A good volunteer program in Asia? Like to be involved in some humanitarian efforts.?

I am thinking about spending 2-3 months in Asia (thailand, china, cambodia, vietnam, or any where in Asia) doing some volunteer work. If possible, I would like to volunteer at an orphanage or be involved in some construction projects... something where I would be dealing with the people there directly.

There were numerous programs out there... some that seemed more business-like than really charity-like..

Has anyone done any humanitarian work outside of US? What organizations did you use? How was your experience?

Any help would be very helpful! Thanks!

Well, charities have to run in a business-like manner, or they fold and their mission doesn't get accomplished.

As to where to go in order to coordinate your work, you might want to start with your local service organizations. These would be the Lions Club, Rotary, Kiwanis, Altrusa, Elks, and similar groups.

These groups have national and international programs. (You don't think I get up and drive five miles to a 7 AM breakfast because I like the french toast, do you?)

Each of these groups has a different need that they consider their "mission". For example, Lions Clubs International works in the area of sight and hearing preservation. (Yes, that's my group, but the others are good too.)

I'm presuming that you aren't a church-goer, as just about every denomination has programs overseas to help deal with poverty, disease, etc... and you wouldn't need to ask this question here.

Habitat for Humanity is running programs in Korea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. (They would probably be your best bet if you want to do construction work.)

Look around. There are lots of needs. Remember that the idea of volunteering is for you to help them, rather than the other way around, so if a group says "no, thanks" it's just because they don't have a job that you would be a good fit in.

(Example - Doctors Without Frontiers is a great outfit, but won't take you unless you can devote 9 months to a year. It's not that they don't want you to help, it's just that it would take three months just to get you trained.)

One other place you might want to check is the US Embassy to these countries. Volunteer groups work often coordinate through the embassy, and embassy personnel may have requests from local charities for additional help.

Cambodia needs the most help. But I recommend you pay the extra $5 at immigration for the work permit and work rather than charity work, even if you operate at a loss. That country will never get off the ground if you just keep throwing money at it. They need infastructure, education and work experiance, not just turn the other half of the population into beggars.