Can you recommend where international students can go to participate in volunteer services?

Haiti

Haiti, located west of the island of Hispaniola, is one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean and has been devastated by earthquakes and hurricanes in recent years. Due to the catastrophic damage and cholera outbreaks caused by these natural disasters, it has made international headlines and there is an urgent need for volunteers to help rebuild towns and villages across the country. Guatemala

Once home to the powerful Mayan empire, Guatemala is now the most populous state in Central America. It's dotted with ancient ruins and communities that are understandably proud of their indigenous culture. But Guatemalans are also in dire straits, with inadequate housing and school infrastructure a problem across the country.

Explore the rumbling Pacaya or Acatenango volcanoes on the outskirts of Antigua, or join an artisan workshop to learn about traditional textiles, jade and woodworking. Once your volunteer placement is complete, you can travel further afield to explore the jungle-covered ruins of Tikal, shop at the indigenous market in Chichicastenango, and relax on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan. ?Costa Rica

Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in Central America. Its idyllic beaches, lush rainforests and sustainable environmental policies make it one of the world's leading ecotourism destinations.

After settling in, head to one of the coastlines to soak up the sun or learn to surf Costa Rica’s legendary waves. Soak in the hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano and visit a local coffee estate to learn how the country's premium Arabica coffee beans are grown. Hike through dense cloud forest, hike to Poas Volcano’s turquoise crater lake or a wildlife refuge in one of the many national parks that protect Costa Rica’s stunning landscape. ?Peru

Peru, nestled between the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the rugged coastline of the Pacific, is one of the most visited countries in South America. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed "Lost City" Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca Lines, and is home to the Amazon jungle. But despite the influx of tourism dollars, many communities in Peru still don't have adequate infrastructure and are in desperate need of volunteers to help build schools.

After settling in, why not hike along the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, or visit the stunning Reed Islands of beautiful Lake Titicaca. Go sandboarding in the desert oasis town of Huacachina, or stroll the whitewashed streets of Arequipa and watch condors soar above the spectacular Colca Canyon. ?Nepal

Backed by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal has long attracted adventurous travelers and trekkers. It has charming cities and cultural destinations, as well as the wildlife-filled lowlands of Chitwan National Park. But the country was brought to a standstill by a devastating earthquake in 2015, which razed countless villages and even World Heritage-listed destinations like Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing and volunteers are still needed to help build housing and infrastructure that can withstand any future natural disasters.

You will have ample time to explore the cultural wonders and religious sites of Kathmandu as well as the nearby towns of Patan and Bhaktapur, which are famous for their traditional Newari culture and artisan workshops. After completing your placement, then head into the mountains for a multi-day trek through the Annapurna Sanctuary or the beautiful Langtang National Park. Head to Lumbini, considered the birthplace of Buddha, see the elusive Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino in Chitwan National Park, or get your adrenaline pumping while paragliding or white-water rafting in the lakeside town of Pokhara.