I'm going to be traveling to South America - within Brazil, Argentina, the northern part of Chile, and Peru - for eight months with a friend.

Does anyone have any programs, job or volunteer opportunities, charity work, or projects they could recommend? I'm open to anything really. I'd like to find something I can learn from and gain professional or life experience. I'd prefer something that pays or a work for food and lodging type situation, as well as something I could list on my resumé. My main objective in going to South America is to learn Spanish.

Any suggestions or general advice?

11/22/2006 5:49:16 PM

i woudl like to do this too.....i've added this to my topics

11/22/2006 5:58:53 PM

11/22/2006 6:00:23 PM

No, she´s not. If anything´s going to happen at all, she will be pickpockted or robbed.

I am here in South America right now. Ecuador, specifically. I have been to Peru and Nicaragua before, so I guess I know more than the average gringo. I am also a Spanish major.

Let me tell you: I feel safer walking around parts of Quito than I do on Hillsborough. The biggest threat is the traffic, which gives cars the right of way. If you are going to die, it´s through traveling in either a personal automobile or bus.

I would not recommend a woman to travel alone, although I know plenty of women who have done it without any problems. It is also best to go somewhere with four or so other people. Yet, as I said before, I feel Hillsborough is also much more dangerous, especially considering the recent assault and the assault last semester from the ´gangsters´.

As far as volunteering, it´s up the whazoo . The best bet is to find which section of the city caters to tourists and gringos. There, you will probably find volunteer programs. It´s the best way to travel, contribute and really understand South America better, in my opinion.

Hope that helps somewhat.

[Edited on November 22, 2006 at 6:23 PM. Reason : forgetting my English.]

11/22/2006 6:22:12 PM