For residents of Canada (you do not have to be a Canadian citizen, as long as you are a landed immigrant, officially) -
Katimavik is a good one. Provides some great experience in doing some community projects across Canada (which looks great on a resume) while also allowing you the opportunity to explore the diversity of Canada first-hand. Eligibility requirements are only that you be between the ages of 17 to 21 (when the program initiates); be a Canadian citizen or have landed immigrant status; and never have previously participated in the Katimavik program.
Unless i am mistaken, Katimavik is endorsed/organized by Sasha Trudeau (son of the late PM) who undertook a few projects himself as one of the project leaders. IF one is accepted, then most of the expenses are paid for by the organization, (including accomodation for several months) and you also receive a (small) bursary.
ProPoor is a non-profit organization that, according to its website, “…has developed a comprehensive Internet portal containing information about South Asian non-governmental organizations, funding agencies, events, projects, job opportunities in social development, success stories of individuals as well as organizations, and other relevant links.”
You have to search around a bit on this website as they recently revamped it. You can get contact information for social/justice NGOs based in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
Here’s another one - but unfortunately it does not accept residents from the US and Canada “for insurance reasons”. This would hence apply solely for non-Americans/Canadians, (not that this is relevant, but Prince William volunteered in Chile under this organization for his gap year):
~ ~ ~ Raleigh International is a youth development charity which inspires people from all backgrounds and nationalities to discover their full potential by working together on challenging environmental and community projects around the world. We run 3-month expeditions that are part of a longer programme of training weekends and workshops prior to expedition. The training concentrates on personal development, cultural awareness, global issues and preparing people for expedition life.
Raleigh International runs 11 expeditions a year to Chile, Costa Rica & Nicaragua, Ghana, Namibia and Sabah-Borneo.
The projects overseas are of high quality, worthwhile and sustainable. Whatever you do whether building schools in Namibia or tracking endangered species in Chile, all the projects are supported by host country government ministries and international development organisations. The international organisations Raleigh currently work with include The Natural History Museum, WWF, ActionAid and The Darwin Initiative.
These partnerships ensure the work Raleigh Volunteers are involved with is relevant, valuable and focussed and the work will continue long after Raleigh International has left. Respected international bodies such as United Nations agencies, and the European Commission fund many of the projects.
Who goes on Expedition with Raleigh International?
All Raleigh International participants have one thing in common… They have chosen to make a difference to their lives and the lives of others.