Part Three

MAKE YOURSELF USEFUL

BACKPACKING IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE ALL ON ITS OWN. You’ll interact with a multitude of cultures on an intimate level, digging deep to see how people really live. When you decide it’s time to add even more value to your vagabonding (or if you just want to give yourself a reason to stay longer), consider working, studying, or volunteering abroad. The best approach to applying yourself while traveling is to first pin down what you’re most interested in. Have a soft spot for kids? You can educate the next generation of adults by volunteering to teach English, sports, or crafty skills in almost any place around the world. If you’re all about keeping our planet green, cuddling endangered species, helping to alleviate the impact of disease and fighting for human rights, we’ve got something for you to get passionately involved in. We’re recommending some of our favorite programs, schools, and employers—sorted by areas of interest—to give you a taste of the endless opportunities available worldwide.