Funding Available for Students to Volunteer Abroad

Many 17-18 year olds will have their heads buried in books right now in anticipation of their exams, but the big question on many students' minds is "What next?" For those opting to take a year out following their exams, not-for-profit organisation Lattitude Global Volunteering is offering various funding options to enable them to volunteer abroad.

(PRWeb UK/PRWEB ) May 7, 2009 -- Each year approximately 230,000 18 to 24-year-olds take a gap year worldwide*, and as A Level and Higher exams loom, Lattitude Global Volunteering is encouraging more to volunteer abroad, when their exams are over. To help young people, Lattitude has full and part funded places available.

Many 17-18 year olds will have their heads buried in books right now in anticipation of their exams, but the big question on many students' minds is "What next?" For those opting to take a year out following their exams, not-for-profit organisation Lattitude Global Volunteering is offering various funding options to enable them to volunteer abroad.

Lattitude projects range from 3 months to a year, and the volunteers make a positive difference to another community which they become a part of, through living and working with the people and learning about a new culture.

"Lattitude's life changing opportunities should be available to everybody and we have a number of funding schemes available, including fully funded bursary placements for gifted and talented young people" explains Richard McKenzie of Lattitude. "With Lattitude, every 17 to 25 year old has the chance to make a difference to communities abroad, as well as to their own lives."

A combination of factors, including the news of lower employment levels, the time taken to save up for University fees and the current economic climate has led more people to consider getting away and doing something different and practical, such as travelling abroad to volunteer.

"The period of time in between sitting exams and going to University or work, is an ideal time for many young people to get away, before they have any serious commitments, such as a Career or University Degree. What better way to prepare for the next stage of their lives?" Richard continues.

"A Lattitude placement can even enhance a person's employability or make them a stronger candidate for University, particularly by participating in projects relevant to their chosen course or career. My advice is to visit Lattitude now at www.lattitude.org.uk to begin the application process. We have a number of spaces available, but they will soon fill up."

Lattitude runs various volunteering placements, including caring, environmental, teaching and community projects in 17 countries around the world. Concerned parents can be reassured that Lattitude provides a secure and structured way to take a gap year, with hosts and representatives in each country to look after the volunteers' welfare, and a 24 hour telephone line in case of emergency. Potential volunteers can even discover the project and destination best suited to them before they apply, by visiting www.whatkindofvolunteerareyou.org.uk.
To qualify for Lattitude's funded placements, applicants must be able to prove they would otherwise struggle to raise the funds. To find out more, visit www.lattitude.org.uk or call 0118 959 4914.

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*According to statistics published by gap-year.co.uk

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