Gap Volunteer Programs

Not sure where to post this question....

I have a 17 year old son whom I strongly think should take a gap year or gap six months before attending college (he graduates in 2009). I really want him to experience how the rest of the world lives, give back, and maybe do some soul searching along the way about what he wants to do with his life. He isn't an exceptional student, but carries a 3.0 gpa and is a championship HS swimmer. Within the US is okay, although Mexico or Central America would be good too (he would like Australia). As a family we have never had a chance to travel outside the US. We don't belong to a church, so that kind of group is out, but I've been researching programs on the internet. Our budget isn't great, I found one program that only wanted $35,000! But, I probably could swing $3000-$5000 for a 3-9 month program out of his college fund. Does anyone have an opinion on these programs or other programs, good or bad? Advice on figuring out who is reputable? Other forums I could post the question?

cityyear
Americorps
Rustic Pathways
LEAPNOW
ProjectsAbroad.org
CrossCultural Solutions

TIA

is certainly making a lot of change:

Pastors for Peace,

http://www.ifconews.org/MedicalSchool/main.htm

Best of luck to him, and let us know how it goes!

:toast:

She graduated from Loyola and is doing her service there in New Orleans. Her weekly stipend is small, but she has other CityYear volunteers as roommates, so I think she's squeaking by without too much help from mom and dad. She gets basic health insurance as well, and when she completes her year, she gets $4725. There are a few colleges will match that.

As much as he might like Australia, that's awfully far away for such a young person to go and be away from his family. Mexico or Central America would be nice because he would have to become fluent in Spanish. Here are a site that might provide some more ideas:

http://www.idealist.org/