Volunteer work

There are many voluntary organisations such as VSO, the Red Cross and Oxfam that would love to hear from you if you want to work as an aid worker in a disadvantaged country which may be poverty stricken, or ravaged by war.

The chances are your work will not be paid and in fact will probably have to pay your flight and cost of living out of your own pocket.

The work will be physically and mentally draining, but you will be doing something thoroughly worthwhile.

Your eyes will be opened to the reality that much of the world is not fortunate enough to be able to feed itself daily, let alone know what an 'internet' is.

Other volunteer opportunities are available with organizations such as Raleigh International who carry out worthwhile community infrastructure building projects in the third world and conservation organizations such as Operation Wallacea who operate in the pacific conserving reefs and endangered species.

These expeditions usually last a couple of months, to take part there are selection procedures and you are required to raise in excess of £2, 000 by sponsorship.

Organised work schemes abroad

Other organizations can do the leg work for you to locate work within a country. BUNAC (the British Universities North America Club) is a non-profit, non-political, student organization with its own travel company.

They can book and arrange all your flights, accommodation and work within the US and Canada, they offer support services and one of the best things is that there are lots of other like-minded people doing the same thing who you will be thrown together with.

If you are using an organization of this type make sure you research their them thoroughly before you hand over any money. For advice visit your local careers center or get a book from the library.

Teaching English as a foreign language is possible in many countries and you do not need formal teaching qualifications. Often you do require A-level English language or an official TEFL qualification.