aby

Here's an answer for Safari_Craig :
real <b>free</b> volunteering + low payment (much lower than the $100 per day quoted)
http://www.volunteer4africa.org/volunteer_projects.htm
aby

Mich_Pilo

This is a wonderful thread. I am also researching volunteer programs and this has been extremely useful. One question: has anyone had experience with global vision international? Based in the UK. The program I'm considering is a predator study in Sth Africa.

tactile

No experience with them.But they appear to be a marketing entity for a wide variety of projects.As such , you will pay more as they will be adding on a marketing margin, for themselves.Nothing inherently wrong with that as they will be specialised at advertising the project much further afield than say an orphanage in Kenya could ever hope to do.
Check out the end project.Find out if you can book direct with that project.You'll get the same experience but at the Project's direct rate.

Mich_Pilo

Thanks tactile. I'll look into it.

tactile

If you can't find where to book direct,and still want to do that project you will need to book through them.Thing to do then is find out if the same project is marketed by other organisations.
http://www.earthwatch.org/expedition...rchafrica.html
A friend has been on their projects so are reputable.I understand some of their programs are their own, and others are 'product' they market.But you may find same project there and able to compare prices.
The organisation I have been watching over the years is-
http://www.biosphere-expeditions.org...olidays-2.html

I'd like to get back to that area.Mongolia was an incredible experience.And I'd like to work that project into a visit there and into Tuva.Deels and throatsinging get to me!
More expensive,but on true expedition type projects, the volunteer fee is funding the whole project.Unlike a lot of others which are 'static' projects.You know, an orphanage, conservation ranch exists,whether or not a volunteer turns up and provides a bit of extra income.

BTW best value around-cost versus experience, is EHRA's Desert Elephant project.Their base camp on the Ugab is a magical place.And it takes you so far out of your comfort zone,but into beautiful country.I'll get back onto that some day.