How I did it: I knew that I wanted to leave the country so I looked for programs on the internet.  I found lifeworks which offers multiple service trips.  One gives supplies in Thailand, one gives medicine to the aborigines in Australia, and the one that I did, was environmental conservation in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.  I was there for approximately three weeks and we traveled to several different islands and built schools, cleaned up beaches, and worked in some of the reserved park areas.  It was quite an experience.

Lessons & tips: Pack things that you don't mind leaving behind, unlike most vacations you take, you're pack comes back lighter
I didn't know a single person that was going, and no one really knew anyone who was going, but don't let that stop you, you all have a common cause and you'll end up with new friends for life

Resources: I went quite a few years ago so some of the trip locations probably changed, but here is the link to Lifeworks which organizes and hosts these trips.
http://www.lifeworks-international.com/

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Aug 13, 2009, 09:40AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer