http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18615
My experience of Kerala was fantastic, it has the most verdant flora and fauna, vibrant culture and the people I met were so welcoming. Besides many teaching and renovation projects at schools that really need help and support, Yearoutindia gives you the opportunity to be involved with the local communities and make a real difference to the lives of people in rural South India. They also run link school projects with schools in UK and looking to so the same with school in France and USA.

The coordinators and staff really go out of their way make sure volunteers have a great experience and that they really make a positive and direct contribution to the people and communities they work with. They only take on limited number of volunteers (usually 2-3) per project site, ensuring a personal commitment to the projects and a unique individual experience.

Yearoutindia is also a non-profit organisation who don’t advertise in print media, all their ex-volunteers who work on community development projects, conservation and environmental work, teaching in schools and orphanages act as volunteer coordinators back in their own country. A true volunteer experience run by volunteers themselves!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18615 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287
We did loads of the stuff recommended in it and it helped us meet local people and ensure that our money was going to worthwhile places.

For example: teaching locals to read English (Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang - fantastic place!).

If you fancy a massage, go to the Red Cross in Luang Prabang. It's not luxury - none of your scented candles here - but a great massage and all the money goes to the Red Cross. The brave can even donate blood.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15924
You are placed with a local family to live and experience real Andean life. They also offer superb jungle treks - highly memorable and so rewarding.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15924 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15627
They are a charity so there is no profit involved as with other operators in the area. I have seen where the money goes - new buildings, education, food, clothes, bedding etc for these kids. They are not just in it for the money, they really care.

When I checked out some of the others in Siem Reap they send volunteers to these places but that's where their support ends - Globalteer are also the cheapest so good news all round. Really friendly people working there too.

They take people for three months or even if you are in the area for a few days and want to help they will find a placement for you.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15627 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9457 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9457