VIA

Around the same time that I was starting to have doubts about the Peace Corps, a new employee started at my work. We started to become friends and he told me about his experience volunteering abroad with a company called VIA http://www.viaprograms.org. He had such positive things to say, that I researched the company further. About half their positions are completely based on teaching English. The other half combines English teaching with non-profit work. The only negative thing about this company is the cost. If I continue to save, I can afford it. But just barely.

PROS
- allows you to choose your destination
- allows you to browse available positions
- smaller organization (you're not just a number)
- you don't work a full work week, so you can have another job on the side to earn money
- provided housing sounds nicer than peace corps
- works directly with local charities/non-profits
- focuses on Asia, which is what I'm most interested in anyway
- can work one year then decide if you want to stay for a second


CONS
- Charges $2,000 fee + r/t airfare to California for training + one way airfare to Chiang Mai, Thailand