital in the third world. I believe it is best for the volunteer to give the money direct to the project.
There are hundreds and thousands of grass roots organisations crying out for volunteers that are not associated with large volunteer companies. Ecoteer.com and other similar websites like help exchange have helped to collate the grass roots projects in one space.
Preparation is vital, so research the country, get the vaccinations and buy travel insurance that covers volunteering.
I can not stress it enough but before you travel you must contact the project on a regular basis and talk about what you will do before so you can prepare suitably.
Getting there
If you do want to volunteer in a foreign country then explore other forms of travel. Buses and trains are great forms of transport and are often cheaper than flying - make the journey part of the experience rather than as a necessity to volunteer.
Flying is essential for some travel but if you do need to fly make sure you pay money into carbon offsetting schemes.
When you arrive
It’s about respect. When you volunteer abroad you’ll be with people with different backgrounds, culture and beliefs.
When you join this new community they welcome you into their home and workspace so you must respect them as you would if the roles where reversed.
Go with an open mind, enthusiasm and be willing to live like the local people not like a tourist or like you do at home.