A great way to use your free time this summer is to volunteer. Many organizations can always use the extra help, especially in the summertime. Volunteering is not only a rewarding experience, but it also allows you the opportunity to give back to your community, network with new people, and it looks great on your résumé. Your volunteer supervisor can even be a future reference for jobs and internships.
If you do some research online, you can find serval organizations that offer opportunities to volunteer abroad, such as ISV and Global Vision International. With a volunteer abroad program, you may be required to pay a fee to travel and volunteer with the program; however some organizations will also offer you academic credits for participating. With that in mind, there are certainly more regional organizations such as the YMCA, The Red Cross, local animal shelters and SPCA’s, the Meals on Wheels Association of America, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, just to name a few. Reach out to non-profits and organizations in your area, or you can also use the search engine site, www.volunteerforever.com to find volunteer opportunities near you.
