Free or low cost year-long work, intern, and volunteer abroad opportunities

GoAbroad.com is a searchable website that includes links to hundreds of programs for internships or volunteering abroad. You can search by country, by the type of internship or volunteer program you're interested in, or by duration of the program. The website offers information about opportunities in numerous countries around the world including popular destinations such as Spain, China, Japan, France, etc. Of course it's extremely important to exercise due diligence with all of these programs, especially programs run by private companies that charge fees. Before signing up with one of these programs, it's critically important to research it very thoroughly-read all the fine print to see what the fees are--and exactly what you will get in return--and search the Internet for independent reviews of the program or company.

InterExchange, Travel Abroad: InterExchange Website

Interexchange is a nonprofit organization that offers a wide variety of work and volunteer programs. Interexchange offers paid positions in many countries around the world, including Spain, Italy, France, China, Australia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Positions range from serving as an au pair (a live-in babysitter), to teaching positions (classroom assistants as well as full time teachers), to volunteer work, to assistance finding a service industry job in countries such as Australia and New Zealand; the duration of each program varies as well. Most programs offered by Interexchange have an upfront cost for orientation and fees-typically at least $1000-and while housing is often provided and many positions are paid, applicants need to pay their own airfare. Eligibility also varies depending on the program that is being considered, but generally, applicants need to be college graduates. Deadlines vary depending on the program. InterExchange has been in business for about 40 years, but as with all commitments, make sure to read the program description and benefits very carefully so you have a full understanding of the costs associated with each program.

Peace Corps volunteers go abroad for two years to work all over the world (except for Western Europe) in a variety of fields, including education, agriculture, youth development, environment, health, and community economic development. Applicants can request placement in up to three countries; most positions require a college degree, but knowledge of a foreign language is not required. While there is no set deadline to apply, it typically takes nine months to a year to complete the application process. The Peace Corps pays airfare, living expenses, and medical care as well as a bonus after 27 months of service.

Princeton in Africa: Princeton in Africa Website

Princeton in Africa develops young leaders committed to Africa's advancement by offering yearlong fellowship opportunities with a variety of organizations that work across the African continent. Outstanding graduating seniors and recent graduate from all universities are eligible to apply and prior experience in Africa is not a prerequisite. Princeton in Africa expects to offer approximately 45 fellowships in about 15 countries next year. Although the complete list of fellowships will not be finalized until after the application deadline, you may study the lists of current and recent fellowships to get an idea of the types of positions that may be offered. Fellowships are 12 months long. Examples of fields that participants could be working in include Environment and Conservation, Humanitarian Aid, Advocacy and Civil Society, Education, and ESL. Princeton in Africa (along with partner organizations) cover on-the-ground expenses (including housing and living stipend), group medical and evacuation insurance, and a pre-departure orientation; fellows pay for their own airfare as well as a $150 fee. Applications are due at the beginning of November.

Princeton in Asia: Princeton in Asia Website

Princeton in Asia (PiA) is an independent, non-profit organization located at Princeton University. This program strives to foster mutual appreciation and cultural understanding by connecting service-minded college graduates with outstanding academic records to partner organizations in Asia. Princeton in Asia typically offers over 100 full-year fellowships in numerous countries in Asia, including Cambodia, China/Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, The Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Service-oriented posts are available in a variety of fields, including education, international development (NGOs), journalism and business, with a majority of fellows working as English teachers at universities and high schools. Online applications are due mid November; the application fee is $55 and the program fee for students who are accepted is $500. The program does not typically cover airfare, but fellows are paid a stipend to cover their living expenses while in Asia. Fellows who will teach English in Asia are required to participate in a 20 hour TEFL program at Princeton on a weekend in April; the program pays for housing and most meals for that weekend.

Princeton in Latin America Princeton in LA

This program is similar to Princeton in Africa and Princeton in Asia, but applicants are expected to have "working knowledge" of Spanish or Portuguese for Brazil.

Volunteermatch.org Volunteermatch.org

Volunteermath.org is a website that matches volunteers with companies and organizations who seek volunteers. The positions in the international section vary widely and will change: some are to teach English in a country, others are to teach basic computer skills, others are to develop social media (in the US) for a non-profit based in another country. Similarly, the benefits offered vary widely: some organization are looking for volunteers, i.e. no pay, others offer room and board and perhaps a small salary. As with any position, if you see a position that interests you, research the organization listed carefully before applying: look for independent reviews and make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the position to make sure it's a good fit for you.